Peter Pan - 2 Disc Platinum Edition
By Jane Louise BoursawAverage User Rating:
MPAA Rating: G
If ever a story was ageless, it's Peter Pan, the classic tale by J. M. Barrie about the little boy who refused to grow up. This DVD features Disney's original 1953 animated movie, digitally restored with enhanced color and sound. In other words – crisp picture, vivid colors, beautiful songs, and a ton of bonus features.
The story begins in the Darling household in a quaint London neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Darling (voiced by Hans Conried and Heather Angel) are getting ready to go to a party. Their young sons, Michael (Tommy Luske) and John (Paul Collins) are busy playing nursery pirate games – one as Captain Hook and the other as Peter Pan. Their older sister, Wendy (Kathryn Beaumont), counsels them on all things Peter Pan. They're all familiar with the story. In fact, the children believe he's a real person. And who's to say he's not?
As Mrs. Darling is closing the window in the nursery, Wendy tells her to leave it open. Apparently, she's confiscated Peter Pan's shadow, but she's pretty sure he'll be back to get it. Meanwhile, the children's rambunctious dog, Nana, is banished to the yard by Mr. Darling.
Sure enough, as soon as the Darlings are out of sight, Peter Pan (Bobby Driscoll) and his grouchy little fairy friend, Tinker Bell, fly through the nursery window in search of his shadow. They find it, and Wendy proceeds to "sew" it back onto him.
Peter Pan then teaches the kids how to fly and whisks them back to Neverland, an enchanted island where kids never grow up. Peter has a secret hideout there, and he's also the leader of a "gang" called "The Lost Boys". In Barrie's words, the Lost Boys are "the children who fall out of the perambulators when the nurse is looking the other way. If they are not claimed in seven days, they are sent far away to the Neverlands to defray expenses." Together, Peter Pan, the Lost Boys and the Darling children battle the infamous Captain Hook (also voiced by Hans Conried), a gnarly character with some serious control issues.
Maybe Barrie was onto something when he said, "Nothing very important ever happens to us after we are twelve years old." This movie brings back all the magic of the original Peter Pan movie. And if you've never seen it, it's a great way to share a classic with your own kids.
PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5): With a G rating, this movie is fine for all ages. Remember, it was made in the 1950's, and even the villains -- Captain Hook, in this case -- were funny and not overly threatening. He's intimidating, but you get the feeling that our heroes will prevail. Also, the story moves along quickly and has enough action and funny characters to keep preschoolers happy.
GRADE-SCHOOLERS (ages 6-10): Again, remember this was made in the 1950's, so some of the content isn't exactly politically correct. The girls and mermaids are all jealous of each other, and the Neverland Indians are pure stereotypes. But if you can overlook all that, the characters are fun and light-hearted, and the storyline is never dull. And what kid wouldn't want to fly?!
TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): Unlike some classics, Peter Pan never seems to age. Hey, maybe it was made in Neverland! This movie is all about escaping into childhood – something that appeals to both kids and adults. Even tweens and teens can get into a story with a secret island where pirates and mermaids and Indians all live. The animation is gorgeous, especially the magical Neverland, and the music doesn't drag the story down, like it does with some movies. Fun for all ages. With all that pixie dust, it's hard not to believe in magic.
BONUS FEATURES:
- Commentary track hosted by Roy Disney, featuring interviews with some of Disney animation's "nine old men" like Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, historians, voice talent including Kathryn Beaumont (Wendy), character models, and film critic Leonard Maltin.
- "The Peter Pan That Almost Was." A 21-minute segment detailing the developmental stages of the Peter Pan story, as well as multiple versions, including an alternate opening with the story beginning in Neverland.
- "In Walt's Words: Why I Made Peter Pan." Details Walt Disney's thoughts, motivations and ultimate goal of creating a world where adults and children could feel they belonged in Peter Pan.
- "You Can Fly: The Making of Peter Pan." This 1998 featurette includes commentary from many participants of the film, offering perspective on the story and its author, early concept art, voice talent and live action references.
- "The Peter Pan Story." This 1952 featurette is an early version of the "making of" features we see today. It details various stages of the animation process, including drawing, layout, story boarding, animation, background art, and sound effects.
- Featurette on Tinker Bell. Focuses on Tinker Bell, her animation, and Margaret Kerry's experiences as a real-life model for the character.
- Games and More. Kids aged 3 and older will delight in a host of fun features created just for them, including "Peter Pan's Virtual Flight" through London, two read alongs, songs with or without on-screen lyrics, deleted songs, music videos by Paige O'Hara and T-Squad, Sudoku challenges with multiple difficulty levels, and interactive "Train to be a Lost Boy," "Tarrrget Practice," and "Tink's Fantasy Flight" games.
- Sneak Peek: Tinker Bell, an upcoming DVD with Brittany Murphy voicing the part of the feisty fairy.
Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries.
