Peter Pan (Special Edition) (1953)
Amazon.com
Peter Pan has a special place in the realm of classic animated Disney films: it instills an element of childlike wonder. The 1953 version of James M. Barrie's story is colorfully told and keeps on the straight and narrow of the book. Barrie's wondrous focus on child's play is the key to its longevity: kids who don't grow up, shadows that run away from their owners, pirates, a fairy, and the magic ability to fly. In short, you can't help wishing the adventure would happen to you. Fueled by a few memorable songs (the stunner being "You Can Fly") and the strong impression of the pixie fairy Tinkerbell and the goofy Captain Hook, Disney's version of this story neither supplants nor lessens the Broadway version with Mary Martin that was produced for television the same decade. Unlike some classics, Peter Pan never ages along the way. --Doug Thomas --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Additional Features
How "special" is the Special Edition? Very, especially if you consider the initial edition of the Disney animated film contained only one extra: a French soundtrack. This new edition packs some background on the story, plus two games for the kids. Roy Disney hosts the excellent commentary track, which combines archival recordings of Walt Disney along with new commentaries from some of the "Nine Old Men" of Disney animation, as well as other experts and talents. The "restored picture" doesn't add... read more

Review: About the missing scene
I was glancing at the other reviews and noticed some reviewers wondering what became of the missing scene in which the audience is asked if they believe in faeries. The fact of the matter is this scene, which was vital to the original play, was purposely omitted by Walt Disney is his animated version. In fact, when the Disney version appeared in 1953, many reviewers who were great fans of the Barrie play complained about this, among them, Bosley Crowther, film critic for The New York Times, and Herbert Brenon, a British director who made a very popular silent film version of Peter Pan in 1925. Why would Disney do this? Crowther speculated that Disney assumed that Americans were more literal minded in 1953 than their British counterparts were in 1904 (when the play was first staged), and so wouldn't buy into all that faerie stuff. Also, Crowther sardonically added that perhaps Disney was afraid that Americans would find it simply too embarrassing to deal with too much "pixiness." Go figure. Anyway, that's the story behind the missing scene.

Review: I love this movie!

This movie is absolutely one of the best Disney movies! I love this movie so much I used to tell everyone my name was Wendy! A few years back when this came to DVD I wasn't aware of it and I didn't buy it until a few years later on Amazon.com in the new and used part! When you order through that you have to be CAREFUL with whom you choose to deal with because when I purchased the movie I received a bootleg version. It looked normal until I opened the case and it was a fake because of the material used on the DVD. I compaired the DVD with my other Disney DVD's and it was not the same. I spent over $25 on a copy! That really made me mad. If you order from here be aware! There are so many liars out there! I learned my lesson to ask questions if you have any and if they seem suspicious don't buy from them. Thanks I hoped I helped you! But truly this is a wonderful movie for all ages!

Review: You can fly, You can fly, You can fly...,
This is a magical movie. It tells kids ( and adults ) that you must believe in magic and enjoy life and use your imagination...who doesn't!? We LOVE this movie and it's by far one of the best classic childrens movies ever made!!! BELIEVE! :)

Review: Used to be my fave
This is my dad`s fave movie. I saw this movie when I was in 1st grade. It was my fave. I never wanted to grow up then. Then in 3rd grade I thought the movie was a little to babyish for me. I still loved it. Then in 4th grade I became obsessed with Dakota Fanning, then Christina Ricci, the to her character in the Addams family, Wednesday, then back to Dakota Fanning. Anyway that`s just like my life a little. But Peter Pan is a movie make for children who have a imaganation and will belive with faith. It makes your mind fly off with Peter to Never Never land, the place is where no one ever grows up. There is an evil foe though, Captian Hook. Use your imaganation and fly off to Never never land and watch Peter Pan!

Review: Rare Videos' Good Service

Purchased this thru Rare Videos in FlA. via Amazon. It was as advertised, English, Widescreen Version, excellent sound & NEW. I would recommend Rare Videos for other DVD's which are unavailable for purchase in retail or discount stores. Am thrilled to be sending to my grandson for his birthday. Forgot what a delightful movie this was until I reviewed it before sending it on to him (5 yrs. old).

Review: Best Disney Movie EVER!!!,
Okay, so I'm a fifteen-year-old boy. This movie has always been my favorite of all the Disney movies. I would (and still do) watch it over and over when I was little, and it is keeps getting better and better. Disney had better get this one back on the shelves soon, because I missed it the last time it came out! When this movie comes out again (which I feel sure should happen in at least 10 years) you can bet I will be one of the first people in line! I don't care if I'm in college, I'll still get it. Maybe even watch it in my dorm with the door open! I don't care if people see me, Peter Pan is one of Disney's classics. Almost everyone loves the classics, instead of the crap they put out now. This is one movie that you must have, whether you want to have a Disney collection, or because you like the classics. Like I said, this is one of Disney's best and I won't miss out on the chance of getting it when it comes out. And you shouldn't either!!

Review: Just a lil' bit of Pixie Dust..
I am so in love with this movie, as are my kids-I watched Pan as a kid myself and to this day never got bored watching it again and again. Along with the classic Disney Princess movies-Pan is one of Disney's greatest. Even the sequel "Return to Neverland" is close in comparison. It makes every boy want to be Pan and every little girl want to be Tinkerbell!!!

Review: Perfect Peter Pan
a classic disney film with superb special features and special audiio commentary by disney pioneers... this is an animation gem with good songs and simple yet engaging plot... but slow style story telling . :)

watch it...

Review: The non-missing scene

In response to two other reviewers here, the "if you believe in fairies clap your hands" scene is in many other versions of "Peter Pan," including the various widely-seen TV productions, but it was never in the Disney cartoon. Those who think it was are mixing up their memories.

Review: protectionism gone mad

Yes, there IS a scene missing from the 1953 Disney movie! We watched it again recently after seeing "Finding Neverland". I was waiting for the "if you believe in fairies, clap your hands!" part (my favorite moment in the original film), but IT NEVER CAME! What is Disney thinking???!!! Does anyone know if the unedited original is available for sale anywhere?

IS THERE A "LOST" OR "STOLEN" SCENE DELETED FROM PETER PAN?

PLEASE REFER TO THE TWO REVIEWS LISTED BELOW.
This brings me to my question: as a kid, I had both a 33 1/3 record with songs from Disney movies and a tall book based on the movie. On the record, there was a song, "Do You Believe in Fairies? (Then Clap Your Hands)" which was played when Tinkerbell almost died. In the book, Peter gets Wendy and all the children to clap their hands to bring Tinkerbell back to life. I know I'm not dreaming this up - I still have both the record and the book.
Both my sister (who's ten years older than I) and myself seem to remember that this was originally in the movie. Can anyone shed some light on this for us?

Reviewer: Did I miss something in watching this version? I seem to recall that when Tinker Bell's light is fading the audience is asked to repeat that "I believe in fairies" or something to that effect. However, in this version, that portion has been edited out. Peter locates Tinker Bell as her light is fading and we know she is seriously injured and then it simply cuts to the pirate ship and then Peter and Tinker show up just fine with no explanation of how she survived. What gives? Political correctness of an anti-belief in fairy type?

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THIS PART OF THE STORY? I READ ALL 103 REVIEWS AND NO ONE HAS GIVEN AN ANSWER.

Review: I Love This Movie!

The children in the Darling family love story about Peter Pan. So naturally when he shows up one night looking for his missing shadow, they're thrilled to go back with him to Never Land. There, they face Indians and "the world's most famous crook," Captain Hook. Will they survive their adventures with the boy who never wants to grow up?

I have always had a fascination with this story. As a kid I remember checking the Disney picture book version out of the library week after week. When I finally got to see it, I was enthralled. There is just something magical about the story. It's partially the coming together of all the boyhood adventures in one place. Mermaids, Indians, and Pirates? What more could any boy want? And, of course, the ability to fly. The "You can fly" sequence over London is one of my all time favorites. The whole movie really is animated very well with a story that movies quickly from place to place with lots of humor to keep everyone entertained and gorgeous animation of the fanciful Never Land.

This special edition is worth tracking down. The picture (original full frame) is sharp and the surround sound is very nice. Extras include a documentary on the making of the movie and a promotional theatrical featurette from the original release. The "audio commentary" is unique. Hosted by Roy Disney, it consists of selections from interviews of the voice talent, live action models, animators, and animation historians. While not your usual commentary, it's fascinating stuff and well worth a listen. Finally, there's a treasure hunt game and DVD storybook for kids.

This movie still brings a smile to my face and probably always will. Maybe my friends are right when they say I love this movie so much because I always wanted to be Peter Pan.

Review: "And then we'll shanghai Wendy!"-Captain Hook

Captain Hook is, his fellow pirates say, "the world's most famous crook"!

If it weren't for Peter Pan, I would not have a name! I'm most grateful to be named after Wendy Darling, a most gracious heroine and foster mother to the Lost Boys of Never, Never Land. I'm so glad too that Disney left out the ending where Wendy grows up after all, gets married, and meets Peter Pan after so many years of separation. What a rotten ending, I've always thought, so glad this version ended differently.

There's not really a moral to the story, just a fanciful adventure/children's story of innocent kids battling Captain Hook and his cohorts. Another Disney classic!

"Say your prayers, Hook!!!", Peter Pan replies when he saves the day!

"The Disney version" of "Peter Pan" clearly demonstrates what is so wrong with "The Disney version" of too many classic stories. It turns Barrie's play into a simple adventure tale, in which the dramatic and (dare I say it?) psycho-sexual elements at the center of Barrie's fantasy are discarded wholesale.
There are defensible reasons for this, I suppose. Drama requires talking, but characters who stand around gabbing bring an animated film to a dead stop. I also suspect that Disney simply didn't understand the story in the first place. It wasn't until the Ashman/Menken era that Disney films finally developed any dramatic focus.

It's unfortunate, because "Peter Pan" starts off well enough. The late Sammy Fain's "Second Star from the Right," played over the title cards, has one of the most-ravishing melodies in the history of American popular music. (Look for the albums "Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach" and "Heigh-Ho! Mozart" for superb "classical" arrangements of Disney tunes.) The "You Can Fly" sequence is inspired (and can you name any other pop song with an accelerando passage?). But everything quickly bogs down thereafter, with Captain Hook's machinations providing the only fun.

There just aren't enough good things in the Disney "Peter Pan" to make up for its failure to treat the source material in an honest and serious fashion.

Review: A quick, enjoyable Disney viewing.
This movie animates one of the most imaginative plays ever written, albeit with a little 'Disneyfication.' It's by far my favorite; there is an enjoyably long spectrum of characters. Every time I watch this movie, it takes me back to those times I wish I was in Never-Never-Land.
P.S. The claim that this movie is an allegory to the JFK years is easily refutable, since this movie was made in 1953, while the play is over a century old.

Review: Not a good version of my favorite story!
i've always loved Peter Pan, and I grew up watching this cartoon along with the Mary Martin version. But after seeing the new live action Peter Pan, I have to conclude that this version is dull as dirt!!! First of all, Wendy and her brothers aren't SUPOPOSED to be telling stories ABOUT Peter Pan...the kids aren't supposed to have heard of him!! So when Peter flies in, it's very anti-climatic. Wendy is just like, Oh, Peter, you're here finally. Yawn!! I think Wendy had a lovely voice but the character is just annoying!! All she does is babble on while she sews Peters shadow. There is zero connection between Peter and Wendy, and that's a big problem. Tinkerbelle is the best character in this, but, she doesn't even get her famous death scene where everyone claps to bring her to life!! Hook using a bomb to hurt Peter instead of poisoning his "medicine" was really lame. Worst of all, with the exception of "You Can Fly!' all of the songs are lame. Do I even have to mention the idiotic "Red Man" song?? eww. Plus, the Lost Boys aren't supposed to be morons with retarded voices. Very dissapointing. This bland version is ok for little kids, but, to get the REAL story of Peter Pan, watch the NEW movie!!!

Review: a classic but not one of my favorites
This is a great movie for kids, I loved it when I was little. I still think it's great. What I don't understand is this whole racist thing. I'm pretty sure that I am one of the only people who honestly doesn't think about racial issues at all when watching movies like this. My aunt is full-blooded Cherokee Indian and she loves this movie. I guess I just don't think about things the way many others do. I don't want to get into a discussion of all this p.c. propoganda. All I'm saying is, this movie is definitely a classic, and should be a part of any kid's life.

Review: One of the best Disney movie
Peter Pan is one of the most entertaining and charming Disney movies ever made. It follows the adventures of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling, and of course the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan. Captain Hook is one of the funniest and evil villains ever created and his first mate, Smee, is absolutely hilarious.

I have to admit that this movie doesn't follow the book very much, but is better. The characters are so much more lovable in Disney's tale. Now why couldn't Barrie be this imaginative?

A new, live version of Peter Pan recenyly came out. and when I saw it I couldn't help but be disappointed. I missed all of those timeless songs, charming characters, and humor. Peter was dressed as if he came straight from the jungle, and unfortunately it followed the book. I know you may think that sounds odd of me to say that I didn't like it because it was an accurate adaption, but it's true.

So if you want to watch an exciting and classic movie buy this DVD.

Review: Disney's 14th Animated Masterpiece!
Following the success of both Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland, came Peter Pan, continuing a great era, the 1950's. This film tells the unforgettable story of the boy who never wanted to grow up, living in a wonderful island called Never Land, where he has decided to take the Darling Children and where they live a wonderful but dangerous adventure fighting the evil Captain Hook and his nasty team of pirates. Peter Pan is a great and very memorable but somehow seems to get forgotten now. It seems that modern Disney films like Aladdin and the Lion King have taken over, making wondeful classic Disney films be forgotten. Peter Pan is a children's classic and deserves to be remembered forever.
This Special Edition DVD isn't quite one of their best releases but it includes a decent number of bonus features and featurettes. Luckily, this feature, Peter Pan has been officially announced as part of the Platinum Edition line, which will give Peter Pan a more majestic release.

One Of My Favorite Disney Movies, February 3, 2004
Reviewer: A viewer
The day my dad bought me this tape back in april 1993, I instantly fell in-love with it. And while it was only the third addition to my Disney collection back then (following "The Little Mermaid" & "Beauty and the Beast"), today, having over 20 Disney films in my library, it still remains one of my favorite Disney movies ever.
I loved everything about this film, but mostly the glossy animation. It reminds me of that in "Cinderella". Very pristine, very detailed, amazing colors. Equally important, the characters are very appealing, especially Tinker-Bell and the evil-yet-hilarious Captain Hook. Wendy is also a great character, drawn very beautifully. The story of "Peter Pan" has always interested me, and therefore I had high expectations upon watching this movie for the first time. I remember watching it with my sisters; we were totally blown away by it. It's easily a classic in a league of its own.

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You people haven't read the book, have you?, January 4, 2004
Reviewer: Lizzy (Here, of course!) - See all my reviews
You people who complain about jealousy and malice! Most characters in the original novel -were- jealous and mean, but they had redeeming qualities. As a movie, this does disappoint me, but only the pictures. None of the characters looked as I imagined them except John and Michael. The costumes were off. Disney always does that. Pleaaase read the book, people! It's so wonderful. AND SEE THE LIVE REMAKE THAT JUST CAME OUT, IT'S AWESOME!

Review: Worth returning to Neverland
So you want to try to never grow old. You could pick no better movie to try with than Disney's Peter Pan.
The story parallels Barrie's unforgettable novel almost perfectly. Wendy tells stories of Peter to her younger brothers. Peter hears these stories from outside Wendy's window and decides to take her to Neverland with him so that she can share her stories with his "Lost Boys".

With one of the strongest songs in the Disney library, "You Can Fly" to Neverland and watch the rest of Peter's adventures with Wendy.

Captain Hook is one of the most memorable Disney villains ever, especially with the croc chasing him almost every time you see him. Tinkerbell eventually becomes one of the most seen of all Disney characters. And the portrayal of Peter Pan is dead on to the original material - he really is "the boy who never grew up".

The many extras packed into this single DVD, including a sing along (=without= "You Can Fly"? Horrors!), the usual "making of" featurette, and some wonderful commentary by Roy Disney and many of the original animators, make this disc almost a must buy for Disney fans.

Highly recommended for any family with children. Highly recommended for any collection of animation greats - almost irreplaceable in a library of Disney classics.

Review: I Liked This Movie!
I saw this Disney animated Peter Pan movie and I liked it and I rcommend this movie to anyone who likes a good animated movie!

Review: Peter Pan
I love this movie, as I do all the earlier Disney animations. I read the review by Carolinapooh, and I, too, remember that the part about clapping to keep Tinkerbell alive was in the movie! If you watch it, you will see Tinkerbell fading, and then there is an abrupt cut and suddenly she's OK. Why would they have taken it out? Maybe they think kids today are just too sophisticated for that, and sadly, they may be right.

Review: One of the better Disney adaptations
Of all the Disney adaptated tales, Peter Pan was proably one of the best. While not as Dark as JM Barrie's original story, it keeps the spirit of the original work and makes it family friendly without betraying it (Hercules anyone? Talk about completly gutting the source material). This is an acceptable adaptation in comparrison to Hercules.
Peter's arrogance and pretty much being oblivious to the way the girls around him feel about him is right on point. Tink, Wendy, and even Tiger Lily all want Peter to be something he can never be, a man. While his willingness to sacrafice for the good of others and be a knight in shinning armor of sorts must be what draws the girls in, but on a personal level he can never connect in a mature way. Even when he starts out on a nobel effort (like saving Tiger Lily) he gets so caught up in the game he just about forgets that he's there to save the young lady. This is certainly an impression of Peter given in the book. You can't really hate him for his moments of being a silly boy, especially when it comes to girls, because that's all he is and all he can ever be, a boy. And as for the 'jealouse women' reactions that circle the film, it's important to note they're not women -- they're girls. Yes, Tink is a fairy but her sense of things seems to be at the same level as Wendy.

Some of the complaints I've heard about the film are the way the Indians are portrayed. And quite a few lines ('ugh', 'How', the 'red man' song) are proably an unfortunate product of the time. But the fact is, when I was a kid I did run around saying 'bwah, bwah, bwah' when I played 'Indian'. So it makes sense in a world locked into a child's sense of the world the indians (to proper english children) would be a bit exagurated.

So all in all, Disney did a pretty good job adapting this into a film. And it's still a favorite. All in all it's a good peice. I'm a grown woman still hoping Peter will visit my window one day. And my little sisters love the movie.

Review: This Movie Is AWESOME!
This movie is one of the coolest movies! I like Wendy and John and (of course) Peter Pan. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee are funny too. I also like the mermaids...they are so pretty! However, this movie is probably least like the book out of all the Disney movies. In the book, Wendy's father doesn't even threaten to give her her own room! The book actually was better than the movie, which I gave four stars because they were so different. My favorite part of the movie was where they were at Mermaid Lagoon, where Captain Hook was dangling off a cliff and Peter said "I say Captain, do you hear something?" and you heard the ticking of the crocodile. I don't know why that was so funny to me.
Anyway, this is a cool movie, and if you haven't seen it you definitely should rent it. : )
P.S.
What was the DEAL with Peter Pan's voice in the sequel? It is TOTALLY weird!!!

Review: This Movie Is Wonderful!
I absolutly LOVE this movie! I'm 16 years old to date, and yet I feel like a child again everytime I watch it!
Let's face it:
1. The scene where Peter and the Darling children fly off to Never-Land is nothing less than BEAUTIFUL.
2. The battles with Captain Hook and his crew of cut-throat pirates are breathtaking.
3. The Indian Dance scene is excellent (Tiger Lily is soooooooo cute!).
4. The crocodile scenes are HILARIOUS!!! Trust me, you WILL laugh your own brains out when ol' Hook looks at that Tick-Tock Croc and freaks out as if its the end of the world (control yourself, Cap'n! Geez!!).

Oh, and Mr. Smee (Hook's goofy, right-hand man) is so funny, I can't look at that guy for a few moments before I feel like giggling my head off!

This Movie Is Wonderful, that's all I've got to say.

Review: Is something missing..."
My three and four-year-old nieces loved this movie. It's never really been one of my favorites (mainly because Peter Pan annoys me to no end - like other reviewers I'd like to see Captain Hook get a good one in) but that's just my opinion. (I didn't like the original book for the same reason.) I liked it more when I was a kid. I give it four stars for that reason.

This brings me to my question: as a kid, I had both a 33 1/3 record with songs from Disney movies and a tall book based on the movie. On the record, there was a song, "Do You Believe in Fairies? (Then Clap Your Hands)" which was played when Tinkerbell almost died. In the book, Peter gets Wendy and all the children to clap their hands to bring Tinkerbell back to life. I know I'm not dreaming this up - I still have both the record and the book.

Both my sister (who's ten years older than I) and myself seem to remember that this was originally in the movie. Can anyone shed some light on this for us?

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