Wind in the Willows

Like some of the Jetlag and Golden Film animations, Burbank Films Australia have been responsible for some of my childhood favourites. The Wind in the Willows is one of my favourite stories, and I remembered watching this animated adaptation on video a lot and loving it. At 20 I still do, of the Burbank Films Australia animations I've re-visited so far The Wind in the Willows is up there with my favourites of theirs. The Wind in the Willows from an animation-perspective is one of Burbank's best looking, it's all very simple but very colourful. The music is memorable and always fitting with the action, the story is always engaging and true to the spirit of the story and the script keeps a lively tone that will amuse and delight children and adults alike. Likewise with the colourful assortment of characters, Toad is a hoot but I did feel sorry for him on occasions like when he was in jail, Badger is wonderfully gruff, Ratty is sympathetic and droll, Mole is just as endearing and the weasels are suitably menacing(I remember first time on watching jumping in shock at the sudden close-up of one when they invaded Toad Hall). The voice acting is very well done, especially that of Badger. Overall, not my favourite version(1983 and 1995) but from Burbank Australia animations it certainly is. 9/10 Bethany Cox