Treasure Island (1990) Reviews

• Shiver TNT's timbers unless they issue the DVD right smart!

  
  By A1ALOEZ4NXHUT on 2004-05-21
  Brilliant, wonderful adaptation of R. L. Stevenson's classic seafaring tale -- this is beyond doubt THE best pirate film to have yet been made. Bar none. If you don't clap this one to your heart, ye be a false-sworn landlubber, by thunder, and here's my affydavy on that!
  
  

• stellar cast, fabulous adventure

  
  By AQ8DU6XVA3USJ on 2004-07-07
  A terrific telling of Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure, Christian Bale as the young Jim Hawkins and Charlton Heston as Long John Silver are both superb, and head a great cast: Richard Johnson, Oliver Reed, Clive Wood, and Julian Glover among the many actors that bring the story to life. Filmed in Jamaica, as well as the Hispaniola, a beauty of a ship, the scenery and cinematography by Robert Steadman are marvelous.
  The soundtrack is by Paddy Moloney and performed by The Cheiftains, and is also very effective.

  Christian Bale, so moving two years earlier in "Empire of the Sun", is here courageous and strong; only fourteen at the time this was made, he is quite remarkable, and Heston does a turn as the bad guy, and is sensational as old wily Silver, saying things like "I'll have yer liver for breakfast !".
  Director Fraser Heston, who made his cinematic debut as the infant Moses in the 1956 "The Ten Commandments" his father starred in, keeps the pacing fast and though there are a lot of sword fights and shooting, it is mostly sound effects and there is very little in the way of gore, making the film suitable for children. The dialect of the sailors sounds foreign at first, but one soon gets used to it.
  Originally made for television, this is rousing, exceptional story-telling, that will keep one's interest for numerous viewings.
  Total running time is 132 minutes.
  
  

• Vote for a DVD release at TCM

  
  By A1BWHXTFOVF9CY on 2005-12-22
  If you would like to see this version of Treasure Island released on DVD, as I do, then please go to this link:
  
  http://tcmdb.com/title/title.jsp?scarlettTitleId=14882
  
  and vote for it (on the right hand side of the screen).
  
  If the link does not work, then do a Google search for Turner Classic Movies, then search on the site for Treasure Island (1990). Maybe if enough people vote for it, it will actually be released on DVD. It can't hurt.
  
  

• A brilliant adaptation, definitely worth owning!

  
  By ADOSOJ9HJAHDU on 2000-01-06
  I was hooked on this film from the first time I saw it on television almost 10 years ago. I had never actually read the book, but it didn't matter. From the opening sequence of Billy Bones (a very excellent Oliver Reed)'s arrival at the Admiral Benbow, through young Jim Hawkins (the even more excellent and underrated actor Christian Bale)'s adventure on the high seas in search for buried treasure, all the way up to the climactic battles between the good guys and the pirates led by the fearful Long John Silver (Charleton Heston, in what I consider his best role ever!), this film is nonstop action, adventure, and great fun! It has a great plot, great characters, and even some comical moments. It will make you want to pick up the book and read it all over again. Every person of every age and gender can appreciate this movie. It is an essential modern classic.
  
  

• Great exposition, a towering climax, and a respectful ending

  
  By A779ZZRH7O1EN on 2001-11-07
  Set in the 1790s, young Jim Hawkins (Christian Bale), after finding a map of Treasure Island that leads to the prodigious treasure of Captain Flint, immediately notifies Doctor Livsey (Julian Glover). Within a short time a large ship, the Hispanola, has set sail for the island. Once there, Jim Hawkins discovers a secret about the ship's cook, Long John Silver (Charlton Heston), that changes their quest for gold into a fight for survival on the treacherous Treasure Island.

  This movie, although made in 1990, has spectacular scenes and sequences, and beautiful shots of the Hispanola. (It may be noted that a real ship was used for the production of this film.) With a beautiful re-creation of 18th century exploration, this movie is great for all ages. This movie is laid out in nearly perfect accordance with Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island (One of the greatest novels of all time.).

  Finally, a film worth watching that has a plethora of action, suspense and fighting, with a great story-line, and without a glut of blood and violence. This is an adventuresome, action-packed movie suited for nearly all ages. This, although I do not have a large interest in 18th century exploration, is one of my favorite films. Any true movie fan can acknowledge the scrutinization, meticulosity, and perfection that went into the production of this film to make it what it is. I only wish this were released on DVD.

  Brought to you by Turner Home Entertainment, Treasure Island has all the thrills, chills, suspense, and heart-pounding sequences needed to make any film worth watching. As one of Charlton Heston's best films, Treasure Island is a film that, no matter what the date, keeps your attention from the first scene to the last. If you haven't seen Treasure Island, you don't yet know the true definition of adventure.
  
  

• "...even Flint was afeard of Long John Silver!"
  By A34OXGWAC1XBOY on 2003-09-13
  Although the 1934 and 1950 (Disney) versions of "Treasure Island" are both quite good and still worth watching, I believe that this is the definitive version of the timeless story of piracy and high seas adventure. Charleton Heston is the best Long John Silver that I have ever seen on film ("Them that dies will be the luckey ones!"), better than Robert Newton or Wallace Beery. The supporting cast is excellent. I can only imagine that acting luminaries such as Oliver Reed and Christopher Lee must have had great fun making this movie. Christian Bale was excellent as Jim Hawkins, although possibly a year or two old for the role. But why carp? Very few liberties are taken with the original story in this film version and that is good because the original book is hard to improve upon. One of the most striking aspects about the Fraser Heston version of "Treasure Island" are the remarkable visual effects and the apparent care given to recreate the look and feel of N. C. Wyeth's famous illustrations of Robert Louis Stephenson's book. Possibly some of the language and violence may not be suitable for young children, but have you ever heard real sailors talk? This movie is no more violent than the daily fare on CNN. I have a videotape of this film recorded off of television but I would love to buy a copy if it were on DVD.
  
  
• Excellent. As close to the novel as possible
  By AEH9SO6XJ9AX5 on 1998-12-29
  I have taught Treasure Island for 4 years to eighth and seventh graders. This movie is a wonderful culminating activity. Heston is superb as Silver. The scenery and music bring the novel to life. The characters are true "salts" This movie is worth buying "and you may lay to that!"
  
  
• GREAT MOVIE
  By A2QQBKAJA1IEG0 on 2002-07-15
  Although Ms. Sandy, UT said there was "quite a bit of profanity", I think she's crazy. I have seen this movie several times and would never feel bad about anyone of any age watching it. There is, however, one time that Billy Bones was talking to blind pue and said "Flint's dead goddam him" Blind Pue: "yes dead and damned". This may not be the "gee golly" language that she wants, but this movie isn't as bad as she makes it sound, remember, the movie is rated G.
  I thought Charlton Heston was a perfect Long John Silver. I also thought the music was perfect too. It really helped to enhance the film. The music is done by The Chieftains. I don't know if there is an actual soundtrack, but the chieftains have an album out titled Film Cuts. This disc has songs from Treasure Island, Rob roy, and Far and away. I have listened to the CD as well. I rate the disc at a 10. I rated this movie as a five, but I would actually rate it as a 10 if the scale went higher. Please give this movie a chance, it will make its way into your heart as it has into mine.
  
  
• Treasure Island
  By on 2003-11-12
  The movie is excellent, what's left of it, that is. The original cable TV production went on for several more hours than the VHS tape does. A good bit of footage of the more eccentric characters (Blind Pew, Black Dog, Squire Trelawney), and an unconscionable amount of the Chieftains' music, got lopped so that the cut would fit onto a two-hour VHS tape. I, personally, would pay to see the original full-length film on DVD. Whether TNT will be offering this any time soon is moot.

  All that said, the scurrilous lot of pirates, headed by an especially effective Charlton Heston as Long John Silver, is all that could be hoped for, even if you rehearse for National Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19) all year.

  The good guys are pretty well-played, too, especially the Squire, Captain Smollett, and Dr. Livesey. I'd have given this a 5 if it weren't so short, and a 10 for the original on DVD, by thunder!
  
  

• Stunning adaptation of a classic adventure tale
  By ANBU864P18TS4 on 2005-01-01
  Movies rarely live up to the book they were based on. This one breaks that rule by being exceptionally faithful to the book (down to quoting many lines of dialogue right out of the book). The acting brings out the essense of some truly memorable characters (Charlton Heston, like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Carribean, should have won an Oscar for this but I guess Hollywood has something against pirates). The props, clothing, and music add to the atmosphere beautifully. If I have any complaint, I would wish that it was a little longer.
  
  This movie tops my list of titles that are long overdue to come out on DVD.
  
  
• Show me the map to the DVD!!!!!
  By A39ODK74FT7WFN on 2006-03-19
  Avast ye swabs!!! What in the name of Davey Jones will it take for some lubber to realize that there are bushel baskets of dubloons to be had if this here movie is put on DVD!!!!
  
  Don't make me wait too much longer or I'll come lookin' for somebody like the devil at prayers! Haaaarrrrrrr.
  
  
• f--k tnt
  By A1JAZDRZXBDY64 on 2006-03-31
  i am seriously boycotting everything tnt does until they release this on dvd the lazy b------s. f--k muppet treasure island, all the little animals, etc. and f--k tnt and ted turner especially.
  
  
• excellent movie
  By A2QQBKAJA1IEG0 on 2002-07-16
  Although Ms. Sandy, UT said there was "quite a bit of profanity", I think she's crazy. I have seen this movie several times and would never feel bad about anyone of any age watching it. There is, however, one time that Billy Bones was talking to blind pue and said "Flint's dead goddam him" Blind Pue: "yes dead and damned". This may not be the "gee golly" language that she wants, but this movie isn't as bad as she makes it sound, remember, the movie is rated G.
  I thought Charlton Heston was a perfect Long John Silver. I also thought the music was perfect too. It really helped to enhance the film. The music is done by The Chieftains. I don't know if there is an actual soundtrack, but the chieftains have an album out titled Film Cuts. This disc has songs from Treasure Island, Rob roy, and Far and away. I have listened to the CD as well. I rate the disc at a 10. I rated this movie as a five, but I would actually rate it as a 10 if the scale went higher. Please give this movie a chance, it will make its way into your heart as it has into mine.
  
  
• The finest version ever, say I
  By A1LP6O85Z894GT on 2005-08-15
  Rich in texture, atmosphere, music (by The Chieftans!), costumes, language and performance, this TV film of the ultimate pirate saga is THE definitive version.
  
  While Disney's classic holds strong sentimental value and fine photography, this holds stridently to the original source. It is violent, period appropriate and well paced.
  
  Filled with superbly staged action, and Charleton Heston's brilliant performance as Long John Silver, this version of TREASURE ISLAND demands a permanent place on anyone's film library.
  
  Perfect! But get this on DVD now!
  
  
• This Needs To Be On DVD
  By A1JM12AXB6T7QT on 2005-10-06
  I have not seen this movie since I was 11. I can remember though, that it certainly sparked my interest, seeing back then I had short patience for anything over 30 minutes long (now my favorite movie Ironically is LOTR Return Of The King Extended!). Many pirate movies just seem...well...dumb. This one seemed very well thought out. I have only seen maybe 3 different versions of Treasure Island so cannot offer much input in that respect. If the higher powers see or hear this though, This is an absolute MUST on DVD. I have emailed Warner Home Video as they were the ones who did the VHS version. Don't know if they have the rights for DVD production as it was originally aired on TNT. Maybe if they hear enough of us...this will see DVD...so I guess I'm just throwing in my voice to the group!
  
  
• Please put this on DVD!!!!!!
  By A26R7BJURDA0X7 on 2005-10-20
  This is a great adaptation! I'm one of those people who reads the book first, and am inevitably disappointed by the movie version. This is one of the very few movies that did not disappoint me. My only complaint is that it needs to be on DVD.
  
  
• Johny Depp eat your heart out
  By A1XAR44IW48IEK on 2006-08-03
  This is a great pirate film. Based on a great novel. Though it lacks a love interest it is none the less a fine story. Superbly acted. Heston really did a great job. Superbly costumed. Excellent sets. Beutiful scenery.
  
  
• Best version ever!
  By A2NK8DE9EJ3T2C on 2000-02-07
  What can I say but: wow! This version of the classic story by R.L. Stevenson in my humble opinion is the very best ever made. No false sentiments about the period. They followed the book almost to the letter. Perfectly done! Beautiful scenery, fantastic music, a great cast (Heston is a perfect Silver). When I got home after seeing the picture in the theatre, I almost immediatly started reading the book, and realised what a great job the entire team had done! I just hope this Treasure will be released on DVD soon!
  
  
• THE REAL TREASURE ISLAND
  By A100V71ICWVSXZ on 1999-12-20
  Forget all the other versions of R. L. Stevenson's classic adventure tale - this is by far the best! Drawn very closely from the book with dialogue lifted straight out, this production is excellent in all respects, from the atmospheric music by the Chieftains and effective (though brief) cameos by Christopher Lee and the late Oliver Reed, to the excellent location photography. It doesn't get any better than this!
  
  
• By far, the best Treasure Island now and forever
  By AKYNPGPAP94LW on 2001-06-05
  Though this movie was done well over ten years ago, but after seeing numerous times from a young age of 10 till now, I still never tire of this movie, or watching it with my father, who loves it. This just goes to show that you don't need hollywood to make a grand movie, in fact, many of them can't even come close to this films style and grandure. The acting is suberbly done, as usual with Heston. The locations and sets are well done and the Hispanola will just give you the chills to watch a mighty and downright gorgeous ship set sail before your very highs. I would have loved to have seen this in the theatre.

  Highly gruesome in part and truthefull to how it was in those days, makes this movie even more stunning to watch. The music itself is downright awesome. The Cheiftans give perfect backdrop wether its during a huge pirate battle or when Heston is perfecting his skills as Long John Silver giving lines that just roll off his tounge with natural and unbelivable character and talent. If you haven't seen this, you are definently missing out.
  
  

• A Great Version
  By A3UKGQ6KRYYRVM on 2002-04-07
  This version of Treasure Island in my opinion, is the best one out there. A great cast was assembled and scenes were remarkable to portray this epic story. Charleton Heston plays a great role as Long John Silver, but he is one of many great actors who did well in this movie. Viewers see how Jim Hawkins (Bale) acquired the map from Billy Bones and then how he got swept up in the quest for treasure. Besides the scenery and the action, the Chieftains added great music for the soundtrack.
  I grew up seeing the Disney film and thought it was okay, but when I saw this version, I was blown away. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes action and adventure films.
  
  
• Among the best
  By A3JIMP77OPNW9U on 2003-09-06
  WOW! Real actors, a real island, and a real ship. Impressive acting from actors both well known and little known; believable/realistic costumes, props, and setting; not laced with gratuitous or inappropriate dialog, imagery, or situations... refreshingly un-Hollywood.

  Maybe not for the WHOLE family but a great, clean interpretation of a true classic. Minimal language but otherwise suitable for family viewing (maybe 7 and up).

  When this comes out on DVD we'll get one for us and more as gifts.
  
  

• The best version of this classic.
  By A37252QN4KCDW2 on 2003-10-10
  I don't know why more people don't know about this version. It really is the best. The acting is great - Christopher Lee and Oliver Reed are impressively whole-hearted in parts that are little more than cameos. Heston is unexpectedly good at bringing out the "grinning skull" personality of Long John Silver, in a part that one might have expected he took merely to push his son's directing. But it is the atmosphere that makes this movie so easy to get carried away in, just like the book. I have no idea why this is not yet available on DVD.
  
  
• Just one thing
  By A3NAXCFDCLHDY2 on 2005-05-06
  I just want to say that it's RIDICULOUS this movie isn't on DVD yet. Enough said.
  
  
• This Version Of Treasure Island Should Be On DVD!
  By on 2005-10-07
  I like books and I like movies that were adapted from books, especially classic books and Treasure Island is one of those classic books that has gotten many different filmed adaptations and one of these is the version that starred Charlton Heston as Long John Silver and Christian Bale as Jim Hawkins and both of these actors seem like they were born to play these characters and like other reviewers I have to say that I just don't understand why this movie version hasn't been transferred to DVD and I'm really hoping that it will get to DVD soon!
  
  
• Classic-This one NEEDS to be on DVD
  By A3W20QDZTJWIBE on 2007-02-05
  Ever since I was little I have watched this gem. All I should add is that our video's quality is fading and it needs to be released on DVD. Also, the soundtrack needs to be released as it is a great one. Film Cuts by The Chieftains has a few songs, but it falls short. Buy this movie, or at least, rent it!
  
  
• Perfect Pirate Flick!
  By A10BL3RQPVKP3K on 2007-05-01
  This is indeed the best movie version of "Treasure Island"! It is a great family film, though there is a bit of strong-flavored pirate language sprinkled throughout, like "D*** your eyes!" and "Son of a wh***!", but most of that stuff goes right over my kids heads due to the thick accent, or is simply regarded as "bad pirate talk". The soundtrack is spirited, full of momentum, and really helps drive the movie without distracting from it, and SHOULD BE OUT ON A CD, just in case any music producers are reading this review. The only drawback to this tape is just that -- it's a VHS tape and will most likely wear out before the movie is ever released in DVD format.
  
  
• THE Definitive 'Treasure Island'
  By A10I199V8AAHW8 on 2007-10-12
  Simply outstanding from every perspective, and certainly the truest to the original book! All apologies to Bobby Driscoll, but the cast of this version is really quite unbeatable! Brilliant filming, brilliant sets, brilliant music as well, the only thing I simply CANNOT understand, is WHY TNT has not released this on DVD?? As said by Billy Bones, "It's rum that I need Jim...."
  
  
• Nearly Perfect
  By on 2000-03-09
  This film is without a doubt the best adaptation of Stevensen's novel made. The actors, the music, the photography, and the direction are all perfectly suited. The Chieftains' music has the proper balance of plaintiveness and drama. All the actors are in top-form even in the minor roles. I didn't much care for Heston until this movie; he's the perfect John Silver. Christian Bale is neither too young nor too old for a believeable Jim Hawkins, and the pirates are menacing enough to make one fear for Jim's life. It's hard to imagine a better effort. I hope this movie comes out on DVD eventually.
  
  
• A faithful adaption full of excitment!
  By on 1998-11-22
  Treasure Island is one of my all-time favorite books and this movie version does it justice! Christain Bale is perfectly cast as the young Jim Hawkin's and you can't do much better than Mr. Heston as the scoundrel Silvers. Beautiful locations and wonderful music by the Irish group the Chieftains certainly don't hurt this movie. Cutthroat pirates at their very best!
  
  

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