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Hey everyone. :] I just last night started watching the cartoon series on Youtube, I'm on episode 5 now. [Anyone of you know how many episodes there are exactly?] and I just thought that it would be neat to discuss the differences and everyone's personal favorites.

So far its no contest for me, the book was better than all of the other renditions in my opinion, but I'm enjoying the cartoon series, perhaps even more than I did the movie. =] I think its mostly the animation that made me decide this though, its so much cleaner and the style is more appealing than the much older movie.

But there are a lot of details in the cartoon that are a little annoying. First and foremost, Blackberry as a DOE? Come ooonnn! He was a wonderful character, and it was important to the story for it to be a group of all bucks. Otherwise, why need to go to Efrafa or the farm house at all? It was pretty humorous to see all the bucks grumbling and refusing to dig, calling it doe's work and all, but they did that in the book anyway, so why they needed to go so far as to gender bend a great character, I don't know.

Another thing I found mildly annoying in BOTH the movie and the cartoon is how much they minimized the friendship between Bigwig and Kehaar. That was some of the funniest parts in the book, their interesting relationship. But I guess with the addition of Hannah the mouse, the cartoon was fun in its own way also.


I don't want to ramble on forever though, especially not because I haven't even finished the series. I'm sure I'll find out a lot more as I continue watching.

So far, despite the differences, I'm not displeased with any rendition. They're all different, but that's what makes them fun and interesting apart from eachother. The same story over and over again would have gotten old, even if it is Watership Down [see: best story ever xD]


But alright, tell me what you think, what you liked and disliked in comparison between the book, movie, and series. biggrin


Oh yeah! And before I forget, because we could really use more players, the Watership Down role-play we have in the Efrafa warren is pretty cool so far. ;] We're hoping more of you guys will get involved! Check it out, if you're interested. =]

I agree with that, actually, about it being a bit more childish. That was something the movie was more successful with, just staying true to the story. It was a pretty grim book, a lot of death and blood, and the movie definitely did a better job of portraying it... which made it a bit more dignified than the series [so far].

I actually like the voice acting of the series better than the movie though. At first it was hard to get used to, but the voices in the movie were all very gritty and...I dunno, old sounding, not to mention they all sort of sounded the same to me. There's a lot more character in the different voices of the series, and just all together a lot more character distinction. The movie kind of failed to illuminate all the different characters of the book, I think.


I heard from someone that Blackberry was made female for political correctness, and I guess that makes sense. Doesn't make me like the change any better, but I guess some people didn't think the story sent a positive message to girls, which could possibly explain the introduction of the heroic Hannah the mouse. ;]
Its cute, and in the end so long as you take it for what it is its not really all that bad. I definitely, definitely would have preferred if they brought in a brand new character of their own as opposed to making an already respected one female, but I guess they had their reasons.

Yeah, I agree with you there. The book had a lot more going on throughout it, and each character had a lot more definition, but that's understandable. Its easier to represent through words than on the screen.

You should try and give the cartoon series another shot. =] I know its weird having a female Blackberry, but its really a neat show.

Elarah? Come ooon... A few more syllables isn't THAT bad.. XD

Meh.. I might give it another shot... but I'm boycotting Blackberry... xp

But I guess I have to remember that it wasn't created for ME... it was made for little kids..... gonk

I'm sure they aren't.... I remember freaking out the first time I watched that fight scene between Woundwort and Bigwig.... *shudders* they got that part down flat! XD

And the chapter about the Sandleford Warren's destruction just plumb scared the crud out of me! Both in the book and in the movie!!!

Oooh... yeah, definitely a scary and disturbing scene... poor Blackavar... so put down upon... and yet turned out to be such a cool, brave character....

Aww... that's too bad.. sad Wait... primrose? I don't even remember there being a Primrose in the book.... is she something like Hannah the mouse or something... an added in character? *needs to reread*

meh, it doesn't matter to me if you spoil it, I never mind. ^^ unless it's like... a movie i reallllly wanna go see... like... Prince Caspian!! XD

That sucks... I loved Hyzenthlay's name..... probably another moment of "Let's change the name so we don't boggle our minds with crazy pronunciation!" Gr.

I hope so too! I loooved Prince Caspian.. so much fun... ^^

Meh, I guess it's not so bad in that light... XD

Aww. I liked the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe... despite the differences from the book.... it was more accurate then some book to movie adaptations... XP (although LOTR tops all... heehee)