After the cavalcade of Disney animated classic to live action remakes, it is a fascinating study to sit down and watch the originals again and see how they measure with the passage of time. Thanks to the 70th anniversary edition Blu-Ray release of Cinderella that effort was made all the more special. It also resulted in one enormous realization.
Each of these Disney films should be taken on their own merit and to compare them, believe it or not, is like comparing apples and oranges. A perfect example of that is the Kenneth Branagh directed Cinderella of 2015 and the 1950 version that has never looked better than it does on the Walt Disney Signature Collection release that is a must-own for animation aficionados and movie fans of any ilk, frankly.
One can see why the story of the good-hearted young woman who loses both her parents and then is forced to live in a home now run by her stepmother and less-than kind step-sisters has resonated so triumphantly for so long. As told by Walt Disney and his filmmaking magicians, it captures the imagination of movie fans young and old from the first moment and keeps a hold on your heart until the credits roll.
The glass slipper and Cinderella’s magical evening is the centerpiece, but there is so much richness throughout the animated iconic cinematic experience that I had forgotten about since first viewing it in a theatrical re-release as a child. The four-legged creatures are given such indelible personalities that when they are tapped to play their part in Cinderella’s big night with the Prince, there is an emotional connection between these characters and audiences that is not something that immediately comes to mind when recalling this classic.
I do recall that wish that every person should have a fairy godmother after witnessing this flick the first time and that sentiment still permeates! I’ve used the word magical before, and I’ll use it repeatedly because there is such an ornate sense of it throughout Cinderella that is sadly missing from so many animated movies these days. Sure, they are entertaining as can be, but they don’t stick with you the way that so many of Disney’s classic animated movies manage to do. Wonder Park is fun, but will we be talking about it in 70 years? It’s a rhetorical inquiry!
What is so special about this anniversary edition out of the Disney Signature Collection is that there are two all-new extras, along with all that iconic bonus materials.
The first fresh bonus feature will be one that can be revisited countless times, especially if you find you have some work to do the first time out! See, it’s Cinderella trivia and fun facts, that is hosted by Ava Kolker and Ruth Righi, stars of Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max. Also included is one that fans of the Walt Disney seismic pop culture contribution will treasure. In Walt’s Words: Enhanced Edition that is a special addition to the Cinderella Blu-Ray that spotlights never-before revealed production details, archival photos, the original storyboards, thumbnail sketches from those amazing Disney artists and transcripts available through the entire feature film.
The classic bonus material does an uncanny job of saluting the classic animation, the timeless music and the legacy of Cinderella as imparted by Walt’s wizards—aka his core group of animators.
The timing of Cinderella’s 70th anniversary edition is also priceless in that the flick was just added to the prestigious National Film Registry.
Another one of those classic bonus features that I adored is The Real Fairy Godmother. Insight into the real-life inspiration for the character … Mary Alice O’Connor, who was the wife of Disney layout artist Ken O’Connor. Talk about great bonus features! Also joyous is Behind the Magic: A New Disney Princess Fairyland which shines a light on the Imagineers at Walt Disney World and how they brought to life the beloved Disney Princesses.
Movie Grade: A
Bonus Features: A