Jumanji

Synopsis
A magical board game serves as a door to another dimension in this adventure fantasy based on Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning children's book. When a pair of orphans discover the game and start playing it they unwittingly unleash a man (Robin Williams) who's been trapped inside--as well as an array of stampeding jungle animals, brought vividly to the screen courtesy of ILM's computer-generated special effects. Directed by Joe Johnston (THE ROCKETEER, JURASSIC PARK III.)

Production Notes
Co-produced by Teitler Films.
Released theatrically in the USA December 15, 1995.

Additional cast: Laura Bell-Bundy (Young Sarah).

Additional credits: Christine Derek (assistant director); Marshall Peck (casting); Suzy Sharp-Kane (casting associate); Sandy McCallum, Joseph Vitagliano, Bob Ennis, Atilla Szalay (camera operators); Pamela Klamer (set design); Cynthia T. Lewis (set decorator); Charles Porlier (special make-up effects); Sherri Linder Gygli (key hairstylist).

Songs:
"Locomotive Breath" composed by Ian Anderson
"The Barber of Seville" performed by Agnes Baltsa, The
Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
"Serenade in D" performed by Academy of St. Martin in the
Fields"

Soundtrack on Epic Soundtrax.

To finish the project, Industrial Light and Magic had to overcome a number of technical problems and the death of visual effects supervisor Stephen L. Price from cancer at the age of only 34.

Author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg won the Caldecott Medal -- the highest honor awarded to a children's book artist -- for "Jumanji." It was only his second picture book.

Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification.

Reviews
"...The pleasures of JUMANJI lies in its echoes of JURASSIC PARK, the incontrovertible evidence that magic exists and can..." (Sight and Sound)

"...[A] very entertaining special effects extravaganza..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars (USA Today)

"...The film unleashes an arsenal of special effects that are dazzling to the eye....In addition to Williams' heartfelt, vulnerable performance, Hunt elicits humor and pathos..." (Variety)

"...Filled with magnificent, computer-animated fantasy images..." (Los Angeles Times)