Have always been a fan of Jim Henson and 'The Storyteller' has always been a timeless classic of a series. Love all the episodes in their own way, though some are more special than others. A very mature series tonally but with enough to not make it too dark for kids with some episodes being quite playful. Those who love the Muppets, 'The Dark Crystal' and 'Labyrinth' but haven't somehow seen 'The Storyteller' yet should do so absolutely.
One of the special episodes of 'The Storyteller' is "The Soldier and Death", as truly wonderful as the previous four episodes are they don't quite have the extra something that "The Soldier and Death" has. For me, it is my personal favourite of the nine episodes and always has been since my first watch of the show years and years ago. It is the most emotionally investable of the nine stories, has some of the best acting, the most relatable hero and some of the best music for 'The Storyteller', and also played a big part in my undying fascination with Russian folklore.
"The Soldier and Death" is one of the best looking episodes, looking splendid. Absolutely love the atmosphere present in the sets and the episode is beautifully shot, but it is the puppetry that shines most of it. Both spooky and beautiful. The music score similarly enchants, is hauntingly beautiful and its melancholic tone fits like a glove with the story's atmosphere.
Writing always engages with a wide mix of emotions evoked, neither feeling too hammy or too wordy and instead poetic and witty. The story is charming and also very moving, very true to the spirit of Russian folklore (which is always enchanting and also at times darkly unsettling) while the soldier is a very relatable character. The devils are truly creepy and even more so Death.
Bob Peck gives the best individual performance of 'The Storyteller' in a very deeply felt turn that leaves one haunted. John Hurt relishes his role as the Storyteller, continuing to be perfectly cast, and Brian Henson amuses as ever.
In conclusion, wonderful. 10/10.