Synopsis
The story opens in 18th-Century England. Jim Hawkins (played by the very American BobbyDriscoll) helps his mother run a tavern. One of their guests is William Bones, a old seaman whois being hunted by a group of former comrades. He dies of a heart attack, but not before givingJim a map of Treasure Island. The local squire, excited by the map, organizes an expedition tofind the treasure. Unfortunately, as ship’s cook he unknowingly hires notorious pirate Long JohnSilver. Fal…e notes such as Driscoll’s accent notwithstanding, this is a delightful adventurefilm.
Audio
The sound has been remastered into 5.1 surround. The result is clean, though unspectacular.There is occasional rear speaker static, though nowhere near as much as one some mono-to-stereo transfers. Neither, though, is there much sound at all from the rear speakers, except forsome big swells of the score. Much of the music remains locked the front speakers too. A stepup from mono, then, but nothing to write home about.
Video
Some glorious Technicolor here, nicely captured by the transfer. The colours are strong, asare the contrasts, and there are no edge enhancement issues. The print is not in perfect shape,though. There is speckling, grain, and other minor damage throughout. The emphasis here is on“minor” — I’ve seen much worse. The image is extremely sharp, and is the fullscreen aspect isthe original theatrical ratio.
Special Features
Nothing here beyond a bunch of Disney trailers, none of which is the Treasure Island one.The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
As I said, this is very much a no-frills disc. It looks and sounds solid, however, and the filmshould be a strong family favourite.
Special Features List
- Trailers
