Review: Snow White Diamond Edition Combo Pack

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 6, 2009 ~ 84 minutes ~ 3 discs
Movies / Family / Fantasy / Disney

Edition Reviewed: Snow White Diamond Edition - Review copy received courtesy of the Walt Disney and One2One Network, many thanks to both for sending me a copy to review!
Perfect for : Family Movie Night, Gift

My Thoughts: This has got to be one of my favorite Disney movies. It is one of the first I can remember watching as a family, and I remember humming and singing along! Watching it this time around was even better. I don't know how they did it, but the quality and sound are much better than my old VHS edition. Plus, with the dvd menu and scene selection, it makes stopping and starting the movie such a breeze.

I've really been dragging my feet on getting a Blu-Ray player... you see, we have so many dvd's, and we enjoy sharing them with friends and family (none of whom have a Blu-Ray player that I know of). So imagine my surprise when I learned that many of the Disney movies coming out on Blu-Ray also contain a DVD version of the movie... all for only a few extra dollars! This is certainly the way for me to purchase Disney movies. I KNOW we will be getting a Blu-Ray player, probably sooner rather than later, and I have no guilt over buying a Blu-Ray movie if it also includes a dvd version!

I've also recently come to realize that on Sunday and Monday, when football is on, our toddler can only stand watching the game for so long, then he starts acting up and wants to play or watch a movie with Mom...on the laptop... which isn't Blu-Ray. As we really only let him watch Disney movies, this is also the perfect solution to my problem: Use the Blu-Ray for Family Movie Night (once we finally cave and buy that Blu-Ray player which I saw in the Sunday paper for a very down-to-earth price) and when we have friends and relatives over for popcorn/movies, and use the DVD copy on the computer or to loan out. :) We are (or will be) all happy now!

Now, some of you are probably wondering exactly why I am so excited about the Blu-Ray addition to our home. Let me explain. When we moved in, and had no kids, we were a DINK family... double income, no kids. So we bought the biggest tv our entertainment center would hold, and it is HUGE (56" DLP). It has the capability of playing high-resolution movies such as the Blu-Ray.

So, what is Blu-Ray? The wonderful folks at One2One Network provided an easy explanation:

Technical definition:
Blu-ray Disc (also known as Blu-ray or BD) is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the standard DVD format. Its main uses are for storing high-definition video, PlayStation 3 games, and other data, with up to 25 GB per single layered, and 50 GB per dual layered disc. The disc has the same physical dimensions as standard DVDs and CDs.

And – for those of us who don’t get the tech talk…It’s simply a better format to watch a movie on! The picture is clearer, the sound is better and more elements can be put on it (i.e. behind the scenes extra footage, games, etc) for you to enjoy.

Highlights about Blu-ray discs and players:
Up to 6x better quality than DVD
7.1 Surround Sound
Immersive activity with games and special features
Kid proof-more scratch resistant (hallelujah!)
Plays both Blu-ray and DVD discs
Blu-ray also plays on Sony Playstation 3 players

Most people know this is a classic Disney movie, and some of us probably have some very fond memories of playing with our friends or cousins, and pretending to be going off to work, whistling and singing "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's off to work I go...." That is why I'm so excited to be able to continue the fun with my own family. :)

Content: My family absolutely loved this move. The picture is absolutely beautiful (we watched the dvd version, so the Blu-ray will be even better), the sound is amazing...I'd never believe it was made in 1937!
Format: DVD/Blu-Ray Combo
Ease of Navigation: The menus are beautifully done and are easy to navigate
Overall: A wonderful edition to the familiy dvd collection, and what makes it even better is the inclusion of both DVD and Blu-Ray discs!

About the Movie:

From Amazon: No film in history has captured the worlds imagination like Walt Disneys first full-length animated masterpiece. Through astonishing Blu-ray high definition technology, experience this timeless classic in its most spectacular presentation ever! With an all-new, state-of-the-art digital restoration and Disney Enhanced High Definition sound, the breathtaking animation and unforgettable music of the most revered Disney film of all time will enthrall you like never before!

Join the beautiful princess Snow White as she escapes her jealous stepmother, the queen, and befriends a lovable group of dwarfs. But when she falls under the queens wicked spell, only true loves kiss can save her

Bonus Features Include: Snow White Returns Storyboard Featurette Was Walt planning a Snow White sequel? With newly discovered storyboards Disney animators show how this sequel would have played out, Princess and the Frog Sneak Peek Exclusive sneak peek at the 1st 5 minutes before it hits theaters, The One that Started it All Featurette This featurette within Hyperion Studios reveals how Snow White forever changed the world of movies and the world at large, All New Tiffany Thornton Music Video to Someday My Prince Will Come, Audio Commentary with Walt Disney

Videos:


Also check out:
The Making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Learn About Disney Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs

Additional Information: (From the One2One Newsletter)

Blu-ray Combo Pack Features:

Picture & Sound
-First time ever in high definition 7.1 sound
-Disneyview – expanded viewing experience
-All-new Music Video

Disney Family Play
-What Do You See? - Decipher the scambled image
-Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Which princess are you most like?
-Jewel Jumble – test your matching skills

Backstage Disney
-Snow White Returns – Newly discovered storyboards. Was Walt planning a sequel?
-Hyperion Studios – Explore Walt’s original studio
-The One That Started It All – See how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs forever changed the world of movies

Classic Bonus Features
-Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride Game
-“Heigh-Ho” Karaoke Sing-along
-Disney through the decades
-And More!