by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
One of the most beloved Disney films ever made, Peter Pan, has gotten the Platinum treatment and is now available on two-disc DVD. The exciting adventures of Peter, Wendy, the Lost Boys and Tink have been digitally restored and the sound has been enhanced to create the best possible viewing experience. But, the big news here is the wealth of bonus features this latest release has to offer.
Like all Platinum Edition DVDs, Peter Pan boasts two discs loaded with interesting and entertaining extras. Disc one has the film itself and a terrific audio commentary hosted by Roy Disney, who introduces excerpts from interviews with folks like Leonard Maltin, John Canemaker, Ollie Johnston and even Walt Disney himself. Next is a virtual storybook called “Peter’s Playful Prank,” which allows young readers to “Read-Along” (a more interactive approach) or “Read-to-Yourself” (fancy graphic and sound effects not included). Kids can also experience most of their favorite Peter Pan songs in the “Disney Song Selection” section. Finally, a sneak peek at the upcoming CGI Tinker Bell movie, which is loosely slated for release in 2008, made it to the disc. Much has been made of the news that Brittany Murphy will provide the voice for the long-mute pixie. Relishing in the buzz, the fairy continues to hold her tongue during the 2½ minute trailer.
Disc two is where the magic really happens. The “Music and More” section has a deleted song called “The Pirate Song,” which is accompanied by storyboards, and a featurette about a recently discovered tune called “Never Land.” Here, songwriter Richard Sherman discusses the sixty-seven year old tune and presents it to the viewer with songstress Paige O’Hara. A music video for this song is also available for viewing. The section is rounded out by teen pop group T-Squad’s video for their too-hip-for-everyone cover of “The Second Star to the Right”. If you happen to watch the Disney Channel, you have most likely seen it before, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve had quite enough of it, thank you very much!
The next section is “Games and Activities” where viewers have the chance to become honorary Lost Boys by completing three set-top games. There is also a screensaver-like fly-though of Peter Pan’s world (Peter Pan’s Virtual Flight) and a chance to see the film all over again with English subtitles (English Read-Along: Peter Pan). I’m not too clear as to how the latter got dumped here, but I suppose it’s got to be of use to somebody somewhere as long as they can find it.
“Backstage Disney” is, as always, the best section on the disc. Here lies a 16-minute look behind-the-scenes with “You Can Fly: The Making of Peter Pan,” a reading of an article written by Walt himself in the aptly titled “In Walt’s Words: ‘Why I Made Peter Pan’,” a promo piece from the 50’s called “The Peter Pan Story,” and a piece on our favorite pixie called “Tinker Bell: A Fairy’s Tale”. The most fascinating supplement in this section is “The Peter Pan That Almost Was,” a 21-minute look at some of the abandoned concepts that were originally considered when the film was being fleshed out.
The final section is an art gallery boasting over 400 stills from the films production and beyond.
Peter Pan is a Disney classic and this Platinum release really does it justice. The extensive digital restoration has truly brought this beautiful fairytale to life and the superb supplements make this release something special.
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