The most famous adaptation of Snow White, and the one that will always be my favourite, is the classic 1937 Disney film. This 1987 Cannon Movie Tales adaptation is not in the same league, but for low budget this is pretty good and is one of the better Cannon Movie Tale films.
Snow White (1987) does have a few problems, with the biggest problem being some of the pacing, the film does drag at times with scenes that go on a little too long. This is particularly true of the scene in the woods, necessary but goes on too long and devoid of terror, it was a scene that was terrifying in the Disney film but is pretty interminable here, and it is further disadvantaged by the fake-looking animal stock footage. The low budget does show in the costumes (like with most of Cannon's film, with Beauty and the Beast being a notable exception), with some of the Queen's costumes like her horrendously kitschy disguises being particularly hideous and do not flatter Diana Rigg at all (one may argue that it suited the type of character, this viewer would argue that they don't do anything for a character who is meant to be one of the most beautiful women in the land). There are a few spots where the humour, courtesy of the Dwarfs' slapstick pratfalls, is a touch out of place as well, though most of it is very amusing and endearing.
However, generally Snow White is one of Cannon's better-looking films, with some of their most lavish set design, especially the Queen's bedroom and the scary forest setting, and very rustic and beautifully lit photography. The make-up is also good, and there is a visually and dramatically imaginative touch with the Queen's demise at the end (see it for yourself, it is one of the most imaginatively done demises for any villain in a Cannon Movie Tales film). The incidental music is enchantingly whimsical, and the songs are lively and catchy, can listen to them all again with little problem. It's wittily and charmingly scripted, with a light touch without dissolving into over-cutesiness and a darker one without being traumatising, like the Disney film there are a couple of emotional parts like the aftermath of the poisoned apple. The story while not as dark as the Grimm version is still more faithful generally in detail and spirit than Disney's version, which some may like. While there are pacing issues it's not the case like The Emperor's New Clothes or The Frog Prince where the film is trying to extend a short story to feature length and not quite succeeding, Snow White's story is very strong and actually has a good amount happening.
Performances are good, with a sweet Nicola Stapleton and a radiant and touchingly innocent Sarah Patterson as younger and older Snow White. The dwarfs do amuse, with the most memorable being Billy Barty, have sweet personalities and you can at least tell who's who. Diana Rigg is great sinister fun as the Queen with wonderfully arch delivery, and steals the show quite easily. The prince has very little screen time, but James Ian Wright gives the role a lot of poise and charm. All in all, not bad at all for a low budget Snow White adaptation, and one of Cannon's better outings. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Snow White (1987) does have a few problems, with the biggest problem being some of the pacing, the film does drag at times with scenes that go on a little too long. This is particularly true of the scene in the woods, necessary but goes on too long and devoid of terror, it was a scene that was terrifying in the Disney film but is pretty interminable here, and it is further disadvantaged by the fake-looking animal stock footage. The low budget does show in the costumes (like with most of Cannon's film, with Beauty and the Beast being a notable exception), with some of the Queen's costumes like her horrendously kitschy disguises being particularly hideous and do not flatter Diana Rigg at all (one may argue that it suited the type of character, this viewer would argue that they don't do anything for a character who is meant to be one of the most beautiful women in the land). There are a few spots where the humour, courtesy of the Dwarfs' slapstick pratfalls, is a touch out of place as well, though most of it is very amusing and endearing.
However, generally Snow White is one of Cannon's better-looking films, with some of their most lavish set design, especially the Queen's bedroom and the scary forest setting, and very rustic and beautifully lit photography. The make-up is also good, and there is a visually and dramatically imaginative touch with the Queen's demise at the end (see it for yourself, it is one of the most imaginatively done demises for any villain in a Cannon Movie Tales film). The incidental music is enchantingly whimsical, and the songs are lively and catchy, can listen to them all again with little problem. It's wittily and charmingly scripted, with a light touch without dissolving into over-cutesiness and a darker one without being traumatising, like the Disney film there are a couple of emotional parts like the aftermath of the poisoned apple. The story while not as dark as the Grimm version is still more faithful generally in detail and spirit than Disney's version, which some may like. While there are pacing issues it's not the case like The Emperor's New Clothes or The Frog Prince where the film is trying to extend a short story to feature length and not quite succeeding, Snow White's story is very strong and actually has a good amount happening.
Performances are good, with a sweet Nicola Stapleton and a radiant and touchingly innocent Sarah Patterson as younger and older Snow White. The dwarfs do amuse, with the most memorable being Billy Barty, have sweet personalities and you can at least tell who's who. Diana Rigg is great sinister fun as the Queen with wonderfully arch delivery, and steals the show quite easily. The prince has very little screen time, but James Ian Wright gives the role a lot of poise and charm. All in all, not bad at all for a low budget Snow White adaptation, and one of Cannon's better outings. 7/10 Bethany Cox