Disney's Pan Better and Badder Than Ever

I've seen Disney's Peter Pan in the movies (late 50s re-release), on video, laserdisc and its first DVD incarnation. Technically, Disney has topped itself by restoring the feature to a clarity and richness of colors I've never seen before. They've also made this release two discs but kept it at a suggested price of about $20. The story mixes adventure, suspense, action, and a great deal of humor, some of it very subtle. When we first see Peter Pan on Wendy's roof, his face is in darkness. When Tinkerbell's light reveals the bottom half of his face, the top half, still shadowed, looks like the mask of a rascally burgler. Later, when Wendy sings "Your Mother and Mine," the camera captures the rapt faces of the boys as they listen. The teddy bear's head is tilted to one side as if it too is captivated by the music. Even the pirates are starting to sob as they evesdrop, andCaptain Hook's stooge, Smeed, is bawling as he lifts his shirt to reveal a "Mother" tatoo. It's this great mixture of comic timing and charm that make the movie work. Another reviewer said the movie is sexist because Tinkerbell and the mermaids try to hurt Wendy. But it's jealousy caused by Wendy's attention to Peter Pan. Wendy is never in actual danger. Actually, she's assertive. She makes the first move to kiss Peter, then walks away in a huff, refusing to gather firewood as ordered by an Indian "Squaw" when Tiger Lilly gives Peter a smooch that makes him as red as the "Red Man." (Trivia note: The voice of the bullying Indian woman is that of June Foray, better known for her vocal contributions on "Rocky and Bullwinkle."). The charge of racism can't be avoided in the case of the Indian characterizations. (Indians don't even appear in the Peter Pan sequel, "Return to Neverland," made in our PC age.) The movie uses stereotypes, but in context, it was made at a time when our country was more ignorant or innocent. However, the Indians aren't evil like Captain Hook and his men. Hook, one of the great Disney villains, is alternately arrogant and cowardly, wily and gullible, and desperately afraid of the voracious crocodile, who swallows Hook a number of times in the film but can't keep a bad pirate down. Hook isn't above trying to stab Peter Pan in the back (more than once). Hook won't spare children, or his own men, casually firing a shot over his shoulder to silence an accordian playing tar. And notice how the loyal, ever-suffering Smeed loads up his belongings and a bag of gold to sneak away by rowboat when Peter Pan and the kids are clearly winning the day. In the end, Peter Pan isn't about Pirates, Indians or Mermaids. It's about the magic of childhood and believing in fairies, kids flying, staying young and having fun with your friends. Even Wendy's dour father warms at the sight of the flying ship and hugs his wife and daughter as he says, "I remember seeing a ship like that. A long time ago, when I was a boy." (Question: Since pixie dust lets you fly when you think happy thoughts, why was the pirate ship able to fly? It's inanimate! (Oh well, I never questioned why Mickey Mouse could talk.) After you've seen the movie, go to disc 2 for a fascinating special about the making and evolution of Peter Pan. The project took years to develop and sketches show how the depictions of characters changed. There's also a segment with Walt Disney himself, the man who brought his boyish sense of wonder to millions of youngsters. Peter Pan was, and remains, a Disney classic.

Peter Pan Special Edition 2 disc Set

The new Platinum Edition Peter Pan DVD looks and sounds considerably different from the older versions. The animation has been enhanced, resulting in richer color and a clearer picture. The movie looks great, but it does lose some of the charm of the classic Disney animation.
I have never been a fan of DVD games and activities. The remote is an awkward tool to use for game playing, and I really don't want my kids playing with it anyway. The Sudoku Challenge with Mr. Smee is actually a pretty good game that engages kids' brains, though. The other games are typical DVD games that are not that exciting. I was impressed, however, with the read-a-long stories, including the subtitled version of the movie (also called a read-a-long on the DVD). The subtitles are really easy to read and attractive to look at, with the speaking character's picture next to the words. As subtitles help children learn to read, this feature is great for kids ages 3-7.
The "Backstage Disney" features in this movie really make this version special. The story of Tinker Bell is truly magical, and my kids even got to see what an old silent film looks like. Watching deleted scenes, performances of lost songs, and older versions of this classic movie is like going back in time, and I think that anyone who follows or is interested in Disney history or the animation process will appreciate the bonus features available on the Peter Pan Platinum Edition DVD.

Great video!

Let your dreams take flight with Walt Disney's original classic. PETER PAN soars to new heights in the magical 2-disc Platinum Edition DVD with an all-new digital restoration. Fantastic adventures await Wendy and her brothers when Peter Pan, the hero of their stories, whisks them away to the magical world of Never Land. After following Peter and his feisty sidekick Tinker Bell past "the second star to the right and straight on till morning," they explore the island and Peter's secret hideout with the rambunctious Lost Boys and leap into high-flying battles with swashbuckling pirates and the infamous Captain Hook! Bursting with fantasy, adventure, and pixie dust, this 2-disc Platinum Edition includes three all-new games in Camp Never Land, deleted scenes, a new discovery -- in which Walt Disney reveals why he made PETER PAN -- and much more.

Took long enough to release to blu ray 1 thing wrong with it

Yes, it took enough time for Disney to release the 1953 classic to blu ray. With the introduction of a beloved Disney character Tinker Bell it should have been released sooner

A very good film. A memorable villain in Captain Hook. Songs we remember.

Good blu ray transfer.

Now, extras on this. The one I liked & wish was longer was done by Frank Thomas's son speaking to other children of “the Nine Old Men” of animation. I wanted more information, more details & questions answered. But, this extra was very good.

Otherwise, normal extras with this.

Now, here is the one thing I truly HATE with this package. On the blu ray disc IF you use pause during the film INSTEAD OF JUST PAUSING THE FILM THEY PUT IN GAMES FOR KIDS????????????? Apparently Disney thinks ONLY KIDS WILL BE WATCHING THIS 60 YEAR OLD FILM? Terrible. To get back to the film INSTEAD OF SIMPLY PUSHING PLAY OR PAUSE AGAIN YOU HAVE TO HIT MULTIPLE BUTTONS TO GET BACK TO THE FILM! Do NOT do this again in the future with anymore releases.

A classic film, except for that STUPID, TERRIBLE PAUSE MISTAKE, a good package.

You Can Fly . .Alright!

the Movie Peter pan is a classic. a good ol story about make believe and your dreams coming true, and never wanting to grow up. Classic film was definetly significantly modified to use new higher tech graphics and animation. the realness of the movie is finally brought to life. if you are in the mood for fantasy, make-believe, and staying a child forever this is definetly the flick for you. Highly recommended for any children of any age, my daughter as well as friends children just love the fantasy playland of NeverNeverLand in Peter Pan. Enjoy!