- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,424
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Walt Disney's Peter Pan, which was released in 1953, was the second Disney animated film that I was able to see in its original release. I've loved it ever since. When Technicolor made new prints around 1967, the print that I saw at a screening was magnificent. With its every seven years re-release schedule, the Disney animated features have generally been around for what seems like forever. Home video changed that a bit, with titles escaping from, and then being returned to the vault. For what it's worth, and I'm certain that if I'm incorrect someone will come to the fore, with the exception of the 1946 Song of the South (animated and live action), Peter Pan should complete the run of classic animated features which began in 1937. The Disney organization has been very good about bringing their product to Blu-ray. The preparation of the original elements is both expensive and time consuming, and while there were raised voices about the first releases not looking like film, I believe the concept of a new edition has now been accepted. Colors may be tweaked a bit, grain may be non-existant, but the story still comes to the fore. To me, Peter Pan has always been one of the best, and alongside Bambi, I've always held it in a special place. Disney's new Blu-ray of Peter Pan, which arrives on February 5th, for under $30, is a gorgeous new edition, which should once again, delight every age of viewer. To be clear, the concept of a "digital restoration," as advised in the packaging, may not be precisely correct. For as this is not an intent toward a total reproduction of the original look and textures, the term "restoration" doesn't fit the bill. Digital clean-up, re-visualization, re-visitation... But that aside, this is an easy one. One of the finest animated features ever created, finally on Blu-ray-- looking and sounding spectacular. Image - 5 Audio - 5 Peter Pan should be a part of every serious Blu-ray library of classic productions. Two final points. First, for those who don't have a copy of the Christopher Finch Disney book, it can still be found at abebooks and other used book sites. It's a great link between the Disney animated films and their history. And second, Peter Pan should be in theaters. What a thrill kids would have to be able to see this film on the big screen. Very Highly Recommended. RAH