One of my favourite shows ever as a child, 'The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends' still holds up as one of my favourite.
This reviewer still loves all of Beatrix Potter's stories to bits, some a little better than others but all of them are timeless, and 'The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends' show complete respect and faithfulness to them with every bit of their charm and memorability.
Even the animation adheres very closely to Potter's illustrations. As said in my review summary, there is a preference for the more quaint and charming "The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny" and "The Tailor of Gloucester", 'The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends' is one of those rarities where all the episodes/stories are great.
It's wonderful visually. Not just the animation, which are as said like Potter's illustrations come to life, being colourful, quaintly charming and carefully drawn, but also the charming and exquisitely filmed book-end live action scenes (though this reviewer slightly prefers the introduction of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny") complete with splendid period detail and just as breathtaking scenery.
The music is equally memorable, prefer the incidental music to "The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny" and "The Tailor of Gloucester", which were more quaint, understated and melodic musically but the music still suits the darker nature of "The Tale of Mr Tod's" story. The music to the live introduction and the as ever ethereal rendition of "Perfect Day" particularly stand out.
Dialogue is beautifully written and again sticks very closely to the writing of the stories, almost word for word actually. The story never rushes or drags and is beautifully told, complete with a dark and suspenseful climax between Mr Brock the badger and Mr Tod the Fox, Mr Tod particularly making it so. One is also really immersed in the world of Beatrix Potter as well, a world that is just wondrous. All the characters are unforgettable, especially Mr Tod, and are nimbly voiced. Don Henderson and particularly Dinsdale Landon fare best.
In conclusion, another wonderful adaptation and brilliantly done episode on its own merits. Beatrix Potter would be proud if she saw this. 10/10 Bethany Cox
