This digitally restored DVD and blu-ray release marks the 40th anniversary of this fondly remembered but seldom seen screen version of Potter's charming animal tales as performed by dancers of the Royal Ballet.
The dancers manage to generate real character and dance most delicately despite the bulky costumes which faithfully reproduce the look of such characters as Benjamin Bunny and the Two Bad Mice.
Real Lake District locations are combined with studio scenes as the familiar tales are presented in dance form. Highlights include the long-legged leaping frog Mr Jeremy Fisher, the sight of pigs on pointe and the bizarre moment Jemima Puddleduck takes flight.
Like the better versions of Alice in Wonderland, this film is dream-like and surreal in a very English way whilst still being child-friendly. Well, child friendly in 1971, I am not sure what children will make of it in these days of 3D video gaming and digital special effects. But I reckon any child who loves Beatrix Potter or is a budding ballerina should find this enjoyable.
And trivia fans may like to know that the person dancing as prickly washerwoman Mrs Tiggywinkle is the great ballet choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton and the young Wayne Sleep dances as Squirrel Nutkin.