101 Dalmatians (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)
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Movie Reviews of 101 Dalmatians (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)
Movie Review: Fabulous, Revolutionary, and Fun!
Summary: 5 Stars
"101 Dalmatians" may be the most unfairly slighted of Walt Disney's 'classic' animated films, as this dog-napping adventure literally saved the studio, introduced the ultimate Disney villainess, Cruella De Vil, and ushered in a visually graphic 'style' that would set the industry standard for a decade. Oh, and it's great FUN, too!
Based on Dodie Smith's 1956 novel (inspired by her own Dalmatian pets), Disney knew it would be a 'natural' for the screen, at a time when he desperately needed a blockbuster. Despite the huge success of "Cinderella", in 1950, the decade, with the studio's resources stretched between both live and animated features and shorts, television, and the opening of Disneyland, had been a costly one, and the skyrocketing cost of producing animation, after a string of less successful cartoons (culminating in the failure of "Sleeping Beauty"), threatened to curtail any future animated films. It was a desperate time (most of the major studios were shutting down their animation departments, and the 'limited animation' of Hanna-Barbera, which Disney detested, appeared to be the 'future' of cartoons), and he turned to production manager Ken Anderson to find a way to make the film cost-effective while maintaining the 'Disney' look.
Anderson's solutions didn't please Walt, but would create a film revolutionary in style, and far less expensive to produce. Utilizing xerox technology to copy original artwork directly onto cels, he eliminated the huge staff of painters who had traditionally inked and colored each frame. The line work had a scratchier quality, which he complimented by more stylized, linear backgrounds, with splashes of color. As the story would be the first 'contemporary' Disney feature (with far less music, and a more dramatic plot), the new 'look' worked perfectly (especially in the brilliant conception of the scene-stealing De Vil, who quickly achieved 'legendary' status among Disney villains). The technique did have shortcomings (the climactic chase between De Vil's hot rod and a Dalmatian-filled moving van, as she plows into a snow bank, looks artificial, particularly as snow covers her car), but the film, as a whole, was an astonishing achievement.
Despite Walt's misgivings, the film was exactly the blockbuster the studio needed, becoming the top-grossing film of 1961, and, for years, the highest grossing animated film of all time. Critically praised, it became such a fan favorite that it was re-released frequently, always successfully. Blessed with a rich, funny plot, unforgettable characters, and 101 of the cutest dogs you'll ever see, it certainly has earned a place beside "Snow White", Pinocchio", "Bambi", and "Cinderella".
While I wish somebody had invited Rod Taylor (the voice of Pongo) to share his experiences of the production, I was blown away by the extraordinary quality of image and sound of this remastered edition, and enjoyed the second disc of special features (did you know TWO actresses voiced Perdita?)
This Platinum Edition is an absolute ESSENTIAL for every Disney collection!
Movie Review: 101 % for 101 Dalmations Platinum edition
Summary: 5 Stars
This DVD Delievers in so Many Ways. The Dalmations have never look better in 47 years. Disney always delivers with their "Platinum Edition" sets. My only set back is this sucker is preserved with its orginal aspect ratio of the screen (thats great no complaints unlike jungle book which the picture was cropped) but I would of love to have a Widescreen edition too. If you love Pongo, Perdetta, and of course the most evil woman Disney has ever seen (cruella deVil) and the Song (which never ceases to make me smile) you will love this DVD. As for Dalmations, this is a great buy and disney Gives its 101% on this quality DVD. a Must buy for the Disney vault collector. Movie Review: Restored, retaining the correct screen aspect ratio of 1:33-1!
Summary: 5 Stars
After goofing up the aspect ratio of the re-mastered Jungle Book DVD, Disney got this one right.
101 DALMATIANS was shot in the old 1:33-1 aspect ratio & projected that way at theaters. For the many theatrical re-issues it had, Disney produced special "window-boxed" 35mm prints so that the theaters would not mask off the top & bottom. I saw this in a theater in 1991 with black bars on the left & right side of the picture.
Once and for all, there is no question. This was produced and intended to be seen in 1:33-1 aspect ratio.
I am also glad that this movie has finally gotten the respect of a two-disc DVD release. I don't remember Walt promoting the film much during its original release like he did many others. With the stigma of being the first "Xerography" processed Disney animated film, this title often gets overlooked when talking about the classics.
Movie Review: A timeless classic restored to look even better
Summary: 5 Stars
"101 Dalmatians" marked a point when Disney's movies started exploring a style away from castles, princesses, princes and enchanted apples, bringing the story of Pogo, Perdita and their fifteen pups to life in modern life London. Yet the elements of all great Disney stories are there, including one of the most brilliant villains of all time, Cruella De Vil.
Disc 1 of this 2-disc edition shows the movie with restored color and audio, making it a hard-to-pass collectors item, specially for those who don't yet own a previous edition of the movie.
Disc 2 offers a plethora of goods. Standing out particularly are the games and activities for the youngest in the family (ideally for 4-year olds and younger), a documentary on the making of the movie which you will find extremely informative, deleted songs from the movie (something I had not run into in any other movies) and a fact-packed segment showcasing the exchanges between Dodie Smith (author of the book that the movie is based on) and Walt Disney himself.
For both the Disney movie lover and those unfamiliar with the movie (if there is anyone in that category), this can be a great gift or a treat to yourself, to enjoy with your family or watch by yourself if you prefer. Just don't forget the popcorn... and the food for the dogs!
Movie Review: The special features make it even more entertaining.
Summary: 5 Stars
Note: This review is of the most recently issued (2008) version.
I find it difficult to believe that it has been 47 years since this film first appeared. (I also find it difficult to believe that I now have ten grandchildren with whom to watch it.) Credit the Disney organization with providing with this latest restored version a generous selection of bonus features that substantially increase the pleasure of seeing this classic film once again. They include a DVD-ROM of a "Virtual Dalmatians Game," "Op-Up Trivia Facts," and "The Making of One Hundred and One Dalmations," and correspondence between "Sincerely yours, Walt Disney" and Dodie Smith, author of the novel on which the film is based.
The basic plot involves two lonely dalmatians (Pongo and Perdita) who meet in a London park and whose owners then meet and marry. Over time, the dalmatians become parents of 15 puppies who are stolen by Cruella De Vil who is determined to make a fur coat out of their skins. That doesn't happen, of course, but younger children get all caught up in efforts to rescue the puppies (at least when viewing the film for the first time) just as they do when hoping that Pinocchio will be reunited with Gepetto, that Snow White will awaken from her deep sleep, and that Belle and the Beast will live happily ever after. In the best of Disney's animated features, there always seems to be a subtext of menace and this film is no exception. When observing Cruella De Vil's behavior, many of those in my generation will be reminded of Gloria Swanson's portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. In terms of quality of its story, art, and music, 101 Dalmatians deserves to be ranked among Disney's finest animated films. The special features offer an exceptional "bonus."
My only concern, frankly, is that once again, many adults who are charmed by the Dalmatian puppies will decide -- or feel great pressure from children -- to purchase one. They would be well-advised to learn all about the breed first. Perhaps the next time around, Disney could add a special feature that provides such information. Just a thought....