Why revisit a classic? That question could be asked repeatedly these days. But, if you’re Disney and you have Kenneth Branagh at the helm directing a live action version of an updated Cinderella where a certain damsel is NOT waiting for her prince to come and is fine on her own, thank you very much, well… you might just be on to something.
In fact, Branagh and Disney were on to something and it turned out to be huge. Sure, audiences still want to see a Cinderella fairy tale story, but with a heroine who can take care of herself while making it clear to her royal suitor that even though the slipper fits, she must be loved for who she is… period.
That message was sorely lacking from the original film (and fairy tale, for that matter) and Branagh and his filmmaking team have crafted a live action Cinderella that is thankfully updated with female empowerment morals, but still feels grounded in magical sentiment and firmly sits in the fairy tale lexicon.
Now that Branagh’s Cinderella is out on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital HD, look for the film to find its way into homes across the world as it is an utter joy on so many levels and worthy of repeated viewings by girls (and boys) who crave a classic tale, told with fresh eyes.
The movie itself scores with sharp direction by Branagh and impeccable casting by him as well. His “modern” Cinderella, Lily James, is a vision and captures the essence of the fabled heroine brilliantly and simultaneously gives her elements that will resonate with modern boys and girls, and moms and dads! Branagh’s choice for the dashing Prince Charming is also a home run with Richard Madden every bit the modern prince, a la Prince William, that our young people have grown up watching becoming a well-rounded modern man.
And we have to say that a double-barreled bonanza of casting of actresses arrives in the form of Cate Blanchett as the Wicked Stepmother and Helena Bonham-Carter nailing it as the Fairy Godmother. Both are sublime in their own ways, but Blanchett in particular puts on a stunning display of dastardly devilishness that would make many a Disney villain proud.
When it comes to bonus features, there is a bevy of brilliant things to marvel at from Branagh’s film. If this Cinderella story fascinates you, then don’t miss A Fairy Tale Comes to Life. See exactly how the painstaking process of lifting Cinderella’s story from animated to live action feature was accomplished. It was no easy task and after witnessing the film itself, there is no better bonus feature that explores exactly how they did it.
The costumes are beyond beautiful and marvelous, and when you learn that Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell was behind them, it’s easy to see why they work so well. Of particular note is the blue dress that Cinderella wears to the ball. It is a stunning creation that is as much a part of the dance moment she shares with her prince as the two dancers themselves. Costume Test Fun smashingly takes us behind the scenes of Powell’s work as she crafts another piece of fantastic film work.
Speaking of the ball, Staging The Ball takes an impressive look at how Branagh managed to bring that iconic scene from the animated film to life in live action. From set décor to choreography, it is a fascinating look at why the filmmaker was the perfect choice by Disney to bring their beloved tale to vibrant life.
Although we can see why it was not included in the film, the Alternate Opening is fascinating in that it shows us parts of Ella’s childhood that didn’t make the final cut, but certainly add something to the overall home viewing experience of Cinderella.
Of course the most joyous of all the bonus features has to be the inclusion of the short animated film that preceded Cinderella in its theatrical release, Frozen Fever: Yep, our favorite Frozen characters are back in a short film that is an utter delight for Frozen fans while they anxiously await the upcoming Frozen sequel.
Movie Itself: B+
Bonus Features: A-