Four stories of ancient Greek mythology are presented here as part of Jim Henson's The Storyteller series (originally airing on HBO in 1987 and briefly resurrected in 1990, with these episodes and a few others) and the results are both informative and entertaining. “Daedalus and Icarus” offers greater insight into the events that spurred the famed youth Icarus's disastrous flight (literally) from the wrath of King Minos. “Orpheus and Eurydice” provides lyrical new meaning to the expression “Go to Hades!”. “Perseus and the Gorgon” chronicles the tale of the noble young warrior in pursuit of a monster with the ultimate lethal gaze. “Theseus and the Minotaur” pits a knight against an enemy who is half-man and half-bull. Linking the tales is the "storyteller," a fugitive slave (the always delightful Michael Gambon, replacing the original series' John Hurt) who relates the tales to his talking dog (voiced by Henson's son Brian) while trying to find a way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth. Except for the vocal canine, the production steers clear of Muppet-worthy humor, playing the ancient myths straight (something of a relief, given that Greek mythology often brings out the cheesiest in filmmakers--the Perseus episode is infinitely superior to the leaden camp treatment given the story in Clash of the Titans). The special effects are imaginative and unobtrusive, enhancing the stories rather than overwhelming them (the Minotaur's menace, in particular, is tantalizingly suggested long before the creature makes its final and relatively brief full-frontal appearance). Unfortunately, aside from a few trailers, the DVD contains no extras. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)
Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Greek Myths
(1990) 95 min. DVD: $19.95. Columbia <span class=SpellE>TriStar</span> Home Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). <span class=GramE>Color cover.</span> ISBN: 1-4049-6210-7. December 13, 2004
Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Greek Myths
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