Directors: Nick Willing
Actors: Rhys Ifans, Charlie Rowe, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and Keira Knightley
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 13, 2012
Run Time: 169 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This film has a lot of positive traits right from the start. It has one of the best casts in Syfy mini-series including Rhys Ifans (“Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1”, “The Amazing Spider-Man”), Anna Friel (“Pushing Daisies”), Bob Hoskins (“Snow White And The Huntsman”, “Hook”), Keira Knightley “Pride & Prejudice”, “Pirates Of The Caribbean” series). and Charlie Rowe (“Never Let Me Go”, “Pirate Radio”). Secondly it is directed by Nick Willing, who’s recent work includes the fantastic mini-series “Alice” and “Tin Man”. Lastly it is a never-before-told origin story based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved classic fairytale “Peter Pan”. This film delivers and takes you on a wonderful fantasy adventure for the whole family.
“Neverland” follows a young pickpocket named Peter (Rowe), his group of “lost boys”, and their leader Jimmy Hook (Ifans). The group is transported to a magical place called “Neverland” when they encounter a strange orb while on a hit. They meet the leader pirate, Elizabeth Bonny (Friel), who has ruled the seas of Neverland for nearly two centuries, who also wants her hands on the orb. Hook is enchanted by her ways and joins her team. Peter and his group are left to fight for what is right and ends up in a war Bonny and his friend Hook.
The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive and works well with the film’s special effects. The audio track is also great packing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The special features are decent and start with a great commentary track from Nick Willing. “The Story Behind The Story” features a bunch of interviews Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Charlie Rowe, Raoul Trujillo, Bob Hoskins and director Nick Willing, “Green, Screen to Scene: Journey Into ‘Neverland” shows the films journey through production. “Art Gallery” includes various storyboards from the film. Lastly “Neverland: Access All Areas” takes us behind the scenes on this production.
