No matter how much we might try to deny it, every now and then something happens to remind us exactly how old we are. This time, it's the fact that FernGully: The Last Rainforest is now 30 years old.
"Impossible!," I hear you shout. "I went to see it at the cinema just a couple of years ago; it's not been that long since I was a young, carefree child!"
I hate to say it, but it has.
Released in 1992, FernGully: The Last Rainforest brought together actors such as Robin Williams, Christian Slater, Jonathan Ward, Samantha Mathis and Tim Curry for a film packed with all manner of mystical creatures, including fairies and talking animals.
As with many children's films, the bright, animated adventure held within it a sad, real-world truth; specifically the destruction of rainforests.
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Viewers watched as the fairy Crysta encountered humans from a logging company which set itself up on the outskirts of the rainforest, and if that disaster wasn't enough the creatures also had to deal with the evil Hexxus, who wanted to claim the rainforest as his own.
Though sadly some aspects of the film still ring true today, fans can't get over the fact it's been three decades since the film was first released, with many in denial about the prospect.
The film has also been described as 'ahead of its time'
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Another commented: "I can’t believe Ferngully came out 30 years ago this week. I remember seeing this opening day."
Other fans have previously praised the film for touching on themes seemingly before they were recognised as a bigger issue, with one commenting: "Love FernGully. This movie was ahead of its time and that’s awful yet amazing to say. They recognised a problem this nearly 30 years ago yet... we're still destroying the Earth"
In honour of the 30th anniversary, a special edition version of Ferngully: The Last Rainforest is being released on Blu-ray and DVD in August after having received an impressive 4K makeover.
The creatures hidden in the rainforest will look even more magical thanks to the restoration, while fans will also be able to enjoy bonus content such as opening remarks from the film’s director, Bill Kroyer, which will reveal previously archived content like pencil, character, and animation tests.
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The new version of the film will also include audio commentary from Kroyer, art director Ralph Eggleston, and coordinating art director Susan Kroyer, and a number of other videos such as a 'making of' featurette titled From Paper To Tree.
The 30th anniversary edition of FernGully: The Last Rainforest is set to be released on 23 August.
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Topics: Film and TV, Twitter, Viral, Entertainment
Emily Brown