Eddie Izzard leads an all-star ensemble as arguably the world's most famous pirate, Long John Silver. Also taking to the high seas are Elijah Wood and Donald Sutherland, and British talents Philip Glenister, Rupert Penry-Jones, Daniel Mays, Keith Allen, David Harewood, Shirley Henderson and, last but by no means least, Toby Regbo as our young hero, Jim Hawkins.
Following a prelude involving Silver, seadog Captain Flint and a neat explanation as to how the former came to acquire his trademark peg leg, Sky 1 HD's two-part family adventure begins. It's mere days since the death of his father, and times are tough for poor Jim and his mother. The discovery of a treasure map that once belonged to Flint, however, is going to change their lives forever.
With the help of family friend Dr Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim climbs onboard the Hispaniola and sets sail for the promised loot. First things first, though, the lad needs to assemble his crew, namely Captain Smollett and a certain Silver. A master of all things Macheviallian, Silver recruits some of Flint's men and prepares to lead a mutiny - he'll stop at nothing to get his hands on the gold, all that glorious gold.
Nothing, of course, goes to plan and all hell breaks loose as the Hispaniola reaches Treasure Island and the race to uncover the buried booty commences.
Trouble looms and surprises are sprung, including the return of a marooned buccaneer of Flint's, as Jim and Silver start to discover the true meaning of loyalty and betrayal. With danger lurking behind every sand dune, they need to decide what they treasure more: the treasure itself or their lives...
Filmed on location in Puerto Rico and Ireland, Treasure Island is directed by Steve Barron from a script courtesy of Stewart Harcourt ).
Treasure Island is a Film programme that first aired in 2012 and has been classified a PG certificate.
