Alice Through the Looking Glass is a 1998 television version of the Lewis Carroll classic. Now this is NOT Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Looking Glassis Carroll’s lesser known follow up. There’s no mad hatter or chasing white rabbits. But there are white queens, talking insects, and discussions of the Jabberwocky. This is a fairly faithful adaptation.
The story is simple. Alice, through her magic mirror, enters Carroll’s world of dream logic and nonsense. Kate Beckinsale (re…ently seen in The Aviator) makes a wonderful Alice. Obviously, Beckinsale is considerably older than Carroll’s literary heroine, but she pulls off the role handily with a mix of charm and curiousity. There are also notable supporting performances, Ian Holm is great in anything. The story is told almost entirely through dialogue, and the surreal, nonsensical language might make for a tough sitting with kids. However, sooner or later, every child must come into contact with Lewis Carroll’s classic story. This DVD might be a good introduction, but the Walt Disney Alicemight be more of a sure bet.
Audio
Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0, the sound mix sounds a little flat at times (it is television). But since this the movie is mostly dialogue driven, the words needs to come through clear. The sound mix does its job here. This is an unremarkable, but solid, audio track.
Video
Presented in full frame 1.33:1, the video transfer is inconsistent. The colors are deliberately whacky and over saturated in that TV kind of way. But there’s not much depth to the presentation. It puts the viewers in a strange position. The colors and blacks look fine, but the depth of field seems so flat. Hmmm…maybe we’re being put “through the looking glass”.
Special Features
Just a trailer.
Final Thoughts
Alice Through the Looking Glass is a fine adaptation of the Carroll classic. Kate Beckinsale is a treat to watch, and the surreal dialogue makes it challenging viewing. The lacklustre audio and video doesn’t diminish the movie’s dream like charm. So if you want a “trip” of a different kind, check this DVD out.
Special Features List
- Trailer
