Fantasia Anthology
This remarkable package contains three discs featuring Fantasia, Fantasia 2000 and a special third disc called Fantasia Legacy. We are treated to commentary from Roy Disney, conductor of the digital soundtrack James Levine and historians John Canemaker and Scott MacQueen and others. New digital transfes, behind the scenes documentaries, and a special booklet on Fantasia 2000 are part of the package . Disc Three piles on the extras with breakdowns on character development, special effects, conceptual art, filmmakers bios, historical insight into the classical music used and much more.
One of the most amazing sequences deals with the reconstruction of abandoned ideas for “The Ride Of The Valkyries”, “Clair DeLune” and others called “The Fantasia That Never Was”. Also interesting is art work for other never used pieces. The Disney folks have done a tremendous job with their library of classics. Each one is lovingly restored and beautifully presented. If you invest the time needed to browse this and other treasures, you will come away with a new understanding of the art of Disney animation.
The Lord Of The Rings-The Fellowship Of The Ring” (Extended Version)
Fans of The Lord Of The Rings seemed pleased with the way director Peter Jackson and cast and crew handled the task of bringing the classic to the screen. Now they have gone the extra mile with improving and expanding upon the film and its previous release on DVD. The Extended version features more than 30 minutes of additional footage cut into the film proper. Multiple documentaries, four commentaries, storyboards and even some multi-angle options highlight this release which will surely be a popular Christmas season stocking stuffer and a teaser for the upcoming release of “The Twin Towers”. So often through film history, fans of fantasy and sci-fi have come away feeling empty when a favorite has been brought to the screen. This time, however, things seem to be turning out alright.
Superman The Movie
Perhaps the best film ever made based on a comic book, “Superman-The Movie” was action packed, funny and romantic. It had an epic pace and handled its subject matter with taste and dignity. For years this film suffered from pan and scan TV and VHS and even the widescreen laserdisc had a transfer full of splotches and strange colors. Well, be prepared for one of the most amazing restorations in film history. Not only do we get the results of years of painstaking research into lost footage and documentary material but also a complete audio overhaul. Now this is where it gets tricky. This is not a re-mix. This is a newly made soundtrack in 5.1 Dolby Digital. This features new audio created for this version and is somewhat controversial in nature. It appears that even director Richard Donner was unaware that NEW and DIFFERENT sound was being created. Is is dramatic and thrilling?- YES. Is this the original movie–NO.
Now when the crystal planet Krypton begins to fall apart, the sound is like thousands of mirrors shattering. When Superman flies after the rockets we feel the power of his speed through the air. Finally, when the earthquake hits, watch you’re subwoofer!. Also, you won’t believe how much better the picture is, even the colors on Superman’s costume are finally correct Many (but not all) of the famous scenes which showed up on the TV versions have been restored and there are a multitude of extras to enhance your viewing. You also get commentary from Richard Donner and “creative consultant” Tom Mankiewicz, documentaries, screen tests, trailers and more. Fans of the remarkable John Williams score are in for a real treat. Even if you’ve purchased the 2-disc soundtrack get ready because the DVD producers have isolated the entire score in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and there are some outtakes of the score too!
There is much more to this amazing package but the fact that this hit the street for 20 dollars boggles the mind. The CD of the music in plain old stereo would cost about that much! Now for some bad news, it seems that this reissue is the subject of a lawsuit concerning use of unauthorized footage. Let’s hope that situation is resolved. We would hate to see this DVD withdrawn over some legal wrangle. One of the best DVD productions ever!
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs-Platinum Edition
Let me say that once you’ve seen the expression of a child seeing “Snow White” for the first time you will not forget it. The character movement, songs, and the richness of the color and artwork are far away from what passes for animation on Saturday morning TV. This splendid release of Disney’s first full length animated feature comes as a 2-disc package setting a new standard for DVD production. Not only do we get as many extras as have ever been packed into a DVD, we even get Angela Lansbury giving us a guided tour to help us find them. Commentary tracks, background documentary, abandoned concepts, Barbra Streisand singing, dwarfs dancing, deleted scenes and a look at the restoration process which made this film look as if it were drawn yesterday. You will not get through this in an evening or two.
This will take some time. “Snow White” is still the wonderful classic we remember, but you will find yourself muttering “Wow” when you see how this 1937 film looks today on DVD. By the way for purists, Disney has retained the original mono audio but you can listen to a newly created 5.1 surround track in English or French.There are a couple of “easter eggs” as well. One that’s cute happens when you play disc One-just let the main menu appear and do nothing. After a while the mirror will start talking to you! For those who may be thinking about going to school to learn about the art of animation, buy “Snow White” instead.
Walt Disney Treasures-Silly Symphonies & Mickey Mouse in Living Color
You’ve probably seen these Disney sets at your video store or even Costco. The 2-disc releases are packed into a metal case and stamped and numbered. Once again, the folks at Disney have carefully transferred classics from their vaults to delight a whole generation of kids. They feature dozens of short animated films some over 70 years old! You get all the background stuff we’ve come to expect from the Disney company: backgrounds on the shorts, drawings, posters and much more. Both of these and to a lesser extent the Disneyland box set are essential purchases. But there is a minor quibble. Who is Disney targeting with these releases? Is it the older crowd to stir memories of cartoons seen in their youth? Or is it the average family where the kids will eventually pop in the discs and enjoy Mickey and Donald at their leisure? The reason for the questions is this; there are at least EIGHT cartoons HIDDEN on the “Silly Symphonies” disc. The Mickey disc hides a vintage Walt Disney clip and another Mickey film. DVD fans are becoming aware of the “Easter Eggs” hidden on some major studio releases. It would seem that only adults or at least teens have the brains and the time to hunt these all down.
Even if you do, they are usually in the form of a short clip, flub or outtake etc. What Disney hid are full length theatrical cartoons and they hid them very well. It seems likely that thousands of families have watched these DVDs and have NO IDEA how much is tucked away digitally. Sure, there are web sites where you can find out how to crack the code, but is that something a second grade kid will know how to do? The stuff hidden on “Silly Symphonies” is incredible and raises the bar as to the value of these box sets. I’m not sure that the Disney folks did the right thing here. Good hunting Mom and Dad!