Sleeping Beauty (DVD, 2003, 2-Disc Set, Newly Restored Frame by Frame Transfer)

It took Disney as while but they have finally embraced the DVD format.
As with everything else, when they do it, they do it right and big!
When Disney first stuck their foot in the DVD waters they did it slowly, offering movies without major extras and at a price well above their competition. Disney finally got it through their heads that DVD has broken through to become the standard format for the new millenium.

Several other Disney Disks have gotten this deluxe treatment. Their collaborations with Pixar; Toy Story One and Two, A Bugs Life, Monsters Inc were among the first. Tarzan, Atlantis, Beauty and the Beast as well as Dumbo and a variety of lesser films have editions chock full of extras as well. It was fitting that Snow White was released as a Double Disk set last year and they have followed that up with one of my faves, Sleeping Beauty.

The film has been remastered all around. Crisp new sound and picture wrapped up with a bevy of extras that will make any cinemafile drool. Along with the standard documentaries and commentaries.
This edition has something I wish had been packaged with every disk released to date; A widescreen to pan and scan comparison. Finally I can show my friends and family why widescreen is preferable to 'full screen'.

Make sure you don't let this one slip away for another generation.

I bought this DVD because 'Sleeping Beauty' is easily my favorite Disney movie. The film has been beautifully restored and looks much better than it did on my ancient VHS tape. There's a plethora of extras, including a short film ('Grand Canyon') that was shown with 'Sleeping Beauty' in its initial theatrical release, and an old special (from the 'Mickey Mouse Club', I believe) on Peter Tchaikovsky (since the film uses music he composed). I'd recommend the Disney version of the 'Sleeping Beauty' tale over others (and over its predecessor, 'Snow White') because the film's writers added in some feminist undertones (the three fairies repeatedly save the day), which one rarely finds in variations of the damsel-in-distress theme. This DVD is out of print, so don't pass up the opportunity to buy a copy in good condition.

While I was a little disappointed when I first read the specs for this DVD, after purchasing it, I am very pleased with it. The thing I was a little miffed about was Disney's seeming omission of the "Tchaikovsky Story" documentary that accompanied the laserdisc box set from several years back. After getting my DVD, I find that the documentary is indeed on this set. The picture surpasses that of the laserdisc, and the sound is fantastic. I was amazed at how clean this print is, with hardly any artifacting at all. Disney has obviously spent a lot of time and effort on producing a top notch product with Sleeping Beauty. Disney is quickly becoming the top producer of DVD's when it comes to picture/sound quality, and available extras. I actually think that the extras on this disc are better than the Platinum Edition of Beauty and the Beast, which is surprising seeing as SB is an older film. One of the features I thought was wonderful was how you choose what type extras you want to view. If you want kid friendly extras, you follow one link. For extras that appeal more to adults, follow the other. A perfect edition of a perfect film!! You will NOT be disappointed with this one.

I've always liked this movie. The story is about a Royal couple who have a party to celebrate the birth of their only child-a girl. They invite everyone in the kingdom except the evil sorceress Millicent who finds out and is ticked. She crashes the party & puts a spell on the baby that when she turns sixteen, she'll prick her finger on the needle of a spinning wheel and die. After she leaves, a small fairy who can't undo the spell but is able to alter it does so so that the baby won't die but just sleep until she's wakened by her true-love's kiss. That fairy & two others manage to keep the little girl hidden until her sixteenth birthday when they take her back to her parents at the palace. Of course Millecent finds out and the excitement begins. There are some scenes with the sorceress that might be frightening to small children so it may not be suitable for them (may give them bad dreams) but I'd say children of seven or eight on up should be okay with it. The characters are well done and the story is great. It's up there with Cinderella and Snow White.

this is one my favorite Disney film of all time. even though Aurora doesnt do much but look pretty, she is still one of my fav disney princesses. the animation is great and the three fairies are quite entertaining. my fvorite scene is when they are fighting for the color of the dress. Also the music especially the main theme is pretty awesome. Maleficent to me is one of the best disney villians. the voice actress really does embody her. great film and great addition to any disney collection