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

[pvdfan]

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.

The same reason that people who use illegal drugs wear DARE shirts.

[merlinjones]

They need to reissue the soundtrack on CD as well - - What a wonderful score!

[BwayJ]

Perhaps Disney could release this movie as a D23 or Disney Movie Rewards exclusive to test how high the demand would be.

[merlinjones]

>>Perhaps Disney could release this movie as a D23 or Disney Movie Rewards exclusive to test how high the demand would be.<<

Even execs have acknowledged in the past that there is demand for the title.

"Song of the South" is the highest grossing classic film from any studio never to have been released on home video in the USA.

130,700 have signed an online petition to have the movie released.

http://songofthesouth.net/home.html

There are 472 reviews of the film on Amazon, even though it is not available!

The demand is there for a wide release but if all we can get is a limited release at this point okay. They could also put it out internationally on DVD, but in an all-region version that could be easily imported...

[carlossilva]

>
Even execs have acknowledged in the past that there is demand for the title.

"Song of the South" is the highest grossing classic film from any studio never to have been released on home video in the USA.

130,700 have signed an online petition to have the movie released.

http://songofthesouth.net/home.html

There are 472 reviews of the film on Amazon, even though it is not available!

The demand is there for a wide release but if all we can get is a limited release at this point okay. They could also put it out internationally on DVD, but in an all-region version that could be easily imported...

This is the main reason why I honestly doubt we'll ever see a D23/DMC/Treasures/etc, release of the movie. After all these years of people badmouthing SOTS, it would raise protests no matter what. If you're going to have to deal with them anyway, why not just make as much money as you can from it ? Perrsonally, I believe that if it ever sees the light of day ( for which I wouldn't hold my breath ) it will actually be a general public release.

Carlos

[merlinjones]

>>After all these years of people badmouthing SOTS, it would raise protests no matter what. If you're going to have to deal with them anyway, why not just make as much money as you can from it ?<<

The funny thing is - - during the four very successful reissues of the 1970's and 80's, "Song of the South" didn't raise a peep of objection in the mainstream media. The 1972 reissue was the company's most successful ever.

This was well after the civil rights era and it was just considered a classic film from another time and context like "Gone With the Wind".

The film itself simply doesn't warrant all of this angst.

The current tempest in a teapot was created by the Disney executives who feared and suppressed the film since the late 1980's. The legend is now much larger than the reality. Simply having the movie available would make all of this go away, because there are serious racist wars to fight out there, better ways to use that energy - - This one is a paper tiger. No denying the film is dated, and not politically correct, but it is not racist at heart - - in fact it's the story of a bond of friendship between the races. The story clearly seeks to unite, not divide.

[KennethE]

It frustrates me how such a classic can be wiped clean out of the video market (except for bootlegged copies) for racism, when there are many, many films out there that are blatantly racist.

For example, after watching Dreamworks' "Shark Tale," I noticed it mocked, not only African Americans, but Italians, Asians, and several other ethnic groups. And all of this mockery was done so distastefully! Yet, THAT film has not been recalled, I've noticed.

Also, "Gone with the Wind" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" featured strong racism vibes, and both of these are called classics.

[jediliz]

I saw Song of the South when I was 7, for the 40th anniversary release. I LOVED music and didn't notice the "racism". At least I don't remember any (it has been over 20 years).

There are worse movies out on DVD that make the Song of the South look 'tame'.

[ajmrowland]

But of course, it gets targeted because it's a Disney film.

[Dragonlion]

But of course, it gets targeted because it's a Disney film.

I actually think it's because it's a family film.

[Richard--W]

A friend of mine transferred the out-of-print laser disc to a DVD-R for me. I've been enjoying it. It is important to remember that this film does not intend to be disrespectful. It attempts the very opposite, to be respectful. But contexts have changed and so has behavior since Song of the South was made. A short explanation at the outset of the film is all that is necessary to release Song of the South on home video without delay. It's actually a life-affirming story and qute inspirational. There are always a few stick-in-the-muds, but audiences will understand.

[merlinjones]

>>It's actually a life-affirming story and qute inspirational.<<

At the climax, when Uncle Remus revives Johnny with his storytelling and they have the close-up shot of their two hands together, it always makes me cry! Very moving film.

[Goliath]

It was shown on Dutch tv a few years ago. I nearly fell asleep. The animated parts are great, but besides that, it's a very boring, dragging, overly melodramatic film, filled with charicatures and saccharine-sweet emotions.

[merlinjones]

And what a wonderful score... all the songs are so tuneful and memorable.

One of Walt's great films in which he was personally invested creatively.

[ajmrowland]

The naysayers are haunting my thoughts for the past week. I wish my head were clear of them.

[merlinjones]

Just ignore the naysayers - - it's easy if you've seen the film! It's lovely, not mean.

[blackcauldron85]

2010 Shareholder Meeting Update #17 - Q&A, Song of the South
http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=73693

[Will Barks]

That sounds not very optimistic for a release.

[kbehm29]

How utterly depressing.

[Heil Donald Duck]

Do some one have Iger is email,