This is part of my series “Thoughts on Disney movies,” where I’ve gone back to watch all of the animated Disney features, starting with Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, and then share my thoughts on the blog.
If you’ve never seen the Black Cauldron, I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s one of Disney’s biggest flops of all time – but does it deserve the negative reputation it has?
Highlights: Some of the artwork, particularly the background scenes, are quite beautiful. The Horned King is an evil, intimidating villain. And Hen Wen the pig is adorable.
Low points: Where to begin? The voice work is just not good. Taran, the main character, is awful. Gurgi sounds like some weird cross between Donald Duck and Stitch. And Princess Elionwy is not much better. Then there’s the plot. It’s so all over the place. I at least have the advantage of having read the books so I know what it’s based on, but even then the plot feels dis-jointed and it’s sometimes hard to discern a motive for why they do what they do. Finally, none of the characters really make an impression on you. Taran is just obnoxious. He’s our main hero but he’s basically just out for his own good and trying to become some sort of famous hero. He doesn’t even learn or grow as the movie goes on.
Music: This is not a singing musical (and it would be weird if it was, since the film is so dark), but it does have a soundtrack that was pretty good. Especially during some of the big villain scenes there was some pretty epic music.
Villain: The Horned King is actually a pretty scary villain. He looks terrifying, at least. And the way that he creates an skeleton army is pretty freaky. In the book I found him very scary. In the movie it was more the idea of him that was scary rather than the character himself, as we didn’t see him do all that much. His death was pretty amazing to watch though – it was an intense villain death.
Fun Fact: This movie was a pretty big flop at the box office, bringing in $23.1 million domestically (the official budget for it was $25 million, though the film’s production manager later stated the real cost was probably around $44 million). Not only that but it was beaten out by the Care Bears movie, produced by a much smaller company. In addition the critics were not fans either. Disney didn’t even release the movie for home viewing until 10 years after it came out.
Where in the World: You won’t find the Black Cauldron anywhere in Disney World these days. And not surprising considering that the film was such a flop Disney would rather pretend it didn’t exist.
My rating: 2 out of 10. While there are a few positives for the film, like the soundtrack and the artwork, it’s overwhelmingly a mess and I don’t have much desire to ever watch it again.
We love Disney. Been to both Florida and California.
That’s great!
I’ve never even heard of this movie, but because of your review, though you do not speak highly, I want to see it! I’m intrigued now!
Yeah if you’re a big Disney fan it’s worth seeing just to get the full experience and history – if you watch it I’ll be very curious to know what you think! I do know a couple of people that like it, so who knows 🙂
Oh my gosh, I used to love this movie when I was growing up. But I’m sure if I watched it today, I would be right there with you. Love getting to know the background of the movie – so crazy that Care Bears beat it out!
It is so funny to see how your perspectives of things change from being a kid – there are Disney movies I loved back then that I don’t think are very good today, and some I didn’t care for as a kid that are fantastic now.
I had no idea this even existed!
Right? I suspect a lot of people don’t!
I like this movie- not a favorite like Robin Hood, but I do enjoy it. Freaked our kids out.
I was curious about how kids would react to it! It does seem scary for younger ones. I’m sure if I had seen it as a kid I would have been totally freaked out.
My default answer to who my fave Disney princess is is Eilonwy mainly because she’s not considered an official Princess and I had a crush on her when I was younger.
I think she could have been a really awesome Princess if they had done more with her character. I was a fan of her in the books.
I never saw it and I guess that’s just as well!
I’d say you’re not missing much!
I have not seen it either but had heard of it.
Glad I haven’t seen it then!
Yeah, I don’t really think it’s worth your time!
The Black Cauldron was my favorite Disney movie growing up – and I still love it! But I can definitely see why it’s not liked.
Oh, interesting! Why do you like it?
I have never been to Disney,this is helpful in setting the right expectations. Thank you for the review 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
You’re very welcome!
I’m watching all of the Disney animated movies in chronological order and just watched Black Cauldron. It was my first time and it was okay, I’m glad I watched it but like you I’m not sure I will again.
That’s what I’m doing too. It’s interesting to watch them all in order!
Despite the bad, this is one of my friend’s favorite movies!
One of my friends counts it among his favorites too – I just don’t get it myself!
I haven’t seen this movie since I was a little kid, so I’m shaky on the major plot points–but I remember thinking it was SO weird when I saw it as a kid. I don’t think I’ll be breaking down the doors of any store to find a copy of this anytime soon!
Yeah, it’s definitely a strange one! If I never see it again in my life I think I’ll be good 😉