Dumbo: Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD Discussion

[goofystitch]

(sigh) Fantasia was - at one moment in history - the best selling home video title OF ALL TIME. It was the home video champion. That's why F2K was made in the first place -- the phenomenal sales for Fantasia on home video.

It was only surpassed in subsequent years by Titanic, The Lion King, and Snow White. You're surprised it was added to the Platinum line? The "Fantasia Anthology" was essentially the first "Platinum" set even if it didn't carry that name.

I didn't say that Fantasia didn't sell well nor that it wasn't deserving of it's Platinum status. The Platinum line was created to give the bestsellers the deluxe treatment, something that had already been given to Fantasia on DVD when it started in 2001. The thing is that outside of Disney fans, the Platinum line has come to mean classic films that everybody will enjoy, and Fantasia doesn't really fit into that idea.

2010 is Fantasia's 70th Anniversary. I wonder if it won't still come out, but sans-Platinum/Diamond banner? It wouldn't make it's release any less special and it would avoid all of this backlash since it would still be released close to it's announced date. After all, the restoration has probably already been done and all of the Destino features are ready. Based on how Disney has mostly recycled the 2001 bonus features for Snow White's new release, I think that most, if not all, of the bonus material from the Anthology Collection would be ported over, which would mostly fill the 2-discs. Only time and press releases will tell, but there is still no point in getting so irate over something that will come eventually.

[xxhplinkxx]

Well this sucks. I was really hoping for Fantasia/2000. They released Dumbo not long ago...

[ajmrowland]

Even before reading the first post, Fantasia/2000 had my vote. I'm keeping it.

That'll be confusing having Diamond editions and Platinum Editions coming out simultaniously on the same formats.. I also don't want to see these Platinum editions coming out now getting a Diamond edition down the road. That would further complicate things. I don't want movies like Oliver and Company and The Sword and the Stone getting Platinum editions for the sake of it after just getting re-released. If anything I want a Hunchback and Hercules Platinum Edition first. I don't want to see Disney turn all of their "Special Editions" (like Most Wanted Edition, Friendship Edition, etc) all of a sudden after just releasing them.

I agree. In the early '00s, when a PE was released, it was very special, and very exclusive. The DVDs had great restorations and hours of bonus features, more so than any other "Special Edition" Disney DVD. I feel like now they are taking away the "special-ness" of being a Platinum by releasing all these films that didn't sell well, as well as releasing the particular films under multiple edition titles. I feel like Disney has in a way ruined the greatest DVD line they had going.

I've been saying the same thing for years.

Maybe the "Diamond" line will be the bigger sellers, and the "Platinum" line will be like the Masterpiece line, without the abrupt ending.

[DisneyFreak5282]

I think he said "confusing" meaning seeing the same movie released in different editions all at the same time ("Diamond Edition" DVD, "Platinum" Blu, Deluxe Blu, Collector's Set, etc.)

I don't think you understand what i meant. i mean that if a title which has been released as a Platinum title already aka Snow White, Beauty & the Beast and the rest of the top 10 best selling...was being re-released they would be re-released as a Diamond Edition. Diamond Editions would exclusively be re-released Platinums, films which have already gotten the Platinum treatment and proven their sales. Platinum Editions would then be newly released titles which have not received the Platinum treatment and could include the next top 10 selling aka 11-20 which would explain Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty (esp. Sleeping Beauty being labeled "Platinum".) get it now? in short Platinums = new releases that have not been released as platinums. Diamonds = Platinum titles on their second release.

That's what I had been saying when I found out that previous Platinums were going to be re-released as Platinums again further down the line, and I actually still do think they should do that.

Maybe the "Diamond" line will be the bigger sellers, and the "Platinum" line will be like the Masterpiece line, without the abrupt ending.

I hope so too. The one thing that always bugged me about the Masterpiece Collection VHSs was that certain modern films' home video debut were through the Masterpiece Collection line (Hunchback, Hercules, Mulan). When I think "masterpiece", I think classics, not movies I saw in the theater 6 months prior. Same thing goes for the Black Diamond Classics line (TLM, BatB, Rescuers Down Under, Aladdin).

[ToyStoryFan]

*Wow* I SO did not see this coming. I couldn't even think something like this would happen. I have to say, I'm glad. I bet they are saving Fantasia for the 70th anniversary. I LOVE Dumbo and am thrilled it's getting a proper DVD release now. I like how they are redoign the Platinum line and adding in new titles too. I hope it gets a Blu-Ray release.

[akhenaten]

yeay. i cant wait to see dumbo in a more warmer color
i just hope itll be clean and crisp.thats all.

but im not that keen on having dumbo so soon.ive been itching to see pines of rome and the pastoral in HD

maybe destino is the new SOTS because it had female nudity.

btw..i never do believe in disney's gimmick 'recently discovered in the disney vault'. if they had only discovered new things.it must mean that the vault is under poor hands and most of the unfound stuff would have rot with the years. they're just strategising to last a lifetime marketing.

[goofystitch]

For those of us who own both Fantasia and Dumbo on DVD, we are really benefiting more from Dumbo being released sooner. If you look at the upcoming Diamond Edition of Snow White, most of the bonus features are being ported over and we are getting a few new featurettes, games, and a music video in addition to the new restoration. Even if Fantasia was given it's own 2-disc release separate from Fantasia 2000, how much more would really be added? The 2 hour film would pretty much fill disc 1 to avoid unnecessary compression with the same commentaries being ported over. The 47-minute making-of would be the focal point of disc 2, with the rest of the 68 minutes of video footage ported over from the third disc of the Anthology. That doesn't even include all of the countless still art found on that set, in addition to Destino and the documentary made about it. I have a feeling that nothing would be created that doesn't already exist at WDSHE for the new release.

Dumbo, on the other hand, has only ever had a 1-disc release, and not a very extensive one at that. What will be ported over? Probably the audio commentary, 15 minute featurette Celebrating Dumbo, sing-along songs and Walt's TV introduction. The art galleries will no doubt make the jump as well, but will probably be greatly expanded upon. So this release of Dumbo should see the addition of a making-of feature, possibly even close to the runtime of the feature itself. More featurettes should accompany Celebrating Dumbo, hopefully one about the legacy of Dumbo, which could talk about the theme park attractions and Dumbo's Circus, the 1980's live action preschool series. I'm sure some abandoned songs and storyboard/pencil test sequences will make up a deleted scenes section. In addition, there were never really any games on the previous set, and even though those aren't the real meat and potatoes of the Platinum line, it is obvious that some would be created for this. And then the obligatory new music video and the Blu-Ray exclusive add-ons, such as Disney View, BD-Live, and hopefully CineExplore, which wasn't done for Snow White. So as a consumer and a Disney fan, we really have more to gain from their decision to release Dumbo next Spring.

[goofystitch]

btw..i never do believe in disney's gimmick 'recently discovered in the disney vault'. if they had only discovered new things.it must mean that the vault is under poor hands and most of the unfound stuff would have rot with the years. they're just strategising to last a lifetime marketing.

When they say "recently discovered," they really do mean it. It's unfortunate, but in the 70's when Disney started to realize they should take care and categorize their film stock, it was done by interns and as their internship came to an end, they rushed to finish putting things away. Many things were not labeled, or incorrectly labeled, which is why there are some things, like A Step in the Right Direction from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, which can't be found and may not still exist, and other things that are "recently discovered" because they were incorrectly labeled. I talked to Les Perkins, who makes some bonus features for Disney, and he talked about the world premier of Mary Poppins which was broadcast on TV. Disney couldn't find a copy of the actual broadcast, but in some unmarked canisters they found audio from a radio broadcast and some film elements from a newsreel, as well as photos in the archives, that were used to recreate the feeling of the world premier.

[MutantEnemy]

I feel like I can't believe anything at this point because there are so many questions and possible explanations about what is going on. I really wish we could get some direct confirmation from Disney.

This is kind of exciting, for almost 10 years we've been told what to expect out of the Platinum Edition line and now we don't really know anything. Hopefully this is the beginning of an onslaught of classic animated films on Blu-ray and DVD!!!

[Escapay]

I know what you mean. In a way I do feel like all the DACs do deserve the 2-disc treatment, but it made sense to me that the Platinum's had that little extra something to them, a greater quality in the bonus features than their ordinary DAC releases.

Yeah, it makes sense to me too. I just hate that they have the ability to give such awesome treatment to a select amount of titles, but don't see it fit to give even half that amount of treatment to a wide variety of their movies, live-action and animated.

Hush hush, I meant "the greatest DVD line they had going for their animated classics"!

In that case, I'll agree. The Platinum line has been inconsistent, but they're still better than other catalogue releases.

albert

[singerguy04]

I feel like this new Diamond Collection isn't actually anything like the Platinum line. I think we have become too accustomed to how the top selling films would be the only ones to receive special treatment, and that perhaps now these Diamond editions are being made for mere overall popularity.

Also... not too long ago I remember reading that Disney was considering turning Dumbo into a 3D feature, similar to their recent work with Beauty and the Beast. If this is true, could this be the focus of this release? Maybe we're getting this with a 3D option?

I agree with MutantEnemy on this one by saying that I was starting to get bored knowing what was coming years in advance. This is exciting news, and although I also REALLY wanted Fantasia soon I'm very excited to see Dumbo finally getting the caliber of release it's always deserved!

[Stats87]

As soon as I saw this, I went to EBay and bought a factory sealed copy of the Fantasia Anthology. Including shipping it will set me back $50, which I feel isn't too bad since the rest of the ones off Ebay cost $65+ without shipping. (some are over $100)

I don't own the "Big Top Edition" of Dumbo, but I do have the 60th Anniversary edition, as I didn't feel the need to "upgrade" and get the former. However, I would love a new edition of Dumbo that has all the bells and whistles, specifically a full making-of documentary and a new commentary track. (although the Canemaker one was decent considering it was just him)

I'm not that upset about this change, as I was somewhat worried they would leave stuff off of the Fantasia re-release. So now I ensure I get all the great stuff off of the anthology. However, if this means they are just pushing it back to the Fall of 2010 (and thus pushing back BatB) then I will very upset.

BatB is my favorite Disney film and I don't own the Platinum Edition...odd I know. It's because I didn't start collecting the films until early 2004 and had already bought it for my girlfriend at the time and didn't get one of my own. So rather then buy another price-inflated copy after we were no longer together, I just decided to wait for the re-release.

[Stats87]

Wouldn't it make sense to do Dumbo again in 2011, so the they can call it the 70th Anniversary Edition? Or do they not want to go down the number path again?

As was also pointed out, 2011 would make it a 60th Anniversary for Alice in Wonderland. I have mixed feelings about the "Masterpiece Edition", it had a very good audio/video and some really cool bonus features and lots overall. But it didn't have a making-of documentary or a commentary.

But then again, a 2011 release would make it the 20th Anniversary for BatB...I hope that doesn't happen...

[JDCB1986]

Wouldn't it make sense to do Dumbo again in 2011, so the they can call it the 70th Anniversary Edition? Or do they not want to go down the number path again?

As was also pointed out, 2011 would make it a 60th Anniversary for Alice in Wonderland. I have mixed feelings about the "Masterpiece Edition", it had a very good audio/video and some really cool bonus features and lots overall. But it didn't have a making-of documentary or a commentary.

But then again, a 2011 release would make it the 20th Anniversary for BatB...I hope that doesn't happen...

Since when has Disney counted properly ? They could easily release a 20th Anniversary Edition of Beauty And The Beast in 2010 and it wouldn't be anything surprising. They often get the count of Anniversary Editions wrong.

[kbehm29]

I didn't have time to read all of the comments before I replied, but I wanted to put in my two cents:

a) This makes PERFECT sense for them to then release Alice in fall of 2010 along side the new Alice. I've been saying this all along.

b) They did this with 101 Dalmatians, and I was M A D! I didn't remember until now how they sometimes delay or screw with the order of their Platinum (Diamond) releases. I'm not a huge Fantasia fan, so I'm not mad this time, but I feel for those of you who are. I've been there!

c) I hope they don't continue with the Platinum line and the Diamond line also. It's too many releases and quality will suffer.

[Rudy Matt]

I didn't say that Fantasia didn't sell well nor that it wasn't deserving of it's Platinum status. The Platinum line was created to give the bestsellers the deluxe treatment, something that had already been given to Fantasia on DVD when it started in 2001. The thing is that outside of Disney fans, the Platinum line has come to mean classic films that everybody will enjoy, and Fantasia doesn't really fit into that idea.

So, it is one of the highest selling, most popular home video titles of all time, but it isn't a classic film that appeals to everyone? Look - no film appeals to everyone. Fantasia crosses boundries and as such it appeals to different audiences. I object to your suggestion that Fantasia doesn't fit the "Platinum" line.

[Rudy Matt]

I hope they don't continue with the Platinum line and the Diamond line also. It's too many releases and quality will suffer.

Actually, I think it would be awesome if Blu-Ray owners got Fantasia and Beauty and the Beast, while DVD only owners got Dumbo and Alice. We'll see what happens.

[PatrickvD]

I understand the speculation regarding Alice, due to the live action film in March.

But Beauty and the Beast is much more likely in my opinion. After all, it's re-released in theaters in February, so a fall DVD/BD release makes much more sense. The Platinum Edition was also released after the Imax re-release.

A spring 2011 release for either Alice or the Fantasia films is what I predict. And one or the other in October 2011.

[The_Iceflash]

I hope they don't continue with the Platinum line and the Diamond line also. It's too many releases and quality will suffer.

Actually, I think it would be awesome if Blu-Ray owners got Fantasia and Beauty and the Beast, while DVD only owners got Dumbo and Alice. We'll see what happens.

In what twisted world is that awesome? I want all 4 not just two because of my format choice. (Unless you aren't counting the DVD only versions of Fantasia + Beauty and the Beast)...

[goofystitch]

So, it is one of the highest selling, most popular home video titles of all time, but it isn't a classic film that appeals to everyone? Look - no film appeals to everyone. Fantasia crosses boundries and as such it appeals to different audiences. I object to your suggestion that Fantasia doesn't fit the "Platinum" line.

Dude, did you not read my post? Stop putting words in my mouth. That's not what I said.