This Week In Home Entertainment: “Dumbo” and “Cinderella” (Blu-ray Review)

Watching Dumbo Marvel At Home

This live-action Dumbo has perhaps the most adorable looking pachyderm to be had on screen. Tim Burton brings his signature look and feel to this Disney classic bringing to life the world and Circus that is at the heart of Dumbo with a few twists and macabre turns (what do you expect it’s a Burton film) too keep both the young and old enchanted with this new take on a beloved property. I said it when I first saw the film and it still holds true; there are too many humans featured. I know that sounds odd when talking about a live-action adaptation of an animated feature, but some of the best and most memorable moments in the original featured the animal members of the menagerie. This take replaces those characters with humans and with that decision loses some of the magic. The story and visuals, however, set the tone for a costume drama still worth the watch because well, Dumbo.

The film translates well for viewing in 1080p, none of the great moments (like elephants on parade) lose anything by moving to a smaller screen and the sound quality is great even on a standard system. Being able to watch it again increased my enjoyment – likely because I knew to expect a vastly different pace and story structure than the original – but I still wish that some of the secondary storylines had more development. As is not unusual in a Burton take on a story, some of the most interesting characters and bits happen on the sidelines.

Dumbo may not have hit big at the box office but it’s perfect for an afternoon of summer movie viewing.

Watching Cinderella Marvel At Home

It’s time for the anniversary edition of Cinderella to remind you why she’s still a premier Disney princess now and forever.  I watched this classic in Enhanced mode and learned so much about what it took to bring this story to life I had a whole new appreciation for the original. If you like your animated movies with music then have no fear, you’ll still be signing along with Gus and the rest of the mice in no time at all.

This is just one animated story that ages well (even on up-to-date televisions and sound systems) and retains all its magic no matter how many times you decide to watch. The extras just increase the time you’ll spend among the cinders waiting for your prince to come.

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Bonus Content & Extras:

Dumbo doesn’t skimp on the insider extras. One of my most favorite parts of Disney movies is learning how the story makes if from page to screen. This bonus content does a great job of pulling you into the magic that made this live-action take on a classic come to life.

The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital:

• CIRCUS SPECTACULARS: Dumbo’s cast shares their experience of making the film—and get to the heart of a story about family and believing in yourself.
• THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: Explore how one of Disney’s most lovable characters went from an animated classic to a stunning live-action retelling.
• BUILT TO AMAZE: Get a closer look at the film’s production and costume design.
• DELETED SCENES – A compelling collection of scenes that almost made the final film.
  • Roustabout Rufus
  • Pachyderm Plans
  • The Other Medici Brother
  • Monkey Business
  • A Star Is Born
  • Where’s Dumbo
  • Elephant Heist
  • Backstage
  • A Seat at the Show
• EASTER EGGS ON PARADE: Discover the hidden and not-so-hidden nods to the animated Dumbo in this narrated tribute to the Disney classic.
• CLOWNING AROUND: Laugh along with the cast in a collection of big-top bloopers and goofs
  from the set.
• BABY MINE” – Visual video performed by Arcade Fire

Digital Exclusive:

• DREAMLAND – ANATOMY OF A SCENE: From Final Script to Final Scene – The filmmakers and cast
  talk a lot about the feeling of “grand intimacy” in the film. Step right up as they bring the Dreamland
  parade to life, accomplishing the rare marriage of a massive spectacle combined with an emotional tenderness

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The best thing about owning an anniversary edition of a Disney movie is a look at all the classic techniques that go into making these pen and ink masterpieces come together. This time around, the new bonuses test your fairy tale knowledge and share the secrets usually kept locked tight in the Disney archives. There’s something here sure to capture the attention of Disney-lovers young and old. I watched two different stores’ version offering so while bonus features vary by retailer, everything is worth it in the end.

BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY & DIGITAL

NEW BONUS

• Try This Trivia on for Size –Join Ruth Righi and Ava Kolker from Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max and put your knowledge of Cinderella to the test.
• In Walt’s Words: Enhanced Edition – Watch the movie and gain some insight into its production with storyboards, archival photos, sketches, and transcripts.

CLASSIC BONUS

• Diane Disney Miller “Cinderella” Film Intro- In this introduction to the animated classic, Diane Disney Miller describes how Cinderella helped launch a studio renaissance.
• The Real Fairy Godmother – Learn about the real-life inspiration for the Fairy Godmother: Mary Alice O’Connor, wife of Disney layout artist Ken O’Connor.
• Behind the Magic: A New Disney Princess Fairyland – Discover how Imagineers created a Fantasyland at Walt Disney World featuring each of the Disney Princesses.
• The Magic of the Glass Slipper– World-famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin creates a very exclusive “Glass Slipper” in honor of a beloved Disney classic.

THE ART OF CINDERELLA

• Concept Art- View a gallery of concept art from the feature’s production.
• Character Model Sheets– View a gallery of character model sheets from the feature’s production.
• Story Sketches- View a gallery of story sketches from the feature’s production.
• Live-Action Reference-View a gallery of photos taken from live-action footage shot as a reference for the animated feature.
• Pencil Animation-View a gallery of pencil animation from the feature’s production.
• Behind-the-Scenes Stills-View a gallery of behind-the-scenes stills from the feature’s production.
• Feature Stills-View a gallery of stills from the feature.

MUSIC AND MORE

• “Cinderella” Title Song
• “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes”
• “Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale”
• “The Work Song”
• “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”
• “So This Is Love”

The now standard quick turn-around-time from theater to home entertainment means you can add both Dumbo and the Anniversary Edition of Cinderella to your home collection as of June 25, 2019.