Treasure Island

There is little plunder tucked in among the absent extras on this DVD, but this 1950 family classic--among the Walt Disney studio's greatest live-action films--is treasure enough. Bobby Driscoll stars as plucky young Jim Hawkins, who comes into possession of a pirate treasure map. Robert Newton is perhaps the definitive screen representation of Long John Silver, complete with the "aargh" brogue and "pieces of eight"-squawking parrot atop his shoulder that launched a thousand parodies. Parents should note that--although a Disney movie--the violence is decidedly PG: one pirate takes a knife in the back, and in a tense climactic scene, Jim is wounded in the shoulder (while other unfortunate swabs tend to get shot in the face). DVD enthusiasts may quarrel with the less than pristine picture quality, but young seafaring landlubbers and nostalgic baby boomers will thrill to the opportunity of sailing away with Jim and crew. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)