May 7, 2002 – Four Disney Classics are Released in the Vault Disney Collection
On May 7, 2002, four classic Disney live-action films were released on DVD through the Vault Disney Collection: Swiss Family Robinson, Old Yeller, The Parent Trap, and Pollyanna. Although not the first home video release for these films, this was their first DVD release. Each release comes with a few special features, including a documentary about the film, as well as audio commentary from the surviving actors.
April 16, 2013 – The Disneynature Film Wings of Life is Released on Blu-Ray
“A beautiful love story in danger.”
On April 16, 2013, the fourth Disneynature film Wings of Life was released on Blu-Ray, after a week-long engagement at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The film was originally released in France on March 16, 2011, under the title Pollen, and released in the United Kingdom as Hidden Beauty: A Love Story that Feeds the Earth. Produced by Blacklight Films, this French-American film takes a look at pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, and how they keep the ecosystem stable. The film was directed by Louie Schwartzberg, with the American version narrated by Meryl Streep.
March 6, 2007 – Peter Pan is Released as a Platinum Edition DVD
“The second start to the right shines with a light that’s rare, and if it’s Never Land you need it’s light will lead you there.”
On March 6, 2007, the animated feature film Peter Pan was released as part of the Platinum Edition DVD series, a special designation of the most popular Disney animated features. Along with a digitally restored version of the film, there were a multitude of features included on the set, such as a reading of a Walt Disney interview where he explains why he made Peter Pan. Sketches and abandoned concepts were also included on the DVD release. The film was returned to the vault on January 30, 2009.
February 28, 2006 – Lady and the Tramp is Released on 2-Disc Special Edition DVD
“Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, filled with memorable music and purebred fun, now shines like never before with an all-new digital restoration!”
On February 28, 2006, the animated feature film Lady and the Tramp was released on a 50th anniversary edition two-disc DVD; this marked the film’s first time being released on DVD. This was the sixth release in the Disney Platinum Edition line. The film was digitally restored, and several bonuses were included on the release, including a making-of documentary, the original 1943 storyboard version of the film, deleted sequences, and DVD games made for the release.
December 3, 1985 – Dumbo is Released on Home Video
“One of the true Disney masterpieces…”
On December 3, 1985, the Walt Disney animated feature film Dumbo was the third film to be released on home video as part of the new Walt Disney Classics line. The film was originally released in VHS form in 1981, but only for rental purposes; the 1985 release was when people could own their own copy to show a new generation from the comfort of their living room. The film would be continually released every so often, whether through a new Disney promotion line, or a new format.
October 9, 2001 – The Platinum Edition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is Released
“The One That Started It All”
On October 9, 2001, the newest version of special edition Disney DVDs, known as the Platinum Editions, were released, beginning with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This version of the film came with two discs filled with extras, including a documentary called “Still the Fairest of Them All: The Making of Snow White,” galleries featuring the evolution of character designs, and the newsreel footage of the film’s premiere at the Carthay Circle Theater. The film was restored to the technical height of the early 2000s, and featured audio commentary from historian John Canemaker, along with archival audio from Walt Disney. The release was discontinued on January 31, 2002.
April 19, 2005 – The First Disney Films are Released on PSP
On April 19, 2005, two films from the Disney catalog were made available on the new Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform. The two films were Walt Disney Pictures’ Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and Miramax’s Kill Bill Vol 1. The PSP includes a special Universal Media Disc drive that can play movies and games. Three other titles were announced to be released on the platform: National Treasure, Reign of Fire, and Hero.
December 4, 2001 – The First Wave of Walt Disney Treasures is Released
“I came up with this idea originally six years ago and pitched it to (Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios) Dick Cook and he was very amenable to having a meeting.” – Leonard Maltin (as told to UltimateDisney.com)
On December 4, 2001, the first wave of a new series of DVD releases entitled Walt Disney Treasures was released. These limited-edition two-disc sets included short films, Walt Disney anthology segments, and never before seen material across four different sets: Mickey Mouse in Living Color; Silly Symphonies; Disneyland, USA; and Davy Crockett. Only 150,000 copies of each DVD set were released. The idea for the sets came from film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, who also introduces each set, explaining a bit about the content and providing historical context for the pieces that may be controversial. Since its release, there have been nine waves of releases, the last one released in 2009.
November 29, 2005 – The Live-Action Feature Sky High is Released on DVD
“…he’ll also learn that it takes loyalty and teamwork to truly become a hero!”
On November 29, 2005, the DVD of the live-action feature film Sky High was released through Walt Disney Home Entertainment. It was one of the first Disney films to be released on DVD without a corresponding VHS release, as VHS was being phased out at the time.
September 27, 1991 – The Video Simply Mad About the Mouse is Released
“I’ll be safe and you’ll be sorry when the wolf comes through your door.”
On September 27, 1991, the music video Simply Mad About the Mouse was released on home video. This musical compilation featured clips from Disney movies and short films, along with some new animation for this compilation, with updated pieces of Disney music from artists such as Billy Joel, Harry Connick Jr., and LL Cool J. Songs from the music video range from Pinocchio’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid. An album of the music from the music video was released on October 1, 1991.
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