bts1984 "Perfection" is hardly the word to describe anything of Peanuts, no matter how cool it is (this is valid both for normal Peanuts episodes and Peanuts specials).However, this classic is definitely timeless and just perfect. It has some minor flaws but nothing very significant and nothing enough to prevent me from rating this as a solid 10.This is a significant improvement over the normal Peanuts episodes and the previous Peanuts specials. Each Peanuts special is better than the previous one. This is the 4th one and the very best of all in everything. The plot is very interesting, the classic humor is much better, the artwork is amazing (hardly anything you can say about Peanuts), the soundtrack is truly remarkable and the originality is taken to another league (without harming the traditional Peanuts spirit). For example, one of the things that distinguish this from other Peanuts works is the dark (even spooky) atmosphere combined with suspense, something unusual on Peanuts. The Château du Mal Voisin (Château of the Bad Neighbor) looks creepy, almost like an abandoned and forbidding place. The music (a slower version of James Bond's theme) gives the chills.The originality isn't just on this, but practically on its whole. There are adults on this one. Besides, the 6 best known characters of the Peanuts gang visit England and France, where they experience very different things than usual and live different types of adventures. Fortunately, the always obnoxious Lucy doesn't go with them and only appears very briefly at the beginning, otherwise she'd ruin the film.There are many hilarious moments, even in parts that weren't supposed to be comical. For example, when Charlie Brown runs in despair in the "fire at the château" sequence. I know the sequence is supposed to be dramatic, but to see him running like that all that distance that seemed so far in so very little time is amusing, don't ask me why. Also, the sequence when Charlie Brown's loaf of bread gets slammed into the car's hood is funny. Although it's unfair for Charlie Brown, as he doesn't get to eat his part and the others mock him and laugh out loud and he blushes, it's hilarious. Also in that sequence, when he yells his famous line «Aaaaargh!» is so funny. Aside these, there are many other hilarious moments, except that they're supposed to be hilarious.This film is so nostalgic. Brings me back so many wonderful memories from the good old days. This is one of those movies that were a significant part of my childhood. I miss those days. They don't do anything like this nowadays. Hard to believe this is already 30 years. It looks as fresh and timeless as ever, which is a sign of how well it disguises its true age. And it's a great way to learn English because they speak it calmly and clear.It saddens me that it ain't available on DVD. How come so many unworthy films get released on DVD all the time (even if they weren't...!), while this gem doesn't see the light of day on DVD?I don't know (and never knew) its title in Portugal, but I wish I knew.

MisterWhiplash I remember as a kid watching this special several times, and taking to it as a fan of animation (and maybe as a casual Peanuts fan too) with plenty of interest. In retrospect I think I must have really responded to its break from some of the conventions of cartoons, and even from what usually goes with the Peanuts. There are adults, they speak dialog on camera, and (this was a factor of interest) they speak French a good lot of the time; even Marcie speaks French, as in the traffic scene. The special has some mystery to it, as to the mysterious Château that Charlie Brown and Snoopy stay at in their stay in France, and lots of good jokes too mixed in with the suspense. Before the big finale comes around, with a fire sequence that, in its own way, is Schultz and team's closest equivalent to an action scene in one of the classic Disney films, there are also lots of funny, impressionable scenes for children interested. Maybe it was an off-key fascination, but the sequence with Snoopy and Woodstock getting their kicks at the French pub is fantastic, and I have a fond memory that gives me a grin of their vaudevillian playing off each other and the scenery. And the bit with the French bread is awesome as well. Interesting enough the only bits that aren't up to snuff are some of the drawn-out talks from Peppermint Patty, however these are overshadowed by the fun that's to be had. It may not be for all Peanuts fans out there, but even for those that aren't it might provide some interest.

mamamiasweetpeaches The PEANUTS are at their best when they are celebrating a holiday or going to camp. Unlike the great PEANUTS classics RACE FOR YOUR LIFE CHARLIE BROWN and SNOOPY COME HOME, this PEANUTS outing is a little on the murky side. Due to a student exchange program Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, stow-away Woodstock, peppermint Patty and Marcy are sent to Europe to go to school in France. Coincidentally, Charlie gets a letter from a little French girl who invites him to visit her familys château there. When the PEANUTS land in London and venture to France there would be plenty of observations that could be made on the cultural differences....however the big find here is "Hey...they eat French bread in France!". This special also shocks by breaking a PEANTUS cardinal rule: grown ups talk! And they don't just say "Mwah mwah mwah"...they actually speak in English and address the children! When Charlie and Linus head off to the château a little French boy named Pierre tells Marcy and Peppermint that a horrible Baron lives there who hates everyone, would never allow guests, and that if they attempt to stay there harm will come to them. (The "harm" is not explained...although there are two references to getting "mugged" in the film). when the boys get to the château and aren't allowed in they sleep on the cold wet ground instead of re-tracking back to the nice warm house Marcy and Patty are staying in. Snoopy spends most of his visit in a bar drinking root beer and crying over American show tunes. I've seen this film more than once and my mind just doesn't grasp WHY they were invited to a place they weren't allowed to go in and who exactly the baron was, why he was such a bastard and if he WAS such a bastard why he Doesn't actually hurt them. I think the plan was to get PEANTUS to Europe and have them have an adventure...but the storyline here is a little on the murky side. Also worth noting is that key characters such as Lucy, Sally and Schroeder remain in America and are sorely missed. This is not a Must Own PEANUTS collector (neither is the newer adventure ITS THE PIED PIPER CHARLIE BROWN....grown ups speak in that one too!....although my 5 year old actually prefers that one to this one.

kenny_c_hueholt This movie aired today on a local WB affiliate and I really enjoyed it. It's interesting to see Charlie Brown and Linus get involved with spooky mysterious things going on (similar to the Scooby-Doo format). It was nice to learn about the history of Charlie Brown's family. Also, it was an exciting scene when they had to save Linus from a burning building. This is one of Charlie Brown's best films.