“Bambi,” which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, joined the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on May 23, and will arrive tomorrow, June 6th on Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand. The Collection release includes a variety of new bonus material, including recordings of Walt Disney discussing the challenges and triumphs during the production of “Bambi;” deleted scenes and characters; stories and effects that “Bambi” had on the Studio, other films and artists; and much, much more.
This movie to me is the quintessential Disney movie, one that I remember watching when I was around 5 or 6. This movie left an impression on me in such a way that I wouldn’t watch it for some 40 years later when we had our outdoor screening this past weekend. Let me give you some background – as a child, I had a favorite animal, like we all did, and mine were Deer. I am not 100% sure of where this came from but I can almost bet it was because of Bambi.
Once I saw the movie I was so sad for Bambi and what happened (I won’t say in case you’ve have never seen it). That sort of stuck with me my entire life and I swore I wouldn’t watch it again. If you are parents of young children, maybe rewatch it first then decide if you would like your children to see it. It was made in 1942, so a world away from how children’s movies are today. If you have very sensitive kids, I would use caution since there are definitely some scary scenes with fires, thunder, etc.
Watching it as an adult I was ok. It did make me cry but I am an animal lover and I think the memories of the time I watched growing up came flooding back. As for the characters, Bambi, Thumper and Flower are still perfection and I love the story of their friendship. I also quite enjoyed the artwork, the classic style just took me back to being a child and watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights.
“Bambi” was released in 1942 during World War II and took over five years to make due to its exquisite hand-drawn artwork and attention to detail. Beloved by generations, “Bambi” holds the No. 3 spot on the American Film Institute’s “10 Top 10,” honoring the 10 greatest animated films of all time. The timeless tale features an adorable young deer named Bambi who explores the wonders and challenges of the woods with his playful pal Thumper, the lovable skunk Flower, and wise Friend Owl – and ultimately fulfills his destiny as prince of the forest.
Check out my Bambi Activities post that includes how to host a Backyard Campout with Bambi themed treats, and how to start your First Garden complete with Bambi themed garden markers. You can also check out my DIY Outdoor Movie Screening post to host your Disney movie screening party.
BONUS MATERIAL (BLU-RAY & DIGITAL* HD) INCLUDES:
BRAND NEW:
THE BAMBI EFFECT – “Bambi” was full of innovations for its time. Let’s take a look at how those past innovations affected future Disney animated titles all the way up to today.
STUDIO STORIES: “BAMBI” – Recordings of Walt Disney. Listen in on intimate moments where he discusses the challenges, pitfalls and triumphs during the production of “Bambi.”
DELETED SCENE: BAMBI’S ICE AND SNOW – Bambi coaxes Thumper and his brothers and sisters to come play on the ice during the first snow.
DELETED SCENE: THE GRASSHOPPER – A grasshopper confronts Bambi and Thumper and finds himself in quite a predicament.
BAMBI FAWN FACTS – Think you know everything there is to know about Bambi and his forest companions? Well, it’s time to discover some fun real-life facts about the creatures that live in the forest he calls home.
OSWALD THE LUCKY RABBIT: “AFRICA BEFORE DARK” – Oswald Short.
CELEBRATING TYRUS WONG (DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE) – A heartfelt look at the man who played a key role in the success of “Bambi.” Much like Mary Blair and Eyvind Earle, Tyrus Wong had a unique signature style all to his own. The soft water-colored backgrounds and beautiful palettes in “Bambi” were inspired by Tyrus’ concept art paintings.
CLASSIC:
DELETED SCENES – Two Leaves, Bambi Stuck on a Reed, Winter Grass, Twitterpated
THE MAKING OF BAMBI: A PRINCE IS BORN
o STORY: TELLING THE TALE
o CHARACTERS: DRAWN TO NATURE
o ACTORS: GIVING VOICE TO ANIMALS
o ART DESIGN: IMPRESSIONS OF THE FOREST
o MUSIC: NATURE’S SYMPHONY
o HISTORY: BACK TO THE BEGINNING
TRICK OF THE TRADE (Excerpt)
INSIDE THE DISNEY ARCHIVES
THE OLD MILL: ANIMATED SHORT
ORIGINAL THEATRICAL TRAILER
THE GOLDEN AGE
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
Dianna Ranere