By far the most popular version of the Jules Verne novel, this well-remembered Disney classic is a giant of the genre: a science fiction adventure yarn that helped set the trend for similar kiddie flicks that followed (THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD, JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH). However, I have to say that I was slightly disappointed when watching it. It was less entertaining a film than I had expected, which perhaps is down to an overlong running time and a slightly sanitised, Disney-esque feel to the proceedings, which never dwell on the less than savoury aspects of the adventure. Instead the film focuses on admittedly cute performing creatures – Esmerelda is a hoot – and the death and destruction inherent in the story (for example the loss of the main ship's crew) is glossed over as too dark.

Still, at its best, this is influential, exciting stuff. The well-remembered giant squid attack towards the climax utilises an excellent full-size model and would be rehashed by countless films made afterwards. The undersea ship Nautilus is a wonderful creation, and James Mason delivers a memorable turn as the manic, obsessed Captain Nemo, at war with humanity. Kirk Douglas excels as the macho hero, especially in his (too few) two-fisted action sequences, and you can't get much better than Peter Lorre as a kooky supporting performer, bringing much warmth and humour to the production.

So I enjoyed this movie superficially, but I left wanting more. Few sequences equal the squid attack or the explosive climax, and too much time is spent on repetition – attack, capture, escape, repeated again and again. The bit where Douglas is on the run from a tribe of island cannibals hasn't dated too well, even if it continues to inspire films to this day, like INDIANA JONES or that PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN sequel. It's a fun outing, but nowhere near the level of my two favourites the genre has to offer: James Mason starred again in JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH, while my all-time great is the low budget '70s outing, THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT!

My review on this film is VERY dependent on when the film was seen. Had I watched it when it first debuted (tough to do since it came out before I was born),I probably would have liked it a lot more. However, given that special effects and sensibilities have changed over the years, the film just looks VERY VERY DATED. While most of the reviews were very positive, I wonder if these same reviews would all be positive if they saw the film today. Then they might notice the very silly and ridiculous special effects. The giant squid or octopus or what ever it was just looks dumb and fake. And, in addition to problems with the special effects, the plot occasionally takes a dive straight into hokey mid-1950s Disney live action territory. Here we have Kirk Douglas sing and dance--something that NEVER should have been attempted.

However, despite these major quibbles, the film is still watchable and I assume younger kids will enjoy it. BUT, do NOT show this to teens--they will no doubt laugh themselves silly when you tell them this is considered a "classic".

This is not my absolute favourite of the live action Disney movies but I am still very fond of it. The pacing can be sluggish on occasions, but compensates hugely are the acting, special effects and the way the story is told. The special effects even after all these years are still highly impressive, and the locations are beautiful. The score is rousing too, and the story is superbly told complete with some clever dialogue. The direction is adept, and the acting is excellent. James Mason plays the cantankerous captain with a certain grit and presence that makes him so compelling to watch, while Kirk Douglas is his usual likable self. All in all, not a favourite but a very impressive film. 8/10 Bethany Cox