Every child and the child within you, especially females teens on up, will feel the romance and the special family values within Cinderella. The live action feature now on Blu-ray and DVD turns the original animated movie into a spectacular home entertainment show with a perfect cast and pin point direction by Kenneth Branagh. And there’s enough comedy and adventure to treat the boys as well. What’s missing however, are the songs that made the original animated version back in the 1950’s memorable. There is very little opportunity for toe tapping and humming that we’ve come to expect from a Disney film.
The film’s introduction shows Ella as a child as she finds that her mother is gravely ill. On her death bed she tells Ella that she should always be kind and have courage. Ella’s father raises her into late teens (Lily James), but missing the love he once had from her mother decides to wed the newly widowed Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett). With her two daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera), Lady Tremaine moves into the huge house. After some time Ella’s father goes to sea and never returns, thus setting up Ella’s new stepmother as her guardian.
The film goes on from there and most every child and mother knows the rest of the story. Director Kenneth Branagh spares no expense making the film a lavish movie that’s very entertaining. The ornate costumes, special computer graphics, and elegant sets are equal to The Great Gatsby. He moves his story along at a fast pace giving the youngest of children a chance to take in all the romance of the movie as well as the comedy provided by the mice (yes you will spot Gus Gus), the coachmen and Ella’s fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter).
The cinematography emulates the 1950’s with a Technicolor feel using blazing reds and dazzling blues. Shots of the ball and especially Cinderella’s dress are magnificent. Speaking of the dress, it’s one of the most gorgeous I’ve seen in films. You would have to go as far back as Gone with the Wind to come close, but the gowns back then still wouldn’t outshine the stunning blue dress that Cinderella wears to the ball. Every young girl and woman in the audience will be green with envy. Dreams will have to be substituted for reality and mothers will only lessen the pain by buying their begging daughters the first Cinderella gowns that grace Disney Stores.
Young Lily James and Richard Madden as the Prince provide the amazing chemistry on the big screen for the romance. They are perfect together as the Prince and soon to be Princess at the ball. In a nicely choreographed waltz their movements are graceful as they glide across the floor in front of the huge crowd of eligible ladies. When they finally get to speak it’s almost too late to say more then what they see in each other’s eyes. It’s a graceful and wonder filled scene that makes the film worthwhile.
Taking on the job of the devilish stepmother Cate Blanchett bosses Ella around while tending to her two absent minded daughters. She’s cunning and crafty setting up Ella for a fall while dressing her daughters for a chance to win over the Prince. Much like the evil Maleficent in last year’s Disney live action movie, Lady Tremaine wants her way and will get it at any cost. Nice job Cate.
Bonus Features: Digital HD/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)
“A Fairy Tale Comes to Life” Filmmakers and cast reflect on Cinderella’s enduring power, and the joys and challenges of bringing this iconic tale to life.
“Costume Test Fun” See the work of Academy Award-winning® Costume Designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, 2004) and share some lighthearted moments with the cast.
“Staging The Ball”
“You’re invited behind the scenes” for the making of the Palace Ball sequence, including its spectacular set, stunning costumes and more. It’s a lavish and massive undertaking…and a magical day on set.
“Ella’s Furry Friends”
“Discover” how the movie’s animal stars honed their memorable performances.
“Alternate Opening: Ella’s Childhood”
“View” moments from Ella’s idyllic childhood that do not appear in the movie. With an introduction by Director Kenneth Branagh.
DMA Exclusive:
“Deleted Scenes” With introduction by Kenneth Branagh
DVD:
“Ella’s Furry Friends”
“Frozen Fever” Animated Short
“Frozen Fever” It’s Anna’s birthday, and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever – but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.
Cinderella has been rated PG by the MPAA for mild thematic events. Even the youngest child should have no problem with any of the content. Please check the special features before letting small tykes watch them.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Perfect for the whole family with the edge going to the young ladies. (A)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Richard Madden and Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Family, Children, Adventure, Drama, Some Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic events
Running Time: 1 hr. 52 min
Original Theatrical Release Date: March 13, 2015
Video Release Date: September 15, 2015
Language: English (also changeable to Spanish, French)
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
Audio: Blu-ray- DTS-HDMA 7.1, DVD- Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 1080p, Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 2 Discs plus Disney Movies Anywhere
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
