Rabbit Ears: Pinocchio

There were two main reasons for checking out Rabbit Ears Productions' adaptation of 'Pinocchio'. One is the source material, Carlo Collodi's story is timeless and still have fond memories of reading the whole book in one afternoon on a hot summer day. The other is Rabbit Ears Productions themselves, they did so many truly fine literary adaptations for the whole family and a few of their best came from their "We All Have Tales" series that lasted between 1991 and 1994.

1994's 'Pinocchio' is not one of my favourites of the "We All Have Tales" series (of consistently high quality), do have a preference for 'Peachboy', 'Koi and the Kola Nuts', 'East of the Sun, West of the Moon' and especially one of the company's best 'The Fool and the Flying Ship'. Neither is it quite one of my favourites of theirs overall. 'Pinocchio' is still truly great, and while it doesn't quite have the poignancy or the same level of music quality as the Disney film (one of my favourites) it does get plus points for being more faithful to the book (though of course there are omissions) and for being more accessible for younger children.

'Pinocchio' is a must watch for two primary reasons. One is Les Miserables Brass Band's music, which has such spirit and the Mediterranean influence it has is quite magical and fits the setting extremely well. Was worried it would be out of place or ill-fitting but neither were the case. The other reason is Danny Aiello's narration, done with a great humorous edge and with the right amount of nuance and dynamic range.

Moreover the visuals are lively and very rich in colour. The background detail is ambitious yet not cluttered and always cohesive, and the drawing is smooth with the exaggeration not looking cheap or rushed at all. The narration manages to condense the story just enough while maintaining the prose's spirit and accessible writing style and there is no trouble with comprehension.

Collodi's storytelling has lost none of its charm or atmosphere in translation and this adaptation also does better than the Disney film in teaching its lessons. Very inspiring and relevant they are without preaching. The characters are still memorable and even when disobedient and such Pinocchio's negative traits are not taken to extremes to the extent that he becomes a brat.

In conclusion, great. 9/10.