The Film
Disney's Peter Pan spawned a slew of toys and games, theme park rides, and the hit Disney Junior show Jake and the Never Land Pirates. However, the film is probably best known for giving the world Tinker Bell, which is a whole franchise on its own. Now, on the film's 60th birthday, Disney is giving this magical boy a magical Blu-ray.
The Peter Pan: Diamond Edition delivers all of the magic you probably remember from your childhood -- exactly the type you could only get from a little jaunt over to Never Land.
Based on J. M. Barrie's literary creation, the Disney film is all about our title character, a young boy who never seems to age and actually prefers it that way. His biggest fan is a girl named Wendy, who often shares Peter's adventures with her two younger brothers. When Peter finds out that dear Wendy needs to grow up a little, he isn't having any of that. So he hauls Wendy and all of the kids off to a magical place called Never Land.
Of course, being young isn't what it's cracked up to be, so there's plenty of adventure. There's also another timeless character, Captain Hook, who is Peter's nemesis, Tick-Tock the Crocodile's nemesis, and an all-around bad guy.
Peter Pan may not be the biggest, sweetest, or most musical Disney adventure. However, it's a classic. And although not every single moment holds up (those Indians!), it still has plenty of magic to entice a whole new generation -- even without the pixie dust of today's more polished releases.
The Picture
At first glimpse, you'll probably notice that Peter Pan isn't the sharpest Disney film. My 6-year-old certainly did. However, after about a minute, you'll start to realize what a real feat Disney has produced here. Like last year's Cinderella, this film isn't as bold or bright as some of Disney's other releases. However, like Cinderella, this is a fun viewing experience. The 1.33:1 image is super clean and the colors are downright gorgeous, especially given its age.
The Sound
Disney has given this classic a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. However, most of the film is a front-heavy affair, focused on dialogue. That's not to say that the track doesn't have its moments. The film takes advantage of its audio during many scenes, most notably when the Spirit of the great seawater belts out a nice directional echo. It's just not as immersive as you'd expect from a Disney film, a pirate adventure, or a film with 7.1 sound. Purists will also appreciate that the Dolby Digital 1.0 track is featured here as an option.
The Extras
Although it's not listed in the disc's menu, it's important to note that Peter Pan has an app component. The Storybook App is available on iTunes for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, allowing viewers to follow along with an interactive book. It's also free for those that enter the Disney Movie Rewards code.
Final Thoughts
Disney never messes around with its classics. The Peter Pan: Diamond Edition is another winner that's deserving of a spot on your shelf. It has a wonderful, whimsical presentaion and plenty of interesting extras. Despite a few quirks, it's a timless classic that still has plenty of magic left to sprinkle around.
Product Details
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