Good adaptation
This is a well-done adaptation of the book. It isn't perfect, but kids like it much better than the 1950s cartoon version. For teachers looking for a good version to accompany the book, I recommend it. I have used both and sometimes use both as a good jumping off place for discussion.

Orwell Updated
I watched this when it first came out, and I felt they actually did a decent job with it, not sure why I see negative reviews here.

As with any book turned into a movie, there will always be some material left out of the script for various reasons. I felt, however, that all the essentials of the allegory were held onto. The revolution, the coup by a power-hungry despot, the declining conditions and loss of freedoms, the use of propaganda, the animals looking at their leaders and the humans and not seeing any difference anymore, all pretty faithfully portrayed.

There are some updates, of course. Most namely, the happy ending, which seems to have gained so much objection here. When the book first came out, Stalin was still in charge and showed no signs of going away anytime soon. When the film aired, the old Soviet Union had fallen due to it's own internal flaws and problems. This is reflected well in the ending, I feel.

The animals who escaped and only returned after the fall? I have no problem with this, either. I expect there are several Russians who left during the Soviet days and have since returned.

Where some find these two alterations an objectionable attempt to make the ending cheery for the kiddies, I have to disagree. The pain and sorrow felt by the escapees on their return, on seeing what became of the farm after they left, is hardly likely to cheer the kids. It is merely updating the story to take into account what happened in Russia as the Soviet system declined and fell apart.

Nice version but no subtitles
NO SUBTITLES!!! If I knew this before buying I would not have done it. english is not my first language and we expect that any DVD at least have neglish subtitles and this one did not.

On the oter hand, the movie was all that I spected regardless that some people have problems with the ending or the fact that is capitalist propaganda.

I live in Venezuela and the movie is a mirror of what I think happens here. I share the same vision of the movie about the one man comunism that only send countrys to their worst.

A better, updated version but I'm still waiting for the animated version!
Okay, I have seen the 1950s British animated version. I have to say that I do prefer this version because there are more than two voices. Second, the story is better showcased but with live animals and actors like the wonderful Pete Postlethwaite OBE. Julia Ormond narrates the story. Kelsey Grammar is also very good as well. I have to say that the disc also shows some useful information such as historical background of the author and story itself. This dvd is good for teachers who are doing George Orwell's Animal Farm or the author himself.

Animal Farm
My ninth grade students are required to read Animal Farm. This was a great movie to show upon completion of the book. They enjoyed pointing out the subtle differences (there weren't that many) between the movie and the book. TNT has a website that accompanies the movie that I found very helpful. It discusses character analysis and literary devices. Instant lesson plans! ;-)

The movie was delivered very promptly; I was very happy with the service!