Lady and the Tramp
Well it only took roughly a decade to produce, but Disney’s original film Lady and the Tramp was one to wait for. The classic story of girl meets boy and voilà! It’s love. Only this time around it’s gone to the dogs. Lady meets her devilish Tramp and from there the story is its own.
The beautiful early Victorian American times were really shown off in this film. I realize it is somewhat a representation on the small town Disney grew up in, but what an excellent representation it was. It made the time period seem so simple and appealing. Yet the world is on the verge of drastic change. It is such a lovely setting and beautifully simple story. The complexity of it all comes from the surroundings and background details. Hints of change are everywhere from the automobile to the street lamps. It’s just so subtly done that it makes for a seamless transition story for the Disney collection.
Enough of the rambling on the film. We all know, love, and have probably seen the classic tale numerous times, but let’s check out how it looks 57 years after its original release.
Disney and his team of outstanding artists and directors have produced some of the most recognizable and lovable films of all time, this one was no different. For being the first time ever released on blu-ray Lady and the Tramp looks outstanding. The stationary backgrounds were exquisitely sharpened and colored as well as the characters. There appeared to have been a great deal of work put into restoring this film. It is beautiful all around. The coloring and clarity are both very impressive. It was also the first film Disney ever produced as widescreen. That made it a bit nicer when restored, more picture to work with.
Not only was the picture quality greatly improved, but the sound was terrific. It really allowed the voice talents of Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Peggy Lee, Bill Thompson, Bill Baucom, Stan Freberg, and Lee Miller to really be shown off.
Special Features Blu-ray Bonus:
– Disney Second Screen: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
– Audio Commentary: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
– Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
– Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
– Never Recorded Song: “I’m Free as the Breeze”
Classic DVD Bonus:
-Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp
-Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard
-Original 1943: Storyboard Version of the Film
-PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
-“The Siamese Cat Song,” Finding a Voice for the Cats
-“Bella Notte” Music Video
-Trailers
-Excerpts from “Disneyland” TV Shows
DVD Bonus:
Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
Outstanding Features! They may have gone on and on seemingly forever, but they were well worth the time. The details and information given about Disney and various projects was priceless. The deleted scenes were interesting, but I am so glad they decided to go a different direction with the film. I did not find the original character designs lovable or even very likable. The correct decision was definitely made in the end. However, I do wish they would have recorded the Tramp song “I’m Free as the Breeze.” I really feel it would have added more depth to the character.
The information is endless. There are so many interesting facts I don’t even know where to tell you to start. I say just watch them all. Maybe not all at one time, but do give them a good once over. You won’t be disappointed.
