Song of the South: Too Offensive to Release on DVD?

[blackcauldron85]

Extremely well put, Netty. I think that sums up the argument quite well!

[ajmrowland]

Yes, it does. I think most of us agree that offensive films should not be kept from the public, but rather, the studios should put a label on them, no matter the ratings the MPAA gave those films, or the intended audience.

[zackisthewalrus]

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Please comment and stuff!

[Goliath]

I'm not sure whether I'll laugh or cry at your bigotry.

I'm a mulatto.

I'm extremely sorry for what I've said. I hope you will accept my apologies. (I know a lot of people who find the word 'mulatto' very offensive. All white, though.)

[Little Red Henski]

No need to apologies, because I wasn't angry.

[Ioz]

I'd like to see Disney release it. I do have a DVD of it, but would like an official version. Unforunately, an official version will probably have some edits if it actually ever comes out.

[blackcauldron85]

Unforunately, an official version will probably have some edits if it actually ever comes out.

I don't know if I've even thought of that before.

I don't want to make another SOTS thread just to make a poll, but:

Would you rather Disney release SOTS with some edits, or Disney just never release SOTS if they're going to make edits?

I would obviously prefer it to be released without any edits...It really depends on what they would edit out, though. For me, I still have my bootleg, so I would have the full version (as would you all who own a bootleg copy) if they did decide to release it edited.

[akhenaten]

whats to edit in SOTS? its the premise that's an issue..a black employee telling white kid story, looking content. seriously the issue has bcome bigger than life. if people r so keen to hide history then erase the holocaust and world wars.

[BelleGirl]

whats to edit in SOTS? its the premise that's an issue..a black employee telling white kid story, looking content. seriously the issue has bcome bigger than life. if people r so keen to hide history then erase the holocaust and world wars.

Good point. The issue at hand is the premise and no editing except not releasing the film will 'correct' that. Or you just have to release the 3 animated pieces out of context.

[Class316]

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Please comment and stuff!

I guess I'm dumb because I have a nice DVD of Song of the South

[SpringHeelJack]

How could it be edited? It would be like Johnny goes South, imagines some funny stories about animals, lace collar, dad sticks his head in the bedroom.

[Class316]

For those saying they'd live with some edits I say NO! People should refuse to buy an edit no matter what! Better to stick with a bootleg 100% free of edit. I prefer nothing over an edited release.

[ajmrowland]

Someone told me yesterday that they saw it, and of course, we ended up in a 60 second debate over how horribly offensive they thought it was. go figure

[Neal]

I went to a college party and a guy was wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt, which I thought was weird (obviously most kids have their Urban Outfitters, Ambercrombie, Hollister and other name brands on) - so I said "are you a big Disney fan" and he answers "no, I actually hate Disney."

Of course, taken a back, I just had to ask why he'd say that.

Now, I'm not completely sober and so I should have kept my mouth shut - but he launches into everything that's wrong with Disney - the sexism against girls through Disney princesses, the fact Tiana is a frog almost the whole movie when she's supposed to be the first African American princess, or Belle is abused, etc.

But most of all he ranted and raved about SotS and how racist it was. I tried to say it was a freed slave, but he insisted that the protagonist was still a slave and thus him being happy was insensitive.

He rampaged for five straight minutes and I was so upset afterwards - I just wanted to punch him (thanks to a little help from my friend Captain Morgan) - it was awful!

[singerguy04]

I've only ever seen bits and pieces of it, and from what I've seen I don't think people are being too dramatic about it being offensive. With that said however, it shouldn't be hidden away as if it did not exist. Ever since D23 was announced it's been my opinion that it should be released as a special offer to members. IMO this is the only way it can be released without causing too much controversy because it wouldn't be available to the general public.

To answer the editing question... If they were to edit all of the "offensive" material from the film there wouldn't be much left. Everything from Uncle Remus to the while "tar baby" thing would have to go. In other words, I don't think I would like it to be released if it were edited.

[Elladorine]

I went to a college party and a guy was wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt, which I thought was weird (obviously most kids have their Urban Outfitters, Ambercrombie, Hollister and other name brands on) - so I said "are you a big Disney fan" and he answers "no, I actually hate Disney."

Um . . . why was he even wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt then? People are entitled to their opinions, but jeez.

[Neal]

I will never know, after his rampage I just sort of walked away - he wasn't having any of my counter-arguments. It wasn't worth it.

[Elladorine]

I will never know, after his rampage I just sort of walked away - he wasn't having any of my counter-arguments. It wasn't worth it.

Yeah, probably the best thing you could have done. No argument could change the mind of someone like that anyway.

[Neal]

I have to say, though, this argument being hosted in the kitchen of a house party with people playing beer pong right behind us was rather interesting!

[merlinjones]

"Song of the South" should not be edited - - all the footage is relevant to Walt's story, theme and characterization. What would be edited, anyway?

However, one positive alteration/addition that could be made is to burn in a setting/date subtitle over the opening scene as Johnny's carriage heads toward the plantation - - A title that establishes the film firmly in the post-war, post slavery era. Establishing the date to avoid confusion was suggested by the screenwriters way back in the 40's and could be a simple, elegant one-stop contextual assist for the viewer.

Perhaps the title could read something like:

"Georgia, 1868

In the wake of the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery, the great Reconstruction offered winds of change and new choices to Southerners seeking a place to call home..."

(This could apply to both Johnny's family problems as well the greater social issues, and establish Uncle Remus' freedom of choice: to "stay or go" as seen in the film's climax...)