Animal Farm

A classroom favourite, Halas and Batchelor’s animated adaptation of Orwell’s classic political fable arrives on Blu-ray with a crisp high-definition transfer. Sixty years on, it still holds up and, for many, remains the definitive adaptation.

Bankrolled by the CIA, who insisted on changing Orwell’s original ending, the evils of communism were never less subtle but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to enjoy. Indeed, the animation, while crude by today’s standards, lends itself particularly well to the story’s darker moments, most memorably the fate of Boxer, the beloved farm horse, and some grisly executions.

The inconsistent tone and lack of subtlety will mean it’s not for everyone, but it’s important to view it in context and, helpfully, extras include commentary from film historian Brian Sibley and a making-of featurette. A great opportunity to check out what is both a worthy adaptation and a genuine piece of anti-communist propaganda. [Scott McKellar]