The Amazing Mr Blunden [DVD]

Lovely, whimsical film. Suitable for both adults and children, although very young children may be a tad scared by the theme. That said, there's nothing gory or overly scarey. In fact, some of the cross-over scenes are comedic.

I saw a repeat of this film the other day, and just had to come here to buy a copy.I read the origional book at school, and the film was a rare treat, in that it had lost nothing of the origional story. It has not dated over the years, being set in 1918 and 1818, the costumes and manor house setting never will, but most of all, the plot has just about everthing you could want.There is the wonderful potrayal of mixed class fortune, Diana Dors is fabulous as Mrs Wickins, surely one of the best mother-in-law from hell images ever, and a supporting cast who's characters good or bad are all understandable, without having to be forcably explained. Even the chilren all give quality performances, and move between comedy and drama seemlessly. Indeed were this film an entirly adult venture, I don't think anything could have been lost or gained.The film includes time travel, murder, wealth, arson, class seperation, ignorance and the struggle for redemption, all tied to the spirit of a certain Mr Blunden, a soul who's past misdeed and conscience would not allow him to rest in peace.It may not sound much like a childrens film, but there is nothing here that in anyway shocks or is morally corruptable, and it is filmed in a similar manner to 'The Railway Chilren', with glorious scenes of bygone days, and an English countryside from a gentler time.Lawrence Naismith (always one of my favorite actors),is just right as Mr Blunden, the mysterious benefactor who shapes the films events, and who's line 'we three kings', was proberbly better explained in the book.This film is surly a must for anyone who enjoys a well crafted and well acted film, and if I can think of any critisism at all, it is that it's title should have stayed 'The Ghosts', as 'The Amazing Mr Blunden' doesn't give it the class it deserves.

This is a fantastic film watch it very often enjoyable story if you enjoy ghost stories this is for you.Highly recommend very good watch I love ❤ it.

I first saw this film at the cinema in 1972, and thought at the time it was the best film I'd ever seen - in fact I watched it twice that day! Now, all these years later it's still one of my all-time favorites.Directed by Lionel Jeffries as a follow-up to his very successful 'Railway Children' movie 2 years' before it's also a charming period piece set in the Edwardian era, but this time with very a clever plot concerning time travel and ghosts - & with some very engaging performances.His direction is first-class, despite obvious budget restrictions, and it seems a pity this movie wasn't so well-received at the box-office as his previous film, as I think it's even better!There is excellent brooding atmosphere about the derelict mansion the family are mysteriously hired to caretake by the Amazing Mr Blunden - he has placed them there in order to right a terrible wrong of 100 years' past.The suspense builds up to an exciting climax with the terrible fire of 100 years before played out again - and we are left to wonder if history really has been changed this time.The music score is fantastic too - one of the best ever in my view, and one of the film's many highlights is the unforgettable perfomance of Diana Dors as the awful & scary Mrs Wickens.This is simply an excellent family film that leaves a lasting impression. I showed it to my son when he was 7, and he was absolutely captivated by it - just as I had been in the cinema all those years ago.He actually calls it 'The Ghost Children' - a title I feel would have served the film better - and would have maybe drawn attention more to its supernatural elements.Great though to see it on DVD for new generations to enjoy!

Love this film

An absolutely charming film. The set up on this was very easy to switch to English. In terms of picture quality I would say it was fairly good although I have seen the film broadcast on TV with a superior picture.The price of this product was much better than some of the other editions available. However, there are a couple of slight negatives with this release. The art work on the cover features some stills that were not from the film which I thought a little bit odd. Also the box states even more oddly that the film is somehow 'Hans Christian Andersen's,' which is completely untrue as it was based on the novel 'The Ghosts' by Antonia Barber.There is a very noteable cut towards the end of the film which seems a great shame. (Spolier alert) Following Jamie and Lucy discovering they are infact the heirs to the big old mansion they should have been seen running around the estate declaring 'It's ours!' joyously. For whatever reason this has all been removed so there is an abrupt cut to the cast all bidding farewell to the audience. I cannot speak for other DVD releases as to whether this is also the case. Having said that, it certainly didn't hinder my enjoyment of the film, but is an unnecessary cut none the less.

Excellent

I saw this film first as a girl and it was a bit scary, I watch it every now and then now, decades later, and it’s still wonderful, the feel, the actors, the story, is timeless. Pure class, the recent From Time to Time by Fellowes is really a rehash of this amazing story, it’s ok mainly because of Maggie Smith. This is the best.*****