Return to Treasure Island

My sister taped this off the Disney channel when it first came out and I am so glad she did. I have not been able to find it on video and so wish I could buy it, because the tapes my sister used are literally falling apart from use. This is definitely an outstanding piece of work and I commend all the people who contributed to it's creation. The actors are all exceptional and the direction was very well done. The script and story line are just brilliant. If anyone ever sees this film on sale anywhere, PLEASE let me know as soon as possible! And if you ever see it on TV or at Blockbuster, WATCH IT! I promise, it will be well worth it.

Admittedly, it's been a long time since I saw this, and no doubt my memories are a bit rose-colored, but I loved this mini-series. The idea of doing a sequel to one of the all-time classic adventures stories was outrageous, but the filmmaker's treated the material with respect and created something that actually added to the original material. And Brian Blessed, in my opinion, will always be the definitive Long John Silver. This one should be on DVD.

My sisters and I watch this every year. Our VHS tapes that my Mom recorded long ago are so, so worn out. I was so excited to find that they are releasing a region 2 version!!! I wish I lived in Europe!! We always go through and make a character list and assign ourselves and our friends roles to play in the movie. I used to be Isabella, but this last time I had to be Van Der Brecken. We talk about Long John all the time too. This really is one of the greatest childhood memories along with Gummi Bears. I hope they are quick in releasing a Region 1 version because I don't want to buy another DVD player. But I may have to. This is the greatest series ever and I love Jim Hawkins and Ben Gunn!!

This mini-series completely and utterly blows away the original movie and the new cartoon outer-space adaptation. It's eight or ten hours of pure, unadulterated fascination and excitement. The story is well-written and paced. The action scenes are believable. Jim Hawkins is well cast, but Brian Blessed as Long John Silver absolutely and completely steals the show every time he is on board. The love interests are strong and beautiful women. The locations are varied and exotic, ranging from lush Caribbean lowland jungle to Mexican desert. The script is witty and funny, yet rarely corny. It's hard to make a two hour movie this good, yet somehow Disney managed to make a ten hour mini-series that delivers right up until the very end. Like another reviewer said, it's impossible to find these shows now. If Disney makes the complete miniseries available on DVD, be sure to pick it up.

Like a previous commenter, I too have looked and looked for copies of this mini-series and have even written to Disney asking for them to re-lease the series. I loved these movies when they were first aired and I taped them, but my tapes have disintegrated from use. I think this is one of the best things that Disney has ever done and I would love to have them. If you ever get the opportunity to watch them.... do! They are fantastic. The musical score is really great as well... The music is hauntingly beautiful. The actors are so well cast that it has become hard to see them in anything else and not remember their Treasure Island days. Enjoy!