But in 1986 a made-for TV film version of Babes in Toyland featuring very young Keanu Reeves and Drew Barrymore first aired. Now 37 years after its original air date, it is getting a Blu-ray release thanks to the good folks at KL Studio Classics. So, physical media fans can now add this holiday film to their collection.
Enter the magical, musical world of Toyland in this heartwarming holiday classic starring Drew Barrymore (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial) and Keanu Reeves (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure)! Once a bright and cheerful community, Toyland is in great danger from the terrible Barnaby (Richard Mulligan, The Big Bus) and his scary creatures who live in the forest of the night. The only person who can save Toyland is Lisa (Barrymore), a little girl from Cincinnati who lands in Toyland on Christmas Eve. But since Lisa, a very “grown-up” little girl, doesn’t believe in toys, she needs special help from the wise but impish Toymaster (Pat Morita, The Karate Kid), the dashing and gallant Jack Nimble (Reeves) and the mother-of-many-children Mrs. Hubbard (Eileen Brennan, Clue). Together they muster an army of toy soldiers and teddy bears to drive the villainous Barnaby and his nightmare creatures out of Toyland!
The film is expertly directed by Clive Donner. He previously worked on two version of A Christmas Carol. The classic Alastair Sim 1951 version Scrooge (as editor) and directed the George C. Scott 1984 Christmas Carol. So, he knows how to make a holiday tale. And this version of Babes in Toyland is a sweet Christmas story, but a lot of changes were made to the classic tale. My feeling is always if it ain't broke, don't fix it! But they tried to reinvent the wheel and failed to make it better. But that doesn't mean that this film is not enjoyable.
* You might be interested to know Clive Donner also directed The Nude Bomb now on Blu-ray from KL Studio Classics!
Three years we would see Ted's Excellent Adventure with Wyld Stallion running mate Bill, Keanu Reeves nails the Jack Nimble character, although it seems a bit strange to see him in tights and singing. Pat Mortia really shines as the toymaker. Drew Barrymore is good as well But Richard Mulligan is devilishly good as the evil Barnaby. Such a great cast.
Now the original TV version ran an epic 145 minutes, for the theatrical release it was cut down to a little over 90 minutes. Much of what was deleted was musical numbers. Now the 96-minute version of this holiday classic has received an epic Blu-ray release!
Kino Lorber has transferred this film to Blu-ray in 1080p. Now what makes this release so epic is there are two versions of this film included. There is the full screen version (1.37:1) and the widescreen edition (1.78:1). The audio track is a DTS-HD 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
The film looks amazing in HD. It's crisp, clean and colorful. The audio is clear as a bell. I love the fact that Kino Lorber gave physical media fans two versions of this film to enjoy. If you remember seeing it on TV in the 80s than the full screen version will bring back great memories. And if you want to see the cinematic version, widescreen is available. In addition to two versions of the film. Kino Lorber also included the Theatrical Trailer! Too Cool!
Now while this version of Babes in Toyland may not be the best version ever produced, it has a ton of entertainment value to it. And for me seeing it in HD, looking so good! I highly recommend it for anyone who love family holiday entertainment!
So, if you would like to see Keanu Reeves as Jack Nimble and Mr. Miyagi as the great toymaker! That is worth the price alone! Head over to Amazon and order your copy of Babes in Toyland on Blu-ray today!
Out of 4 Films Reels (4 Being the Best) Babes in Toyland receives.....
 Blu-ray Review ){kind=link}
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