The Borrowers Blu-ray Review
“The Borrowers” is a visually stunning adventure.
Based on Mary Norton’s novel, “The Borrowers” is a 1997 live-action film adaptation. As some might know, the story was also adapted by Studio Ghibli in the exceptional anime film “The Secret World Of Arrietty.” The story begins at the home of the Lender family (comprised of parents Victoria and Joe and their son Pete). Pete suspects there is something lurking around their home as items have gone mysteriously missing. His suspicions prove correct as there is a family (the Clocks) of tiny people known as the Borrowers that reside beneath their floorboards. The Clock family (which is made up of parents Homily and Pod and their two children Arrietty and Peagreen) make it their goal to stay out of the sights of humans in order to survive and “borrow” food and supplies. Both the Lender and Clock families get bad news when the villainous lawyer Ocious Potter plans to destroy the home and replace it with an apartment complex. Potter claims that without the late Victoria’s aunt’s will to the house there is no proof that it belongs to them. Unbeknownst to the Lender family, Potter knows where the will is and sets out to destroy it. As the Lender and Clock families prepare to move out, Homily and Pod become separated from their children. The children head back to the old home and encounter Potter and learn about his nefarious plan. Arrietty and Peagreen plot to swipe the will, but things get even more dangerous when Potter enlists the help of an exterminator and a bloodhound. Maybe, just maybe the Borrowers will receive help from some unexpected allies.
Even though the novel was released back in 1952, “The Borrowers” certainly feels like a response to the popularity of films like “Honey, I Shrunk The Kids,” “The Indian In The Cupboard,” “Toy Story,” and even “Home Alone” to a degree. Director Peter Hewitt and writers Gavin Scott and John Jamps have crafted a whimsical fantasy family film filled with adventure, physical comedy, and dazzling visual effects. It’s a feast for the eyes and has plenty to offer both children and adults alike. While there is some dopey humor (including fart jokes) and some truly abysmal make-up and costumes (what is with the hair and fake teeth?), they never detract from this often exciting film about family, togetherness, community, and coexistence.
As mentioned above, the visuals are nothing short of stunning. The production design is entirely immersive with the detailed sets and props, the special effects have held up incredibly well, and even the depiction of this real retro world is fascinating. This is world building at its best.
The cast is stacked with talent that includes John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie, a pre-Harry Potter Tom Felton, Celia Imrie, and Bradley Pierce. Broadbent shines as the protective father Pod, but John Goodman definitely steals the show as the villainous Potter who gets put through the wringer from the film’s heroes. The whole cast is game for the film though which is what makes it rewarding.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a respectable hi-def transfer.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The track seemed a little soft and imbalanced but it’s still decent enough.
No extras outside of the retro VHS slipcover.
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