User reviews

"Snow White" is another of Cannon Films "Movie Tales" series which bypassed theaters and went straight to video instead. I really wanted to like this film, and there ARE some good things in it, but it's not the Snow White it could have been. The script is, at least, a fairly faithful version of the original story, which the Disney film, for all it's charm, was not. The music and songs (by Michael Berz) are above average and nicely staged. Both Sarah Patterson and Nicola Stapleton are well cast as the older and younger Snow White, as is the prince. The production values are equally persuasive, especially considering it was filmed mostly in Isreal. What's wrong, then? Sadly, enough to make the picture a less than "enchanting" experience. The Dwarfs are little more than obnoxious (including the late veteran Billy Barty) and there is an abundance of out of place humor which does nothing but jar the mood. But what really does the film in dramatically, is the portrayal of the evil Queen, here played by the usually magnificent Diana Rigg. It's the fault of the script that the character is written in such an over the top manner, but Rigg hams it up for all she is worth. Her costumes are almost all hideous, adding to the lampooning of the character (who must be taken seriously, if the story is to make sense.) Yes, by the climax of the movie the story switches to a "darker" mood, but, by then it's too late. Musical or not, there is no reason to add burlesque to a classic story. "Snow White" might better have been left on the shelf.

The most famous adaptation of Snow White, and the one that will always be my favourite, is the classic 1937 Disney film. This 1987 Cannon Movie Tales adaptation is not in the same league, but for low budget this is pretty good and is one of the better Cannon Movie Tale films.

Snow White (1987) does have a few problems, with the biggest problem being some of the pacing, the film does drag at times with scenes that go on a little too long. This is particularly true of the scene in the woods, necessary but goes on too long and devoid of terror, it was a scene that was terrifying in the Disney film but is pretty interminable here, and it is further disadvantaged by the fake-looking animal stock footage. The low budget does show in the costumes (like with most of Cannon's film, with Beauty and the Beast being a notable exception), with some of the Queen's costumes like her horrendously kitschy disguises being particularly hideous and do not flatter Diana Rigg at all (one may argue that it suited the type of character, this viewer would argue that they don't do anything for a character who is meant to be one of the most beautiful women in the land). There are a few spots where the humour, courtesy of the Dwarfs' slapstick pratfalls, is a touch out of place as well, though most of it is very amusing and endearing.

However, generally Snow White is one of Cannon's better-looking films, with some of their most lavish set design, especially the Queen's bedroom and the scary forest setting, and very rustic and beautifully lit photography. The make-up is also good, and there is a visually and dramatically imaginative touch with the Queen's demise at the end (see it for yourself, it is one of the most imaginatively done demises for any villain in a Cannon Movie Tales film). The incidental music is enchantingly whimsical, and the songs are lively and catchy, can listen to them all again with little problem. It's wittily and charmingly scripted, with a light touch without dissolving into over-cutesiness and a darker one without being traumatising, like the Disney film there are a couple of emotional parts like the aftermath of the poisoned apple. The story while not as dark as the Grimm version is still more faithful generally in detail and spirit than Disney's version, which some may like. While there are pacing issues it's not the case like The Emperor's New Clothes or The Frog Prince where the film is trying to extend a short story to feature length and not quite succeeding, Snow White's story is very strong and actually has a good amount happening.

Performances are good, with a sweet Nicola Stapleton and a radiant and touchingly innocent Sarah Patterson as younger and older Snow White. The dwarfs do amuse, with the most memorable being Billy Barty, have sweet personalities and you can at least tell who's who. Diana Rigg is great sinister fun as the Queen with wonderfully arch delivery, and steals the show quite easily. The prince has very little screen time, but James Ian Wright gives the role a lot of poise and charm. All in all, not bad at all for a low budget Snow White adaptation, and one of Cannon's better outings. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Not since Disney's heroine glided across the screen, has Snow White been so beautifully portrayed. Sarah Patterson (A Company of Wolves) is not only beautiful, but gives Snow White the spunky yet child-like quality needed to bring the young princess to life. Miss Patterson also has a pleasant singing voice. I highly recommend seeing this enchanting version of the classic story!!!

A classic film in it's own right. Produced silently by Cannon Films in 1987, it is one of the best family musicals that has ever been made. Most saw this on the Disney Channel in the late 80's or mid- 90's. It has gained the reputation of cult classic and is possibly awaiting a new DVD release.

Starring Diana Rigg as the evil queen, this adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale is not only faithful to it's source( Right down the the eating of Snow White's liver), but tells it as a delightful family musical. Having this be a musical made the tone lighter, instead of dark and scary like the original fairy tale. Nicola Stapelton and Sarah Patterson are the embodiment of the character. Ms. Stapelton is exactly what I think of when I see Snow White as a young girl. Ms. Patterson is the total spitting image of the older Snow White. She is one of the most gorgeous actresses I have ever seen and it's a shame that she has drifted into oblivion.

This production is lavish to say the least. The settings and sets are unbelievable. The queen's room is especially beautiful and weird.It reminded me of a mix of Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast and Dario Argento's Suspiria. It is stunning. The costumes are no less inspired.

If you can find this great film, get it! You won't regret it!

The rarest Cannon Movie Tale, and the best adaptation of Snow White ever made. I really love this film because of the very strong female leads. Diana Rigg is exactly cast as the wicked queen. NO ONE else could have played that scheming evil and annoyed queen, while singing in perfect tune. Sarah Patterson IS the living Snow White-the Brothers Grimm themselves couldn't have chosen a better one. This film is very hard to find, but it is so worth the effort. I highly recommend it.

A prince encounters a sleeping beauty in a glass coffin in the forest. Seven dwarfs emerge to explain that she's under a spell. Snow White was born to the loving King and Queen. After the Queen's death, the King remarries. The new Evil Queen (Diana Rigg) orders the Hunter to kill Snow White while on a hunting trip. He takes pity on her and sent her off to hide in the forest while lying about her death to wild animals. She finds shelter with the dwarfs. The King dies in battle. The Evil Queen is told by her Magic Mirror that Snow White is still the fairest. She tries to curse Snow White several times and finally with a poison apple.

This has that Golan-Globus style and is slightly better than most of those movies. The production is still second rate. The actors are workmanlike. Diana Rigg is a fine villain. Sarah Patterson is lovely but she isn't asked to do much and is only in half of the movie anyways. Same can be said of Nicola Stapleton. It does have a couple of interesting ideas for any new live action Snow White movie but Disney has nothing to fear.

I Have Loved This 1987 version of Snow White For Many Years. I'm hoping that soon this movie will be brought back to video cause it is so nicely done! To Make Matters Better Diana Rigg Starrs as the wicked stepmother.

Diana Rigg, is outstanding, Nicola Stapleton as young Snow white is...young Snow White..,and Sarah Patterson is the epitome of Snow White.Sarah Patterson is such a wonderful surprise...I couldn't have anticipated a truer character. It is no wonder the prince fell in love immediately. They all are talented actors, but I saw the characters, not actors.

I've always loved fairy tales as a child, "Snow White" believe it or not isn't one of my favorates but that's just me, though I do really like the story. It really supprised me when I discovered how many live action versions of this tale there were, which shows how timeless this tale is. Yeah just like in an apple tree there are some bad apples/ bad adaptations of this tale but there are also good ones and this is one of them.

This film is kinda another one of my childhood gems, I mainly saw this on home video in my second grade class and I really liked it. Watching it as an adult I still like it, what can I say I really have a soft spot for this movie.

Supprising fact of this film it was from the Cannon film company which is one of my favorate movie companies as their famous for their series of action films. I honestly didn't expect them to try their hand in the fantasy genre, but most movie companies always try to branch out which I like showing that they can do more. This was a volume in this series of live action adaptions of fairy tales, this volume I honestly feel is the best one in my book.

Not much to say, production value is pretty good despite the limited budget Cannon as usual works with I felt they really did will with what they had, the set pieces and costumes are all up to par, even certain effects (though not many but Snow White was never an effects show) are on par because it's all practical no CGI bull crap.

Music is soild though not that memorable which is the weak point of the film, don't get me wrong the songs are fun but not exactly the kind I would play on my Ipod over and over, but that's me. Though I really did like the one song that Sarah Patterson sings, I was really supprised she could actually sing, and it's a beautiful voice.

But I think what really sticks out are in the performances. Diana Rigg is soild as the Evil Queen, and yes I have seen "The Avengers" really like that show. She's a villan you love to dislike or even plan dislike as she really presses that wrong button; as usual is vein, narsistic, self centered, she's kinda funny there are bits of dry humor.

The Dwarves are really good too, just like in the Disney version each of them have some distinctive personalities . Though what's interesting is each of them have all different names that rymme. It kinda makes sense they would all have different names than the one's from the Disney version since in the original fairy tale none of them had any names. Billy Barty is one of them whom is defiantly no stranger to the fantasy genere as he was also in "Willow" and the underrated "Masters of the Universe".

But my favorate of course is Sarah Paterson as Snow White. When I was a kid I had the biggest crush on this actress she just radiates gogiousness, she to me is one of my favorate live action versions of Snow, she just fits the role like a glove, not just in looks but in performance as she captures the persona which is sweet, kind, but also slightly naïve and inexperienced with the outside world as she's lived a sheltered life most of her life but has like any person coming of age to get outside their comfort zone and see the world and find love.

I do like from how the tale and performences are executed, despite predictable I actually found myself caring about what happens in the story and Snow herself hoping things will turn out right for her and get the life she deserves.

Overall, if your looking for some really good live action versions of the classic fairy tale, this vintage version is one to check out; just like the tale itself it's timeless.

Rating: 3 and a half stars

This story most closely depicts the origional Grimm Farie Tale as we know it. It has the apple, the corsett, and the comb! It has the seven little men, it has snow white, it has the hunter, it has the father... it's only missing one SINGLE tiny thing... the fact that Snow White's MOTHER, and not her STEP mother, is the one that wanted her dead. Then again, that's EVERY version that I've ever seen... unless the Disney version was the right way there. Don't remember. Anyhow, my favorite part of the movie is "Billy Barty". He is in SO MANY of my movies, I can pick out his voice like THAT. *Snaps*. Sure, he's only one of 7 adorable men, but still... and a couple of the songs are so precious. Not the absolutely best of the Cannon Films, but one of my long time favs.

Diana Rigg IS the evil queen.The songs"Were am I going","Beautiful Hair",and "Every Day" should have been in every version of Snow White ever.The queen's disquises are wonderful.The first one was terrible.Anyone could tell it was her.The others were strange.She even dresses up as a chinese woman once.Of course the old woman is one.She uses that one with the apples.Sarah Patterson is as beautiful as Snow White ever could be.I strongly recommend buying a copy.IF your store has it rent it.Go NOW GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although it isn't as endearing or charming as Disney's animated version I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I think both Nicola Stapleton and Sarah Patterson (better known for her role as Rosaleen in Company of Wolves) did a good job playing Snow White. Best part was played by the evil queen (Mia Rig) who really was evil. At least she was pretty in comparison to the evil queen from Disney who looked like a ghost (and could never be the fairest of them all). The evil queen had so many costumes in which she could disguise and transform into a totally different person. She used her disguises 3 times to kill Snow White. That's right she needed 3 attempts for that. I'm glad they showed us in this version all of these attempts so people do know it was not only the poisonous apple. I knew about a poisonous comb in one the version I have read but never knew about the corset until I saw this one. The mirror was mostly the scary thing in the movie, having that foul laugh and face. The songs are nice not great but not over the top and fitting. I was a bit disappointed by the dwarfs however, they do lack some kind of personality and too bad they have all the same sounding names ending on "iddy". I think even after multiple viewings it will be impossible to say who is who. Nevertheless this is certainly one of the best adaptations of the fairy tale.

Diana Rigg chews up the scenery as the Evil Queen who wants to do away with her young stepdaughter. It's a classic story brought to life by some inventive performances, great scenery, odd costumes, and a handful of listenable songs. It's fairly faithful to the original Grimm story and has a nice dark undercurrent while still having a sense of humor.

Recall the fabulous 80s: Knight Rider, Wham!, Peewee's Playhouse. It was a time of artistic innocence, and as such it was the perfect era for fairytale adaptations. Cannon Movie Tales' "Snow White" falls squarely into that vibe, and if you watch it with the mind of a child (or literally with a child), you'll indeed be transported to a fantasy land much removed from our 21st century gritty reality & cynicism.

Scenes are bright, songs are bouncy, acting is delightfully melodramatic, and the story is simple yet engaging. I hated it. But that's because I was expecting something a little edgier like maybe "Willy Wonka" (made a decade prior). When I accepted that this was a true children's film, not an adult's film under the guise of a children's film like "Wonka", I had a great time.

This film adaptation, one of Cannon Movie Tales' 9 installments, is remarkably close to the Grimm's vision. For that reason, the story may seem a little drawn out & redundant, showing all 3 attempts by the Evil Queen to nix Snow White, unlike the famous Disney version which showed only the apple. But I think this worked because it showed the Evil Queen's growing frustration, obsession & Faustian descent into black magic, all leading to the frenzied climax. It might be fun for you to read the Grimm's version before seeing this movie so you can see the pages come to life visually, almost exactly as the story was meant (it's only 5 pages, on gutenberg.org). There is one small variation, the ending (which I won't ruin). I found it to be very symbolic, poetic & satisfying, much more than the original Grimm's ending which, in Grimm tradition, is rather sudden and extreme.

Special effects are minimal but effective. Obviously there's no digital cgi; instead the film relies on good old creative stunts, like you'd see in Jean Cocteau's timeless "Beauty and the Beast" (1950) or the obscure Russian fantasy horror "Viy" (1967). I was really impressed, and slightly creeped out, by the talking mirror which was played by the head of Julian Chagrin painted white with no eyeballs, partially thrust through the wall creating the simple yet convincing illusion that he's part of the frame.

The acting, as I said above, is delightfully melodramatic as a fairytale should be. I agree with everyone else that Diana Rigg (an ex-Bond girl from the 70s "Her Majesty's Secret Service") is well cast as the Evil Queen, cruel, intimidating and oddly funny when she sings my favorite song from the film, "More Beautiful Than Me", sort of a wicked tango in a minor key (check it out on Youtube).

Other songs range from fun to forgettable, but none are bad. Something I found interesting was the way the song styles were deliberately anachronistic and inappropriate for the setting (as with the aforementioned tango ...in 15th century Germany??).

As far as fairytale adaptations go, this one is worth the price of admission. The DVD is quite rare, but occasionally you'll see one pop up on ebay for surprisingly cheap. The 2005 DVD is non-anamorphic letterboxed, meaning it's made for standard 4:3 TV sets even though the film is widescreen, and on widescreen tvs it doesn't fill the entire set. It would be nice to see this with the HD Blu-ray treatment some day. But considering for 20 years there were only a few VHS copies floating around, it's great that this cute film is finally available on disc.

I used to watch this on loop when I was a little girl, I loved it so much. I can't believe Netflix has all these old cannon films: it's such a treat to see this again! I have no idea if this is any good if you aren't nostalgic but I'd defo say "watch this movie" if you are looking for a fun live adaption of Snow White. It can be a little tense at times so maybe not for really young ones.

I first saw this film when i was a 7 year old, i've always been a huge fan of the tale of snow white and i got this on VHS as a birthday present. It didn't disappoint! It was wonderful, from when the wonderfully slightly haunting music plays at the beginning right the way through to the end! Even watching it as an adult i love it, the simplicity of going back to the days before everything was cgi or 3d! When they actually built all the props! Its such a wonderful, wonderful adaptation! Sure the songs are a bit cheesy (this was the eighties though don;t forget) but it all adds to it! Sarah Patterson plays the part of snow white well, alluring yet innocent, really pretty without being overly provocative. The dwarfs are fab especially billy Barty who appears in pretty much every cannon movie tale film! I cannot rave about this enough! If you wanna go back to good old fairy tales without the cgi rubbish and the over acting then i highly recommend you check this out! I'm a big lover of all the cannon movie tales! If you watch and like snow white then be sure to check out Hansel and Gretel!

obvious, it is her film. for the mix between costumes and splendid room and a great actress performance against a modest script. sure, it is far to be the expected Snow White but it is a nice adaptation. and only sin is the vain fight of Sarah Patterson for define her character in a better manner than the limits of script. not because she seems be too old for the lead role but for the less courage of director to give more force /freedom to an admirable actress for explore the nuances of her generous role. short, Diana Rigg saves this adaptation for the science to use each opportunity of a brilliant role.

Let's get down to the meat of the review, shall we? I think we all know the story of Snow White well enough to skip the summary.

First, let's get the negative over with. Here are the movies bad points: 1: The King's fate. Snow White and her father were extremely close. The movie made an effort to point it out. Then Snow White begs the huntsman not to kill her, and she'll run away in the forest and never come back. The king is told his beloved daughter is dead, and is so heartbroken, he goes into battle, and dies. How unfair! Snow White should have come back and told her father of the queen's scheme, regardless of what she told the huntsman.

2: The 'extraordinary band of tiny little men', with the exception of Billy Barty. They weren't endearing, they just sort of all blended together into one dirty, annoying mass. They seemed more concerned about Snow White as a servant than a family member, and I never could remember who was who, due to the rhyming names. Plus, most of them had the personality of rocks.

3: The Queen's costumes! I only saw one that I half-way liked, and the rest were either blah or hideous. Don't even get me started on some of the headdresses! There were so many costume changes, I can't believe they couldn't impress me just once.

4: Some scenes dragged on too long, and some weren't even needed. Take for instance, Snow White's flight through the woods as a child. It just kept going and going, with no real action, except a confusing encounter with a wild dog, and could have been cut into half, at least. Even as a child, at the height of my fascination with fairy tales, I found the scene boring. There are a few others, but I think you get the idea.

On the plus side: 1: The adult Snow White, played by Sarah Patterson. Not only could I easily believe she was the fairest in the land, she had the character of Snow White down as well. Kind and innocent to a fault, as well as dignified and graceful, not to mention industrious and cheerful. There was a subtle sensual quality to her, a young woman on the verge of blooming.

2: The Prince. He didn't have a lot of air time, but the actor did a lot with it. Handsome and Verile, with a strong singing voice and a soulful quality, it's not hard to see why Snow White went off with him so quickly. Most of the time, I'm rolling my eyes when the prince declares his love, (even as a kid) but in this case, I just go: 'Awww.' 3: Snow White's parents. There was a natural, sweet chemistry between them, both of them fine actors. The king's grief upon her passing was heart wrenching. Usually, in fairy tales, life and death is a light matter, but the movie managed to convey the importance of such a final event without getting depressing.

4: The sets! From Snow White's lavish childhood bedroom, to the drawn's rustic, cozy cottage, there is nothing but top-notch quality. You believe you have been transported to this fairy tale world, and not once are you jarred from story moment.

Everything that I have not mentioned, falls into the average category.

Regardless of what you think of the story of Snow White, there is one element to this relatively obscure film adaptation that goes highly unnoticed; SARAH PATTERSON.

An extremely cute, tender, charming, culturally refined and absolutely adorable girl; she practically WAS Snow White. With her extreme cuteness taking form through her dark hair and dark cute beady eyes, pale complexion, little elfin lips - and very cute smile, and overall endearing natural cultural refined beauty - not to forget her infectiously innocent expression and charisma, she didn't even have to try and be Snow White. Yes, she was indeed THE EPITOME OF THE CUTE, REFINED ENGLISH ROSE. Bless her little heart !

What came of this adorable actress is a mystery. Her profiles on the internet are scant and inaccurate - NO WAY was she born in 1972; she would have been 11 or 12 in Company of Wolves ! I guess after her 2 aforementioned 80's films she turned away from acting, making the odd obscure appearance in the 00's.

Sarah aside, other substantial actors appear throughout. Diana Rigg as the old dragon ... er, stepmother, and Nicola Stapleton of 'Simon & the Witch' and 'Bad Girls' fame appears early on as young Snow White. Among the dwarves are 80's leading little actor Billy Barty, and Mike Edmonds - think 'Little Ron' in Maid Marian & her Merry Men !

The aesthetic style of the film is simple, quite kitsch (in a good way !), whimsical and wholesome. They clearly kept the budget low and didn't try too hard, giving the film a kind of naive pantomime style.

So, let's give it 9/10, mainly for cute Sarah Patterson, and also for being a simple and charming 80's childrens' delight that all ages can enjoy.

My mum got me this film when I was about 2 and I still watch it to this day! It is fantastic so magical and so innocent,Diana Rigg makes a grand entrance as the evil queen and she does not have to put much effort into it! I love all the songs in it especially Diana Rigg's "beautiful hair! shes funny in this film as well as very scary, when I met Rigg earlier this year, I was very scared of her remembering her in this role!

I also love Patterson and Stapleton's performance and their lovely singing. I wish more cannon movie films were made as the same standard as this I really recommend it!!!