Tales of Washington Irving

I remembered seeing this special as a child and being creeped out by it. From a young adult perspective, it is still as entertaining and creepy and holds up very well. The character designs do lack fluidity and finesse, but that was it really that I could find not so good. The colours and backgrounds have a very haunting style and really give a genuinely creepy atmosphere. The music score further adds to that notion, much of it evoked chills but that effect was made without it being too obvious. The dialogue is intelligently written, making it easy to understand for younger audiences while not feeling dumbed down for adults. The storytelling is faithful, well-paced and appropriately spooky. Sleepy Hollow gave me nightmares as a child, as an adult not so much but I have to admit it was hair-raising stuff. The characters are engaging and none feel superfluous to the storytelling. The voice work is top-notch from all involved, particularly from Ken Sansom, Don Messick and Mel Blanc. All in all, atmosphere and beautifully done. 9/10 Bethany Cox