There were absolutely no doubts in my mind that Rabbit Ears Productions' 1988 adaptation of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' would be at least great. So much of the company's work, that deserves to be better known, is a treasure trove of gems. It is hard to go wrong with Glenn Close narrating, who narrated 'The Emperor and the Nightingale' so beautifully the previous year. Also the story itself is a classic and Washington Irving's best known work for good reason.
In no way does 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', an iconic story and referenced frequently in anything centered around Halloween, disappoint. It is on par and perhaps even better than Rabbit Ears Productions' 1992 adaptation of 'Rip Van Winkle', another wonderful adaptation of Irving and proof that his work can be accessible for younger audiences and be understandable without losing the quite mature spirit of the stories. Already proven too by the Disney adaptation narrated by Bing Crosby with that hair-raising climax.
Where to begin with the praise? The story is beautifully told, the initial tranquility when the story is in its early stages is appealing yet contrasts very effectively with the Headless Horseman encounter, a strong contender for the darkest and scariest scene for any Rabbit Ears Productions adaptation ('The Fisherman and His Wife' is tame in comparison and that is also dark by the company's standards). If anybody was terrified by the climax in the Disney adaptation, it is just as hair-raising here and the Headless Horseman is terrifying.
Can't fault the writing either, which is mature and faithful but tightened up enough and not too wordy, so Irving's style is made accessible for all ages. Those that were children at the time of first encountering this adaptation may find themselves wanting to know more about the story and read it.
Even better are the visuals, music and Close's narration. The visuals are arresting and in perfect keeping with the atmosphere of every scene and even enhancing them. They are charming initially, Katrina is beautifully drawn and one can see why Ichabod is besotted, but become startlingly creepy later with the truly creepy design of the Headless Horseman. One may not be able to look at silhouettes and pumpkins the same way again.
Music is by Tim Story, another asset that is harmonious with the atmosphere and enhances it. Especially good is the truly spooky scoring in the Headless Horseman encounter. Close has a very soothing and maternal quality, but when she darkens her voice later she sounds genuinely menacing.
Summing up, wonderful and suitably creepy. 10/10
In no way does 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', an iconic story and referenced frequently in anything centered around Halloween, disappoint. It is on par and perhaps even better than Rabbit Ears Productions' 1992 adaptation of 'Rip Van Winkle', another wonderful adaptation of Irving and proof that his work can be accessible for younger audiences and be understandable without losing the quite mature spirit of the stories. Already proven too by the Disney adaptation narrated by Bing Crosby with that hair-raising climax.
Where to begin with the praise? The story is beautifully told, the initial tranquility when the story is in its early stages is appealing yet contrasts very effectively with the Headless Horseman encounter, a strong contender for the darkest and scariest scene for any Rabbit Ears Productions adaptation ('The Fisherman and His Wife' is tame in comparison and that is also dark by the company's standards). If anybody was terrified by the climax in the Disney adaptation, it is just as hair-raising here and the Headless Horseman is terrifying.
Can't fault the writing either, which is mature and faithful but tightened up enough and not too wordy, so Irving's style is made accessible for all ages. Those that were children at the time of first encountering this adaptation may find themselves wanting to know more about the story and read it.
Even better are the visuals, music and Close's narration. The visuals are arresting and in perfect keeping with the atmosphere of every scene and even enhancing them. They are charming initially, Katrina is beautifully drawn and one can see why Ichabod is besotted, but become startlingly creepy later with the truly creepy design of the Headless Horseman. One may not be able to look at silhouettes and pumpkins the same way again.
Music is by Tim Story, another asset that is harmonious with the atmosphere and enhances it. Especially good is the truly spooky scoring in the Headless Horseman encounter. Close has a very soothing and maternal quality, but when she darkens her voice later she sounds genuinely menacing.
Summing up, wonderful and suitably creepy. 10/10