In 1937, animator and entertainment pioneer Walt Disney risked his personal fortune on a feature-length, fully-animated fantasy, a first for that time. “”Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”” captured hearts and kick-started a legacy that has led to countless films and a lifetime of family happiness. Now, over 60 years after its theatrical debut, Disney has the technology to transport modern audiences back to 1937, to experience how “”Snow White”” must have looked back then. It’s a magical experience, just one of many to be found on the studio’s new two-disc commemorative DVD.
Working from Grimm’s fairy tale (and borrowing a healthy dose of the legendary Goldilocks fable), “”Snow White”” tells of a beautiful princess forced to flee her evil step-mother, a vain enchantress whose sole desire is to be the “”fairest”” in the land. Snow White ends up in a cabin in the woods, where she encounters seven midget diamond-herders with a penchant for whistling while they work. Even in the dwarf’s lair, though, Snow White isn’t safe from her step-mom, the Queen. The wicked temptress conjures up a disguise and tricks Snow White into tasting a poisoned apple, and the only antidote happens to be the kiss of first love. Now, has anybody seen a prince?The first of an endless string of Disney classics, “”Snow White”” contains all the ingredientsof a winsome dramatic fantasy, boasting themes of jealousy, envy, vanity, love and devotion. Mix in a musical number or two and you’ve established the winning formula Disney has relied on for decades. Sure, the music may be updated, the animation far more advanced. But “”Snow White”” proves that not a great deal has changed from “”the one that started it all”” to today’s features like “”Mulan,”” “”The Hunchback of Notre Dame,”” and “”Pocahontas.”” “”Snow White”” does harken back, though, to a time before when Disney learned how to curb its enthusiasm, resulting in a feature-length kids film that’s scary enough to frighten adults. The evil Queen ranks as Disney’s most frightful and vindictive villain, and Snow White’s journey through the woods at night would give any child nightmares. But before things get too out of hand, the dwarfs are on the scene, and Snow White has struck up a tune to ease the soul. As I said, the formula hasn’t changed too much over the years. And if it ain’t broke, why fix it?Grade: ATHE EXTRASWhether you’re a die hard DVD collector or a casual fan of the “”Snow White”” film, it’s safe to say you’ve never seen a DVD as comprehensive and creative as this. Disney’s “”Snow White”” disc spreads over two bulging DVDs and spans the time frame of 64 years, providing everything from archival L.A. premiere footage to documentaries on the film’s restoration process. Afraid you’re going to miss something along the way? Fear not, for Disney has provided you with a guide (several, to be honest).In a fairly original move, Disney has recorded hours or original programming for the sole purpose of guiding viewers through their sprawling DVD. The disc’s main host, the Magic Mirror On the Wall, walks you through various menus, and pre-recorded footage of Roy Disney and Angela Lansbury pick up the slack. The thought that must have gone into the disc in advance is mind blowing, and makes for an extremely entertaining experience.Before touching on the DVDs extras, I must comment on the restored print itself. Never before have I seen “”Snow White”” appear so radiant, so pristine and so picture perfect. The cleaned up print is a marvel, a true vision that harkens back to the original cells drawn in 1937. The film’s audio transfer may lack slightly in comparison to the visual restoration – especially when you crank up Barbara Streisand’s re-recording of the famous “”Some Day My Prince Will Come”” – but it’s a small point to harp on.Now, on to the features. Disney has outdone themselves for what they’re calling an “”immersive”” DVD. Some of the many features explore “”Snow White””‘s profound history. As mentioned, there’s archival footage of the film’s L.A. premiere, as well as audio footage of the radio premiere. A forty-minute “”Making Of”” documentary takes us back to the drawing board, so to speak, and a feature-length audio commentary is pieced togetherfrom interviews with Walt on his first full-length creation. There are also storyboard to film comparisons, deleted concepts and scenes, camera tests and tons of publicity.Other features explore the present, specifically techniques that ushered “”Snow White”” into the 21st century. Interviews with digital animators, audio specialists and more populate the DVD’s second-disc. Finally, there are various features that utilize the interactive nature of the technology, including a set top game entitled “”Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride”” (a trivia contest) and a Karaoke version of “”Heigh Ho.”” So, if you have the time, it’s off to work you go, so have fun exploring this truly magical DVD.Final Grade: A By Sean O’ConnellOct. 20, 2001