Rick Seals—May 17, 2013
Disney's Peter Pan is a timeless classic, not only because people say so but because it lives up to the name as time goes by. Created in 1953, 27 years before I was born, I loved it when I was 5, when I was 20 and now at 33 I love it still. It is the tale of a perpetual boy who never seems to grow up, the forever child inside of most men. While the cliché portrayal of Native Americans would probably offend some were the movie made today, on the whole it is childish in a good way that most people will still find novel in our overly cynical and politically correct modern world. The video quality and sound are excellent and the extras are surprisingly entertaining. All around, this is an extraordinary purchase for a classics or animation collection. Based on Scottish playwright J. M Barrie's stage show, Peter Pan thrills as a program for young people and adults alike with its approach of exploring one's imagination through positive encouragement. To Peter Pan, anything is possible. Nothing is more than a happy thought away. It is very uplifting and educational in an age when children's dreams and very ability to dream are under constant attack by the dangerous and cynical world we adults are creating year after year. There is plenty of time to be serious - everyone can use a break from that now and then. And this movie helps a lot. The video and audio have been so cleaned up that it looks like it was only released this year except, of course, for the fact that it is not widescreen. The extras are very well played in this release. Deserving special attention are the recording of "Never Smile At A Crocodile", the actor imagined cut scenes and the documentary about the original animators who Walt Disney chose to work with him in creating his magic. The documentary in particular stands out as it reunites the children of the animators as they reminisce on what it means to have been a Disney kid and how it impacts them in ways that continue to this day. It is very touching and reinforces the values that Peter Pan really stands for. There is nothing else I can say except buy this. You will not regret it. Not this purchase. Read more
Lana—November 3, 2020
This is the 1953 Disney American animated fantasy adventure-drama produced by Disney Studio, and based on the 1904 play by J.M. Barrie, Peter and Wendy. Music by Oliver Wallace, released by RKO. Voices: Peter Pan – Bobby Driscell, Tinkerbell – Margaret Kerry, Wendy Darling – Kathern Beaumont, Captain Hook/George Darling – Hans Conried. Circa 1900- While acting out a story told to them by Wendy, the Darling boys play Peter Pan and the Pirates while their father is trying to get ready to take his wife out for the evening. This interferes with George Darling’s progress in getting ready and upsets him to the point that he decides that Wendy is too old to sleep in the nursery any longer. This will be her last night in the nursery! That same night, the children are visited by Peter Pan and Tinkerbell so that Peter can retrieve his lost shadow. While Peter is searching for his shadow he is discovered by the children who tell him that it is Wendy’s last night in the nursery which means the stories she tells them will end. Peter likes hearing her stories about him and decides that Wendy should go back with him to Never, Neverland to tell the stories to the Lost Boys and him and be their mother. Wendy will not go without her brothers, so Peter takes them all back with him where none of the children will never have to worry about growing up again. This film is a favorite for all ages of children and adults. For children Never, Never Land contains everything imaginable for play. You can meet mermaids, Indians, and pirates. And no matter who wins, as one of the Lost Boys says in regard to playing with the Indians, they just start playing all over again and no one is mad at the other side. This represents complete freedom with no responsibility. For adults, this movie reminds them sentimentally of a time when they, too, were young and free from responsibility with only their own imaginations as a barrier to what they could do. I think George Darling (father) says it best when he acknowledges that he thinks he has seen Peter Pan’s ship before. “A long time ago.” This Disney film still holds its charm and is one of the most exciting with Captain Hook’s constant pursuit of Peter, the dueling scenes, the Indians capturing the Lost Boys, Hook kidnapping Tiger Lily, and the Mermaid’s jealousy of Wendy, just to name a few. This isn’t the best artwork Disney ever put out but who cares. I give this charmer 5 stars. And a thank you for taking me back to the Mermaid Lagoon one more time. Read more
