Sleeping Beauty (Special Edition) Reviews

• Still Looks Great

  
  By A1M4NJYP0WNL8Q on 2003-11-26
  I vividly remember the release of Sleeping Beauty. I was old enough to go see it myself - just barely. There I was sitting way up front eating my popcorn and all of a sudden this spectacular dragon materialized right before my eyes. Popcorn forgotten, I was hooked. Cartoons never looked the same to me, and I spent the rest of my life inhaling fantasy and science fiction on a quest for the same thrill.

  Animation has changed quite a bit in the ensuing years, but even today Sleeping Beauty is a towering achievement. Now I'm more sensitive to the tricks of the art and can see the masterful use of perspective that made the scenes leap out at you. When I first picked up this DVD I half expected to be disappointed, to find it really wasn't so glorious in retrospect. This is hardly the case - this film is just as vibrant and alive as it was in 1959.

  The added dimension now is that I can see how Disney's work was a formative influence on animation even today. Artist/Directors like Miyazaki owe much to this film and its predecessor Snow White. And they freely admit it. As a production, Sleeping Beauty created a sense of legitimacy for animation that proved that high quality animation was something well beyond the Saturday morning funnies.

  Disney took a great risk when creating this film, pouring a tremendous amount of resources in making it something as perfect as was possible for his time. While the studio reaped the financial benefits, the audience was the real winner, as a whole genre exploded before our eyes. Even now, with anime rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with, this film stands out for story, art, and music.

  The additional features, especially those that retell the making of the film, are excellent as well. All captures in fine detail on this DVD. This is a must see for anyone who still loves a fairy tale.
  
  

• Should be part of any child's DVD collection

  
  By A10G4BPT5MGBHY on 2008-03-09
  In 1959, the New York Times called Sleeping Beauty "a crisply stylized fairyland where the colors are rich [and] the sounds are luscious." In his book The Disney Films, critic Leonard Maltin writes that Sleeping Beauty is "a very good film, but more so for older audiences than for young children." The Gospel According to Disney says the movie illustrates "an eternal promise of resurrection," while From Walt to Woodstock claims it is a "therapeutic experience" that celebrates "a male-female relationship based on true equality."
  
  As for me, I'd say that regardless of what you read into it, Sleeping Beauty is a must-own. A true Disney classic, the movie has such stunning visuals and such a strong villain that it makes up for its one major flaw: the lack of a good lead character.
  
  The art, for example, is astounding. Full of bright 1950s color, each background is a graphic collage of rectangles and straight lines that is filled to the edges with meticulously sharp detail. On each tree you see every leaf; on each shrub you see every thorn. It's a look that set the stage for other Disney movies to come, such as Pocahontas, Mulan and Hercules.
  
  As a whole, the characters are terrific. Kids will love the fairies. On-screen longer than anyone else, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather fly like bumblebees, ooze oodles of personality and are truly funny. They lose their temper and make many mistakes, especially in their attempts to bake a birthday cake and sew a dress.
  
  The villain is perhaps the scariest in any Disney film. "The mistress of all evil," devil-horned, green-skinned Maleficent is a sarcastic, high-class horror show all by herself. She curses baby Aurora to death, imprisons a prince so that he can't save the grown girl, and eventually turns herself into a towering dragon that breathes green fire.
  
  The movie's only weakness is the princess herself. Aurora -- dare I say it? -- is quite a snooze. Unlike the leads in Cinderella or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this 16-year-old is a plain, passive Barbie doll who sings like an opera star. Unlike Cinderella or Snow White, she has no history of being mistreated. She's likable enough, but tough to relate to.
  
  Still, that's the opinion of an adult, not a child. I give Sleeping Beauty five stars because of the art, because young kids -- especially girls -- will love it, because parents will also be entertained, and because its wholesome message that love conquers hate has rarely been presented better. A product of its time, the film is not perfect but still tough to beat. If you have kids and are building a collection of DVDs for them, this should be on your list.
  
  

• Once Upon A Time In 1959: A Disney Masterpiece

  
  By A5ZUZ49YRDPCV on 2003-05-08
  1959: Disney's presence had already been established. "Snow White" was the first animated film ever to grace the big screen and Disney had dazzled audiences with the 1940 "Fantasia". But in 1959, "Sleeping Beauty" won the hearts of fairy tale lovers, romance lovers and the young at heart. Disney was back in the saddle. The animation to the Sleeping Beauty was taken from the greeting card designs and artwork of a 50's artist. Set in the medieval 14th century, at times resembling the beautiful tapestries and cathedrals of the day, Sleeping Beauty is embellished with cool hues of purple, blue, green and black. A magic romanticism fills the air from start to finish. The score to the film was taken from the ballet music of the Tchaikovsky ballet by the same name. "The Sleeping Beauty" ballet is in fact Tchaikovsky's greastet musical masterpiece, and Disney merely sliced up some of the melodies to fit certain moods and scenes in the film. He also put lyrics to the enchanting "Sleeping Beauty Waltz"- in the song "Once Upon A Dream" in which the Prince and the would-be Sleeping Beauty meet for the first time, waltz and fall in love.

  True in many respects to the old fairy tale, which some claim originated in Germany, others in France, where it is known as "La Belle Au Bois Dormant"- the tale is brought back to life through classic Disney charm. Princess Aurora (named after the Roman goddess of the dawn) is born to King Stephen and his Queen (The March from the Tchaikovsky ballet plays) and all the inhabitants of the land come to her Christening in the great hall of the castle. Aurora's three fairy godmothers Flora, Fauna and Merryweather (later Disney animators said they based them on three actual little old ladies) bestow the baby princess with the gifts of song and grace. But the Gothic enchantress Maleficent, the rotten apple in the bunch, was not invited and naturally, she is outraged. She wears a purple-black robe, has Devil horns on her head and her constant companion on her shoulder is a black raven. "Sometimes I don't think she's very happy" Fauna says of her. Caught up in a nasty mood, the evil sorceress casts an evil spell on Aurora. She will prick her finger on a spinning wheel an die on her sixteenth birthday. To avoid this catostrophe, King Stephen orders all the spinning wheels burned. Merriweather, the fairy in blue, brings hope- only the kiss of a brave and noble prince will lift the curse of the death-like sleep.

  That prince is Phillip, who was already engaged to wed Aurora as a boy, (in an obvious statement about political unions in European monarchies). The three fairies do their best to prevent the terrible fate on Aurora, so they hide with her in their cottage in the deep forest and change her name to Briar Rose, raising her as their own child. But.. luck would have it, she meets Prince Phillip as he is hunting, they waltz and fall in love and she is brought back to the castle where she was born. There, Maleficent makes her prick her finger on the spinning wheel in a hypnotic trance. The spell is cat Poor Aurora...

  But you know the rest, don't you ? Fairy tale loves always have a happy ending. The Tchaikovsky music, the artistic animation, and the engaging story will delight audiences as far into the future as 2059. In 1959, children and young girls might have been captivated (they said that Aurora was based on either Leslie Caron or Audrey Hepburn) but in the future, the tale will still win hearts. Young girls will once again be gripped. Virtue will be rewarded. After all, "true love conquers all."
  
  

• Superb Edition of a Disney Classic

  
  By A37F8W82A1E6L7 on 2003-07-06
  Disney took a while, but they have finally embraced the DVD format. As with everything else, when they do it, they do it right and big!

  When Disney first stuck their foot in the DVD waters they did it slowly, offering movies without major extras and at a price well above their competition. With a stable of classics in their coffers I wrote some scathing reviews and comments on various web sites. Disney finally got it through their heads that DVD has broken through to become the standard format for the new millenium.

  Several other Disney Disks have gotten this deluxe treatment. Their collaborations with Pixar; Toy Story One and Two, A Bugs Life, Monsters Inc were among the first. Tarzan, Atlantis, Beauty and the Beast as well as Dumbo and a variety of lesser films have editions chock full of extras as well. It was fitting that Snow White was released as a Double Disk set last year and they have followed that up with one of my faves, Sleeping Beauty.

  The film has been remastered all around. Crisp new sound and picture wrapped up with a bevy of extras that will make any cinemafile drool. Along with the standard documentaries and commentaries this edition has something I wish had been packaged with every disk released to date; A widescreen to pan and scan comparison. Finally I can show my friends and family why widescreen is preferable to 'full screen'. (You reading this Blockbuster video??)

  Getting off the soapbox now...

  I pre-ordered mine. Make sure you don't let this one slip away for another generation.
  
  

• Stunning Remastering

  
  By A3A48XEYWLWH7T on 2003-10-14
  Sleeping Beauty was one of the first Disney animated films I remember my folks taking me to see. As a child during my `dinosaur' phase, I loved watching Maleficent turn into the dragon and fight Phillip. The story, you should know by now of course, young princess whisked away by three fairy `godmothers' to protect her from evil sorceress, raised in the forest unaware of her heritage, meets prince charming unaware he's a prince, eventually finds out they're betrothed to each other as prince fights sorceress. The re-mastering technique employed on this DVD yielded incredible results, the image was actually more vibrant and colorful than originally aired in 1959 and it looks marvelous on today's widescreen HDTVs. I was quite taken with the art, quite unlike anything Disney has done before or since with it's angular geometry and perpendicular themes. Aurora and Maleficent duel for most beautiful Disney female forms to date. The extras on the DVD are quite interesting as well. The original theatrical companion pieces The Grand Canyon was sublime and the snippet of how four artists paint a tree helped glean a bit into the mindset of the brilliant artists on the Sleeping Beauty project. Highly recommended, not just as a child's story, but as an impressive art piece and study of mood and texture.
  
  
• A Restored Disney Classic with Bonuses
  By A2AOZQ3WTNVVOK on 2003-09-04
  This movie is one of the great classics of animation, especially for Disney. The DVD version is significantly improved compared to the previous VHS tape. The picture and sound were both greatly enhanced for this release. Furthermore, both widescreen and full screen versions are available in this package.

  As with Disney's other classics, some liberties were taken with the original story of Sleeping Beauty. Disney took the classic story and made it unique and special. In some ways the story is less violent and dark than the original fairy tale. In other ways, such as the portrayal of Maleficent, the movie is dark and forbidding. While the movie is generally a children's movie, Maleficent's dragon and her general demeanor can be somewhat frightening for some in the pre-school and younger set.

  Aurora was the first love for many a young boy, and was also the model for the aspirations of millions of girls. The romantic love story of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip enchanted would-be princesses everywhere, and in some cases became the measure by which future spouses were measured (and many of us struggled to meet the ideal).

  Of course, the romantic story and the evil of Maleficent were balanced by the comedy of the animal characters and the three bumbling, good-hearted fairy godmothers. While their goodness may appear a bit too vanilla and sweet for some, it is perfect for those longing for the innocence of their youth.

  While the movie is the most important part of the DVD, this two CD set contains a phenomenal number of extras. I found the audio commentary by various key individuals to be absolutely fascinating. I planned to listen to portions of the commentary in preparation for my review, and instead found myself listening to the entire thing because it was so incredibly fascinating. Mary Costa (Princess Aurora) and others provide their perspective on the creation of the movie, as well as personal memories of Walt Disney and his influence on the film. The audio commentary by itself is worth replacing your VHS tape, particularly for aficionados of Disney movies.

  In addition to the audio commentary are numerous, emphasize numerous, other bonus features. Some I felt were less than worthwhile, others, such as the shorts "Grand Canyon" and "The Peter Tchaikovsky Story," were excellent bonuses. The number of bonuses on this two disc set was so large that there is a navigational overview included in the DVD that categorizes 38 features found on the second disc.

  With the movie and the wealth of bonuses, this movie is a must-buy for those who have yet to have "Sleeping Beauty." For those who have the VHS, the bonus material is nearly worth the cost of the DVD. Certainly those who are collectors of Disney memorabilia and historians of Disney will find the DVD to be a concise compendium of some of the best information available regarding this film. I highly recommend this DVD!
  
  

• Dark and brooding, with excellent intentions.
  By A2198FZZMTJ38H on 2001-05-04
  Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" is one of the most macabre and dark pictures ever. The tale of good versus evil is magically brought to life through an astonishing visual display of elite and sinister animation, combined with our heroes and villians, and a well-rendered musical score that is taken from the very music of Tchaikovsky. There is no doubt about it: this is a meticulous and excellently crafted motion picture which remains one of Disney's most ambitious and intriguing.

  The story remains the same: the princess Aurora is born into King Stephen's royal court, the pride and joy of all the kingdom, where celebrations and gifts are bestowed upon the small child. Tragedy strikes when the lone misfit of the kingdom, the evil and crafty Malificent, rains on their parade to place a curse on the child: "Before the sun sets on her 16th birthday, she shall prick her finger on a spindle of a spinning wheel, and die!" The kingdom is in peril with this news, and so the three fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merriweather conceal the child deep within the forest in a hidden cottage, raising the child under the assumption that she is of no royal relation.

  But what Disney movie would be complete without the obligatory second act of villainous treachery and heroes saving the day? This movie follows that same pattern, but in such an intense way that outweighs some of the live-action suspense we get from mainstream films. Malificent's curse comes true, and so it is up to Prince Phillip, whose love interest in the young princess drives him on his journey to seek out and rescue the maiden while defeating the creepy witch.

  Everything in this movie screams the word "medieval," from the animation of the elaborate castles to the creation of the forests and acts of mysticism and nature which accompany them. Attention to detail is great, focusing on such things as woven tapestries decorating the walls and ceilings of the castles, while the clothing worn by the characters dances between the elite society and the middle-class quite nicely. Other important settings in the movie, such as Malificent's castle, are given a gloomy, ominous look, dark and stormy, full of rotting and decay.

  This is also a classic evil-against-good story as well, attributing its successful execution to thr dazzling displays of magical powers as well as swarthy swordfights. Prince Phillip's treck through the forest of thorns still brings a certain amount of heightened suspense to an audience, while Malificent's character brings unease and restlessness to viewers. She is the embodiment of true evil, which is easy to see, while Prince Phillip is everything we want in a hero: dashing, morally just, and committed to his one true love.

  Comical relief is provided stupendously within the efforts of the three fairies, whose arguments amongst one another are hilarious and laugh-out-loud funny. Flora takes on the serious role, the one with the level head who makes sure that everything goes according to her plan. Fauna is douty and bird-brained, yet sweet-natured and high-spirited. Merriweather is the rebel, and her machinations in rebellion of Flora's perfect plans bring some funny moments, especially in a battle of the wills at the small cottage as they prepare for Aurora's birthday.

  The musical score plays throughout almost the entire film, unlike certain Disney films which have breaks in the score. The musical numbers sung by Aurora and Prince Phillip sell us on their love for one another, while the dark and brooding music of Malificent's power and evil fit the scenes perfectly. There are times when the music is frightening, and times when it brings cheer and delight to us.

  "Sleeping Beauty" remains one of my favorite movies, maintaining all the classical elements of the original work while giving it a wondrous and invigorating look. The visual style is comething to be admired and adored, while the story and the characters are crafted with heart and wit. This is Disney's darkest yet most complex piece, perhaps ever.
  
  

• Maleficent, You're Magnificent!
  By ABFJYHVD8RHLE on 2002-05-21
  I have watched this film countless times with my daughter, and find it to be one of the most beautiful drawn Disney features to date.The fourteenth century is the backdrop for King Stephan and his queen to introduce baby princess Aurora to the world. While she is being blessed by the 3 good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and the adorably chubby and rambunctious Merryweather, Maleficent rears her most intriguing, green pointed head. Angry about not being invited to the gathering, she bestows an evil curse upon the newborn, to "prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel, and DIE". This to happen before sundown on he sixteeth birthday. .............. The tale is beautifully spun among lushly drawn surroundings populated with one of a kind characters. Aurora is beautiful and innocent in the face of impending danger, King Hubert's son Prince Phillip is one of the most handsome princes. The three fairies who guard and raise Aurora in secret to protect her whereabouts from Maleficent, are lots of adorable fun. Speaking of Maleficent, she is probably my favorite Disney villain of all time, tied perhaps, with Snow Whites' "Old Hag", who is hideously hard to beat in the villain realm. ................... "Sleeping Beauty" is a quality Disney classic that has stood the test of time. I highly reccommend this entry is Disney's vast filmography for children, and their significant elders, to enjoy again, and again.
  
  
• Ideal for Blu-Ray
  By A10G4BPT5MGBHY on 2008-03-09
  In 1959, the New York Times called Sleeping Beauty "a crisply stylized fairyland where the colors are rich [and] the sounds are luscious." In his book The Disney Films, critic Leonard Maltin writes that Sleeping Beauty is "a very good film, but more so for older audiences than for young children." The Gospel According to Disney says the movie illustrates "an eternal promise of resurrection," while From Walt to Woodstock claims it is a "therapeutic experience" that celebrates "a male-female relationship based on true equality."
  
  As for me, I'd say that regardless of what you read into it, Sleeping Beauty is a must-own, especially if you have a Blu-Ray system and a huge widescreen television. A true Disney classic, the movie has such colorful and stunning visuals -- and such a strong villain -- that it makes up for its one major flaw: the lack of a good lead character.
  
  The art, for example, is astounding. Full of bright 1950s color, each background is a stylized, graphic collage of rectangles and straight lines that is also filled to the edges with meticulous details, every one in sharp focus. For each tree you see every leaf. For each shrub you see every thorn. It's as if the producers had Blu-Ray in mind when they made it.
  
  As a whole, the characters are terrific. Kids will love the fairies. On-screen longer than anyone else, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather fly like bumblebees, have lots of personality and are truly funny. They lose their temper and make many mistakes, especially when it comes to baking a birthday cake or sewing a dress.
  
  The villain is perhaps the scariest in any Disney film. "The mistress of all evil," devil-horned, green-skinned Maleficent is a high-class, sarcastic horror show all by herself. She curses baby Aurora to death, later imprisons a prince so that he can't save the girl, and eventually turns herself into a towering dragon that breathes green fire.
  
  In fact, the movie's only weakness is the princess herself. Aurora -- dare I say it? -- is quite a snooze. Unlike the lead characters in Cinderella or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this 16-year-old has an oh-so-plain, passive personality. With no history of being mistreated, she looks like a Barbie doll and sings like an opera star. You just can't relate to her.
  
  Still, the art is fantastic, children -- especially girls -- will love the story and parents can easily sit through it. This is the first Disney classic princess movie on Blu-Ray, and it's a fine start.
  
  
• New Release Coming OCTOBER 7, 2008!!!
  By A8V74RZY8TIRJ on 2008-01-16
  Walt Disney's animated classic "Sleeping Beauty" will once again be waltzing onto dvd this Ocotber 7, 2008! Like many other Disney dvd collectors, I was unable to get the previous release, due to the short release time that it spent on the store shelf! Needless to say, I'll be pre-ordering and getting a copy of this updated release- which will no doubt be on standard dvd, HD dvd, and BluRay dvd! I will also be ready to add "Pinocchio" (1940)-release date: March 2009, "Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs"(1938)- release date: October 2009, "Fantasia" (1940) release date: November 2009, and "Beauty & The Beast" (1991) release date: October 2010, to my Disney dvd collection! As we all know "release dates" are ALWAYS subject to change at the whim of a Disney executive!
  
  Disney fans who haven't already got, or would just like to have an extra copy- should grab their copies of "Cinderella" (1950) and "Aladdin" (1992), as well as their sequels- for they're on their way back to the vault!
  
  Release dates on Disney titles were obtained from HermanStreet.com
  
  
• ANOTHER DVD?
  By A379BSI5WUBWGC on 2008-05-22
  I was one of the fools who bought the 2-disc DVD of Sleeping Beauty a few years ago. Now, of course, Disney is bringing YET ANOTHER one out, claiming it is "better." How stupid do they think we are?
  It's just like what Lucas just did with the three Indiana Jones movies. Those were released five years ago in what we thought were the "Ultimate" version. Of course, they weren't.
  I'm sick and tired of being treated as a chump by Hollywood. Everyone should boycott these "re-releases."
  
  
• A medieval tapestry of love and hate.
  By A2198FZZMTJ38H on 2000-04-13
  Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty, while being one of the few Disney features to be shot in 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, is also one of its most ambitious and lush projects to date. The classic story of the princess Aurora, hidden from the evil clutches of Malificent in a forest cottage with three fairies, is brought to life with beautiful animation matched only by that of Beauty and the Beast. The songs, most of which are taken from the classical score by Tchaikowsky's ballad, sweep the viewer into a lush and sometimes gothic epitaph that never fails to bring each character, as well as their surroundings, to life. I'm pleading with Disney to please bring this movie out on DVD so that everyone can enjoy the widescreen release of this totally enthralling film.
  
  
• Excellent 2 Disk Set & Gorgeous Package
  By A1570WVJOCI3B9 on 2002-11-05
  I was in Lebanon for a week and was extremely surprised to find the Sleeping Beauty DVD in their Virgin Megastore, though the cover was in French, the employees there assured me it was in English too.

  The box is beautiful all in purple feautring the classic kiss scene with the transparent head of Maleficent over them. it's a gorgeous matt box that's open from the right.

  All the contents of the DVD is written on the back (in french sadly). Through the pocket you pull out the 2 DVD envelope case (like the EU Harry Potter DVD), the DVDs looks gorgeous and full of color. It also includes a shett of the scene numbers.

  The first DVD before anything asked if I wanted to watch the whole DVD in english or french- which i found delightful since I've never seen this in any DVD- and everyhting from menu to little details was in english.

  It contains the movie, making of feature, rescue Aurora game & a coloring book. The back of the DVD states there's also a special episode of Art Attack about making Sleeping Beauty's castle- sadly I didn't find this on the disk, so I don't know if this is a Hidden Feature. I tried to look for it but couldn't find it. One this is for sure, it's not on DVD 2. Interesting!

  Disk 2 was a disappointment since the menus are in french so I didn't know what was going on, and sadly even some of the videos were dubbed French over the english track, which is very annoying and unprofessional. And the features that actually were in English had large french subtitles, and there's is no option for not viewing subtitles. I must admit that the french menus are a turn off, so sadly I lost all anticipation to watch the special features that i eagerly awaited.

  One very important note, the DVD menus and Design is STUNNIG, the menus are made like old manuscripts and it's gorgeous. A very big shock is that this DVD is not released as a part of the "platinum collection" like Snow White & Beauty and the Beast, yet production wise, the cover, package, disk and menu designs surpass both Special Edition DVDs by a hundred mile.

  the only reason I'm writing this review is because I couldn't find any information about this DVD anywhere (even on Disney.com) and I thought Fans of this movie would love to know what they're getting. If you need any scans of screen shots of this DVD please feel free to contact me.
  
  

• Another twisted Disneyfication of a classic fairy tale...
  By A1TF7A86HC9KH on 2003-02-01
  This is another Disney "classic" in which almost all sense of the original fairy tale has been removed. In this case, things like rape, adultery, cannibalism and more. In place of the original story line Disney adds annoying soprano's trilling away, an evil witch that turns into a dragon, and a 16 year slumber party at the good fairies house!?! To experience the real Sleeping Beauty I suggest reading Giambattista Basile's "Sole, Luna, E Talia", Charles Perrault's "The Sleeping Beauty In The Wood", or even the Grimm's "Brier Rose". Disney destroys real classic fairy tales and controls the minds of your children.
  
  
• The most beautiful Disney film ever made
  By A2GZTI0EIOCQNZ on 2002-07-30
  "Sleeping Beauty" is a classic, needless to say. It's a wonderful romantic fairy tale story brought to the screen with fantastically realistic animation, haunting and melodic Tchaikovsky music, humor, and gorgeous backdrops. The most extraordinary thing about this animated film is that no computers were used. Every pose was hand-drawn and painted (remember when animated films were drawn by hand?), and transferred to 70 mm, another first for a Disney film.
  This is guaranteed to make a great transition to DVD. The restored version on VHS is already beautiful and it's not even in widescreen. Not only can I not wait to see the film in its original format, but I also look forward to also seeing other documentaries about the process of making the movie and why it is still timeless today. Hopefully they'll produce a disk or two similar to the one they made for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," celebrating the debut of a landmark animated film on DVD. If only studio execs would get cracking!
  
  
• Sleeping Beauty (Two-Disc Platinum Edition) - Blu-ray Info
  By AHABFECTNE15I on 2008-09-30
  Version: U.S.A / Region-A
  MPEG-4 AVC BD-50 / High Profile 4.1 / High Profile 3.2 (BonusView)
  Aspect ratio: 2.55:1
  Running time: 1:15:10
  Movie size: 18,36 GB
  Disc size: 37,69 GB
  Average video bit rate: 24.05 Mbps
  
  DTS-HD Master Audio English 4459 kbps 7.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 4459kbps (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48kHz / 24-bit / 1536kbps)
  Dolby Digital Audio English 640 kbps 4.0 / 48kHz / 640kbps
  Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48kHz / 192kbps
  
  Subtitles: English / English SDH
  
  Number of chapters: 30
  
  # Original Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Walk
  # Alternate Opening
  # All New Documentary Picture Perfect: The Making of Sleeping Beauty
  # A New DVD Game, Briar Rose's Enchanted Dance Game
  # Four Deleted Songs
  # Grand Canyon (HD)
  # The Peter Tchaikovsky Story (HD)
  # Four Artists Paint One Tree (HD)
  # Fun with English Game
  #Maleficent's Challenge
  #Dragon Encounter
  #Cine-Explore (BonusView)
  #Restoring The Sound Track
  #Customized Living Menu
  #Disney BD-Live Network - Movie Chat / Movie Mail / Movie Challenge / Disney Movie Rewards Live
  #DVD of Sleeping Beauty
  
  
• The most underrated Disney film ever
  By A2GQOI25E6UY25 on 2002-05-27
  "Sleeping Beauty" has always been something of an anomaly in the Disney canon. There isn't another movie like it, animated or otherwise, and its tendency to go overlooked renders the distinction all the more tragic. With all due respect to "Pinocchio," "Bambi, "Fantasia," "Cinderella" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," they're just not "Sleeping Beauty."

  Walt Disney made his sixteenth animated feature (and there is no more appropriate number for this particular fairy tale) at a volatile stage in his studio career, and the final product reflects many experimental but surprisingly harmonious influences. The entrancing score was taken from an original ballet by Tchaikovsky, and the animation, clearly derived from medieval imagery, has both an astonishing purity and a curious quaintness. It doesn't leap off the screen the same way "Snow White" does, and the human characters, many of whom are intentionally comic as opposed to heroic figures, don't have nearly as much fullness or dimension.

  "Sleeping Beauty," based on a story by Charles Perrault, transforms that vice into a virtue. What to make, after all, of a fairy tale whose heroine spends most of the movie out of commission? Well, if you're Walt Disney, you relegate the near-perfunctory love story to the backburner while the Good Fairies and Maleficent calmly steal the picture. A risky solution, but in this case, the best one. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who were inspired by real-life old ladies at the supermarket (Merryweather, in particular, is so cute you wish you could keep her on your bookshelf), have an intoxicating fussiness, and their conversation sparkles with the sort of pleasant banter you can enjoy as a child and enjoy even more as an adult. As for Maleficent (magnificently voiced by Eileen Audley), running neck-and-neck with "The Little Mermaid's" Ursula for the title of all-time greatest Disney villain, she's a wickedly charismatic presence, as chillingly beautiful as she is demonic.

  Scene for scene, "Sleeping Beauty" has more imaginative visual curlicues and hidden-gem sequences than nearly any other Disney movie. To watch the film a second, third or fiftieth time is to be in a state of constant anticipation of the next glorious set-piece, whether it's the harrowing extended climax -- a truly thrilling clash between good and evil, and a considerably more violent spectacle than we're accustomed to in movies like this -- or a moment as simple and luminous as the Fairies disappearing into a jewelry case.

  The animators have employed a higher degree of stylization and more surreal touches than usual (watch the early scenes in which the Fairies bestow their individual gifts upon the princess), complemented in full by Tchaikovsky's marvelous music. I can't remember when I've seen such an impressive confluence of sound and image, such a seamless match-up between the nuances of melody and rhythm and the accompanying shifts in color and movement. The score is unapologetically devoid of Broadway-style numbers and tongue-in-cheek lyrics (there is one musical sequence featuring the requisite "cute" rabbits, robins, squirrel and owl, none of whom, thankfully, burst into song), lending the film a timeless classicism that today's animation, steeped in pop-culture references and misguided attempts at Gen-Y appeal, can only dream of.

  I watched "Sleeping Beauty" recently for the first time in nearly a decade, and the experience was like reuniting with a very old, very eccentric friend. I could analyze it to death (I probably already have), but fairy tales, especially Disney fairy tales, aren't made to withstand academic scrutiny. They're made to be remembered, not as a homogeneous mishmash of stale happy endings, but as individual vintages, each with its own vivid flavors and memories. "Sleeping Beauty" -- to quote a lesser classic, the fairest of them all -- is a film to savor and cherish.
  
  

• ASTOUNDING VISUAL BEAUTY AND AN EQUALLY OUTSTANDING SCORE!!
  By A37DZX4F5RU2PQ on 2003-08-02
  Following in the traditional style of Walt's masterpieces Snow White and Cinderella, this Disney classic is true to the Charles Perraut version of the French fairy tale. Over six years in the making and entailing a budget of over 6 million dollars, 'The Sleeping Beauty' became one of the top-grossing movies of 1959, second only to Ben Hur.
  

  Sleeping Beauty was the first animated motion picture to be filmed in the 75 mm widescreen format, unlike its predecessors Cinderella, Pinocchio and Snow White. The animation, which is extremely luscious and poignant, is also portrayed in finer details. The Renaissance influenced backgrounds and castles and the vibrant splendor of the forests are a beauty to be marveled at. Equally outstanding is the brilliant adaptation of the Peter Tchaikovsky score, which is richly melodious and simply surrounds you throughout the movie. The Oscar nominated score truly adds to the visual stunningness of Sleeping Beauty.
  

  The characters are wonderfully created with an in-depth look into each of their respective personalities. Princess Aurora is the deity of beauty and feminine coyness embedded in a romantic heart. Prince Phillip is handsome, brave, noble and passionate and possesses every virtue of an ideal hero. Maleficent is a unique villain, her cruelty and wickedness sometimes a little too scary for younger viewers. The three good fairies; Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, are each created with remarkable liveliness. Flora is the self-appointed leader of the trio; Fauna of a soft-hearted, peace-loving nature; and Merryweather her impatient, practical-minded self. King Stefan and Hubert and the prince's horse, Samson add a lot of humor to the tale.
  

  The vocal talents comprise of Mary Costa as Aurora, whose solo classical numbers are a pleasure to hear. Eleanor Audley, who had brought to life Cinderella's cruel stepmother with stunning chillness, was asked by Walt Disney himself to portray the role of Maleficent. Bill Shirley is excellent as the speaking and singing voice of Phillip and Verna Felton voices Flora with warmth and spasm.
  

  Overall, a visual and musical masterpiece which is coming to a 2 Disc special edition DVD on September 7, 2003 in the US; and has already been released in a 2 Disc collector's set in Europe the April of this year. I own the European one, and must say that 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is breath-taking. The European Disc also provides a fascinating DTS track; which although not available for the US release, is compensated there by an additional 1.33:1 fullscreen presentation of the movie and a few trailers (but take it from me, the visual beauty of this movie can only be appreciated in the widescreen format). The bonus features on Disc two offer an in-depth look at the film itself and how it was made. Also included are vast virtual galleries, a set-top game, some live-action references and lots of other interesting aspects. So enjoy this classic masterpiece from Disney in all its glory. I simply adore this movie and shall always cherish it with me.
  
  

• "Good over Evil ~ Sleeping Beauty by Disney"
  By A2A7NHE5HTK79N on 2003-08-18
  The final of the Disney fairy tale series is no sleeper in "Sleeping Beauty", a classic tale with all the trimmings ~ including one of the best loved scores ever to grace the big screen. Must make mention the music was nominated for Best Musical Score in 1959, the Tchaikovsky composition blending pure adaptation through brilliant arrangements. The films running time is 75 minutes, but all the extras of bonus features and technical specifications is pure gravy.

  Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound gives the viewer options of Widescreen and Fullscreen ~ "RESCUE AURORA" set-top adventure game ~ 3-D virtual galleries ~ "ONCE UPON A DREAM" is The making of Sleeping Beauty" ~ Story Reels ~ Princess personality game ~ Sleeping Beauty ink and paint game ~ Academy award- winning "GRAND CANYON" short film ~ The brilliant music ~ The design ~ The restoration ~ Four artists paint one tree ~ "THE PETER TCHAIKOVSKY STORY" ~ Creating the backgrounds ~ DVD-ROM links ~ THX-certified ~ and much, much more!

  This is a must have for "Disney-classic-collectors" that will do your ever growing collection proud. This is someting you'll cherish and watch over and over again through the years. Disney has done it again ~ it just keeps getting better with every DVD release from the Disney people...gotta love it!
  
  Total: 2-CD-Set ~ Walt Disney Home Video 29755 ~ (9/09/2003)
  
  

• ONLY BEAUTY DESERVES THIS HONOR!!
  By A3GXYU5MZX5SXC on 2008-02-09
  I cannot think of a more deserving Disney animated classic than SLEEPING BEAUTY to be the FIRST to be released on a platinum edition BLU-RAY disc.
  Owning the two-disc DVD edition, and seeing the splendid already restored negative in that release, I can only imagine the magnificent quality of the 1080p picture and 7 channel Dolby soundtrack. This is one of Disney's most ambitious and yet underestimated film, in my opinion the best of the animated classics. I cannot wait until October 7th to see this on my home theatre screen. Hurry Disney!!!
  
  
• A Classic But Long in the Tooth
  By A5EC51YJ7OGI9 on 2003-11-08
  I remember seeing this film in the theater, not sure what year. It was the habit of Disney to show their films in rotation, one year Sleeping Beauty, another Bambi, another Snow White, Fantasia, Alice In Wonderland, and so on. This was before the age of VCR's. When I saw it I was very small. Maleficent, the evil witch that put a curse on Aurora, frightened me, as she did when she became the gigantic fire-breathing dragon. I had a few nightmares about this film.

  I would caution parents with very small children to watch the tape first without the child present to see if these images are appropriate for their child. At times, Disney was a bit too over-the-top in the earlier classic cartoons when it came to violence and death and I can recall a few other films he made where the images were too much for me to understand and frightened me instead. I remembering being very upset when Bambi's mother was shot dead, crying through a good portion of the rest of the film. When I saw Snow White's stepmother turn into the wicked old hag I could no longer look at the screen and wanted to leave the theater.

  Disney's company was even responsible for a horrible cartoon called "Hitler's Children" that was made during WWII, I believe as propaganda. (I was able to view this cartoon recently and was appalled at the images and language!) So, even though these old cartoon films are called "classics" parents should take the time to view them before their children do and spare their children some unhappy moments. I wish my parent had had the same option.

  The rest of the film tells a good story and the art is visually interesting despite being so old. I give this film 2 1/2 stars
  
  

• An Instant Classic
  By on 2004-01-30
  Looking at it today, one can't realize how could this film possibly flop in its initial release. Back in 1959, it cost a monstrous $6 million to produce and earned back less than that. Its failure almost caused the company a bankruptcy and as a resault, subsequent Disney releases used the cheaper Xerox style and the cut-in-costs immediately showed. Disney films never looked as glamorous or as lavish as they used to, up until "The Little Mermaid" arrived in 1989. Nevertheless, all the hard work put on "Sleeping Beauty" paid off. This film is still as breathtaking as ever, especially from today's point of view. Unlike today, where every animated film is made fully by computer, "Sleeping Beauty" dates back to a time where human hands used to do the whole job. And visually, it's definitely in the same league as today's features. One can't realize the amount of attention to detail (most notably in the forest where Aurora meets Prince Phillip). The music in the movie is by Tchaikovsky, so you might recognize some old tunes you know. Character-wise, Aurora is a pretty passive heroine, whereas her sidekicks, three charmingly sweet fairies, are much more effective in the story. The villainess in the film is the diabolic Melficent. She is up there with Ursula as the two best Disney villainesses ever. The film's highlight is generally thought to be the dragon fight at the end, and for good reason. It's masterfully animated and is an excellent example of how a good climax should be.
  "Sleeping Beauty" is a masterpiece which should be enjoyed by everyone.
  
  
• "SLEEPING BEAUTY": DISNEY'S DEFINITIVE FAIRY TALE MASTERPIECE
  By A3PPSZB0W5DZH6 on 2008-03-11
  "Sleeping Beauty" (1959) marked a stunning departure from the usual "house style" of animation at Disney Studios. Eyvind Earle designed the production to resemble a Renaissance painting in motion; with a stylized juxtaposition of horizontal and vertical lines in relation to the characters and backgrounds. This extremely expensive, lavish film took six years to complete, and, for once, you can see where all the money went. It's right up there on screen-- thankfully preserved forever on DVD. The expense and time are extremely well-justified. "Sleeping Beauty" is Disney's definitive fairy-tale masterpiece!
  The film presents a wonderous 14-Century Kingdom where good and evil magic are both commonly practiced. Malificent is certainly the Wickedest of all Disney Witches. Malificent, voiced with icy authority by the outstanding Eleanor Audley (who also voiced Lady Tremaine, the cruel, abusive Stepmother in Disney's "Cinderella") is the self-proclaimed "Mistress Of All Evil." She places infant Princess Aurora and her Kingdom under a curse that is to be fulfilled on her 16th birthday.
  "Sleeping Beauty" is blessedly free of the slapstick humor and superfluous "padding" found in Disney's "Snow White" and "Cinderella." This story is told in a straitforward manner. The Good Fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather (Merryweather resembles my beloved Aunt Betty) attempt to save Aurora from Malificent by raising her like little old mortal women in a cottage in the woods. They call Aurora by the name Briar Rose. Their attempts at making a cake and dress for her 16th birthday are so disasterous they resort to magic. When sparkles from their magic wands fly up the chimney, Malificent's raven knows he has at last discovered the hiding Princess. The fairies are so inept at cake-baking and dress-making like mortals, I do wonder HOW they managed to feed and dress themselves and the young girl AT ALL for 16 entire years, but I won't ponder this plot problem any further.
  A nice case of romantic, mistaken identity is employed. The Princess meets Prince Phillip without knowing he's a Prince. Phillip thinks Aurora is a common peasant girl. Mary Costa provides the beautiful soprano voice for Aurora/Briar Rose. She sings the haunting songs "I Wonder" and "Once Upon A Dream", based on themes from Tchcovsky's Sleeping Beauty Ballet. It is a pity that Aurora/Briar Rose is not a well defined or developed character, and she spends half the film in a sleeping coma. Prince Phillip, however, is very well-defined and active. The two Prince Charmings in "Snow White" and "Cinderella" are bland plot footnotes and afterthoughts. The same CAN NOT be said of Phillip, who, with some help from the Good Fairies, leaps into action to save himself and his beloved Princess from Malificent's black magic. The climax, with Malificent transforming herself into a demonic dragon, is one of the most scary battles of Good Versus Evil in cinema history. As Tchchovsky's score rages on, Malificent screams, "Now, you shall deal with me, Oh Prince-- and ALL THE POWERS OF HELL!!!!!" Hey, that's heavy stuff for a Disney film. I LOVE IT!!!!!!
  On repeated adult viewings, Disney's "Snow White" and "Cinderella" leave me feeling cold and disappointed. "Sleeping Beauty" thrills me and is vastly superior. The animation is detailed and dazzling. This film lingers long in my imagination, and I often return to the enchantment that only happens "Once Upon A Dream." And it all happens in an amazing 75 minute running time! "Snow White", at 83-84 minutes, feels draggy and much too long to me.
  
  
• 2 Disc Platinum Edition: Fantastic Movie & Extras
  By A8S11VP9Z36D6 on 2008-09-28
  Sleeping Beauty is considered one of Disney's most artistically beautiful films, and the new Platinum Edition 2 Disc DVD release is a fitting new polishing of the Disney gem. The story is about Princess Aurora, who was cursed as a baby by the evil witch Maleficent due to the fact that she was not invited to the christening. Fated to an eternal sleep upon reaching the age of 16, she is given somewhat of a reprieve by one of the Good Fairies who bestows upon Aurora the blessing of being reawakened by true love's kiss. The 3 Good Fairies (Flora, Merryweather, and Fauna) take Aurora into the woods as a baby and raise her as Briar Rose in order to keep her away from Maleficent, hopefully avoiding the curse in the first place. However, on the crest of her 16th birthday, Aurora happens to meet Prince Phillip and naturally falls in love. Neither knows the true identity of the other and that their kingdoms have already decreed that they marry each other. When she is returned to her parents, the King & Queen, Aurora is upset that she cannot marry her boyfriend from the woods, and instead, must marry a Prince she has not met (as far as she knows). Maleficent finds the Princess and carries out her original curse. Can Prince Philip save the Princess with true love's kiss?
  
  The film looks and sounds spectacular. Shot in Super Technirama 70, the widescreen (2.55:1 enhanced for 16x9 TVs) film has been restored using state-of-the-art technology, and will fill up your speakers with its 5.1 enhanced home theater mix. For purists, the restored original theater track is also included. Either way you choose, Mary Costa (the voice of Aurora) sounds incredible. It would be hard to imagine anyone else vocalizing the Princess with such warmth and beauty. Eleanor Audley also deserves kudos for her vocalization of the evil Maleficent. She is definitely one of the most scary and memorable Disney characters.
  
  This project was special to Walt; it was the last feature based on a fairy-tale (until 1989's "Little Mermaid"). Since the studio had already done a similar tale with "Snow White," Walt wanted to make it different by adding a classical music inspired Tchaikovsky score and giving the film a less cartoony and more artistic visual representation. Breaking all box-office records, this film succeeded on all levels.
  
  And the extras...wow! On Disc One, in addition to the feature, you get:
  
  *Music & More: "Once Upon A Dream" music video performed by Hannah Montana's Emily Osment, who updates the song with a pop rock beat
  
  * Disney Song Selection: Instantly access your favorite songs from the movie
  
  * Backstage Disney includes audio commentary for the film (John Lasseter, film critic Leonard Maltin, and Disney animator Andreas Déja), Princess Fun Facts (pop-up trivia fact option while watching the movie), "Grand Canyon" short (1959 Oscar winner for best short subject film and features the music of Ferde Grof's "Grand Canyon Suite"), and The Peter Tchaikovsky Story. The Peter Tchaikovsky story was featured on the 1959 Walt Disney Presents anthology. It was a historic telecast due to the fact that home viewers could listen in true-stereophonic sound, by turning on two additional radios with ABC simulcast of the necessary stereophonic channels. Disney explains the process at the beginning of the featurette. You can choose between this version and the version that replaces Disney's explanation. Although the featurette was first broadcast in black and white, it was shot in color. The remaining color footage is here on this DVD set.
  
  * Naturally, there are trailers/promos for other Disney films, including the upcoming theatrical release "Princess & The Frog" and the next Platinum Edition DVD release, "Pinocchio."
  
  Extras on Disc 2:
  
  Games & Activities:
  * Briar Rose's Enchanted Dance Game: Learn to Waltz, taking on the role of Princess Aurora or Prince Phillip.
  * "Sleeping Beauty" Fun With Language Game. This one is definitely for VERY young children who must identify the most basic of words using visuals from the film.
  
  Backstage Disney:
  * Picture Pefect: The Making Of "Sleeping Beauty" (43:32) A wonderful documentary detailing the making of the movie. Features interviews with animators and Mary Costa, who is still beautiful today. Watching this will definitely enhance your appreciation for this movie as the artistic masterpiece that it is.
  * Eyvind Earle: The Man and His Art (7:33) is about the man responsible for the artistic backgrounds and overall look of the film. Disney stepped up everyone's game at the animation studio by having Earle oversee the design. Features interviews with Alice Davis and John Canemaker.
  * Alternate Opening (3:28) is recreated with storyboards and sketches. After viewing this, I'd say they made the right decision, as the music intended for this sequence was more pop-oriented and not fitting the classical Tchaikovsky score.
  * 3 Deleted Songs
  * 8 Art Galleries, including visual design, character development, storyboards, publicity, and a detailed look at the Storybook featured in the film's opening,
  * Original Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough attraction, unseen for years, presented in a virtual digital recreation which is BREATHTAKING. Almost like being at Disneyland. "Tour" it yourself, or with host Tony Baxter explaining your tour as you go through. There is also a featurette explaining the history of the walkthrough.
  * Sequence 8 (Forest Scene) (5:30) is a featurette that shows the detail and labor that went into this sequence put together by Disney's famous "Nine Old Men." This sequence alone cost the studio over $10,000. It is also interesting to note that only about 8 drawings were able to be done per day because of the precision required; considering it takes 24 to make a second of film, well...you do the math.
  * Publicity features 3 trailers (teaser, original 1959, and 1995 re-release)
  * "Four Artists Paint One Tree" (16:08) is a 1958 featurette that has four Disney artists (Marc Davis, Eyvind Earle, Joshua Meador, and Walt Peregoy) painting the same tree, each showing their own personal style. Walt Disney himself encourages each to "be themselves." An excellent lesson for budding young artists.
  * Storyboard sequences
  * Live-action reference footage. See three of the black and white films that were shot to aid the animators. Especially fun to watch is the sequence where Prince Phillip fights the dragon.
  
  What a set! Definitely not to be missed for your Disney home movie collection.
  
  
• Classic Disney Storytelling! A Complete Masterpeice!
  By A3EHD2IZEYRU25 on 2000-08-14
  I alway's awaited the day when my favorite movies would be on TV and Sleeping Beauty had to be one of them. My favorite Disney film until The Rescuers was released is still a favorite of mine. The animation is spectacular & the villin Malificent is the most evil and terrifing Disney villin ever. The story takes place in a magical medievil kingdom where King Stephan & his Queen have just been given the gift of a baby which they named Aurora. During the celbration of her birth the three good faries Flora, Fauna, & Merryweather bestow gifts upon the tiny princess. But before Merryweather can say her gift the evil fariy Malificent crashes the party she then places a curse upon the child that before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday she shall prick her finger on a spinning wheel & die.

  After she vanishes Merryweather gives her gift that when her finger does prick the spindle of the spinning wheel that instead of dying she will fall into sleep which only true loves first kiss will awaken her. The three faries then decide to bring up the young princess in the forest until after her birthday. Sworn off magic & a new name for the princess (Rose) as the only means to her protection. Rose is strictly forbiddon to talk to strangers but when she meets Prince Phillip in the forest she falls in love not knowing that he is the prince she is to be married to. When Malificent finds the princess she has to use all her powers in order to put Aurora to sleep and keep Phillip from finding her.

  Amazing Animation, Excellent voice talents, & Spectacular Songs give this film the edge of all other Disney films.
  
  

• Long Live the Princess Aurora!
  By A2O7XXGIOYVR8R on 2003-08-26
  The good faeries at Disney and Amazon.com provided me with an advance copy of the "Sleeping Beauty" Special Edition DVD, and I couldn't be more pleased.

  The movie is (obviously) a classic, and the animation holds up well in the face of the modern, stylized approach to traditional animation. True, there aren't any computer-generated images in "Sleeping Beauty," but it remains one of the best-crafted cartoons of all time.

  I was very impressed with the sound and picture quality, and the choice to watch the movie widescreen or full-screen was a nice feature. It's the best presentation of "Sleeping Beauty" that I've ever seen.

  The second disk is packed with in-depth information about the making of the movie, and the restoration of the film for this DVD release. It's great stuff for afficionados, but it's even interesting for casual fans.

  Even if you already own a VHS copy of Disney's "Sleeping Beauty," you should absolutely pick up the Special Edition DVD. Click "add to cart" right now!

  - cousinpaco
  
  

• Darkly Beautiful - Archetypal Depth - Superb Color Styling
  By A3D561U68TE3MN on 2003-09-24
  Highly recommended to those who want to see background art at its zenith. Taking one aspect at a time: 1) COLOR: Incredible! The same dark intensity I remember from the 70mm prints. One reviewer said the DVD color blew away the original theatrical print he saw when the film was first released. He may have seen a 35mm print back then, because the original 70mm print I saw in 1959 was about equivalent to this DVD, but, in the theatre, the image on the retinas if all viewers in the 20 or so rows nearest the screen was much bigger -- bigger than is currently possible, while maintaining sharpness, with any home equipment. 70mm in those days was projected on a very large screen with at least some curve, and was meant to simulate the arc of vision. In Sleeping Beauty, the effect seemed like being immersed in a dream-like, ornate, medieval world. That the color in the DVD is equivalent to the 70mm, the first DVD I can say that about, means that the restorers and transferors are to be heartily congratulated! The marvelous color styling of Eyvend Earl comes through in all of its carefully thought out detail. There is a marvelous, rich, often dark look. There is a wider range of colors, and more variegated backgrounds, both drawn and suggested, than usual, by far. The story I heard a few years after the film was released, during a visit to the Disney studio (as a college newspaper writer) was that Disney had asked Earl (and the other background artists) for "A moving Illustration; a medieval tapestry come to life." "But Walt, medieval tapestries had muted colors!" "But Eyvend, ours won't!" Disney, Earl, and the others later decided to go for dark, rich images, and to imitate the fancier and more colorful style of the rubrics. While it would not be appropriate for many other films, this color is the best of the best.

  2) SOUND. They toned down the dynamics, and shaved off the deep bass! Try turning the Bass control way up, and crank up the subwoofer, if it has a separate control. If you have seen the film before, ask other viewers to step out of the room for a moment, and go to one of the scenes with thunder, or the climax, and make sure there is enough bass -- then go to another spot and check to see if the quiet and delicate treble music is still clear. The escape from the castle and the events immediately following should be overwhelming, and Tchaikovsky's mad, wild, frenzied string music -- particularly the "Dance Vertigo" part of the Sleeping Beauty Ballet that they used for the thorns catching on fire, and just about the whole climactic sequence (as the prince tries to get to Aroura's castle), should really rage, and shake the floor. It did in the theater in 70mm and 6 channel stereo, and it did at my house, when I got through with it. Manufacturers often slice bass and dynamics in DVDs of films that had spectacular sound, to avoid blowing out the feeble speakers people have in their TV sets. They should either offer special "full dynamics" DVDs for those who are equipped, or just risk it.

  3) THE FILM AS A WHOLE : Using Goethe's Three Principles: a) "What was the artist trying to do?" Probably trying to make a more elaborate and beautiful than usual Disney fairy tale film. b) "How well has the artist done that?" Very well indeed, in most ways. Much of the archetypal depth of such tales is intact. There is the nurturing mother (aunt type, in the three good fairies) the incompetent parent (King/Queen/ and the good fairies when befuddled), and the feared/bad mother (you-know-who). Jung would have liked the demonstration of what happens when you try to exclude the bad/feared parent from your consciousness. The Uninvited. More scuttlebutt from the time the film was released: at first, Disney was going to have all the good fairies the same, and mysterious, (this was partly confirmed in the supplementary material on disk 2). This was rumored to be in response to critics who didn't like him giving the Dwarfs in Snow White, and later the Mice in Cinderella, very individual personalities. Based on his many humorous, public comments, if this happened to be true, he might not have admitted paying attention to the critics. When the animators complained that making the fairies the same was "no fun," he decided to go the other way, and make them very individual, and since one of them was to be named Flora anyway, he decided to make her gently bossy, like his own mother, a school teacher, who was named Flora. So Flora in SB is Disney's mother, and Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins is his father (with a little of Walt thrown in by Bill Walsh and Don Da Grady). I would have used a larger orchestra, and not lightened Tchaikovsky's music quite so much (but in the fiery climax the music used is untouched, except for adding a repeat!. They did a marvelous thing by turning the "Blue Bird" into a vocalise for Aurora walking into the forest! c) "Was it worth doing? " Yes. And you will see several younger animators/artists in supplementary materials saying how much it influenced them. Favorite characters: Merriwether and Maleficent, the quintessence of projected evil.

  4) SUITABILITY FOR CHILDREN --- not too young, can be scary.
  For more information about 70mm, try the excellent widescreenmuseum.com & in70mm.com
  
  

• a "Once Upon a Dream" experience
  By ABH4G7TVI6G2T on 2005-07-26
  In 1987, as a wide-eyed 6-year-old, I saw SLEEPING BEAUTY during it's cinema re-release. It was probably the first time I ever went to the movies. The experience definitely stayed with me and fired my love of Disney movies which had begun when I was a toddler with ALICE IN WONDERLAND and MARY POPPINS on video. Now so many years later I have relished collecting and revisiting all the Disney classics on DVD, and the 2-disc edition of SLEEPING BEAUTY is something really special. Six years in the making, the movie made history for being the first animated feature shot in 70mm and was the 2nd highest-grossing film of the 1960s' (second only to BEN-HUR).
  
  The story is well-known: Beautiful Princess Aurora is cursed as a baby by the cruel Maleficent. On her 16th birthday she'll die from pricking her finger on a spindle. Good fairy Merryweather remedies the curse by changing death to sleep, and the awakening of Aurora by the kiss of true love. However, to ensure that Aurora does not meet this fate at all, the fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather take the infant deep into the forest, where they pose as three spinsters and rename the child Briar Rose. On her 16th birthday the girl will be quietly smuggled back to the palace with Maleficent none-the-wiser. However things take an unexpected turn when Briar Rose falls in love with a handsome Prince, and the princess is ultimately discovered despite the best efforts of the fairies'.
  
  The production design by Eyvind Earl takes it's cue from medieval tapestries and paintings. The score, freely-adapted from Tchaikovsky's ballet, is lush with "Once Upon a Dream" and "I Wonder" the main standouts. Mary Costa, later one of the leading opera singers of the 60s' and 70s', performs the role of Aurora/Briar Rose and does a fantastic job. The character of Prince Phillip (voiced by Bill Shirley) is the first prince in a Disney fairytale that takes an active role in the story. The prince-roles in SNOW WHITE and CINDERELLA are quite static and uninteresting. Eleanor Audley (who also memorably voiced CINDERELLA's icy stepmother Lady Tremaine) works her magic again with Maleficent, still one of Disney's strongest villains. Verna Felton, Vera Vague and Barbara Luddy play Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. Disney fans will remember Felton from CINDERELLA (the Fairy Godmother), ALICE IN WONDERLAND (the Queen of Hearts) and LADY AND THE TRAMP (Aunt Sarah). Barbara Luddy's voice you'll also remember as that of Lady in LADY AND THE TRAMP.
  
  Disney has done a terrific job in restoring SLEEPING BEAUTY for this 2-disc Special Edition. The film is presented in its Technirama 70mm proportions with 5.1 sound mix (as well as an optional DTS mix). The colours are strong and vibrant with the use of High Definition Video employed to clean up every frame of animation. Some great extras are included, featuring a 'Making Of' segment with Mary Costa and Eyvind Earl both extensively interviewed. There's also a recreation of the original Disneyland 'Sleeping Beauty Walk-Through attraction' which features early concept art by Earl. The lovely Disney cinema featurette THE PETER TCHAIKOVSKY STORY is also included along with a cute set-top adventure game 'Rescue Aurora', plus lots more.
  
  
• A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER
  By A26HFSVLAGULIM on 2005-10-18
  My 6-year-old son and I watched this movie last night. I had seen it years ago in the theaters and a couple more times over the decades, but I had never seen the color of it like I did on this Special Edition DVD. Wow! Everything is so vibrant! My son and I are color fanatics, so it had our attention right from the start.
  
  Sleeping Beauty is visually arresting. Aurora is one of the most lovely creations of our time and Mary Costa's beautiful voice is perfectly suited to the artwork. The green of Maleficent's cruel visage practically leaps off the screen. The backgrounds are intricately detailed and thoughtfully stylized. The three fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, are delightful, especially Merryweather and her petulant intonations (you may recognize her as the well-bred Lady of "Lady and the Tramp"). The reworking of Tchaikovsky's classic melodies lends a lovely, lilting tone to the settings and characters.
  
  The digital transfer and restoration is wonderful and I like that you have the option of viewing the film in either wide- or fullscreen format. I invariably select the widescreen, but I do understand that others do not care for the black bars. The features on the second disk are pleasant and informative for the entire family. There are plenty of fun activities for the children such as the "Princess Personality Profile", the "Sleeping Beauty Ink & Paint Game", and the "Rescue Aurora Adventure Game". Nostalgia buffs will enjoy the inclusion of vintage programming such as "The Peter Tchaikovsky Story" and "Four Artists Paint One Tree".
  
  Don't miss the chance to add this classic to your movie collection right away!
  
  
• For Your Princess
  By A3KKM0T1KY42HA on 2006-09-26
  It's so wonderful to live in a time when Disney's strange behavior of taking their classics off the market can be circumvented by great Internet marketers like Amazon. I was able to buy this 5 Star Disney Princess classic recently for my young princess through one of Amazon's third-party sellers. And without that opportunity, my little princess may have outgrown Snow White by the time Disney released it again.
  
  Let me just say that my little one was absolutely captivated by Sleeping Beauty, and to think that she would be deprived by Disney itself from seeing it at her perfect age is criminal.
  
  The story is familiar enough to any parent, so I won't go on about that other than to say that of all the Disney Princess classics, Sleeping Beauty (and Snow White) has some scenes that might scare a young princess under the age of 5.
  
  But you should take advantage of purchasing Sleeping Beauty or any of the other "off-the-market" Disney princess classics like Beauty and the Beast now via one of this site's resellers if you have a little princess of your own that might not appreciate it as much when Disney decides that it's time.
  
  And indeed, you will enjoy Sleeping Beauty or any of the other Princess classics as thoroughly as your young one.
  
  Side Note: Beware of exorbitant reseller prices; renting may be a better option if available. Also beware of REGION 2 resales; Region 2 DVDs will not play in most US DVD players. Look for Region 1 US Amazon resellers.
  
  
  

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Disney Special Platinum Edition)
• Tinker Bell
• The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Beginning
• Beauty and the Beast
• Wall-E (Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)