There are actually two stories on this film, the first segment being a "telling" of Kenneth Grahame's THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. The animation is well done--as are most Disney cartoons from this era (c. 1949)--and the narration by Basil Rathbone is wonderfully literate. Voice characterizations are done by other actors, however, which detracts from the film's premise that the story is being "told" by the venerable Mr. Rathbone. While this segment is certainly entertaining enough, it is NOT the highlight of the DVD. That honor goes to the other segment....

The remainder of the film is a "telling" of Washington Irving's THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, and it is sheer delight. This classic American ghost story is narrated by Bing Crosby, who also sings all of the songs and voices nearly all of the characterizations. The script is very loyal to the source material, even including--though a little less subtly than Mr. Irving--the same wry sense of humor. The depiction of the Headless Hessian himself is really spooky, too, though still gentle enough so as not to scare the little ones too much. Lots of fun for old and young alike, this, and a great film for the family to watch on Halloween night!

Also included on the DVD is the classic Disney animated short LONESOME GHOSTS. This one has Mickey, Donald, and Goofy working as ghost exterminators, and one could easily make the argument that it was the inspiration for 1984's live-action GHOSTBUSTERS. (Indeed, one of our animated heroes even utters the line "I ain't afraid of no ghosts!") A real hoot, and another great film to include in the family's Halloween celebration.

If you're already a fan of the animated THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, you'll definitely want to include this DVD in your collection. The colors are much richer than on the VHS release, and the details are understandably crisper. You'll see Ichabod, Bram Bones, that little coquette Katrina, and the infamous Headless Horseman like you've never seen 'em before!


The DVD is Incredible!   September 19, 2002
 48 out of 48 found this review helpful

This is my all-time favorite of the Disney animated classics; I have seen it countless times, and enjoy it as much as the first time I saw it, way back when I was 7 years old. It is a Halloween fixture for me still, although I watch it all year 'round. Bing Crosby had a wonderful speaking voice, as well as a singing one, and he does great things with the character of Ichabod and his tuneful telling of this timeless tale, set in Sleepy Hollow; I believe that were Washington Irving alive today, he would love this version of his terrific novel, based on old folk tales and legends of that part of New York. I also love Toad; J. Thaddeus Toad, Esquire, the Master of Toad Hall, with his loyal friends, Mole, Angus McBadger and Ratty. I have never seen this favorite classic in such splendor before my DVD version arrived...the colors, the crisp picture, the overall beauty of it took my breath away, and I was 7 years old again, watching it on the big screen. Now I can watch it anytime, and have the same quality as I enjoyed as a child, what a treat! Even if you have a VHS copy, buy the DVD, you won't believe the difference!


DVD contains two extra shorts   January 29, 2001
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I recently replaced my VHS copy of this film with the DVD. This is my favorite of Disney's 1940s string of "combo" films (Fun and Fancy Free, Make Mine Music, Melody Time.) The two stories of Mr. Toad and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow go together surprisingly well, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a masterpiece, with some sequences inspiring Tim Burton in creating his movie.

If you are a fan of Disney shorts, you may be surprised to learn that there are not one but two extra Disney shorts included on this disc. The Mickey/Donald/Goofy short "Lonesome Ghosts" is mentioned on the cover. But also, take the time to play the Mr. Toad trivia game. If you win, your "prize" is the short "Susie the Little Blue Coupe," a wonderful story narrated by Sterling Holloway.

As to the picture and sound on this DVD, I don't have a souped-up setup or claim to be an expert, but I was quite satisfied. I found the sound to be quite crisp and an improvement over the VHS version.


my favorite disney feature since 1954...1st time!   May 2, 1999
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I saw The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad when I was 6 years old and I can't tell you how much I loved it! I watched it with my best friend and it was shown Halloween night, 1954. I have taped it off the disney channel practically every time it's been shown and I bought it when it was released to video in 2 separate parts...several copies! I recently got my disney catalog and saw it on the back being released for it's 50th anniversary all in one piece as it was meant to be seen. I plan on laying in a good supply of this wonderful feature. i enjoy it as much today as when I first saw it so many years ago. The colors and the magnificent animation combined with the great voices of Bing Crosby(who also had a terrific speaking voice) and Basil Rathbone make this a winner for the ages. The songs will stay with you for a long time. Don't miss this one!


One of Disney best efforts, truly.   April 14, 1999
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is one of Disney's best animated masterpieces and the best one of the "featurettes". It consists of two segments. The first one is The Wind in the Willows, my favorite, which follows the madcap adventures of J. Thadeus Toad and his mania for moving vehicles. The second is a musical narrated and sang by Bing Crosby and tells the story of Ichabod Crane from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. Truly remarkable animation and extraordinary charachters make this film one of Disney's best.