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    $44.75 list($44.99)
    1. Cinderella (Disney)
    $27.95 list($26.99)
    2. The Little Mermaid
    $11.99 $8.95 list($12.98)
    3. Move Over Darling
    $19.49 list($24.99)
    4. Beauty and the Beast (Disney)
    $22.49 list($26.99)
    5. Lady and the Tramp
    $13.99 $12.45 list($14.95)
    6. The Red Balloon
    $14.95 list($26.99)
    7. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
    $14.98 list($26.99)
    8. The Jungle Book
    $23.74 list($26.99)
    9. Peter Pan
    $9.99 $6.45
    10. That Darn Cat!
    $7.99 list($26.99)
    11. Sleeping Beauty (Disney)
    $9.99 $6.50
    12. Sesame Street - Learning About
    $4.99 list($22.99)
    13. Pinocchio
    $23.95 list($24.99)
    14. Fantasia
    $11.49 list($22.99)
    15. Dumbo
    $22.99 $4.50
    16. Alice in Wonderland
    $23.99 $17.99 list($26.99)
    17. Bambi (55th Anniversary Limited
    list($12.99)
    18. Donald in Mathmagic Land (Disney)
    $37.99 list($4.95)
    19. Fort Apache
    $9.99 $6.49
    20. Sesame Street - Learning About

    1. Cinderella (Disney)
    Director: Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson, Clyde Geronimi
    list price: $44.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 0788802194
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 25
    Average Customer Review: 4.76 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    Disney's adaptation of the beloved fairy tale became a classic in itsown right, thanks to some memorable tunes (including "A Dream Is a WishYour Heart Makes," "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," and the title song) and some endearingly cute comic relief. We all know the story--the wicked stepmother and stepsisters simply won't have it, this uppity Cinderella thinking she's going to a ball designed to find the handsome prince an appropriate sweetheart, but perseverance, animal buddies, and a well-timed entrance by a fairy godmother make sure things turn out all right. There are a few striking sequences of pureanimation--for example, Cinderella is reflected in bubbles drifting through the air--and the design is rich and evocative throughout. It's a simple story padded here agreeably with comic business, particularly Cinderella's rodent pals (dressed up conspicuously like the dwarf sidekicks of another famous Disney heroine) and their misadventures with a wretched cat named Lucifer. There's also much harrumphing and exposition spouting by the King and the Grand Duke. It's a much simpler and more graceful work than the more frenetically paced animated films of today, which makes it simultaneously quaint and highly gratifying. --David Kronke ... Read more

    Reviews (50)

    5-0 out of 5 stars Enchanting!
    Cinderella is a story of a young girl who's only living family left is her (mean) step-mother and (equally rude) step-sisters. Cinderella is forced to be the housekeeper, cook, chore girl, etc. She takes care of all needs of the step-family. Her only friends are the animals she takes care of, except for Lucifer, the mean old cat.
    It is made known that the Prince is looking for a bride. The animals help Cinderella by creating a beautiful gown from an old dress. When the step-sisters become jealous of how beautiful Cinderella looks, they rip her dress to shreds and leave her to stay home while they attend the ball. This is where Cinderella's Fairy Godmother steps in and creates a nite worth remembering for her.
    I hesitate to say anymore for fear of ruining the movie for you! This is a Disney classic that should be in every family's video library. My 2 girls, ages 4 &5, love this movie! After watching it, you'll find them in their room, dressed up, pretending to be Cinderella for days!
    Wonderful family movie!

    5-0 out of 5 stars One of Disney's Most Beautiful Fairy Tail Classics
    While Cinderella is simpler and quieter than many other Disney features, the simplicity only adds to the beauty and magic of the movie. The animation is frequently mesmorizing.
    True to form, Disney takes a universally known story, and adds characters full of personality to bring it to life. Disney has always had a talent for developing loathsome villains, and Lady Tremain is among the most evil of them. You can feel that she's bitter through to the core. Many of the supporting characters lend a great deal of humor to the film. Jacques and Gus are both hillarious and charming, and watching their exploits with Lucifer is a riot. The poor Duke's interactions with the King are delightful, and the Fairy Godmother is quite a character.
    Cinderella herself is sugary sweet, and while she may not be the ideal role model for young girls in today's world of strong women, she is likeable and she shows us the value of friendship, hope, and faith.
    Cinderella includes a nice selection of original songs, including the adorable "Cinderelly", the sweet "So This is Love", and the classic "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes".
    This is a great choice for a movie to watch as a family, as it's entertaining for all ages, but it is simple enough and so innocent that your children can watch it by themselves and stay entertained time and time again.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Cinderlla Cinderlla night and day cinderlla
    I have seen this wonderful disney classic at my home and at my grandparents house,i loved the animation and mainly the music because thats what wins me over every movie and cartoon,i will be glad to see it on DVD,this is a movie that every disney fan(like me)should have in there colection.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Cinderella is one of the greatest movie ever made!
    Buy this movie you'll never regret it. It's worth every penny you spent with it. Most especially if you want to finish some chores around the house, and you want your kids occupied this is a great movie for them.I've seen this film so many times with my daughter and I love every minute of it. This is the kind of movie that makes you Sad because of Cinderella's awful situation, Angry because of her evil Step-mom and Step-sister and Happy because her wish came true in the end.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Happily Ever After.
    I'm one of the fans of Disney's Cinderella.I'm wondering why this beautiful animated film has not been realeased.I've waited it for many years.I believe there're many people waiting for its special edition DVD.Cinderella's really a masterpiece,but why it's abandoned?I gratefully hope Disney will not hurt its fans.Please do not lead people to forget Cinderella.I don't want Cinderella to be dead,especially in all children's minds. ... Read more


    2. The Little Mermaid
    Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
    list price: $26.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 0788812408
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 125
    Average Customer Review: 4.65 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com essential video

    From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

    Reviews (136)

    5-0 out of 5 stars One of Disney's best!
    This movie amazes me every time that I see it. Some of the Disney cartoon movies that are being churned out today are okay but not as good as movies like The Little Mermaid. It is such a beautiful movie and so tastefully done. I truly believe it's a movie for the young and the young at heart. It's all about falling in love and doing anything for the person that you love even risking your own life. The songs really touch my heart, the characters are so funny, sweet and lovable from Flounder the dumb and sweet fish to Sebastian the funny and witty crab to Scuttle the absentminded and crazy seagull. Ariel the mermaid kind of reminds me of what almost every young teenage girl is like, headstrong and just wanting to go out and follow her own dreams and having to grow up with a loving, but very overprotective and strict father and going against the schemes and plots of the evil Ursula but in the end after overcoming all the obstacles finally being with her true love forever. It is just a beautiful story and ever since I saw it when it first came out in the theatres with my mother it has grown on me and I have loved and cherished this movie ever since. The songs are everything from upbeat to romantic and the actors/actresses picked to do the voices for the characters are so talented and are just made for the parts. I fell in love with this movie and the characters in it in 1989 and am still in love with it today. The Little Mermaid: being transported from real life into the beautiful underworld of the ocean filled with mermaids/mermen, fish, and many more made me want to be "part of that world"

    5-0 out of 5 stars A true five star film.
    I enjoy reviewing movies here on Amazon.com. I am pretty critical so I rarely give out five star reviews because I feel there are so few movies that really deserve a perfect score. However, Walt Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is such a film- a genuine, good hearted, crowdpleasing, five star artistic and entertainment masterpiece! I can't think of anything wrong with this movie. The animation was groundbreaking when it was first released, and it is still pretty stellar. The charactizations were perfect. Is there a more winning heroine in Disney's lexicon than Ariel? Who among Disney's villains can rival the dastardly and cunning Ursula the Sea Witch? The story, reworked from the Hans Christian Anderson classic, is heartwarming, romantic, and inspiring. And the music? Personally, I believe the music for "The Little Mermaid" to be quite simply the best ever written for a Disney movie, and the songs "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl," rank among the best songs written for ANY movie.

    I guess it's obvious that I really love this film. Therefore, it's ironic that when it was first released in 1989 I didn't even think of going to see it in the theaters. Afterall, I was 18 and Disney movies were for kids. It wasn't until my parents purchased the video for my younger siblings that I first saw this masterpiece and fell in love with it. It now ranks among my favorite movies. Over the years I've gotten some ribbing from friends over my attachment to this movie, but I don't care. A great movie is a great movie regardless if it is a animated feature or not, and "The Little Mermaid" is a great movie!

    3-0 out of 5 stars Disappointing DVD Transfer
    save your $ on ebay auctions and wait for the platinum series release. this version's sound is excellent (dolby 5.1), but the bland/dull colors is a big disappointment. poor visibility, below average clarity and very dark throughout the entire movie. i've seen better second generation VHS recordings. this being a classic Disney release, it deserves a new high definition transfer like Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King (outstanding DVD's).

    5-0 out of 5 stars One of my all time favourites
    This is one of the only Disney movies almost everybody loves. The reason? The storyline! It's a perfect movie. Ariel is a mermaid who falls in love with a human and wants to be one, Ursula is the evil octopus that transforms her while King Triton worries madly about his daughter's where-abouts. Prince Eric is Ariel's love interest, this is a very romantic movie and it will have you almost crying because it's so sweet.
    Ariel's friends include flounder, a crab (Sebastian) and a seagul who make up interesting yet funny stories on the where-abouts of Ariel. In all, this is a beautiful tale and it's a definite MUST OWN.

    3-0 out of 5 stars Nostalgia
    There was once a time in Disney History when the term "That movie underwater" didn't bring to mind a forgetfull blue tang, but rather a Jamacian Crustacian bellowing "Unda' Da' Sea!".

    Now many people will argue that this is infact a Disney Classic, while others will argue it was just a mediocre effort. I however, am not sure where I stand on this film.

    The Little Mermaid, the film that ended Disneys 80's menu, and as also one of the last to be based on a classic tale, is about a little mermaid, (Obviously) who, against her father King Tritents warnings, frequently goes above water, collecting human things (forks, mirrors, pipes etc.) She soon "Meets" a Prince, and falls in love, also against her fathers wishes. Add in a villian, and some funny side characters and you've got "The Little Mermaid".

    This film dosen't do it for me, sadly. Because I've rarely watched it as a child, it has no nostalgia value, the back-bone for why I watch and love Disney Films. The animation is so-so, and the story isn't very strong. I sugest you rent this movie if you haven't already seen it, and then decide for yourself if you really want. ... Read more


    3. Move Over Darling
    Director: Michael Gordon
    list price: $12.98
    our price: $11.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: B00000IBME
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 109
    Average Customer Review: 4.64 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    Doris Day, the perky, chaste adult star of an odd collection of winking 1960s sex comedies, takes the Irene Dunne role in this remake of the comedy classic My Favorite Wife. As the survivor of a five-year ordeal on a desert island, she returns home the very day her husband has remarried. James Garner, trading his Maverick impish humor and con man cool for a mugging performance of double takes and pratfalls, is her overjoyed husband who is too cowardly to tell his neurotic bride (Polly Bergen). All of this, naturally, leads to a ridiculously complicated plot that combines door-slamming sex farce with mistaken identities (Day poses as a Swedish masseuse) and a goofy sped-up car chase. Chuck Connors, who costars as Day's hunky, he-man island mate "Adam," leads a topnotch supporting cast that includes sassy Thelma Ritter as Garner's no-nonsense mother, Don Knotts as a nervous shoe salesman enlisted by Day to impersonate Adam, Fred Clark at his indignant best, and John Astin and Pat Harrington in early roles. Edgar Buchanan practically steals the film as a gruff, irascible judge who growls through the legal circus that forms the film's chaotic climax. The cast for the most part rises above the tepid script and bland direction and Day sings two songs. Interestingly, this remake was originally developed for Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin as the never completed Something's Got to Give. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

    Reviews (39)

    5-0 out of 5 stars Move Over Darling--the
    Classic Doris Day comedy with a supporting cast of the best character actors in the business in the 1960'. These include Thelma Ritter, Edgar Buchanan, John Astin, and Don Knotts. Minor stars Chuck Connors and Polly Bergin also put in great performances as a himbo and and bimbo who have attached themselves to Doris Day and James Garner, respectively. The original movie, Something's Got to Give, was supposed to star Dean Martin and Marilyn Monroe, also with a great supporting cast which included Wally Cox in the Don Knotts role. Fox has restored most of the remaining footage of the original film and this can be seen on Fox's DVD about the last days of Marilyn Monroe, available in a multidisc Marilyn Monroe set. It is very interesting to compare these two films, expecially the different styles of playing the female lead between Doris and Marilyn. Marilyn was clearly not doing well at the time of the filming, but Doris is in top form as she portrays Ellen Wagstaff Arden, the wife and mother who is presumed drown at sea but returns to discover her husband has just remarried and she turns everyone's life upside down.

    5-0 out of 5 stars This Gem Needs a Widescreen DVD Release!
    Move Over Darling starring Doris Day and James Garner is a very good movie, it is a remake of the classic 1940's comedy My Favorite wife, starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne and though I slightly prefer the original I still think Move Over Darling is a very good movie that definitely should get a widescreen DVD release. Doris Day plays Ellen Wagstaff Arden a woman presumed drowned at sea in an accident, her husband Nicholas Arden played by James Garner has her declared legally dead after seven years and gets married to this woman named Bianca on the same day he has Ellen declared dead and it becomes very clear that Bianca is a spoiled, high-strung, neurotic woman prone to temper tantrums if she doesn't get her way and boy is she in for a shock! Ellen it turns out isn't really dead but has been living on an island with a a man who also surrived the accident and they have been rescued from the island and on the same day she is declared legally dead and Nick marries Bianca, Ellen arrives at the house where she lived with Nick, sees their children who were very young when she disappeared so they don't know who she is, and she sees Nick's mother, who after recovering from the shock of seeing her tells her Nick has just remarried and you can tell she isn't too fond of her son's new wife, but since Ellen isn't really dead and she is sure Nick has never gotten over Ellen they come up with a plan for Ellen to reunite with Nick. This movie is hilarious, the combination of romantic-comedy and slapstick is perfect! Doris Day and James Garner are both wonderful as Ellen and Nick and Thelma Ritter is wonderful as Nick's mother Grace, and Polly Bergen who plays tempermental Bianca is also wonderful. I highly recommend this movie and I hope it gets on DVD and I also hope My Favorite Wife gets released on DVD!

    5-0 out of 5 stars Doris Day in former Marilyn Monroe part.
    In 1962, Dean Martin, Cyd Charisse and Marilyn Monroe were filming "Something's Got To Give". It was going to be a comedy hit. The most memorable scenes were of Marilyn Monroe swimming completly naked. All were happy and swell on the set. Then all of a sudden, Marilyn became ill and either showed up late on the set or called in sick too often. This cost the production to much expense. Ultimatly, Marilyn Monroe was fired and production of the film was shut down. They were going to hire Lee Remick. In a surprise turn of events, the frustrated Dean Martin had a change of heart and said that he would finish the film and then agreed he would do it only if Marilyn returned. All agreed to return to the project. But as bad fate would have it, Marilyn Monroe passed away from an accidental overdose. Only 37 minutes of footage was useful. The project was over.
    However, in 2001, American Movie Classics cable network aired a documentary, "Marilyn Monore: The Final Days" for the first time ever. The 37 minutes of footage was professionally put together to make a mini-movie. It was broadcast for the first time on American Movie Classics and it included the nude swimming scenes so beautifully and tastfully done.
    Now this "Something's Got To Give" film was brought back together again, but with a new cast and a new title, Move Over, Darling (1963). Some of the original sets were used.
    The cast chosen: Doris Day, James Garner, Polly Bergen, Thelma Ritter, Fred Clark, Don Knotts with John Astin, Pat Harington Jr and Chuck Connors. Doris Day plays the former marilyn Monroe part.
    James must go to court to declare his wife legally dead. it has been five years since she has been missing. They assumed she drowned in the ocean. Granted so, Jamesalso gets married the same day to Polly bergen. But on this day, the military brings in a woman. It is Doris day his first wife and she is very much alive. With the help of Thelma Ritter, she surprises her husband at his new honeymoon.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Great Movie
    I have always loved this movie and was so happy when it was released for the first time 3 years ago on Video.

    Ellen Wagstaff Arden (Doris Day) has been trapped on an Island for years with Chuck Connors. She is rescued and brought home to her home in sunny California! When she gets to her home she finds out that her Nick (James Garner) Has gotten married again from her sweet mother in law Eve Ardern (Thelma Ritter) she also finds out that he took his new wife to their hotel that they went to when they were married! Well she gets mad about this and tells him to get rid of his new wife or else she goes but no matter hard he tries he can't tell his new wife this! So they go on with a charade! To go back home Nick fakes breaking his back and when they go back to his home Ellen is faking to be a Sweedish Masseur and she tries to strangle his new wife! Well this movie ends well as do all of Miss Day's Movie! All and all a great movie for the whole family!

    5-0 out of 5 stars I Want This on DVD!!!!
    I just voted for this movie to be released out to DVD. I hope the studio will put it on DVD.

    Doris Day is at her best and James Garner is good too.

    Highly recommended but please vote for this movie to get on DVD! ... Read more


    4. Beauty and the Beast (Disney)
    Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
    list price: $24.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 6302526574
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 186
    Average Customer Review: 4.62 out of 5 stars
    US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan

    Reviews (332)

    5-0 out of 5 stars Excellent job Disney.
    I saw this when it first came out in theaters back in 1992. I was only 7 or 8 at the time, and it just didn't appeal to me as much as The Little Mermaid or The Rescuers Down Under. I don't really know why, but having just getting the DVD in the mail, my view of the movie is completely different.

    Beauty and the Beast really is one of Disney's top 4 animated films. How they managed to combine a massive cast of characters into the main plot is amazing. Beast is one of my favorite Disney characters after re-watching this. There's so much emotion inside of him. Anger, rage, pity, ambition, and love. You'll really care for him from the moment he appears on screen. Belle is possibly the most humble heroine to date. She doesn't see that she's beautiful, but just cares for helping others and reading books. The supporting cast is just as good. Gaston, the villain, is just a....well I can't use the word. You can bet your money you'll feel the same way. But the characters are just the icing on the cake. The story is what the strong point's always been. Disney did a great job adding so much more to it, whereas the original didn't focus on anyone but Belle and the Beast really. But I'm sure you all know the story, so I'll just get into the features on this DVD.

    On the first disc, you get 3 different versions of the film- theatrical, work in progress, and special edition. The theatrical is what you saw in theaters or on the home video release. Work in progress is mostly drawings in black and white while the voices and everything else is put in. The special edition has a few lines changed here and there, and the added musical "Human Again" into the film. Personally, I hated "Human Again". It comes right after and before other songs in the film, making you want them to just get on with the story. Plus the animation in it really stands out since it's newer and has those annoying shadows on every character that you see in so many made for video animated movies. There's also a commentary track that adds a lot of depth and information, and a game that unlocks another game. People complain about the picture quality of the movie, but it's not that bad. On a scale of one to ten, I'd give it a 7.5.

    The second disc has a well done documentary on the making of Beauty and the Beast, story origins of a few other Disney movies, art galleries, music videos, more games, and much more. Amazon lists that the Broadway Musical is on this, but it isn't. It's mentioned in the documentary, that's all. This sets the standard for extras on Disney special editions of their movies. It's too bad The Lion King has nothing compared to this. Either way, if you like Disney at all...or just movies, you should go for this while you can. It's a masterpiece, and getting harder to find.

    5-0 out of 5 stars A thinking girl's heroine
    When I saw "Beauty and the Beast" in the theater, I had a rare and magical experience: I felt like a child again watching an enchanting Disney movie. In fact, "Beauty and the Beast" seemed even better than the Disney classics like "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty" that were such a wonderful part of my childhood. The animation is absolutely gorgeous--particularly the waltz scene, which feels incredibly three-dimensional. The songs are beautiful, singable instant classics.

    Despite the animated characters, I felt like I was watching an old musical. The movie opens with a scene reminiscent of "The Sound of Music," with our heroine, Belle, singing on a hilltop about wanting more out of life. The "Be Our Guest" scene, featuring a Lumiere (the Maurice Chevalier-inspired singing candlestick), dancing dishes and champagne corks popping like fireworks, reminded me of the Busby Berkely musical extravaganzas of the '30s.

    A big appeal for me is that Belle is a much different heroine than the Disney princesses of my childhood. Belle isn't looking for a man to rescue her from her life of drudgery. She loves to read and longs for a more interesting life. She already has the "town catch," Gaston, wanting to court her, but she's having none of it.

    Belle's escape from "her provincial life" begins when her father, a kooky inventor, doesn't return from his travels. (He has sought shelter from a snow storm in a spooky enchanted castle and is being held prisoner by the Beast.) Belle tracks down her father and, out of concern for his ailing health, takes his place in captivity. The Beast, who has been placed under a spell, wonders if Belle might be "the one"--the young woman whose love will return him to his original human form.

    The enchanted furniture, candlestick, clock and dishes added lots of fun characters to the traditional story. Cogsworth, a stuffy clock, and Lumiere, the match-making candlestick are a great comic duo. Cogsworth's romantic advice to Beast about wooing Belle is especially funny: Give her "flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep."

    Gaston, meanwhile, wants to woo and wed Belle himself. He sings about his he-man attributes in one of the funniest ode to a redneck that I've ever heard: "I use antlers in all of my decorating," Gaston sings about himself.

    When Gaston realizes that Belle loves the Beast instead of him, he stirs up an angry mob to head to the castle. In another twist on the traditional fairy tale ending, Belle ultimately rescues the Beast--not the other way around.

    "Beauty and the Beast" is a delightful classic whether you are a child or a grownup who knows how to feel like a child at times.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Pure Magic!
    Bringing this classic fairy tail to life is one of the best things that Disney has ever done. Every second of this film is full to the brim with wonder and magic. More than ten years after first seeing it, there are still some scenes that make me gasp at their beauty.
    The movie provides all of the usual Disney elements of gorgeous animation, skilled voice actors, awesome original songs, and non-stop entertainment, but there's something special in the mix. We get one of the most believable and heart felt romances to ever grace the animated world. As a child every time I read a picture book of this Fairy Tail I found it impossible to believe that a woman could love a beast, but Disney found a way to make it happen. You truly believe that it's possible, and feel her pain when she thinks she's lost him.
    In the classic Disney fashion, Beauty and the Beast brings along a message for the kids to learn. We see the value of intelligence and compassion, learn to look beyond the superficial, and discover that love knows no boundaries.

    5-0 out of 5 stars After A While One Doesn't Notice It Is Animated
    It is quite rare for any animated film to be treated with the same respect as any other honored non-animated one. In BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale take the time-worn fairy tale of the outwardly loathsome beast who impossibly enough allows his inner nobility to shine forth sufficiently to cause the beauty to fall in love with him. Robby Benson is the voice of the Beast and Paige O'Hara is Beauty. Even for those readers familiar with the spoken tale or the revamped music video with Meatloaf as the Beast cannot help but allow themselves to be entranced with the seamless melding of sight to sound. The plot is simplicity itself with the Beast as the archetypal symbol of the rebirth of nobility long hidden by the evil spell of a unnamed wizard. There is nothing childish is the unfolding of the tale of Belle the Beauty who chooses to sacrifice herself in marriage to save the life of her doddering inventor father. Enter the Beast who is initially presented as the roaring brute that his tormenting wizard clearly intended him to be. Yet, as Belle ministers to his psychic wounds of self-loathing and his physical wounds incurred in defending her against a pack of wolves, the viewer can see a competing spell at work, one that is older than time itself--the power of love that the film's many songs allude to and function as as subtext that imbues it with timeless energy. There is, of course, some needed plot complications of unwanted attention heaped on Belle by the handsome but warped Gaston, who plots to snare Belle in marriage as firmly as he would stalk a reindeer for its antlers. As Gaston leads the villagers in an assault on the Beast's manor, one is reminded in reverse of the cliched villagers pounding at the walls of Doctor Frankenstein's castle, but in this case the attack in presented in comic tones that keep the real world of harm at bay.

    BEAUTY AND THE BEAST has no down moments, with each fresh plot advancement heralded by stunningly effective animation and song. This film was a deserved nominee for Best Picture in 1991, and with repeated viewings, one may rest assured that the alternately gloomy and resplendent halls of the Beast will eternally resonate with the same cachet that gives Tara, Oz, or Rick's Cafe a ticket that allows the bearer to see just how awesome the human spirit can be.

    5-0 out of 5 stars The Beauty
    This is a beautiful movie and is in a wonderful set. It has two discs with great behind the scenes stuff for Beauty and the Beast that you definitely wont want to miss out on.
    The colors in this movie is beautiful and the music is lovely.
    I really wouldn't miss out on this movie because it's a great film and a wonderful set. ... Read more


    5. Lady and the Tramp
    Director: Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
    list price: $26.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 0788812807
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 209
    Average Customer Review: 4.49 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    Disney's first animated feature in CinemaScope is now available in widescreen presentations on video, and it is definitely good to get the whole picture. One of the studio's most original and charming movies, the 1955 film tells the story of a rakish, street-smart dog named Tramp, who helps an aristocratic pooch named Lady out of some trouble and then commences a romance with her. Sweet, funny scenes abound, and the combination of innocence and sophistication would have done well in a live-action picture. Peggy Lee cowrote the songs and provides the voice of the Siamese cats in one of the film's best-known musical sequences. This newly restored version spruces up both sonics and visuals, and a letterbox version is available. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

    Reviews (65)

    5-0 out of 5 stars How could I NOT give it 5 stars?
    Lady and the Tramp is simply my all-time favorite Disney film! In my opinion, it is a 5 star masterpiece, and I would give it more if I could! I remember when I was just four years old, watching the characters Lady, Tramp, Jock, Trusty, and the Siamese Cats light up my eyes, as well as my TV screen, as very few films have done for me before or since. The music and songs are especially enjoyable, especially "Bella Notte" and "He's a Tramp." And the thrilling climax, which I won't spoil for the people who have yet to see it, ranks with the climaxes of "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King." I remember having to wait almost a decade for Disney to re-release this classic so that I could replace my old worn-out copy. Now that I have it on both VHS and DVD, and both editions are in widescreen, I can enjoy it for years to come as I never thought I'd be able to! Your kids will love it, and so will anyone who's still young at heart. Buy it today! Don't make the same mistake I did over 10 years ago!

    5-0 out of 5 stars How could I NOT give it 5 stars?
    Simply speaking, Lady and the Tramp is my favorite Disney film of all time! In my opinion, it is a 5 star masterpiece, and I would give it more if I could! I remember when I was just 4 years old, watching the characters Lady, Tramp, Jock, Trusty, and the Siamese Cats light up my eyes, as well as my TV screen, as no other movie (except maybe Pete's Dragon or Superman) has done for me before or since. The music and songs are especially enjoyable, especially "Bella Notte." And the thrilling climax (which I won't spoil for the peope who have yet to see it) ranks with the "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King" climaxes! I remember having to wait almost a decade for Disney to re-release this classic on video so that I could replace my worn-out taped version. Now that I have it on both VHS and DVD, and both editions are in widescreen, I can enjoy it for years to come as I never thought I'd be able to! Your kids will love it, and so will anyone who's still young at heart! Buy it on DVD today! Don't make the same mistake I did over 10 years ago! (And don't let the lack of special features stop you, either!)

    5-0 out of 5 stars truelly magical
    I grew up with this film. It was one of my all time favorite movies. The music the charictors the story the romance! Oh it is truelly one of the best disney movies I have ever seen! No pixie dust or fairy godmothers just a great film you could watch again & again & I'm sure the DVD is even better.
    True This is based on VHS I got a DVD player only a month ago & cannot get ahold of a copy of the DVD. It is too much of a treasure bring it back out of the vault for all to enjoy! It is truelly not to be missed & always to be treasured.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Disney's 15th Animated Masterpiece!
    Forget about princesses marrying princes or princes marrying peasent maidens, this is Disney's most romantic film ever. Lady and Tramp is the loving story of a beautiful girl dog named Lady who falls in love with another dog from the other side of the tracks named Tramp, after different adventures in the streets of the city, they both settle down for a nice, romantic dinner at a town's restaurant, this scene is probably remembered as one of Disney's most romantic moments ever, we all love this film. Something is troubling lady though, a new baby was born at the house where she lives, and she hasn't been receiving the attention her owners usually gave her, now in the care of Aunt Sarah, Lady is afraid to return home, but many different events will give this story one of the most beautiful happy endings ever.

    This Limited Edition DVD, brings nothing in Bonus Features, this title really needs a much better release and it will get it since it has been officially announced as part of the Platinum Edition line, which will give the title a much better release.

    5-0 out of 5 stars How could I replace this movie from my heart?
    This is an AMAZING movie. I feel really lucky to have such a movie. I read the other paragraphs in the category,and you can say I agreed with the other peaople whom liked it. I am glad i sticked to five stars for this amazing movie!!! It's an amazing love story that brougt my love for cartoons and animated movies back to life!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Mykenna Tremblay age #12 ... Read more


    6. The Red Balloon
    Director: Albert Lamorisse
    list price: $14.95
    our price: $13.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 6303968651
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 46
    Average Customer Review: 4.05 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    The late French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse made this classic, 1956 short work about a lonely little Parisian boy (Pascal Lamorisse) befriended by a large red balloon, which seems to have a will of its own. As with his preceding short, 1952's White Mane, Lamorisse took home a grand prize from the Cannes Film Festival for The Red Balloon, and the latter film also won an Academy Award. There have been some stimulating pieces of film criticism (some pro, some con) written about the aesthetics of this little movie over the years, but there's no question it makes for a touching, allegorical piece always certain to prompt conversations among viewers of any age. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

    Reviews (63)

    5-0 out of 5 stars My absolute favorite movie from my childhood.
    ... This movie was my absolute favorite from my childhood days. The first time I ever saw this was when I was in grade school back in the 1970's. They would show this movie at school on the old motion picture projectors on rainy days when you couldn't go out for recess. I remember falling in love with the movie instantly and always looking forward to the next time the school would show it. It was such a magical experience to watch it as a child and I can honestly say this is the only film that I can still hear and see in my memory. The music, and the sound of the little boy running through the cobble stone streets, and the stark contrast between the balloon's brilliant color and the boy's very grey world. I also remember the teachers at school telling us how they had to request this movie from the city library many months in advance because it was such a popular film with the school district. Who would have ever thought that American public schools could make such great decisions? Showing this film over and over year after year was one of the best ideas any of my teachers had. I really recommend you share this movie with your loved one's as it may just help create wonderful memories for them to look back on someday.

    5-0 out of 5 stars One of My Favorite French Films!
    I have fond memories of Watching The Red Balloon when I was a little girl in the 70's. I remember it being shown in my Elementary school with an old movie projector and I also remember watching it on TV and this is still one of my favorite French movies. It is a short film about a little French boy who follows a red balloon throughout Paris and it is a very endearing movie. A Couple of years ago this movie was shown on TCM and I taped it and I see that Several reviewers have wrote about owning this movie on DVD and I would love to have it on DVD but Amazon only seems to have the video in their online catalog and no DVD so I guess that the DVD is out of print or Amazon just doesn't sell it but anyways I very highly recommend this delightful movie which is great for all ages! BTW: I liked the movie so much as a child that when I saw the book in our public library I borrowed it several times and I loved the book too!

    5-0 out of 5 stars question ???
    I am trying to find this wonderful movie in dvd format. Is it hopeless? If so why?

    5-0 out of 5 stars A classic that needs to be restored..
    This timeless little film is probably the best known French film in the United States. This is due to the fact that nearly every elementary school had a copy which they used to babysit the kids when a teacher was absent. This film is such an effective "babysitting" tool because it completely draws in and engages the viewer no matter their age. Lamorisse truly knew and practiced "camera as stilo". I find this film to be as fascinating and colorful now (at age 34) as I did when I was ten years old. This is truly a film masterpiece, just one of many to come out of France in the 50's and 60's.

    It is a shame that the DVD is so grainy and the sound so poor, the copy I have is actually a Korean DVD which is no problem as you can turn off the Korean subtitles. It would seem, as some reviewers have suggested, that this DVD was made from a copy of the film stock that was dragged through the streets. It is still watchable but it is a crime that this film masterpiece should be in such a poor state on DVD. Someone has to step up and remaster this film for DVD so that it can continue to reach children in future generations.

    5-0 out of 5 stars The Best childrens movie ever made
    I saw this when I was first in kindergarten. I cried when the evil gang of boys popped the poor red balloon at the end. Ever since then I had been wanting so badly to see it again, and finally I came across it on Amazon, and had to have it. I'm 13 now, but even though it may seem strange, the red balloon still makes me laugh as though I were still 5. No kid should grow up without watching the Red Balloon. It helps stimulate the imagination, as well as show you how bad things are in the world, when you have something, and others will stop at nothing to get it.
    When underpriveledged Pascal finds a large red balloon tied to a lamp post one early morning, he decides, why not take it with him to school. Things get complicated though. It seems as though the world around him is against balloons. He's not allowed to board the bus to school with it, the teacher won't allow it in the classroom, and his Mother bcomes mad at him for bringing it home. She soon throws it out the window, scolding him afterwords. But Pascal see's something out his bedroom window. It's the balloon! After bring it back in, he doesn't bother trying to figure out how it's alive, he's glad to have a friend finally, no matter who, or what it is. Maybe things won't be so bad after all. Or will they be?
    Producer, and writer Albert Lammorise should've gotten a nomination for best film of the year in 1956. It's an instant five stars. After watching the film, I felt a void like all kids might for the red balloon after he got popped. But it turns out, there is a sequel, which one a film festival award called the revenge of the red balloon. It gives you satisfaction for the balloon is back, and he goes around making sure that none of the boys (now men) that popped him so long ago, never see another day of their lives. It was just as hilarious as the first, maybe even funnier, but not so much for kids. The red balloon gets a whopping 5 stars for outstanding everything. Who needs wors in a movie like this. ... Read more


    7. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Disney)
    list price: $26.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 155890641X
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 613
    Average Customer Review: 4.66 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com essential video

    One of the brightest nuggets from Disney's golden age, this 1937 film is almost dizzying in its meticulous construction of an enchanted world, with scores of major and minor characters (including fauna and fowl), each with a distinct identity.When you watch Snow White's intricate, graceful movements of fingers, arms, and head all in one shot, it is not the technical brilliance of Disney's artists that leaps out at you, but the very spirit of her engaging, girl-woman character. When the wicked queen's poisoned apple turns from killer green to rose red, the effect of knowing something so beautiful can be so terrible is absolutely elemental, so pure it forces one to surrender to the horror of it. Based on the Grimm fairy tale, Snow White is probably the best family film ever to deal, in mythic terms, with the psychological foundation for growing up. It's a crowning achievement and should not be missed. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

    Reviews (247)

    5-0 out of 5 stars Great for kid and adults
    WOW! I got this for my AFI 100 Best Films collection and this by far is one of my favorites. Kids will love this for the same reasons we and previous generations did. And adults and film buffs will love it for the sheer volume of extras that this DVD comes with. It's almost as if the movie is secondary! There is so much here it even comes with a guided tour which I highly recommend taking. Before you do that though, leave the disc on the main menu screen for awhile. The Magic Mirror will let you know what he thinks about you taking your time!

    This is also a great way to introduce your kids to Walt Disney as he is clearly throughout the entire DVD. Hopefully they will be as entranced as we were. The "Disney Through the Ages" is my favorite featurette. It takes you decade by decade from the year Snow White was released until the year 2000. You have the option to play each separately or all together. This even has deleted scenes and songs from over 60 years ago!

    Kudos to the Mouse for the time and effort on a format for much a beloved film! Get this while it lasts.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Disney Magic Makes SNOW WHITE Classic DVD
    I was extremely excited to receive this DVD.... Upon opening it, one gets the feeling that it is truly a special edition. The packaging is very nice: the DVD box is sturdy with two openings for each disk. The pamphlet inside the DVD is gorgeously produced and very helpful.

    My first impression is that Disney has spent much time making this DVD user-friendly. There is an abundance of directions and drawings showing you what is on the disk and how to get there. Since there are two disks and a KINGDOM of information to pour through, these directions are very welcome (even to this seasoned DVD-viewer!)

    Disney pulls out some familiar faces to make the experience as warm as possible: Disney himself appears in various footage; Angela Lansbury narrates the documentary and provides a "tour" of the disks; Michael Eisner shows up; and Barbra Streisand sings a specially recorded version of "Some Day My Prince Will Come".

    SNOW WHITE, the movie, looks gorgeous and, although old fashioned, is quite wonderful. SNOW WHITE, the double-disk, is a lot of information to wade through. I am amazed at the amount of behind-the-scenes film that exists! Disney must have suspected that he was creating a classic - he filmed every aspect of it! I especially enjoy the HALL OF ART section. There are 3 halls of various story art (i.e. "The cottage"; "The castle"; "the Forest"; etc.) Although initially I found it hard to move from hall to hall, I eventually figured it out. The animated HALLS are extraordinary and the art that "hangs" there is incredible -- various renderings and attempts at bringing the story and locales of SNOW WHITE alive. It's even more incredible that Disney Co. held on to these papers for all these years.

    Well, in case you can't tell, I highly recommend the special SNOW WHITE disks. You will spend days looking at everything that is included -- or you can opt to spend an hour and a half viewing the original,gorgeous film that started the Disney empire....

    5-0 out of 5 stars Great movie for beauty experts
    Snow White's Step Mother sure had the power to transform to an ugly witch, Why not use her power to transform fairer than Snow White ? In present situation there are so many people who wants quick fix, Liposuction, Facelift, Botox etc.But with Snow White's Step Mother She wished for her death instead,that's her quick fix.
    There's one classic Wile E. Coyote scenario also, When the Witch was being apprehended by the seven Dwarfs, The Witch is about to drop a huge boulder onto the seven dwarfs but she was strucked by a lightning and the boulder fell with her in a cliff.
    What's the moral of the story? Don't ask a mirror who's fairer but ask an Expert Doctor who does miracle face transformation instead.

    5-0 out of 5 stars The one that started it all and still the best of them all
    This is my personal favorite disney movie the best moment is the ending where the prince wakes Snow White up and they go to the castel,I also loved the music very much,disney had done a great job with this movie,its also one of the most important films in cinema history,this is definitly a classic disney movie that every disney fan should add to their collection.

    4-0 out of 5 stars 1.33:1 instead of the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio
    I stand corrected. The original format is only slightly wider than the DVD format. This should clip or pan the video very little. ... Read more


    8. The Jungle Book
    Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
    list price: $26.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 6304500831
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 152
    Average Customer Review: 4.62 out of 5 stars
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    Reviews (64)

    5-0 out of 5 stars A good movie with even better music
    Mowgli was raised by wolves and now he's growing up in the jungle. He's been in the jungle all his life, so he doesn't know what it's like to even be around another person. But it's not as bad as it sounds, Mowgli has tons of great friends such as the hilarious Baloo the bear. But he also has a few enemies, mainly a gruesome tiger named Shere Khan, who doesn't like humans at all. It's up to Mowgli to survive in the wilderness, and with the aid of his friends, he'll have a good chance of not having to worry about Shere Khan. But will Mowgli ever find out what it's like to be around other people?

    "The Jungle Book" is a good movie. It has good animation, it's entertaining with the animated drama and the hilarious antics of Baloo, and it has some of the best songs out of any of the Disney movies, such as "Bear Necessities." I recommend anybody who likes animated movies to take a walk in the jungle and give "The Jungle Book" a chance.

    5-0 out of 5 stars It's just a bare necessity!
    The feature-length cartoons Disney continues to produce are fine films, but nowhere near as good as classics like The Jungle Book. Unburdened by the modern-day Disney habit of giving every film a heavy family-friendly moral message, the Jungle Book is just 100% pure fun, with a cool hero (Mowgli), entertaining friends (especially the bear Baloo) and some great villainous characters (most memorably Shere Khan the tiger). This movie was made years before Phil Collins or Elton John were drafted in as cartoon soundtrack composers, and the songs are just awesome - "The Bare Necessities", "I Wanna Be Like You" and Kaa the snake's hissed encouragement to "Trust in Me". Get this DVD while you can!

    1-0 out of 5 stars Contrasting review
    I know how many people gave five star reviews on here. Mine is not a five star review. I am giving you my straight opinion on this movie.

    One, I don't think this movie is fit for family viewing. Adults will not find it interesting or entertaining, and it hardly serves any purpose in teaching moral lessons to children. Two, this cartoon almost borders on animated pedophilia. It just looks sick and wrong, really, with this older, scary bear taking this young innocent away and teaching him his "bear ways."

    This is not charming entertainment. This is a pain. If you want a charming, older Disney movie you should check out their animated version of Robin Hood. The music in Robin Hood is far better as well. I have always disliked "The Jungle Book."

    5-0 out of 5 stars To Run with the Wolves: A Girlhood Dream
    I'm a little kid, don't remember exactly how old, elementary school age. My teenage cousin promises to take me to see *The Jungle Book*. She falls asleep. Minutes are ticking down to show time. I poke at her but she snoozes on. Elders tell me to leave her alone. I stand over her and glare, using my powers of mind control to will her awake. It works!

    I was just desperate to see this movie. I loved all the Disney animals stories and *The Jungle Book* turned out to be my favorite. The lively songs, lush animation, compelling characters, and strong storyline left quite an impression on me. Can never forget the loving and gentle Bagheera, that kooky monkey, and Baloo, Baloo the lovable bear. Ooh, and that sinister Shere Khan striking fear in the hearts of all and the slithering sneaky snake always up to no good. The voices used are wonderful and fit the characters to perfection. I was in heaven, and it has stood the test of time by remaining one of my favorite animated films.

    I just wanted so badly, just longed to be a girl version of Mowgli. Raised by wolves, living wild and free in the jungle, playing with the bears and apes. Climbing trees and swinging from vines. Yep, that was the life for me. I sobbed at the end, crying: No, Mowgli, don't leave your animal friends behind and live with people. You are making a big mistake! Would he return to his original home? I wondered, why of course he would!

    As an adult, I understand Mowgli's decision to join the village and live with his own kind. The girl in me, though, still doesn't get it and yearns to run free.

    4-0 out of 5 stars jungle book
    jungle book is an enjoyable and funny film it is wonderful for children and i thought it was good as well. ... Read more


    9. Peter Pan
    Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
    list price: $26.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 078881172X
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 201
    Average Customer Review: 4.14 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    Peter Pan has a special place in the realm of classic animatedDisney films: it instills an element of childlike wonder. The 1953 version of James M. Barrie's story is colorfully told and keeps on the straight and narrow of the book. Barrie's wondrous focus on child's play is the key to its longevity: kids who don't grow up, shadows that run away from their owners, pirates, a fairy, and the magic ability to fly. In short, you can't help wishing the adventure would happen to you. Fueled by a few memorable songs (the stunner being "You Can Fly") and the strong impression of the pixie fairy Tinkerbell and the goofy Captain Hook, Disney's version of this story neither supplants nor lessens the Broadway version with Mary Martin that was produced for television the same decade. Unlike some classics, Peter Pan never ages along the way. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

    Reviews (98)

    4-0 out of 5 stars Peter Pan
    I'm still a fan of the Disney Classics but I have to say that Peter Pan isn't one of my favorites and for the same reason that a lot of people don't like this one and that is the scenes with the Indians (hence 4 stars unstead of 5).

    PETER PAN is about the boy who could never grow up and after chasing his shadow in the bedroom of Wendy, John and Michael, he invites the 3 to fly with him to Neverland. It's a wonderful story of adventure, fun and flying. All children will enjoy this one.

    Now again, my reason for taking a star off is obviously for the derogatory and stereotypical depiction of Native Americans in this movie. Regardless that this movie was made in 1953 still doens't make it right. As parents, it really should be the responsibilty of the parents to explain and to teach children the right way. I will say that every child should enjoy PETER PAN, but afterwards every parent should take the time to explain to the children that making fun of another culture is wrong.

    Either way it goes, if you're looking for other great Disney classics look for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST SPECIAL EDITION, THE FOX AND THE HOUND, ROBIN HOOD, SLEEPING BEAUTY and CINDERELLA. Also check out some of the new Disney's like MONSTERS INC and TOY STORY and TOY STORY 2.

    5-0 out of 5 stars You'll (almost) believe you can fly
    Of all Walt Disney's animated films, "Peter Pan" is my personal favorite. This classic tale of the little boy who never grew up has Disney stamped all over it. It also varies refreshingly from the versions that preceded it. In previous plays acted on the stage, Peter Pan was always played by a young woman, but in the Disney version he is all boy. He's brash, mischievous, more than a little cocksure of himself, able to fight and defeat a grown pirate captain, and on top of all this, he can fly. What else is needed for a children's hero? Tinker Bell is one of Disney's best inventions. On the stage she is a blob of light flitting here and there; only in animation could she be realized as a real pixie, vain, conceited, totally devoted to Peter and madly jealous of Wendy. The three children, Wendy, John and Michael, are very well done in the movie, and the opening family scenes are priceless. When Peter and Tinkerbell sneak through the children's window, and zoom back out again with the children in tow, we want to sprinkle on some pixie dust and fly right out there with them. Second star to the right, here we come. The scenes at Neverland are funny and original, and the pirates are a riot. One of Disney's most hilarious, and underrated, characters in all his films, is the crocodile, Hook's nemesis, who can't wait to get another chomp out of him. (Poor Hook is reduced to a bundle of shattered nerves every time he hears that tick-tock, tick-tock coming towards his ship.) The only negative in this film is the scene in the Indian village; the stereotypes that were accepted without question in the 1950s are almost embarrassing now. However, it can't and doesn't detract from the fun. The songs are okay, nut nothing special; it's the action and animation that make this movie. Of all Disney's animated films, "Peter Pan" was the one I used to wish was real when I was a child. Maybe there is a little of Peter Pan in all of us.

    3-0 out of 5 stars Poor adaptation of Barrie's play misses the point.
    "The Disney version" of "Peter Pan" clearly demonstrates what is so wrong with "The Disney version" of too many classic stories. It turns Barrie's play into a simple adventure tale, in which the dramatic and (dare I say it?) psycho-sexual elements at the center of Barrie's fantasy are discarded wholesale.

    There are defensible reasons for this, I suppose. Drama requires talking, but characters who stand around gabbing bring an animated film to a dead stop. I also suspect that Disney simply didn't understand the story in the first place. It wasn't until the Ashman/Menken era that Disney films finally developed any dramatic focus.

    It's unfortunate, because "Peter Pan" starts off well enough. The late Sammy Fain's "Second Star from the Right," played over the title cards, has one of the most-ravishing melodies in the history of American popular music. (Look for the albums "Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach" and "Heigh-Ho! Mozart" for superb "classical" arrangements of Disney tunes.) The "You Can Fly" sequence is inspired (and can you name any other pop song with an accelerando passage?). But everything quickly bogs down thereafter, with Captain Hook's machinations providing the only fun.

    There just aren't enough good things in the Disney "Peter Pan" to make up for its failure to treat the source material in an honest and serious fashion.

    5-0 out of 5 stars A great cartoon classic, one of Disney's best
    This wonderful Disney production offers flights of fancy that appeal directly to children's fertile imaginations. The ability to fly, to be a devil-may-care youngster and never grow up, to engage in derring-do with pirates, never having to bother with school, and exploring fantasy worlds of islands, mermaids, Indians and mysterious caves is a powerful magnetic pull for young dreamers. The lush color lensing of this animated adventure is superb, and the characters and catchy tunes add to the pleasure of watching this film, for young and old alike.

    Peter Pan, the title character, is a spry, charming lad who loves his carefree existence. He is, however, upstaged by his companion, the delightfully naughty Tinker Bell, a temperamental pixie who literally sees red when Wendy accompanies Peter Pan to Never Land. Captain Hook and his shadow, the crocodile, the sniveling Smee, the beautiful mermaids, and the stoic Tiger Lily are the characters who stand out in this movie. Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael are okay and basically come along for the ride. The sprightly song "You Can Fly!-You Can Fly!-You Can Fly!" is just one of the memorable tunes for which Peter Pan is fondly remembered.

    5-0 out of 5 stars A quick, enjoyable Disney viewing.
    This movie animates one of the most imaginative plays ever written, albeit with a little 'Disneyfication.' It's by far my favorite; there is an enjoyably long spectrum of characters. Every time I watch this movie, it takes me back to those times I wish I was in Never-Never-Land.

    P.S. The claim that this movie is an allegory to the JFK years is easily refutable, since this movie was made in 1953, while the play is over a century old. ... Read more


    10. That Darn Cat!
    Director: Robert Stevenson
    list price: $9.99
    our price: $9.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 6304285388
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 115
    Average Customer Review: 4.81 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    When a slightly cross-eyed Siamese cat named D.C. (Darn Cat) turns upwith a wristwatch around hisneck instead of a collar, it could be just the clue the FBI needs tocrack a series of bank robberies in this lightweight comedy fromDisney.The watch belongs to a bank teller whohas been taken hostage.Dean Jones stars as the good-hearted FBI agentassigned to the case.Unfortunately, he is highly allergic to, you guessedit, cats.Hayley Mills is D.C.'s doting owner who hatches a hair-brainedscheme to follow D.C.'s every move until he returns to the crooks' hideoutwhere he got the wristwatch.After a lot of sneezing, slapstick, and comedic intrigue, the bank robbers are foiled, the hostage is safe, and everyone ishappy. An impressive supporting cast of Frank Gorshin, Elsa Lanchester,Roddy McDowall, and Ed Wynn add to the zaniness. Released in 1965 (and remade in 1997), it is understandably dated, but the performances are funnonetheless.Hayley Mills is delightful as the determined and unflappablewannabe sleuth, and Dean Jones proves he is adept at physical comedy. This is a movie of little consequence, just a clean, fun diversion that thewhole family can watch. The theme song is sung by Bobby Darin. --Peggy Maltby-Etra ... Read more

    Reviews (21)

    5-0 out of 5 stars Mill's Best Film Ever!
    While out prowling one night DC,a siamese cat whose name stands for 'darn cat,' happens upon two kidnappers & their hostage, a bank teller by the name of Maragret Miller. While the hostage is up cooking for the two DC comes in, taking off her wrist watch & scratching the 'help' on the back, slips it on the back, & puts the cat out, hoping that somebody will find it.

    When DC returns home, his owner Patti (Hayley Mills) finds the watch on DC's neck & with her wild imagination comes up with a near correct theory. Her sister Ingrid (Dorthey Provine) disaproves with the whole thing & leaves for work the next morning with one note of instruction, Patti is not to notify the police about the watch.

    Instead of telling the police Patti notifies the FBI, & agent Kelso (Dean Joanes) is assigned to the job of following the cat. The movie was followed 32 years later with a fairly good remake starring Christina Ricci & Doug E Doug.

    5-0 out of 5 stars "That Darn Cat" is a Disney gem!
    Young teenager Patti Randall (Hayley Mills) discovers that the Randall cat, D.C. which stands for Darn Cat, comes home one night wearing a wrist-watch around his neck. Scratched behind the watch are the letters 'H', 'E', and part of an 'L'. Patti's imagination runs away with her and she figures out that the letters were supposed to spell out the word "HELP"! Patti thinks that the watch belongs to a kidnapped teller, Margaret Miller (Grayson Hall). And she is correct! Ms. Miller had been kidnapped by two bank robbers Dan (Neville Brand) and Sammy (Frank Gorshin) and fearing for her life, had put the wristwatch on D.C. Luckily, Patti, ignoring her sister Ingrid's (Dorothy Provine) commands on not to call the police, instead calls the FBI and gets help from Agent Zeke Kelso (Dean Jones). From there starts a zany adventure in which Zeke Kelso has to follow D.C. to the crooks while fighting off nosy neighbors, jealous boyfriends, and D.C.'s disappearing maneuvers.

    Based on the book "Undercover Cat" written by the Gordons, "That Darn Cat" is a Disney gem! For those who have read the book must be warned though that this movie is very different from the book, yet still hilarious and exciting! One of the best things about this movie though is that superb cast of stars! Everyone is perfect for their parts, from Hayley Mills the full-of-life Randall girl, Ingrid the serious sister, Dean Jones the allergic FBI agent, Roddy McDowall the short-tempered neighbor, Elsa Lanchester the nosy neighbor, her husband played by William Demarest, Tom Lowell as Canoe the jealous boyfriend, Ed Wynn the very nervous watch jeweler, and Richard Eastham as the FBI Supervisor. And of course we can't forget D.C. who is actually a very good actor! The title song is fun to listen to, very jazzy and sung by Bobby Darin.

    If you still haven't seen this movie, I really recommend that you do! For other great Disney Hayley Mill's movies, I suggest you watch "The Parent Trap", "Pollyana", "The Moon Spinners", and "Summer Magic".

    5-0 out of 5 stars Cats Rule & Dogs SUCK!
    The best movie of all time! My favorite part is when the cat tricks that bulldog ((...) that dog was so stupid!). So the cat climbs up the tree and knocks the hummingbird feeder off and it falls in the corner of the yard. The bulldog wakes up and runs over to the spot and starts jumping up and down barking. That (...) dog did not even notice the cat slinking up and start eating his food. Then he finally notices the cat and chases him. The cat jumps on top of a loose board, causing the other end to come up. Just as the dog gets there the board hits him HARD on the face. And he's all whimpering 'n' stuff and the cat runs away! Then the dog sticks his sorry face up and he says, "That Darn Cat!" I could not stop laughing through the whole movie! THIS IS DEFINATLY A MOVIE FOR CAT LOVERS (NOT DOG LOVERS!). HOPE YOU THINK SO TOO!*

    5-0 out of 5 stars Classic Cat!
    This movie is a crowd pleaser to this day! I show it as a special reward to my 2nd grade classes each year, and it is wonderful to see that a good, old-fashioned family film is enjoyable after 40+ years! They love the slapstick humor, and they like to complain about the nosy neighbor. Disney at its finest!

    5-0 out of 5 stars A Darn Good Movie
    Get this movie if you have kids. They'll love it. You'll love it. Only positive messages here. ... Read more


    11. Sleeping Beauty (Disney)
    Director: Clyde Geronimi
    list price: $26.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 6304401132
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 325
    Average Customer Review: 4.51 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    Disney's 1959 animated effort was the studio's most ambitious to date, a widescreen spectacle boasting a gorgeous waltz-filled score adapting Tchaikovsky. In the 14th century, the malevolent Maleficent (not dissimilar to the wicked Queen in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) taunts a king that his infant Aurora will fatally prick her finger on a spinning wheel before sundown on her 16th birthday. This, of course, would deny her a happily-ever-after with her true love. Things almost but not quite turn out that way, thanks to the assistance of some bubbly, bumbling fairies named Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. It's not really all that much about the title character--how interesting can someone in the middle of a long nap be, anyway? Instead, those fairies carry the day, as well as, of course, good Prince Phillip, whose battle with the malevolent Maleficent in the guise of a dragon has been co-opted by any number of animated films since. See it in its original glory here. And Malificent's castle, filled with warthogs and demonic imps in a macabre dance celebrating their evil ways, manages a certain creepy grandeur. --David Kronke ... Read more

    Reviews (154)

    5-0 out of 5 stars "Good over Evil ~ Sleeping Beauty by Disney"
    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)

    5-0 out of 5 stars Stunning Remastering
    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.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable, timeless classic
    One of my favorite movies (animated or nonanimated). THere is a quality and rich story that seems lacking in so many of todays movies (Disney movies included). The music just lifts you up and carries you into the Princess's world, and the ending leaves you with a pleasant sigh without being totally predictable. If you liked the Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast, you'll love this.

    5-0 out of 5 stars A delightful animated masterpiece!!!!
    Sleeping Beauty is one of the most ambitious animated films ever made. It's a gorgeous, elegant, and absolutely amazing landmark in animation; a film so charming, memorable, and beautiful that it has been hailed as the most incomparable film in the animated genre, and with good reason. Detailed backgrounds, glorious colors, outstanding visuals and beautiful music are all contributing factors to the grandeur pageantry that "Sleeping Beauty" enthralls on its audience.

    Up until the last few years, "Sleeping Beauty" was actually considered one of the few Disney 'failures.' That means, a poor box-office success. But that was 1959. Since then, the film, like "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia," has returned to theaters many times and made way on video for new generations to enjoy, earning large estimates of money and critical praise, not to mention being the most requested Disney film on video after "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs" and "The Lion King."

    It was finally re-released in a fantastic Special Edition DVD, and looking back, I can't believe this was once considered a failure. As if! This is not just a timeless tale of good and evil; the plot is elegantly portrayed with rich textures and stunning animation.

    Sleeping Beauty is one of Disney's best animated films, EVER, and a must-own DVD for any collection. If only Disney still made films like this. I don't think we could be so lucky. Don't delay, get this before time runs out!!!

    5-0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Artistry and Animation
    Sleeping Beauty is Disney's retelling of the fairy tale of the same name. This DVD release of Disney's 75 minute movie features options to view it in either the original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, or in a "pan and scan" 1.33:1 aspect ratio version that captures most of the action while using the full height of a standard television screen. A second DVD includes supplemental material on the history and making of the film.

    The story itself departs somewhat from the traditional fairy tale version, with a story line that provides a little more scope for character exposition and interaction. The result still retains a fairy tale feel, and the plot remains simpler than most of Disney's other animated features.

    The biggest strengths of the movie are in its wonderful animation, artwork, and music.

    The animation is perhaps the best of any Disney movie. The animators were exceptionally good at using facial expressions to help tell the story - Maleficent's face perfectly expresses her smug satisfaction when something goes her way, and Princess Aurora's expression when she first meets Prince Phillip by surprise perfectly communicates the various emotions that are running through her. The animation of the action is also wonderful, with some of the best moments being Aurora's dancing and Phillip's battle with the dragon.

    The background artwork is terrific. Each background is really a high quality painting, full of scene specific detail and yet all coordinating to give the picture overall artistic unity and medieval feel. And yet, all this beautiful background coordinates with the characters in a way that avoids overpowering them.

    Unlike some of Disney's other animated classics, this film did not use original music, but instead wisely went with Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty ballet music. Tchaikovsky's beautiful classic music perfectly complements the beautiful, artistic nature of everything else in the film.

    All the attention to artistry and detail made the film too expensive to be a commercial success in 1959, but it also made the film a timeless classic that can continue to be enjoyed today and far into the future. Get it now, or you may have to wait seven years for Disney's next rerelease. ... Read more


    12. Sesame Street - Learning About Letters
    Director: Bob Schwarz, Jon Stone, Eva Saks, Jim Henson, Randall Balsmeyer, Stan Lathan
    list price: $9.99
    our price: $9.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: 630227608X
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 52
    Average Customer Review: 4.79 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com

    Big Bird and Telly Monster lead young viewers through the alphabet, letter by letter, in a magical and imaginative half-hour discovery of letters and their sounds. The perfect tape for young Sesame Street fans who are just beginning to get the hang of what letters are all about, it includes short skits, songs, and other bits of business--some original, some culled from the Sesame Streetshow--featuring a variety of Muppet characters as well as the human residents of that famously educational thoroughfare. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

    Reviews (14)

    5-0 out of 5 stars The BEST alphabet video on the market!
    I bought this tape for my little boy when he was 16 months old.
    This is by far the best alphabet movie I have seen to date. It's not all annoying loud songs like so many of the movies are now. My son is allowed to watch one movie per day, and this is usually his first choice. Believe it or not, by 17/18 months he was saying the entire alphabet. His pediatrician was shocked at his 18 month visit! There are lots of neat songs and video clips from Sesame Street episodes from the early 70's I remember myself on this tape!

    5-0 out of 5 stars Variety and simplicity
    If you are looking for an introduction to letters for your child, this is a wonderful video. Through entertaining skits and a variety of visuals, the Sesame Street Gang go through the alphabet while coming up with words that begin with each letter. The sequence of photos of street signs and billboards which zero in on each letter in order is a real favorite with our 28-month old and has led to his interest in street signs and letter recognition in our own neighborhood. The pace is leisurely enough for toddlers who are just learning sounds, yet contains enough music and animated sequences to capture the attention of squirmy kids--if you happen to have one of those. Please note: There is no Elmo in this video, which to my mind is a plus but may be a disappointment to rabid Elmo fans.

    5-0 out of 5 stars Excellent Learning Aid
    Sesame Street learning about Letters, Has helped my 22 month old twin boys, and my daughter who is 3 1/2 to learn the alphabet, and have fun at the same time. They all ask to watch this video almost every day!

    5-0 out of 5 stars Great entertainment and Great learning!!!
    This video has been around for a while; my now 14yr old daughter used to watch this video everyday from 9months old on. No kidding, by the time she was 18 months old, she could identify ALL the letters if you asked her to point to any one!
    Now, I have a 4yr old, 3yr old, and twin 2yr olds who are really learning alot from this video, albeit not as fast as my 14yr did.
    I would recommend this to anyone with kids from 6months up!

    3-0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but...
    The quality of the tape itself could be better. Also, it is a bit tiring for a toddler to sit through this video with the whole alphabet being introduced at once. ... Read more


    13. Pinocchio
    Director: Hamilton Luske, Ben Sharpsteen
    list price: $22.99
    (price subject to change: see help)
    Asin: B00001QGIQ
    Catlog: Video
    Sales Rank: 283
    Average Customer Review: 4.24 out of 5 stars
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    Amazon.com essential video

    This Disney masterpiece from 1940 will hold up forever precisely because it doesn't restrain or temper the most elemental emotions and themes germane to its story. Based on the Collodi tale about a wooden pupp