Danielle Solzman
Cinderella is joining the Walt Disney Signature Collection with a new Blu-ray release in honor of the animated classic’s upcoming 70th anniversary in 2020.
For the studio’s 12th animated feature film, Walt Disney and company turned to a fairy tale written by Charles Perrault. This story would prove to be a solid choice in adapting. I can point out the obvious with Cinderella fulfilling the Disney trope of a parent dying in the film. The film would prove to be the first surefire hit for the studio since Bambi in 1942. One of the things that helps in this regard is that the animation and music is able to capture some of the magic first seen in Snow White over a decade earlier.
This film is such a well-known classic that it makes zero sense in covering the plot. If you haven’t seen the film, it’s going to require a legitimate excuse. The gist is that Cinderella’s dad remarries after her mom dies. Her new stepmother, Lady Tremaine, is easily among the most-hated Disney villains ever. Stepsisters Drizella and Anastasia are equally cruel. Cinderella, in turn, turns to the animals for friends. The Grand Duke organizes a ball so that the Prince can find a wife. Cinderella wants to go but of course, her step-family is cruel and gives her more chores. It’s not long after this when the Fairy Godmother makes her first appearance. Cinderella goes to the ball, dances with Prince Charming. It’ll take some time after but she’ll get her happily ever after.
There’s a mix of laughter and tears when it comes to watching this particular classic. The Fairy Godmother sequence is one of those classic scenes that will stay with us throughout the ages. Moreover, there were some sequences that I paid closer attention to this time around. One of those sequences are where two mice, Jaq and Gus, are taking Lady Tremaine’s key up the stairs to unlock the door. The stairs became a bit too much for Gus as the sweat starts pouring down his face. This whole sequence becomes more suspenseful than I remember.
With a 75 minute run time, we get the gist of the Cinderella story. Obviously, some things ended getting cut out for one reason or another. I consider the live-action Cinderella in 2015 to be an enhancement of the story for this reason. Cinderella remains an iconic classic that will live on for generations.
BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY & DIGITAL: *
- NEW BONUS
- Try This Trivia on for Size –Join Ruth Righi and Ava Kolker from Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max and put your knowledge of Cinderella to the test.
- In Walt’s Words: Enhanced Edition – Watch the movie and gain some insight into its production with storyboards, archival photos, sketches and transcripts.
- CLASSIC BONUS
- Diane Disney Miller “Cinderella” Film Intro – In this introduction to the animated classic, Diane Disney Miller describes how Cinderella helped launch a studio renaissance.
- The Real Fairy Godmother – Learn about the real-life inspiration for the Fairy Godmother: Mary Alice O’Connor, wife of Disney layout artist Ken O’Connor.
- Behind the Magic: A New Disney Princess Fairyland – Discover how Imagineers created a Fantasyland at Walt Disney World featuring each of the Disney Princesses.
- The Magic of the Glass Slipper – World-famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin creates a very exclusive “Glass Slipper” in honor of a beloved Disney classic.
- THE ART OF CINDERELLA
- Concept Art – View a gallery of concept art from the feature’s production.
- Character Model Sheets – View a gallery of character model sheets from the feature’s production.
- Story Sketches – View a gallery of story sketches from the feature’s production.
- Live-Action Reference – View a gallery of photos taken from live-action footage shot as a reference for the animated feature.
- Pencil Animation – View a gallery of pencil animation from the feature’s production.
- Behind-the-Scenes Stills – View a gallery of behind-the-scenes stills from the feature’s production.
- Feature Stills – View a gallery of stills from the feature.
- MUSIC AND MORE
- “Cinderella” Title Song
- “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes”
- “Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale”
- “The Work Song”
- “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”
- “So This Is Love”
*Bonus features may vary by retailer
DIRECTORS: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, and Wilfred Jackson
SCREENPLAY: Bill Peet, Ted Sears, Homer Brightman, Ken Anderson, Erdman Penner, Winston Hibler, Harry Reeves, Joe Rinaldi, Maurice Rapf
CAST: Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton, Claire Dubrey, Helene Stanley, Luis van Rooten, Don Barclay, Rhoda Williams, James MacDonald
