Movie Review: Peter Pan (1953)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Funny story and great visuals let your mind soar.

Cons: Sexism and racism

The Bottom Line: 

A flight to childhood

With pirates and Indians

I'll never grow up

This Movie Still Captures the Kid in Me

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 Peter Pan, I was enthralled. There is just something magical about the story.

The children in the Darling family love stories about Peter Pan. And so does he. He sneaks to their window at night to hear Wendy spin stories about his adventures with Indians, mermaids, and the pirates lead by "the world's most famous crook," Captain Hook. When they catch him one night, he agrees to take Wendy and her brothers John and Michael back with him to Never Land. After a quick flying lesson, they're off. But will they survive their adventures with the boy who never wants to grow up?

So just what is it that draws me to this film? 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, there's the ability to fly. I have always dreamed of being able to fly, so naturally, the "You can Fly" sequence over London is one of my all time favorites. I love watching them fly around London, and I really believe they are flying. It's the highlight of one of the best hand drawn animated movies from the Disney era. Never Land is absolutely gorgeous and further captures the imagination.

The story movies quickly from place to place with lots of humor to keep everyone entertained. While there are a few suspenseful moments, Captain Hook is so over the top that it's hard to take him seriously. Instead, you just laugh at his reactions to Peter Pan and the crocodile.

And here's some trivia for all you trivia fans. While the song "Never Smile at a Crocodile" has lyrics, we never actually hear them sung. Instead, the music is played anytime the crocodile is on the screen.

Before I get into the special features, I do need to address the serious detractions to the movie. Peter Pan is a very sexist character who is oblivious to the fact that every single female character is in love with him, and frankly he treats them like dirt. Even worse, the Indians in the movie are horribly stereotypical. Frankly, I find their portrayal a poor reflection on Disney and his studio of the 50's. But it's so over the top, it's hard to imagine they would influence any kid today.  Still, parents will want to discuss this with their kids after they've enjoyed it together.

The movie just hit Blu-Ray for the first time in a great Blu-Ray DVD combo pack.  The picture looks great, although it's hard to tell that much improvement from the last DVD release since the movie itself is so old.  You can listen to the film in full surround or original mono.  The picture is full frame, but that is the original viewing ration for the film.  They've included some matte paintings on the sides if the black bars bother you.  Just look for the DisneyView option.

Many of the original special features are carried over.  There is a unique "audio commentary." 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, its fascinating stuff and well worth a listen. There are also two songs that never made the movie, a documentary on the making of the movie, what was almost the first 20 minutes of the film, and a promotional theatrical featurette from the original release.

Plus they've included some new special features for this new Blu-Ray release.  They've got two more deleted songs and two alternative scenes.  And one of those songs?  "Never Smile at a Crocodile."  They finally listened to me and included it.  There's also a 20 minute documentary called "Growing Up with Nine Old Men" where the kids of the nine old men share memories of their lives as the kids of some of Disney's best known animators.  I really enjoyed this feature.

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.