Storyteller Collection, The (2003)
Fantasy

Contains All Nine Episodes!

This anthology series, comprised of all nine episodes, features both human actors and creations from Jim Henson's Creature Shop in this retelling of classic folk tales, fables and legends. The series stars Academy Award nominee John Hurt in the title role. Aided by his cynical dog, Hurt narrates fascnating tales that combine humor, intrigue and magic. Academy Award-winning writer/director Anthony Minghella wrote the screenplay for all of thes marvelous stories.

Includes:

• Hans My Hedgehog -- directed by Steve Barron
• The Heartless Giant -- directed by Jim Henson
• The Three Ravens -- directed by Paul Weiland
• The True Bride -- directed by Peter Smith
• The Soldier & Death -- directed by Jim Henson
• FearNot -- directed by Steve Barron
• A Story Short -- directed by Charles Sturridge
• The Luck Child -- directed by Jon Amiel
• SapSorrow -- directed by Steve Barron

User Comment: Chibi Riza Kahn • "The Storyteller" is hands down,the BEST (and not to mention under-rated)of Jim Henson's creations!I loved every minute of it.My favorite episodes outta the bunch is "Fear Not",where a boy doesn't get scared until a strange occurence happens,"The Luck Child",where an unfortunate man has to serve a fearsome Gryphon and "The True Bride",where a pretty white Lion has to save the young Anja from the Troll Woman.Not to mention that there is also a really twisted version of "Cinderella",where the poor servant girl turns herself into a beast(!)

Summary: This is even better than "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth"!

Editor's Note: One of Jim Henson's finest hours was the Storyteller series that first aired on HBO in 1987. As with his other non-Muppet creations (Labyrinth), Henson fills the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of a J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy. This collection of nine stories (it does not contain the Greek myths arc) were adapted by Anthony Minghella, who became an Oscar-winning filmmaker a decade later with The English Patient. Minghella weaves the narration of the storyteller (played with aplomb by John Hurt) with dialogue from the stories to beguiling effect; the storyteller doesn't simply introduce the tales.

A few of the stories have been available before on video, but this collection starts with the debut, the Emmy-winning "Hans My Hedgehog," the title role being a young disformed man who helps a lost king in the woods. Other highlights include "The Luck Child" about a king bent on destroying a commoner boy, known as the luck child ("the seventh son born of a seventh son on a week with two Fridays"). After a wizard declares the boy will grow up to be king. The fate of the king is one of those hooks that should have the kids smiling for days. Henson himself directs "Death and the Soldier," a brilliant example of how these episodes were so wonderfully complex. A penniless solider (Bob Peck) is given a magical sack and he uses it to full effect, capturing gremlins and greater evils on his way to be king. "Sapsorrow" is a curious variation on the Cinderella legend. "A Story Short" is the storyteller's own adventure. He makes a deal with a king to tell a story every day of the year. Yet on the last day, the storyteller's mind is a blank and his fate may lead him to a boiling vat of oil. Henson's work is true family entertainment and at only 22 minutes per episode, it's the perfect companion for some fine entertainment around the TV. --Doug Thomas

Trivia: The number "3" features in every episode of the series:

• Hans My Hedgehog - The Princess, after marrying the Grovelhog, learns he sheds his quills each night and she has to keep it a secret for 3 nights in order to break the curse. When she fails and he runs away, she searches the world and wears out 3 pairs of iron shoes in the process.

• Fearnot - Fearnot comes from a family of 3 (father, brother and Fearnot) and was tricked by 3 bullies early in the story. It takes 3 encounters before he finally learns how to shudder (encountering the swamp creature, the half demon in the castle, and the thought of losing his sweetheart).

• A Story Short - The Storyteller loses to the Beggar 3 times while playing Dice. He loses his money, his wife and his own self.

• The Luck Child - Lucky survives 3 attempts on his life by the wicked king (thrown over a cliff, sent to the castle with a letter instructing the queen to kill him, and being sent to the Griffin's lair).

• The Soldier and Death - The Soldier helps 3 beggars and is rewarded each time. He also captures 3 geese the first time he uses the Magic Sack.

• The True Bride - The girl completes 3 tasks given to her by the troll (with the help of the Thought Lion). The Lion also gives her 3 walnuts with gifts hidden inside to barter with the Trollop.

• The Three Ravens - After the Princess's 3 brothers are transformed into ravens, she has to keep silent for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days to break the curse. She also gives birth to 3 sons after marrying the Prince.

• Sapsorrow - Youngest of 3 daughters, Sapsorrow commissions the making of 3 dresses to stall the arranged marriage with her Father. She then wears those 3 dresses on 3 different nights to woo the Prince.

• The Heartless Giant - Youngest of 3 princes, Leo tries to find the Heartless Giant that he released. On the way, he helps 3 animals (bird, fish and wolf) who later aid him. When Leo tries to find where the Giant's heart is hidden, he finds out on the third try.

--- JOYA - No SDH ---

º º