Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.

Finally, a childhood favorite makes it to DVD!!!
I've been waiting for this movie to come out on DVD so I can replace my well-worn VHS copy. I used to watch this film a lot as a teenager because I've always had an interest in "deserted south pacific islands" ("Gilligan's Island" was one of my favourite childhood shows, I loved "Swiss Family Robinson", I dreamed of visiting Tahiti and Fiji when a 4th grade teacher spoke about such islands existing, and a part of me still fantasizes about the Peace Corps).

This film is a Disney classic which still holds up well today. I'm not sure if savvy modern-day children will like this kind of film, but I imagine they will. The humor is timeless and Dick Van Dyke is the sort of actor that children gravitate to (perhaps "the Mary Poppins effect"). I like this retelling of the "Robinson Crusoe" story, modernizing it and adding much humor as well. The chimp as sidekick is great.

My favorite part of the movie is when Lt Crusoe meets the island ladies and they speak pidgin...

This is a Disney Sleeper That's Worth Buying
We've been waiting for a long time for this one to hit. If you've never seen it, and you like either the classic Disney movies or Dick Van Dyke, you'll like this one. I saw this as a 6 year old at the drive in, and got a lousy recording years ago on VHS off of the TV. My kids watch this again and again even though it's "old fashioned".

Funny, clean, smart, and thoroughly enjoyable. I truly think this would be a Disney classic on par with more famous flicks if only they would have changed the ending. For those of you that have seen it, you'll know what I mean when I say that Lt Crusoe should have returned! A perfect ending!

Five reasons to skip this one.
It's been a long time since I've seen this film, and I remember it to be an engaging slapstick farce with Dick Van Dyke in top form as the title character, a descendant of the original Robinson Crusoe who, while on training mission, crash-lands on a tropical island. He must fend for himself while awaiting rescue, with only fellow castaway Floyd the astrochimp and a native girl he names Wednesday to keep him company. It's a funny and fast-paced lark, and very typical of '60's Disney product.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this version of the film for purchase at this time. Here are five reasons why:

1. Like "Million Dollar Duck" and "Barefoot Executive", "Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N." is being released to DVD in a lazy, fullscreen version instead of the family-friendly 1:66:1 aspect ratio it was originally filmed in. As a film purist, I simply refuse to buy anything that isn't presented in the format it was originally filmed in. That Disney is dumping old...

Click to Editorial Reviews