Periodically with some of their more notable releases, Disney will decide that simply releasing the film to blu-ray or DVD isn’t quite enough. There have been quite a number of collector’s editions which have come out in the past few years as well and since they rarely send these out for review, those that I feel might be worth the extra money will be purchased. The collector’s edition for Snow White still remains among my favorites and there have been a few which I’ve skipped such as The Lion King as I’m not a quite the fan of the film that others are and the Cars collector’s edition was another I passed over since I already owned most of what was included so buying the blu-ray discs a second time seemed a bit pointless.
Disney is bringing another of their classics out of the vaults and it’s one which fans have been waiting for since the studio began to actively support high definition although the reality is that there are always going to be Disney titles which fans are waiting for on blu-ray. Cinderella may very well be the crown jewel in the proverbial crown of classic Disney animation. Although Snow White was their first animated feature the impact that Cinderella has had on the Disney name can be seen almost immediately upon walking into any of the main theme parks; Disneyland, Disneyworld, Tokyo Disney, and so forth. Visitors are greeted by Cinderella’s castle off in the distance, the centerpiece of the park, and each of them have their own unique look although I have found that the one in Disneyland is a very small depiction while those in the other parks are a much grander scale.
With Cinderella being such an important part of the Disney tradition the film finally seeing a high definition release is also a good reason to release a collector’s edition. For this release Disney has opted to release the original film as well as the two sequels in a jewelry box. Of course this isn’t some high end, expensive box crafted of wood but instead just a very simple cardboard construction but still a rather nice addition to any Disney fans library. The box itself is done in white and accented with what is meant to be silver engraving. On the top there is an image of Cinderella’s glass slipper while she herself is found on one of the sides of the box, her Fairy Godmother on the other.
The box also has three small drawers which do open although there are a little snug which would leave a few worried about actually pulling them open, but despite being cardboard the box is very sturdy so there’s really not much to worry about in terms of damage. The jewelry box also has a side door which opens to reveal a small hook to hang a necklace or two. Inside you’ll also find a hardcover book which holds the films. This includes both the blu-ray and DVD’s with Cinderella being on a single disc, the two sequels on one, and of course digital copies as well. The book itself includes images from the original film but nothing in terms of giving some additional written history on the production of the movie. Lastly, the top of the box opens where fans will find a small mirror.
The Cinderella collector’s edition is one of those releases that is certainly for the fan, but it’s also one which some might pass over simply because of the inclusion of the second and third movie, both of which weren’t necessary and sully the name of the classic in my opinion. However, those who actually are intent on buying all of them will find that in reality that even though it might be slightly higher priced in terms of retail, you’re getting all of the movies in a nice looking collector’s edition box, the perfect thing for any would-be princess in waiting. Bibbidi bobbidi buy.
Mike is the resident reviewer for Couponing to Disney and his own site Underland Online. He has a toddler daughter and is obsessed with Haunted Mansion and all things Disney. You can read Mike’s complete bio here.