On October 7th SLEEPING BEAUTY: 50TH ANNIVERSARY PLATINUM EDITION was released on DVD.

Mom in the City reviewer Toby Crane shared the following:

First, this reissue of Sleeping Beauty is loaded. My family not only enjoyed the picture, but I (as a music teacher) was thrilled with the “extras”. They included a music video, the whole animated “Grand Canyon Suite” by Grofe, a history of the movie’s animation by Walt Disney himself and much more.

The music to Sleeping Beauty is by Peter I. Tchaikovsky, a great 19th century melodic and rhythmic orchestral composer. You may know that he also did the Nutcracker Ballet, Romeo & Juliet, 1812 Overture and many more pieces. The Disney screen biography that was included in the set also makes the tale of Disney’s life and music very clear.

The actual story of Sleeping Beauty is not what I remembered from childhood. I remembered that Beauty (Rose) was asleep for a long time and that the show’s action revolved around that. In reality, Beauty is only asleep for one night! The theme of good versus evil is clear-cut – something that is not usually seen today. Back when this movie was created, death was readily used while many modern movies for kids tend to avoid the subject. There was much in the middle of the picture with Rose and her animal friends. The voice of the Evil Witch was also excellent.

My 3 year old daughter has been often selecting this DVD to see - she is even beginning to follow and repeat the main song theme from this movie’s score. My daughter usually chooses it when there is time to relax - such as when she was home sick. If you are in a rush, or there are distracting influences, this would not be the movie to put on. It is better for a longer family night. This movie reflects times of simple happiness and innocence – something that little girls should have as they grow and come of age (in this author’s view). This was common in Disney features of old.

Posted by The Cranes on 27 Oct 2008 at 12:13 am | Tagged as: Movies