Blu-ray Review: Cinderella

Blu-ray Review: Cinderella

From VHS to DVD to Blu-ray, the Disney vault routinely opens its door to mint extra cash from the same films as the years go by. With new technologies and new generations of kids, it's a no-brainer. One of the timeless classics from that vault has now re-appeared in the form of the Cinderella Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. The 1950 animated fairy tale film was a multiple Oscar nominee for its music and sound and has touched the hearts of moviegoers decade after decade.

The story is well-known - a pretty young lass is oppressed by her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters who want to entrap the handsome prince who really has eyes for Cinderella. Modern mommies may be appalled by the old-school demeanor of the film and its story about a young woman who needs to look pretty and the importance of landing a man in order to solve your problems. "Leave the sewing to the women!" But this tale was written ages ago when it was much more common to have these sorts of characters. For kids, it truly is enchanting and engaging with the catchy songs, adorable mice, and the tame adventure that the animals and human characters find themselves in. It's fantasy and it works.

Technologically speaking, the Blu-ray disc does not enhance the experience that much. It's a decades-old film so there is only so much upgrading that can be done with the 1080p digital HD picture. But for those adding it to their collection for the first time, the high definition disc is probably the best way to go since the cost is not much more than the DVD's. The added short Tangled Ever After is hilarious and fun to watch and it comes on both the Blu-ray and DVD versions. Other bonus material on the Blu-ray edition includes "The Real Fairy Godmother" - the true story of Mary Alice O'Conner who was the inspiration for the character of the Fairy Godmother - and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-You" a second screen personalized digital storybook.

Though the Cinderella Blu-ray is essentially yet another title that milks the Mouse House's vast library for additional revenue, it does succeed in its primary goal - to entertain entire families with children of all ages.

Blu-ray Title: Cinderella

Review by Gitesh Pandya

Run Time: 75 minutes

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon.com Link - 2-disc combo now on sale for $22.99