Blu-ray Review: Disney’s Classic ‘Lady and the Tramp’ Resurfaces in HD

CHICAGO – “Lady and the Tramp” has been somewhat forgotten by time. When people think of Disney, their mind usually goes one of two places — to the classic early day mouse house films like “Dumbo” or “Bambi” or to the comeback films like “The Little Mermaid” or “The Lion King.” The mid-section of the canon seems to be getting lost, including films like “Peter Pan,” “The Sword in the Stone,” “The Jungle Book,” and the recently-released-to-Blu-ray “Lady and the Tramp.”

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Nuzzled comfortably in the canon between “Peter Pan” and “Sleeping Beauty,” 1955’s “Lady and the Tramp” is one of the gentler, sweeter films in the Disney legacy. It’s nowhere near as manic or kiddie-oriented as some of the more popular films in the company’s history and that could explain some of its lesser reputation. Although, to be fair, even Disney films with less of a profile than others have a huge cultural impact. Is there anyone who’s ever shared a plate of spaghetti without picturing Lady and the Tramp sharing an accidental kiss? And as recently as last summer, Time actually went to the extreme end of naming this film, one that was a box office smash but largely panned by critics on its release, as one of the top 25 animated films of all time.

Lady and the Tramp was released on Blu-ray and re-released on DVD on February 7, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

The first Disney film in Cinemascope widescreen, “Lady and the Tramp” is a more visually striking film than you probably remember and that makes it a strong fit for Blu-ray. In no way does the movie look nearly sixty years old as Disney continues to lead the way in terms of HD animated transfers. But the true charm of “Lady and the Tramp” isn’t in the animation or the character design, it’s in the heart of the movie. This is a sweet, likable film of the kind that they don’t make enough of any more. It may be slight enough that history hasn’t recognized its merits to the level that they should, but this excellent Blu-ray release should help introduce it to a new generation.

Lady and the Tramp was released on Blu-ray and re-released on DVD on February 7, 2012 Photo credit: Disney

The draw of the Blu-ray release of “Lady and the Tramp” is the HD transfer and the second screen functionality. There aren’t a great number of new special features in no small part because the features on the DVD edition (which have been transported to this one) are fantastic. The making-of documentary is great, drawing the line between Walt Disney’s history, this film, and even the design of Disneyland, which opened the same year. There are two new pieces of archival footage on the “Lady” Blu-ray, including a never-before-seen deleted scene and a never-before-seen deleted song. Other new special features are scant, except for second screen. But, like I said, the imported features are strong enough that it’s not an issue.

Synopsis:
Fall in love with Walt Disney’s Beloved Classic, Lady And The Tramp! Experience the thrilling adventures of Lady, a lovingly pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a freewheeling mutt with a heart of gold. This heartwarming tale now charms a new generation of families and fans with its exquisite animation, unforgettable songs and one of the greatest love stories of all time.

This is the night to share a special bella notte with your family and introduce to them to the film Janet Maslin of the New York Times News Service hails as “one of Disney’s most enduring classics” - now more beautiful than ever through the magic of Blu-ray high definition!

Special Features:
o Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
o Never-Before-Heard Deleted Song
o Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
o Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
o Lady’s Pedigree: The Making Of Lady And The Tramp
o The Siamese Cat Song: Finding A Voice For The Cats
o Puppypedia: Going To The Dogs And More

[8]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [9] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [8]