Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3856 in VHS
• Released on: 1999-05-24
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Animated, Dolby, PAL, Surround Sound
• Original language: English
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 88 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Much like Richard Adams' wonderful novel this animated tale of wandering rabbits is not meant for small children. It is, however, rich storytelling, populated with very real individuals inhabiting a very real world. The animation is problematic, sometimes appearing out of proportion or just below par; but it seems to stem from an attempt at realism, something distinguishing the film's characters from previous, cutesy, animated animals.

A band of rabbits illegally leave their warren after a prophecy of doom from a runt named Fiver (voiced by Richard Briers). In search of a place safe from humans and predators, they face all kinds of dangers, including a warren that has made a sick bargain with humankind, and a warren that is basically a fascist state. Allegories aside, Down is engaging and satisfying, and pulls off the same amazing trick that the novel did--you'll forget that this is a story about rabbits. --Keith Simanton, Amazon.com

Synopsis
Superb animated cartoon about a warren of rabbits seeking a safe place to live, and encountering many perils on the way. Based on the book written by Richard Adams.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic film, poor DVD
Firstly, let me say that I grew up watching this film and reading the novel and from that perspective this is a must-see film, beautifully made with a moving soundtrack.

However, the presentation on DVD is awful. The menus are shabby and there are no special features, not even a trailer. But this is not the worst aspect. The transfer is woeful. Immediately you notice the tape hiss. Yes, it's an old movie... but it was made in the 70s, not the 40s! It also looks like a transfer from a VHS video at times. The screen is saturated of colour, and flickers at times. Worse, at times the screen distorts at the top as if the tape was chewed. Unbelievable. Did they lose the original master tape?

Fantastic movie, but Universal should be shot.

Wonderful, memorable movie
This is my favourite movie of all time. I grew up watching it. It has a wonderful musical score and the unforgettable song, Bright Eyes. It may scare younger viewers as it is a very dark animation, especially near the end with the fighting (I won't say between whome, for it may spoil the story for those who haven't seen it) however, it is realistic and thats what I like about it. There is blood shed and there are deaths but it makes a change from all those animated films where the characters fight and clearly don't have a mark on them. I recommend it to everyone who has enjoyed the book or just has an interest in unusual animations. A great movie!

Beautiful, just beautiful
It may look cute and fluffy but the story of a bunch of rabbits looking for a home is told in a bloody and dark way. This film really freaked me out as a kid and watching it now many years later I know that it is a very nicley animated movie with a moving music track and memorable bunny characters. A classic that shoud'nt be missed. Oh, not for small children ( blood ).