Publisher: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Ages: four and up
Parental
Advisory:
None
Not the
best of Disney's classic animated
features, Alice in Wonderland features fantastic
animation and creative and imaginative visuals
and gags. This 2-disc set will be enjoyed by
animation and Disney fans, and the kids will
enjoy the movie as well. There are also
interesting
extras that aren't necessarily up to par
with
those from say the recent Lion King DVD, but are compelling none-the-less.
Based on Lewis Carroll's beloved children's book, the 1951 animated film tells the story of Alice, a daydreaming child whose magical adventures begin when she chases a white rabbit through a hole and falls in the madcap world of Wonderland. In her voyage, Alice meets odd creatures, amazing situations and extraordinary characters that include Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.
For animation fans, the DVD features a newly discovered song, "I'm Odd," that was sung by the Cheshire Cat but did not make it into the movie. The "Operation Wonderland" featurette offers intriguing background information on the film. There's an original episode of "The Alice Comedies" that Walt Disney created in 1923 that was one of the first to blend live action with animation, and the original Mickey Mouse animated short "Thru The Mirror," a version of Lewis Carroll's "Alice Through the Looking Glass." There's also an interesting segment from the old Fred Waring Show where the film's songs made their debut.
For the kids, there are sing along segments that play the animated songs from the movie and display the words underneath and include "The Un-birthday Song" and "All in the Golden Afternoon." There's also the Virtual Wonderland Party, hosted by the Mad Hatter, which lets viewers play games and interact with animated characters from the film. Activities here include "The Mad Hatter Says" game, "Conduct the Teapot Orchestra," a chance to blow out an "un-birthday cake" and more.
Alice In Wonderland: Masterpiece Edition DVD is an entertaining DVD that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's not Disney's finest animated feature, but one that's worth a look.
1/20/04 Daytrum Editorial Staff
