Animal Farm

The classic story of George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is retold through an animated film of the same name. The film version of Animal Farm was released in 1955 and animated by Halas and Batchelor. It appeared on a list of the 50 greatest animated films of all time but I am fairly certain that is because of the story it is telling rather than the visual animations themselves. 
This film was done more than 50 years ago so obviously the animations are not up to par with today's standards however I can't help but have an adverse feeling towards the way the movie looks. The animation style is very much of an old hand drawn movie which is to be expected. However, unlike the other animations of it's time, the animation feels purposely more serious than say a Disney movie. Granted this is a serious story but the animation, and I am saying any animation of this story, would still make the very serious main themes and topics seem like a juvenile trying to be adult. The very fact that this story was chose to be done through animation makes it's message weaker. Even in today's time when we have the physical capabilities to have actual animals through the help of computer animation perform this tale I don't believe it would be as effective as the written word. Some stories just can not be adequately captured visually.
Saying that, there are some aspects to the animation and expression of the story that I do like. For example, the camera angles used are often quite effective in showing the viewer a unique angle to the scene. There are often over the shoulder angles and things not typically done in animation of that time. Another bright point was the sounds and voiceovers used. The narrator is quite fitting for the story and many of the animals voices are notable.
I believe this animation is regarded as one of the 50 greatest because of the story, and I mean the written story by George Orwell. If this animated film were to have been released before the book Animal Farm was released, I don't believe it would have anywhere near as much lasting power. The film did not even stay true to the original's ending. Overall, I am disappointed not so much in the animation, but rather the attempt at all to make the story of Animal Farm into a visual medium at all. Some stories should remain just that. Stories, not visual drafts.