... More than seventy years later, Snow White is still available as a testament to how wrong general opinion can be.
The Story
Like many of the brilliant films that followed it, Snow White was based on a fairy tale – in this case the German fairy tale Schneewittchen, as collected by Jakob and ... Read review
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfswas nicknamed "Disney's Folly" by contemporary observers; ... more
they doubted that the short cartoons shown before the main film could ever successfully make the transition from filler to feature presentation. Surely, no one wou...
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The wicked Queen has a magic mirror which tells her that she is the fairest in the land. ... more
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Advantages: The dwarves, the animals, the imagery and the sense of fun Disadvantages: A few old fashioned features - particularly some of the songs/singing voices!
...More than seventy years later, Snow White is still available as a testament to how wrong general opinion can be.
The Story
Like many of the brilliant films that followed it, Snow White was based on a fairy tale – in this case the German fairy tale Schneewittchen, as collected by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm. It follows the fortunes of beautiful young princess Snow White, who is driven from her home by the murderous intentions ... ...I should first say that Snow White is not entirely what you might expect of a Disney heroine. As someone who grew up with the films of the so-called ‘Disney Renaissance’, and with characters such as Jasmine, Esmeralda and Belle, I found her to be a lot less self reliant and realistic than my favourite ‘princesses’ and so found a lot more interest in the rest of the cast. It may well be a generational difference, but I always thought that Snow White, ... more
When Walt Disney first suggested releasing a feature length animated film in the 1930s, the prevailing response was that he must have been a little mad. More than seventy years later, Snow White is still available as a testament to how wrong general opinion can be.
The Story
Like many of the brilliant films that followed it, Snow White was based on a fairy tale – in this case the German fairy tale Schneewittchen, as collected by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm. It follows the fortunes of beautiful young princess Snow White, who is driven from her home by the murderous intentions of her jealous step mother and finding herself living with a group of seven comical dwarves. This being a Disney fairy tale (SPOILER for those who have yet to watch this) it is probably no surprise that she becomes beloved by the dwarves, defeats the evil queen and marries the prince of her dreams. But Disney have a long track record in films proving that it is the journey, rather than the destination, that is the most important thing.
The Characters
In terms of characters, I should first say that Snow White is not entirely what you might expect of a Disney heroine. As someone who grew up with the films of the so-called ‘Disney Renaissance’, and with characters such as Jasmine, Esmeralda and Belle, I found her to be a lot less self reliant and realistic than my favourite ‘princesses’ and so found a lot more interest in the rest of the cast. It may well be a generational difference, but I always thought that Snow White, despite being the eponymous character, was present more to add structure to the story and act as a foil for the antics of the dwarves (although not quite in those words as a five year old!).
But even though she may not be the most memorable of individuals, Snow White does work perfectly well in holding together all the other elements of the film. Characterwise, the best of these elements is of course the wonderful dwarves (I’ll leave you to try and name all seven!). With their simple but entirely distinct personalities, they’re perfect viewing for anyone with even the faintest remnant of a childish sense of humour – especially the wonderfully Dopey and his wiggling ears. Having watched this film recently for the first time in ages, I can testify that the scene where the dwarves wash for the first time in years still reduces me to hopeless giggles. Of the other characters, the witch is just agreeably frightening enough, the prince acceptable in a I-just-happen-to-be-handsome-and-in-the-area kind of way that doesn’t challenge the grey matter too much, and the cast of animal characters a source of constant joy. The tortoise and the baby blue bird deserve special mention.
Songs and Music
Disney songs are rightfully famous for their songs, and in this respect Snow White maintains the reputation. Given the 1937 release date, it is not surprising that there is an outmoded feel to the orchestration, with a lot of sweeping strings and old fashioned singing voices. The songs in which Snow White is strongest are the songs with a sense of fun – Whistle While You Work is the most fun, and despite limited lyrics very well animated, and Hi Ho, the Digging Song and the Silly Song of the dwarves all raise a grin. One Day My Prince Will Come is also a lovely, simple little love song, that is short enough that the youngest viewers will not get bored. The only weak songs are the opening numbers, I’m Wishing/One Love, which sadly stray to the wrong side of twee and could also have benefited from some better lyrics (although the prince’s singing voice is undoubtedly brilliant).
Imagery
Once again the only fault that could possibly be picked with the imagery is that it is old fashioned – unsurprising, given the venerable age of the film and the lack of helpful computer technology. The background scenery is beautifully painted and realistic, but in such a way that it suits the fairy tale origins of the tale and some of the sequences are carried off with real panache. Snow White’s run through the terrifying woodland, where every tree comes to life, is a creation of pure genius. Snow White and the prince are capably animated, but it’s the imagery of the dwarves and animals that has a real sense of fun, and makes the film such a pleasure to watch.
Recommendations
If you have seen this before in childhood, I would definitely recommend seeing this again – you’ll be surprised, as I was, by the amount of little things that you’ve managed to forget, and you pick up more of the small details on later viewings. For first time viewers, it is worth watching in its context as a milestone and a classic of cinema. As I loved this film, my guess is that children of all ages would still find it entertaining, even being used to such knowing for-child-and-adult films as Shrek and Finding Nemo. My only suggestion would be maybe not to let young children watch it on their own: the brothers Grimm has a habit of living up to their name, and there are a few quite dark moments (after all, the Queen does ask a huntsman to kill Cinderella and bring back her heart – I know that as a four year old, I was glad my older sister was in the room at that moment!). But a few scary moments do not stop this being a very rewarding film even for young kids.
Conclusion
Overall, having looked at the different aspects of the film, I would definitely encourage you to see Snow White. Firstly, even if it is not ‘your sort of film’ (if such a thing exists), it still represents the beginning of a major sector of the film industry. For everyone else, it is a film with a glorious sense of fun, laugh out loud scenes, sensitive characters and beautiful music. My only criticisms can be explained by the age of the film – the weak character of Snow White, and a few poorer than average songs. But I think a lot can be forgiven when a film gives you so much pleasure, and I believe that Snow White will probably stay a perennially enjoyable family film.
Oh, and just in case you’re still struggling – it’s Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy and Dopey :D
Advantages: Fantastic songs Disadvantages: Terrible singing from Snow White
...in the early 1940's.
Snow White had always been Uncle Walt's favourite fairy tale, ever since he was a child. In fact, he thought it was the perfect story, combining the love of Snow White and the Prince, the evilness of the Queen, and the comic nature of the Dwarves. So really, it's not too much of a surprise that he chose it to be the basis of his first feature.
The film opens in the way that all good fairy tales do - with the reading of a book. ... ...The film itself begins with Snow White in rags, scrubbing the steps of the castle. Before long she bursts into song, wishing at the well in the courtyard for her true love to find her. Of course, whilst she's doing this, who should hear her from the other side of the from the other side of the wall, but a Charming Prince? So charming is he that he decides that he must climb over the wall (trespass), creep up behind Snow White (stalking) and start ...
thedeadparrot 19.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (DVD)
Advantages: Classic family entertainment. Disadvantages: Kids will want to watch it again and again.
...most popular films in history; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. THE PLOT. Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful princess who had a wicked step-mother. Now mummy dearest was very vain, and was a bit miffed one day when her mirror told her she was not the fairest in the land, but her step-daughter Snow White was. Right, that's it, says she to her huntsman, I don't want to mess the carpets with blood and stuff, so take Snow White out into the woods, ... ...nice huntsman, so he let Snow White go and took back the heart of a deer. Meanwhile, poor Snow White is out in the forest alone, until some friendly bunnies take her to a wee cottage where she eventually meets the seven wee guys that live there; the Dwarfs. Now I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who hasn't seen the film, so I won't tell you about the adventures they all get up to, or how they sort out mummy dearest, or how Snow White meets ...
shabbie 24.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (DVD)
The film of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was made in 1937, probably before you were born. It is though one of the most enduring cinematic experiences many of us can remember. It takes the Grimm fairy tale and uses all the images from it including the terrifying sequences in the forest and the powerful visual images of the evil grandmother trying to poison Snow White with an apple.
It succeeds as a love story but also because of the brilliant ... ...the way they are drawn. Snow White herself is seen as an enchanting but hard working honest girl. Snow White was voiced by Adriana Caselotti who died in 1997 aged 81. I recall her appearing in a documentary about the work of Disney and she seemed a wonderful lady.
The dwarfs of course love Snow White and seek to protect her. They are a bunch of work mad miners who it was felt were done in this way as Walt Disney wished to promote hard work as being ...
polydeuces 12.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (DVD)
Advantages: Classic kids' film Disadvantages: A bit too predictable
The legend of Snow White is one of the oldest and best loved of the genre that have become known as 'fairy stories'. It owes much of its popularity to the darker themes and happenings that are generally woven into all of Grimm's fairy tales, the evil side of life with villains whose hearts are blacker than black with few redeeming features. I remember being fascinated by the story as a child, especially the fell horror of the wicked stepmother and ... ...full length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The blurb on the back cover of the video of the cartoon says it all really:
"No film in history has captured the world's imagination like Walt Disney's first full length animated feature. Regarded as a milestone in film making, generations have been enchanted by its delightful charm and breathtaking beauty. 'Once upon a time...' so begins the fairy tale of Snow White, the beautiful ...
thehud 23.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (DVD)
Advantages: Makes every little girl want to be a princess Disadvantages: When the film ends
Snow White captured the heart of my two year old daughter who has to wear the Snow White dress when she is watching the video. She loves to pretend she is Snow White and that Prince Charming comes to kiss her to awaken her from a long sleep.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a beautiful Walt Disney classic story (adapted from Grimms Fairy Tales) for any child or adult who loves a story full of romance, laughter, music and lovable characters such ... ...The story of Snow White starts with Snow White singing to herself that she is wishing to meet her true love and a Prince is riding through the forest hears her singing and comes to visit the Princess because he has fallen in love with her at first sight. Snow White runs away from the Prince because her stepmother makes her dress in rags as the stepmother is worried that Snow White's beauty would surpass her own. Her Stepmother makes her work as a ...
sarah30 22.06.2005 (23.06.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (DVD)
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Advantages: A timeless classic that yo will want to watch time after time! Disadvantages: None that i can think of!
Walt Disney was certainly on a roll when he came up with snowwhite and the sevendwarfs! It contains all of the disney magic that was contained in the original film on VHS but with the advantage of better quality graphics and better sound! The film has an amazing soundtrack which will leave you humming the songs over in your head for hours! Children and adults alike will love this film along with the memorable characters which will take them on a magical journey through fantasy and fairytale and beyond! I think the only drawback to this film is that when it ends you wish that there was more! Only walt disney could make an animated film that contains comedy, horror, love and sevendwarfes and get away with it being a masterpiece!
The basic storyline is a wicked stepmother is insanely jealous of her beutiful stepdaughter and orders ...
Advantages: Excellent animation, good for all ages Disadvantages: none
] Play: Selecting this option starts the film. This is the easy one to select!
[5] Sneak Peaks: Selecting this option presents you with a still scene looking out over the ocean but gives you the chance to look at some forthcoming releases. These include:
SnowWhite and the SevenDwarfs: Coming to DVD in Autumn 2001.
Disney’s California Adventure: Disney’s new theme park that will be opening in February 2001. It looks pretty good but this is a bit sparse on information.
Atlantis: Disney’s next major film release is an animation about the lost city of Atlantis. It is scheduled to open in June 2001 in the USA. Perhaps we’ll get to see it by Christmas. Expect it on region 1 DVD by early 2002!
Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure
The Hunchback of Notre Dame II:
Disney’s Interactive ...
Disney's first full-length animated masterpiece features all the elements of a classic fairy tale--a beautiful heroine, an evil queen, Prince Charming...and a septet of whistling dwarfs. In hiding from her jealous and wicked stepmother, the fair Snow White takes refuge with a band of kind-hearted, hard-working dwarves: Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey and Doc. Eventually the vain queen finds Snow White and tricks her into eating a poisoned apple. Luckily, a wandering prince comes to her rescue, but can he break the evil queen's spell
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
WALT DISNEY HOME VIDEO; WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINM
Release date
01/10/2001
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
D 888340
Barcode
5017188883405
Music Director
Paul J. Smith
Screenwriter
Otto Englander, Webb Smith, Earl Hurd, Ted Sears, Dorothy Anne Blank, Merrill De Maris, Dick Richards
Animation
Fred Moore, Vladimir Tytla, Hamilton Luske, Norman Ferguson
Composer
Frank Churchill, Paul J. Smith, Leigh Harline, Larry Morey
Otto Englander, Webb Smith, Ted Sears, Richard Creedon
Voice
Otis Harlan, James MacDonald, Lucille La Verne, Harry Stockwell, Moroni Olsen, Adriana Caselotti, Billy Gilbert, Pinto Colvig, Walt Disney
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Local Tour By Angela Lansbury, Dopeys Wild Mine Ride, The Making Of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, Some Day My Prince Will Come Sung By Barbra Streisand, Heigh Ho Sing A Long Song, Audio Commentary With Walt Disney
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround English
Animated
Animated
Professional reviews
Review
"...The first and arguably greatest..." - Recommended (Premiere, p.126, 01/11/1994)
"...One of the most successful films of all times....SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS remains eternal..." (Sight and Sound, p.55-6, 01/08/1994)
DVD Description
Disney's first full-length animated masterpiece features all the elements of a classic fairy tale--a beautiful heroine, an evil queen, Prince Charming...and a septet of whistling dwarfs. In hiding from her jealous and wicked stepmother, the fair Snow White takes refuge with a band of kind-hearted, hard-working dwarves: Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey and Doc. Eventually the vain queen finds Snow White and tricks her into eating a poisoned apple. Luckily, a wandering prince comes to her rescue, but can he break the evil queen's spell?
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS was initially thought a crazy idea for a feature film by those at Walt Disney. However, its lush production and charming characters proved otherwise. Standing the test of time since its release in 1937, the film has entranced audiences for decades, teaching them to never be vain and always whistle while they work.
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