Plot: What’s it about?
By now, we all pretty much know the story of Alice and her adventures through the looking glass or her trip to “Wonderland” if you will. Of course, those not familiar with the original will more likely than not recognize the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration from early 2010. If you’re still drawing a blank, type in a search for Johnny Depp and Alice – then come back and finish this review. This original version was the brainchild of Walt Disney, who was inspired by the novels “Through the Looking Glass” and “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll. It was later divulged that Carroll was a drug user, so it does make what he wrote a bit easier to understand. Well, maybe not understand but it makes a lot more sense. I mean, talking rabbits, invisible cats? This stuff doesn’t just come to you.
Unlike Tim Burton’s version, this one shows Alice as she’s being read a story by her sister, but gets bored and follows a rabbit down a hole. She’s then transported the “Wonderland” where everything seems to talk. There’s the Cheshire Cat, whose grin can be seen when the rest of him isn’t. The Mad Hatter is just that and then there’s the matter of Alice’s size, which seems to make her a giant in some scenes and a miniscule version of herself in others. Naturally all of this is fine and good, but Alice soon wishes to return home. This is probably required viewing for any child and for its 4K debut, we’re treated to all 75 minutes in its restored glory. If you’re intent on watching the Tim Burton version, watch this one first.
Video: How does it look?
Most of the time when I’m reviewing a “new to 4K” film, the phrase “…it’s not a night and day difference…” is in there somewhere. Well, in this case, it is. I think we all know that this is one of the jewels in Disney’s crown and they’ve pulled out all the stops for this Diamond Anniversary edition. The 1.37:1 HEVC 4K image is nothing short of amazing with a new scan from the raw files (see various comparisons below) that breathe new life and color into the film that’s now three quarters of a century old. In short, it’s stunning. Colors pop, detail has been improved, grain, dirt and debris removed – you get it. I could go on and on, but let the images speak for themselves.
Audio: How does it sound?
Purists will be happy to learn that the original 2.0 mono track is included on these discs, but also contain a DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack. To be fair, it is a bit easier to remaster an animated movie as opposed to that of a live action one. The movie doesn’t sound bad, but again it is seventy five years old and there’s only so much you can do. Vocals are a bit on the weaker side, but there are some surround effects that tend to make up a bit. I’m sure everyone out there isn’t going to judge this movie by its soundtrack, but Disney has done a fine job with their new audio.
Supplements: What are the extras?
There doesn’t appear to be anything new added to this edition and we’ve covered these in a previous review for this title. But if you like line items, see these below:
- Backstage Disney
- Through the Keyhole – Kathryn Beaumont Introduction
- Through the Keyhole: A Companion’s Guide to Wonderland
- Reference Footage: Alice And The Doorknob
- Reference Footage: Alice and the Doorknob With Commentary By Kathryn Beaumont
- Pencil Test: Alice Shrinks
- Walt Disney Color TV Introduction (1959)
- Reflections on Alice
- Operation Wonderland
- “I’m Odd” – Newly Discovered Chesire Cat Song
- “Thru the Mirror” – Mickey Mouse Animated Short
- One Hour In Wonderland
- An Alice Comedy: Alice’s Wonderland
- Trailers
- 1951 Original Theatrical Trailer
- 1974 Theatrical Rerelease Trailer
- 1954 Introduction
- 1964 Introduction
- The Fred Waring Show (Excerpt)
- Deleted Scenes
- Deleted Scene: Pig And Pepper
- From Wonderland to Neverland: The Evolution of a Song
- Deleted Storyboard Concept: Alice Daydreams In The Park
- Music Videos
- “Beware The Jabberwock”
- “Everything Has A Useness”
- “So They Say”
- “Beautiful Soup”
- “Dream Caravan”
- “If You’ll Believe In Me”
The Bottom Line
Classic Disney animation is something that any and all movie-lovers should appreciate. The fact that each frame, well I just can’t even fathom the amount of work, effort and energy it took to make this happen. Disney has pulled out all the stops with this one giving us the best-looking transfer to one of their best movies. Run, don’t walk, to pick this up.
