Blu-ray Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

There is a statue in the Magic Kingdom at Walt DisneyWorld, just short of Cinderella's Castle, which features Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.  Accompanying that statue is a plaque that reads "Never forget that it all started with a mouse."  While that is unquestionably true, in terms of feature length animated fare – something that Disney may be best known for – it all started with a princess, Snow White.  Originally released in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is now making its way to Blu-ray in a spectacular three disc set.

The film is the Disney version of the classic Grimm Brothers' fairytale we all know.  Snow White's stepmother, the evil Queen, angry that her Magic Mirror finds Snow White more fair than she orders the Royal Huntsman to take Snow White to the woods and kill her.  Unable to, he sends her off to hide and there, deep in the forest, she comes upon the dwarfs and their home.  The Queen still hunts her but in the end, Snow White goes off with Prince Charming and lives happily ever after.

Watching the film today, the ending of the film seems awfully abrupt – Prince Charming kisses Snow White, she wakes up, says a quick goodbye to the dwarfs and heads off into the sunset.  These seven great friends of Snow White, men who not only shared their home with her but nearly lost their lives to save her are quickly dismissed by the princess as her prince has shown up.  Overly grateful of their efforts, she is not.

Of course, as issues with a film go, that is a small one.  The film is, even today, wondrous and wonderful.  It is certainly a version of the story that we all know, but it is no less magical now, watching as an adult, as it was when seen as a child.  The film inspires just as many laughs, smiles, and chills as it did back then (okay, perhaps not quite as many chills, but the younger set may definitely find moments frightening).

Following on the heels of Disney's spectacular Blu-ray releases of Pinocchio and Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs features a brilliant restoration of the classic film.  The quality of the print is an excellent one and features bright, wonderful colors.  Imperfections do seem to exist in it, most noticeably some soft focus at points and some imprecise drawing of characters in a few scenes, but those appear to have been issues with the original animation.  They do not, however, distract from one's viewing of the film.  Snow White does not look like it was made in the past 10 years, but nor does it look over 70 years old.  The audio on the Blu-ray can be played out as either a 7.1 channel DTS-HD one or a restored original version.  In the 7.1 channel track, the surrounds don't come into play excessively, but are still present to aid with music and some basic background effects.  The audio track, much like the picture itself is clear and while doesn't make the film feel new, certainly has breathed new life into it.

Article Author: Josh Lasser

Josh Lasser, formerly known as "TV and Film Guy," and complete with a Masters Degree in Critical Studies in said areas, gives his opinions on TV, Film, and Entertainment in general. All of which he does in a shameless attempt to try to get paid to do the exact same thing. …

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