Does anyone know whether the Raymond Briggs introduction to The Snowman was ever released on VHS? It was the one that always used to be shown on UK TV before the release of the new DVDs and that awful Mel Smith/Father Christmas intro, and the terrible David Bowie one that totally destroys the integrity of the piece.
The Raymond Briggs intro when he is walking through a field explaining how he came to make The Snowman was by far the best intro made.
I agree, the RB intro is VERY VERY good.
VERY soothing voice, brings back grandpa kid memories.
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Its in my VHS version
shareI work in a video store, where I have access to some rare treasures hidden among the other hordes of movies. I happened across this movie while grazing the Children's section (looking for a nice, family-oriented film to put on the TV for business hours) while I didn't get a chance to watch it in the store, I took it home and watched it there (which is better, because at home I can give movies my undivided attention.) Well, I must say, the team that created this film knew that they had limits, but what they were able to achieve within those limits is simply breathtaking. The drawings and animations are truly beautiful, and the sketched look, kept in style with the original picture book, add to the frosty, winterly landscape. This must be one of the original videotapes when the store was first opened, and yes, it has the original intro. If you are willing to search eBay, or other online shopping solutions, or if you are willing to browse about a flea market or an independant video store like mine, I'm sure you will come across a copy of this magnificant film. I offered the owner money for this movie, not only because of how much I love it, but because no one seemed interested anymore, and I'm afraid the tape would get lost, or sold off somewhere. Hope you find one, this film is truly a gem.
shareYes, my VHS has that intro. Of course I bought it years and years ago, probably mid-nineties. I'm sure you can find it on e-bay or maybe a used video store?
It's worth it, eh? :)
~Mel
~~~~~~~~
I'll quote whatever I feel like quoting, GOSH!!
I hope this helps in the meantime,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SoAzVdarDc
Thankfuly i have a VHS copy taped off the TV in the early 90's, but i'm not sure about an official release with Brigg's introduction.
My DVD has that introduction. It's NOT David Bowie. I like RB's a lot better. The opening short monologue he says is amazing.
shareWhich DVD has the RB intro? Is it the 2004 special edition?
shareIronically the Raymond Briggs intro only seems to be available on the region 1 American DVD released by Sony. There are two British DVD versions available, one with David Bowie's intro (recorded in the mid eighties for American audiences!), and the other a 20th Anniversary version with Mel Smith as the voice of Father Christmas.
The Raymond Briggs intro was intended for British audiences and is now only available to Americans, whilst the David Bowie into intended for American audiences is now only available to British audiences!
There are now complaints from American buyers Stateside wanting the Bowie version that they're more familiar with, and complaints from UK buyers wanting their old Raymond Briggs intro back!
A swap would seem to be in order.