The Black Cauldron: 25th Anniversary DVD

Back in 1985, Disney released The Black Cauldron, based on a book series called the Chronicles of Prydain. But the movie wasn’t a happy musical, and it didn’t do too well at the box office. Now the film’s back on DVD, and with similarities to The Lord of the Rings it’s set to be more popular than it was 25 years ago.

Courtesy of Disney

The Story

The Black Cauldron starts with a story of how a legion of invincible undead warriors were sealed in a black cauldron. Whoever has the cauldron can use the warriors to destroy the world.

Main character Taran dreams of becoming a great warrior – but he’s just an assistant pigkeeper. The pig he takes care of, Hen Wen, is special. When he touches water, he can show where the black cauldron is and who’s trying to find it. When Taran gives Hen Wen a bath, the pig shows him that the evil Horned King is after the black cauldron.

This is Taran’s chance to show he’s more than a pigkeeper. So he sets off with Hen Wen (who he must keep safe at all costs) to find the black cauldron and keep it out of evil’s hands. Unfortunately, he gets distracted and Hen Wen gets pig-napped by two dragons who take him to the castle of the Horned King.

Will Taran be able to save Hen Wen, protect the black cauldron and become a great warrior? Of course, there’s also got to be a girl involved (this IS a Disney flick, after all) - Princess Eilonwy turns out to be a big help in Taran’s quest.