One of my favorites as a kid and one that remains exciting and fun for youngsters, Peter Pan has been admitted to the Walt Disney Signature Collection. The 65-year-old animated movie joins only 6 others who have the distinction that have survived the test of time “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King” and “Lady and the Tramp.” Available on Blu-ray the movie becomes available on June 5, 2018 and has several new bonus features mixed in with some classics.
I’m sure parents know the tale of Peter Pan who falls for Wendy Darling and flies her and her two brothers to Never Land, but for a refresher it goes something like this. Appearing in the window of the Darling house in London, England, Peter spies Wendy and wants to be with her. Along with his best friend and pixie Tinker Bell the two make it possible with a little pixie dust so he can fly Wendy to his magical home. But, in order for her to go, she must take her brothers John and Michael and they are whisked away on an adventure that will include pirates, a tribe of Lost Boys, Indians and an alligator that’s determined to get another piece of Captain Hook.
The fun animated film entertains youngsters with the fantasy of joining Peter and his adventures. Not only for young boys, the girls will be enthralled as well with Wendy facing off against the jealous Tinker Bell and meeting the daring Indian Chief’s daughter Tiger Lilly. Young girls have probably already met Tinker Bell with her Disney series of fairies and pixies, but this film is how she got started.
The animated movie Peter Pan features memorable songs that if you are an adult, will probably already know all the words. The film includes: “The Second Star to the Right”, “You Can Fly”, “A Pirate’s Life”, “Following the Leader”, “Your Mother and Mine”, “The Elegant Captain Hook” and “Never Smile at a Crocodile”
BONUS FEATURES:
The Signature Collection edition offers over two hours of classic bonus features plus never-before-seen extras, including the latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office,” which explores Walt’s love of flying and the company planes; a nostalgic reunion between Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Wendy) and Paul Collins (the voice of John); and new Karaoke renditions of the classic song “You Can Fly” and deleted song “Never Smile at a Crocodile” accompanied by on-screen lyrics and the film’s unforgettable animated characters.
New Extras:
“Stories from Walt’s Office” is updated and includes “Walt & Flight”
“A Darling Conversation with Wendy and John”
“Sing Along”
“You Can Fly” Karaoke with words on video
“Never Smile at a Crocodile” Karaoke with words on video
Classic Extras:
“Audio Commentary Hosted by Roy Disney”
“Backstage Disney”
“Deleted Scenes and Songs”
“Disney Song Select”
“DisneyView”
“Growing Up with Nine Old Men” something for the older folks
“Music and More”
“Sing-along Version of Peter Pan”
Peter Pan has been rated G by the MPAA and is safe for all family members. But, just to be safe, you may want to see it along with anyone under three.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The story is perfect for young and old alike. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Heather Angel, Bill Thompson, Paul Collins, Narrated by Tom Conway
Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Jack Kinney, Hamilton Luske
MPAA Rating: G
Genre: Adventure, Family
Running Time: 1hr. 17 min.
Video Release Date: June 5, 2018
Original Theatrical Release Date: February 5, 1953
Language: English (changeable to French or Spanish)
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
Video: 1080p, Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 1.33:1
Subtitles: English SDH, English, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 2 Discs, Blu-ray, DVD
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Released in: Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere
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
