Superb series of visually appealing children's fantasies packed with star-power and originality. The occasional famous director (e.g. Francis Ford Coppola) also had a hand in things - working with talent the likes of Christopher Reeve, Malcolm McDowell, Jeff Goldblum, Liza Minnelli, Billy Crystal and Vanessa Redgrave.
Presumed-vanquished wicked stepmother manages to put Snow White and Prince Charming (and herself) to sleep for a thousand years. They wake up in California of all places and try to blend in until they find a way back to the Enchanted Forest. A nice idea that may have worked if the scripts had been of a higher quality.
Beauty & the Beast 56 episodes (1987-90) 60m
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Intensely romantic drama only loosely based on the original fairy tale. Linda Hamilton plays the upper-crust lawyer who is rescued by a subterranean man-beast - thus beginning one of TV's all-time greatest romances. The end was nigh when she called it quits in the third season and the writers had her character brutally murdered.
The Storyteller 9 episodes (1988) 30m
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This Jim Henson effort is a true gem of fantasy anthology series. Each episode features the storyteller and his dog as they present superb versions of European folk tales. The real stars, however, are Henson's muppets and costumed characters that bring the stories to life. Followed by a four episode series of Greek myths.
Grim Tales 22 episodes (1989-91) 15m
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UK filler series with Rick Mayall (The Young Ones) recounting off-the-wall versions of bedtime fairy tales, all with the aid of the occasional puppet/cartoon segue. As one might expect with Mayall involved, things got a little bizarre at times - but it was all in good fun. Irregular programming meant not nearly enough got to see it.
The 10th Kingdom 9 episodes (2000) 60m
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Despite being a ratings flop this epic fantasy miniseries is well worth the time and effort. A NYC waitress and her father are transported into a dimension that is made up of fairy tale kingdoms. They team up with a dog, who is really a prince, and take on the Troll King and the evil Queen. The mesmerising special effects rank with the best.
MythQuest 13 episodes (2001) 60m
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An educational show where two kids explore the world of ancient myth while on a quest to find their father. Archaeologist Matt Stone inadvertently unleashes the evil god Gorgos and follows him into the world of myth to try and put things right. A computer screen in the Cyber Museum serves as the portal for the kids to follow.
Tales From the Neverending Story 13 episodes (2001-02) 60m
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Anyone expecting something approaching the quality of the wonderful 1984 feature film will be sadly disappointed. Following the death of his mother a 12 year old boy retreats into a fantasy world after coming across a magical book. His real life experiences are projected into the world of dragons, knights and dark forces.
