Peter Pan Diamond Edition Blu-ray review

Actors: Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Paul Collins, Tommy Luske, Bill Thompson

Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske

Writers: Milt Banta, William Cottrell, Winston Hibler, Bill Peet, Erdman Penner

Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Subtitled

Language: English (DTS-HD High Res Audio), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Subtitles: French, Spanish, English

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Rated: G (General Audience)

Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Run Time: 77 minutes

 

 

 

There are some films from my childhood when watched again in later years seem more than a little disappointing. My newfound notions on the art of film intrude upon my senses whereas my childhood was filled with a less judgmental way of being entertained. Simply put, some films don’t live up to my memory of them. Rarely is a film good enough to inspire us as children and again do the same when we are adults. Peter Pan is a special film, and one which has an additional layer of enjoyment when watched as an adult, because the film is essentially about remembering to take a break from life and return to our inner child. I cherish my second viewing of Peter Pan, perhaps even more than I did as a child.

 

Wendy loves telling her brothers stories of Peter Pan and the magical world of Never Land, but it isn’t until Wendy’s last night in the nursery that peter Pan shows up in flesh. Wendy is about to grow up upon the demands of her father, and only Pan can cure this by taking them off to Never Land. With the help of Tinker Bell’s fairy dust the children fly off into the magical world and are greeted by all sorts of adventures as Captain Hook plots against them. I could pass on the trendy new pirate films and watch this classic a dozen times over. Peter and the kids fight swashbuckling pirates, encounter Indians, mermaids and more, all before they realize that they miss their mother and decide to return.

 

This being the Diamond Edition there are higher expectations put upon what is included over previous releases, platinum or otherwise. There is a digital restoration with enhanced picture and sound, giving an extra shine on Tinker Bell, but it is never noticeable enough to distract from the much loved hand animation. Also include is a 5.1 enhanced home theater mix on the audio track. As far as the special features are concerned there are some throw away features such from the past DVDs, such as music videos pushing new artists that Disney has an interest in, but there are just as many fantastic new features as well.

 

            Al-new to the playback experience is Disney’s latest feature, “Disney Intermission.” This is a marvelously creative idea, and one which will keep the kids satisfied if there is a phone call or reason the film needs to be paused. Instead of still and motionless screen, this feature allows for a screen-saver of sorts. The new release also includes some never-before-seen deleted scenes, including an alternate ending. There is also an introduction video by Diane Disney Miller. The 3-Disc combo pack includes a Blu-ray, a DVD and a digital copy.