Treasure Island [M]

When a surviving member of the pirate Captain Flint’s crew comes and stays at his father’s inn, young Jim Hawkins becomes intrigued hearing about his adventures of the high seas. Jim’s own grand adventure comes knocking soon after this tenant’s death as Flint’s coveted treasure map falls into Jim’s hands and, eager to get him and his mother out of debt, Jim, with the help of Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, embarks upon a grand venture to find the buried treasure. But there are many of Flint’s betrayed crew hanging around and when they discover that this venture is at hand, they, led by the wicked Long John Silver, charm their way onboard the ship, planning a mutiny when the time is right. 

I could not be expected to not buy this miniseries! It’s Eddie Izzard as Long John Silver! EDDIE IZZARD AS LONG JOHN SILVER! And let me tell you, he’s plays a very good nasty. Despite its length, Treasure Island is a beautiful miniseries based on the immortal swashbuckling tale from Robert Louis Stevenson. The editing is superb, the performances are wonderful, and attention to detail in the costumes, makeup, and sets was stunning. 

When a surviving member of the pirate Captain Flint’s crew comes and stays at his father’s inn, young Jim Hawkins becomes intrigued hearing about his adventures of the high seas. Jim’s own grand adventure comes knocking soon after this tenant’s death as Flint’s coveted treasure map falls into Jim’s hands and, eager to get him and his mother out of debt, Jim, with the help of Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, embarks upon a grand venture to find the buried treasure. But there are many of Flint’s betrayed crew hanging around and when they discover that this venture is at hand, they, led by the wicked Long John Silver, charm their way onboard the ship, planning a mutiny when the time is right. 

Aside from Eddie baby, the thing about this show that really stunned and fascinated me was the way it was edited, in particular, the tricks of the camera used to depict the passage of time and distance. Simple but strongly effective techniques are used for this purpose to great effect; tricks such as the jagged, sped up closing in of the camera that looks like its running towards the characters, the wide and fast sweeping aerial shots of the island which was like being on some carnival ride, and some sepia hues even come into play, bringing the show depth and elegance. It’s was beautifully edited, really. 

And then there were the costumes and makeup design. Oh, wow, everyone give all those people involved a free drink. All the characters looked amazing, particularly Silver and Ben Gunn. Seeing is believing: get yourself down to your local Blockbuster and grab a copy of this because, seriously, the costumes, makeup, and editing were utterly superb! 

Starring Eddie Izzard, Toby Regbo, Rupert Penry-Jones, Daniel Mays, Phillip Glenister, Shirley Henderson, Nina Sosanya, David Harewood, Clinton Blake, Elijah Wood, and Donald Sutherland, Treasure Island is a beautiful 2-part series that’s all swash and buckles filled with action, adventure, betrayal, treasure, drama, friendship, great characters, and comedy. It is long, but don’t let that discourage you, persevere and you’re bound on a voyage for a real treasure!