Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.
by Byron Paul
List Price:
Our Price: $5.81
You Save: $9.18 (61%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: DVD
See more DVD details
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD details
Actor: Akim Tamiroff, Arthur Malet, Dick Van Dyke, Nancy Kwan, Tyler McVeyDirector: Byron Paul
Brand: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Closed-captioned, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 110 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-04-12
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Product features:
- This modern-day Robinson Crusoe is a pilot for the U.S. Navy who is forced to ditch his plane in the Pacific. Along the way he meets Floyd, an astrochimp, Wednesday, a beautiful native girl, some lovely maidens, and some menacing warriors before narrowly escaping the island via helicopter. Bonus Features 1. This is the only movie for which Walt Disney received a story credit (as Retlaw Yensid
DVD Reviews of Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.
DVD Review: Five reasons to skip this one.
Summary: 2 Stars
It's been a long time since I've seen this film, and I remember it to be an engaging slapstick farce with Dick Van Dyke in top form as the title character, a descendant of the original Robinson Crusoe who, while on training mission, crash-lands on a tropical island. He must fend for himself while awaiting rescue, with only fellow castaway Floyd the astrochimp and a native girl he names Wednesday to keep him company. It's a funny and fast-paced lark, and very typical of '60's Disney product.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this version of the film for purchase at this time. Here are five reasons why:
1. Like "Million Dollar Duck" and "Barefoot Executive", "Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N." is being released to DVD in a lazy, fullscreen version instead of the family-friendly 1:66:1 aspect ratio it was originally filmed in. As a film purist, I simply refuse to buy anything that isn't presented in the format it was originally filmed in. That Disney is dumping old films on DVD in the old fullscreen VHS format shows a total lack of respect for the filmmakers and the consumer alike.
2. I see no indication on the packaging that this film has been digitally restored. Therefore, I must conclude the DVD contains the same tired old print of the film that was originally released on VHS. Even more galling is the fact that the sound hasn't been upgraded to stereo, but according to the packaging is presented in "mono." I ask consumers everywhere: why bother replacing old VHS films with DVDs that are of no better quality than what you already have?
3. There are absolutely no extras presented with this film. No "making of" documentary, no commentary with Mr. Van Dyke, no original theatrical trailer, nothing. That Disney released this film with no extras makes the lack of a widescreen print even more annoying, since there is more than enough room on a DVD to present both fullscreen and widescreen versions of the film. Other companies, especially MGM/UA, do it all this time. Why can't Disney? It's simple: laziness and lack of respect for the consumer.
4. This DVD is ridiculously expensive, expecially at the original retail price of $19.95, which is a full $10 more than most bare-bones DVDs are priced by other companies. Disney has always been known for gouging its fans at the cash register, but this is ridiculous.
5. 1+2+3+4=ONE BIG RIPOFF. Once again, Disney rips-off its consumers, and they'll continue to laugh all the way to the bank unless we take a stand. Therefore, I ask fans everywhere:
BOYCOTT ANY DISNEY DVD THAT IS NOT RESTORED AND PRESENTED IN WIDESCREEN FORMAT. That's the only way we'll ever get through to these greedy corporate pinheads.
Film: *** (out of *****) DVD: * (out of *****)
Description of Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.
Features include:
?MPAA Rating: NR
?Format: DVD
?Runtime: 110 minutes
Shortly after Dick Van Dyke played Bert in Mary Poppins, he starred as Lt. Robin Crusoe in this lesser known 1966 comedy, splendidly showcasing his myriad comedic talents in a South seas setting. Families who remember Van Dyke?s riotous romp as Navy-pilot-turned-island-native will appreciate this digital release of the original film. The laughs begin from the moment Crusoe is marooned at sea on a military-issue rubber raft and fights off a shark while reading a step-by-step survival guide. By the time he washes ashore on the island, discovers the wonders of bamboo, and stumbles upon a poker-playing astro-Chimp, audiences are given over to the gigglefest. Nancy Kwan, as Wednesday, adds to the merriment as the island?s other castaway who plays a humorous game of charades with Crusoe before revealing her status as an exile, having escaped her overprotective father. With the battle cry, "Women have rights too," Crusoe and Wednesday prepare for the inevitable patriarchal showdown, a madcap misadventure. While special features are sorely lacking--such as an interview with Van Dyke--this decent family flick remains a rich Disney relic. (Ages 4 and older) --Lynn Gibson
Bestsellers in DVD
![The Story of Jeremiah [VHS] Image](/images/noimg.gif)
The Story of Jeremiah [VHS]Vision Video; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Wresting With God [VHS]by Vision Video
Vision Video; Published: 1990-10-01; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
Study Bible Video with Workbook [VHS]Spring Arbor Distributors; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $7.95
Price in other shops:
Tempo:Childrens TV Favourites Video [VHS]HarperCollins Audio; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $9.17
Price in other shops:
Tempo.Herbs:Parseley'Sb/ Party Video [VHS]HarperCollins Audio; VHS Tape; VHS Video
![Strike the Original Match [VHS] Image](/images/Strike-the-Original-Match-VHS-0001374079-X.jpg)
Strike the Original Match [VHS]New Liberty Films; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
![Medjugorje The Miracles and the Message [VHS] Image](/images/Medjugorje-The-Miracles-and-the-Message-VHS-0001373293-X.jpg)
Medjugorje The Miracles and the Message [VHS]JPN Film Production; Release date: 1995-12-15; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.99
Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Review Course for Boards and Recertification DVD 2008by Mayo
DVD
Price in other shops:
Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging DVD: Single Userby Oakstone
DVD
Price in other shops:
Cost Accounting [VHS]by Charles T. Horngren, George Foster, Srikant M. Datar, Howard Teall
Pearson Canada, Toronto; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Similar DVDs, VHS Video, Audio CDs
Hot Lead & Cold FeetBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-07-06; DVD
Best price: $3.71
Price in other shops:
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family BandBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-07-06; DVD
Best price: $5.67
Price in other shops:
Million Dollar DuckWalt Disney Home Entertainment; Release date: 2005-04-12; DVD
Best price: $6.07
Price in other shops:
The Island at the Top of the World (30th Anniversary Edition)Buena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-09-07; DVD
Best price: $5.64
Price in other shops:
Toby TylerBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2005-08-02; DVD
Best price: $3.71
Price in other shops:
Never a Dull MomentBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-07-06; DVD
Best price: $5.55
Price in other shops:
In Search of the CastawaysBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2005-05-03; DVD
Best price: $5.14
Price in other shops:
Snowball ExpressBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2003-04-22; DVD
Best price: $5.62
Price in other shops:
Follow Me, Boys!Buena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-02-03; DVD
Best price: $4.04
Price in other shops:
Blackbeard's GhostWalt Disney Video; Release date: 2002-06-04; DVD
Best price: $5.48
Price in other shops: