ASTOUNDING VISUAL BEAUTY AND AN EQUALLY OUTSTANDING SCORE!!

Following in the traditional style of Walt's masterpieces Snow White and Cinderella, this Disney classic is true to the Charles Perraut version of the French fairy tale. Over six years in the making and entailing a budget of over 6 million dollars, 'The Sleeping Beauty' became one of the top-grossing movies of 1959, second only to Ben Hur.

Sleeping Beauty was the first animated motion picture to be filmed in the 75 mm widescreen format, unlike its predecessors Cinderella, Pinocchio and Snow White. The animation, which is extremely luscious and poignant, is also portrayed in finer details. The Renaissance influenced backgrounds and castles and the vibrant splendor of the forests are a beauty to be marveled at. Equally outstanding is the brilliant adaptation of the Peter Tchaikovsky score, which is richly melodious and simply surrounds you throughout the movie. The Oscar nominated score truly adds to the visual stunningness of Sleeping Beauty.

The characters are wonderfully created with an in-depth look into each of their respective personalities. Princess Aurora is the deity of beauty and feminine coyness embedded in a romantic heart. Prince Phillip is handsome, brave, noble and passionate and possesses every virtue of an ideal hero. Maleficent is a unique villain, her cruelty and wickedness sometimes a little too scary for younger viewers. The three good fairies; Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, are each created with remarkable liveliness. Flora is the self-appointed leader of the trio; Fauna of a soft-hearted, peace-loving nature; and Merryweather her impatient, practical-minded self. King Stefan and Hubert and the prince's horse, Samson add a lot of humor to the tale.

The vocal talents comprise of Mary Costa as Aurora, whose solo classical numbers are a pleasure to hear. Eleanor Audley, who had brought to life Cinderella's cruel stepmother with stunning chillness, was asked by Walt Disney himself to portray the role of Maleficent. Bill Shirley is excellent as the speaking and singing voice of Phillip and Verna Felton voices Flora with warmth and spasm.

Overall, a visual and musical masterpiece which is coming to a 2 Disc special edition DVD on September 7, 2003 in the US; and has already been released in a 2 Disc collector's set in Europe the April of this year. I own the European one, and must say that 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is breath-taking. The European Disc also provides a fascinating DTS track; which although not available for the US release, is compensated there by an additional 1.33:1 fullscreen presentation of the movie and a few trailers (but take it from me, the visual beauty of this movie can only be appreciated in the widescreen format). The bonus features on Disc two offer an in-depth look at the film itself and how it was made. Also included are vast virtual galleries, a set-top game, some live-action references and lots of other interesting aspects. So enjoy this classic masterpiece from Disney in all its glory. I simply adore this movie and shall always cherish it with me.

Beautiful Artistry and Animation

Sleeping Beauty is Disney's retelling of the fairy tale of the same name. This DVD release of Disney's 75 minute movie features options to view it in either the original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, or in a "pan and scan" 1.33:1 aspect ratio version that captures most of the action while using the full height of a standard television screen. A second DVD includes supplemental material on the history and making of the film.

The story itself departs somewhat from the traditional fairy tale version, with a story line that provides a little more scope for character exposition and interaction. The result still retains a fairy tale feel, and the plot remains simpler than most of Disney's other animated features.

The biggest strengths of the movie are in its wonderful animation, artwork, and music.

The animation is perhaps the best of any Disney movie. The animators were exceptionally good at using facial expressions to help tell the story - Maleficent's face perfectly expresses her smug satisfaction when something goes her way, and Princess Aurora's expression when she first meets Prince Phillip by surprise perfectly communicates the various emotions that are running through her. The animation of the action is also wonderful, with some of the best moments being Aurora's dancing and Phillip's battle with the dragon.

The background artwork is terrific. Each background is really a high quality painting, full of scene specific detail and yet all coordinating to give the picture overall artistic unity and medieval feel. And yet, all this beautiful background coordinates with the characters in a way that avoids overpowering them.

Unlike some of Disney's other animated classics, this film did not use original music, but instead wisely went with Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty ballet music. Tchaikovsky's beautiful classic music perfectly complements the beautiful, artistic nature of everything else in the film.

All the attention to artistry and detail made the film too expensive to be a commercial success in 1959, but it also made the film a timeless classic that can continue to be enjoyed today and far into the future. Get it now, or you may have to wait seven years for Disney's next rerelease.

Unforgettable, timeless classic

One of my favorite movies (animated or nonanimated). THere is a quality and rich story that seems lacking in so many of todays movies (Disney movies included). The music just lifts you up and carries you into the Princess's world, and the ending leaves you with a pleasant sigh without being totally predictable. If you liked the Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast, you'll love this.