“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” launched the career of a humble Hoosier in 1937, and, despite its age, is refreshingly new all over again in its Blu-ray release as a Walt Disney Signature Collection.
The timeless classic launched nearly 80 years of success in feature-length animation for the studio, and Grandview, Ind., native Bill Peet was part of that success. Disney Studios hired him in 1937 as an illustrator and story writer, and his first work was to put finishing touches on “Snow White,” which was near the end of its production before its release.
Brand new Blu-ray bonus features tap into this fascinating time period and make viewers appreciate the historic release. Among the new bonus material is “In Walt’s Words,” where Walt himself — for the first time ever as a separate feature — discusses “Snow White.” The featurette includes audio conducted from several rounds of interviews that took place in 1956.
Another featurette, “Iconography,” demonstrates how influential the imagery from the movie resounds today. Also, an expert panel of artists produce contemporary pieces of artwork that evolved from inspiration of the movie. Yet another new bonus, “Snow White in Seventy Seconds,” showcases how hip the movie can be as the story is reimagined via rap music.
The Blu-ray release includes a copy of the film on DVD, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere, a family-friendly cloud-based digital movie service.
More Releases
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Need we say more? “Bridge of Spies” (Walt Disney Studios), directed by Spielberg and starring Hanks, is a glorious suspense flick set against real-life events. The spy thriller recounts how a lawyer (Hanks) works with the CIA as an intermediary to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. From start to finish, this movie is a thrill a minute.
“Our Brand Is Crisis” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) also dramatizes real-life events as Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton portray political strategists in the 2002 Bolivian presidential election. The two will go to no ends to one-up each other, and nothing is sacred.
“Batman: Bad Blood” (Warner) is a fitting prelude to the “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” in theaters next month. This DC Universe original movie gets viewers in the mood for the caped crusader, the movie examines if Batman has gone to the dark side, as Robin, Batwoman and Nightwing take crime-fighting into their own hands.
“Home Invasion” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) is a nifty psychological thriller in which Natasha Henstridge and her stepson are the targets of a home invasion in their remote mansion by three expert thieves. A security systems specialist (Jason Patric) is her only hope for survival.
“Truth” (Sony) delightfully revisits the 2004 presidential possible scandal regarding military service. Robert Redford plays the role of Dan Rather, and Cate Blanchett portrays producer Mary Mapes as the film delves into the question of journalistic integrity and political influence.
“Everest” (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment) captures the brutal majesty of the deadly peak of Mount Everest via the storyline of two expeditions. Viewers will be climbing from their seat as the thrilling movie moves forward and upward with Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, Josh Brolin, Emily Watson and others.
“Born to Win” (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)is an uplifting, moving drama. Its inspirational story is actually a true story, of a teacher at a school for disabled children who discovers that God is always with him.
“Experimenter” (Magnolia Home Entertainment) stars Winona Ryder and Peter Sarsgaard that examines the 1961 psychology experiment at Yale University where participants think they’re delivering electric shocks to a stranger (Jim Gaffigan). Will the participants continue listening to the lab-coated authority figure while thinking that their actions may be potentially fatal?
“For Better or for Worse” (Cinedigm) is a perfect warm-up for Valentine’s Day. This Hallmark Channel movie, starring Lisa Whelchel, shows that opposite do attract, but true love may not be realized if one shields oneself because of the pain of a previous love lost.
Speaking of Whelchel, she also stars in “The Facts of Life: Season Eight” (Shout! Factory), the penultimate season for the successful show. The 1986-1987 season includes a rockin’ trip back to the 1960s and a guest appearance by George Clooney.
Another TV show, “Da Vinci’s Demons: The Complete Third Season” (Anchor Bay Entertainment), concludes the historical fantasy series of a young Leonardo Da Vinci struggling with his inner demons.
The HBO miniseries “Show Me a Hero” uses an all-star cast to explore the notions of home, race and community in Yonkers, N.Y. Oscar Isaac and Catherine Keener star.
“Inside Llewyn Davis” (Criterion Collection), the Coen Brothers masterpiece from 2013, receives a pristine Criterion rendering on Blu-ray, including a new audio commentary and much more.
Remember the film noir classic “Kansas City Confidential” from 1952? The movie has been transferred from 35mm archival film elements and is available in HD on Blu-ray by The Film Detective, distributed by Allied Vaughn. The crime drama stars John Payne and features an appearance by Jack Elam.
“Comin’ at Ya!” (MVD Visual) is a treasure as this Blu-ray 3D release reinforces the 3D fly-off-the-screen effects of the 1981 cult classic western starring Tony Anthony. A 2D version also accompanies the package.
“How to Win at Checkers (Every Time)” (Wolfe Video) is truly a bittersweet coming-of-age drama that serves as Thailand’s submission for best foreign language film to the 2016 Academy Awards.
“Black Mountain Side” (Monarch Home Entertainment) is a bloody fine mess as an ancient stone structure in Canada unleashes inexplicable evil.
“Earth’s Natural Wonders” (PBS Distribution) is a three-hour mega-showing of the best sites on Earth. The Blu-ray (or DVD) packages together “Extreme Wonders,” “Wonders of Water” and “Living Waters.”
“Shimmer and Shine” (Nickelodeon Home Entertainment) doubles the delight as twin sisters make for great adventures that kid audiences will love.
Coming Up
Don’t miss “Touched by an Angel: The Complete Series,” out next week by CBS Home Entertainment. The release is a welcomed sight, as the thought of being immersed in this uplifting series starring Della Reese and Roma Downey is much needed in the world that seems to be full of more and more bad news every day.