Bambi

Bambi is rated G:

"It is widely believed that Bambi has had the greatest impact on viewers of any Disney film," declares the information in the press package I received from the studio announcing the Platinum Edition of the famous fawn flick.

I'll say! They don't have to provide statistical evidence to convince me of their claim. Do you know any child who has seen the movie that wasn't traumatized when Bambi's mom got shot by the hunters?! (Oops, would that be considered a spoiler?)

Released to theaters countless times since its debut in 1942, the tale has been passed from generation to generation, severely affecting the palatability of venison - I'm sure! Yet despite this dark moment (and a few others including a threatening forest fire, some stags who lock horns over a pretty female, a nervous bird downed by a gunman, and a pack of persistent dogs) Bambi's lighter side and simple charm has left an equally indelible impression on the hearts and minds of most fans.

Based on a novel by Felix Salten, the story follows the life of the Prince of the Forest. Beginning with his regal arrival to a soft-eyed doe, Bambi takes as much time as an adoring new parent to watch the wobbly-legged creature learn to walk, sniff blossoms, chase butterflies, and make friends with Thumper the rabbit, a skunk called Flower, and a wise old owl. At first bashful, the young deer grows in confidence while discovering trees offer safety, meadows can be frolicking good fun, girls are giggly, and ice is slippery. Even on the days when he faces nature's harsher realities, like a thundering rainstorm or the scarcity of food in the winter, Bambi doesn't know fear until he crosses tracks with Man.

Having Human Beings cast as the enemy helps to remind viewers of our need to treat the world with respect, making Bambi one of the earliest films to promote an environmental message. It also provides a touching example of a mother's love and sacrifice. As the fawn trades his spots for antlers, moving from birth to twiter-patted to raising offspring of his own, the story imparts a greater understanding of the circle of life. But perhaps its most memorable lesson is the one we (and especially our mothers) can quote by heart: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all."

The Walt Disney Company is bringing the classic movie to the home market in 2005. To make the DVD Platinum Edition of Bambi, the old negative has been dusted off, digitally restored and the sound remixed. Now the wonder of "Drip, Drip, Drop, Little April Showers" can be seen with a clarity and crispness you've never experienced before. The 2-disc set offers a host of other features as well, that are sure to increase your appreciation for this masterpiece of animation.

Why do you think audiences tend to feel sympathy for characters who are parentless? How many children’s movies can you name that feature orphans?

Although Bambi discovers he has a father, that figure remains distant, especially through out the first half of the film. How does that depiction add to our sense of Bambi’s vulnerability?

Walt’s ability to make a masterpiece out of the animation art form is also evident in his version of Pinocchio. The circle of life and the loss of a parent are main thematic elements in The Lion King, another Disney animation.

DVD Notes: Bambi Special Edition DVD; Release date: March 1, 2005

The DVD release of Walt Disney’s Bambi: Platinum Edition offers a wealth of information. The movie has been digitally restored and the sound remixed in the all-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix. Bonus features include documentaries (Inside Walt’s Story Meetings, The making of Bambi-A Prince is Born, Disney Time Capsule 1942: The Year of Bambi, The Art of Bambi, Tricks of the Trade, and Inside the Disney Archives), the original theatrical trailer, a short film titled “The Old Mill” that was used to test some of the techniques used in Bambi, some deleted scenes, a sneak peak at the planned sequel-The Legacy Continues: Bambi and The Great Prince of the Forest, as well as games and activities (Forest Adventure game, Disneypedia: Bambi’s Forest Friends, What’s your Season? Personality Profile, Disney’s Storytime: Thumper Goes Exploring, and Virtual Forest). Audio tracks are available in English, French and Spanish. Yup, that’s enough to fill up two discs!