James Reviews Disney’s Alice In Wonderland [Blu-ray Review]

A film that was ripped apart by critics when it was released, especially in England, Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is finally given the Blu-ray treatment. The thirteenth film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series, Alice in Wonderland was released in 1951, 60 years ago, and still is adapted over and over again, but most would say Disney’s take is the most accessible of the bunch.

Alice (Kathryn Beaumont) is growing bored of her older sister tutoring her. She’d rather have fun and live in a world of nonsense, which is when she notices the White Rabbit (Bill Thompson), running late to some event, running by her. Alice of course follows the White Rabbit, down the rabbit hole, and falls down a hole into a large chamber. Not knowing where she is, she tries to follow the White Rabbit, but is stopped by a door knob. This is where the Drink Me/Eat Me comes into play, with her shrinking down to 3 inches or being as big of a house. She’s sad that she can’t get through the door, cries huge tears of sadness and is washed ashore, where she starts to meet the most peculiar characters around.

We have the Dodo Bird (Thompson again), who is keeping dry and convincing the other animals to keep going round and round to keep dry themselves. Alice then meets Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, who tell her the story of the Walrus and the Carpenter, to a sad ending that still is quite dark for a Disney film. She follows smoke rings to the Caterpillar, who wants to know ‘Who Are You?”. The Cheshire Cat comes through, also confusing Alice as to what his true intention is. The insanity of the Mad Hatter and the March Hare’s Unbirthday Tea Party is in full effect, where she can’t get a drink of tea edgewise.

As she continues to travel, the Cheshire Cat convinces her to go to the Queen of Hearts. Unknown to Alice, The Queen of Hearts is a bit on the angry side, and if you do the slightest thing to piss her off, off with their heads. It all culminates with a trial that has no order whatsoever. And ultimately we have Alice, trying to get away from this nonsensical land she dreamed up, because order is always needed.

This was Walt Disney’s pet project, a film in which he was attempting to make since he was in his early 20’s. About 30 years later, he finally got his wish and we have one of the most beloved animated films of all time, and for good reason. The film itself is a bit nonsensical, with randomness being the key to this film’s success. Lewis Carroll’s was Disney’s love affair, and it shows in the way this film was animated. The characters all have their own style, their own nuances and we can’t help but love each one in their own way. Watching the Unbirthday party, in full Blu-ray action, is a sight to behold, with its comedic power and quick wit prevailing through.

For Carroll purists, though, you will be a bit disappointed. This is an adaptation of two of the books, Through the Looking Glass and Alice in Wonderland, and Disney and gang had to handpick the best bits to make a film that wouldn’t be over 3 hours. Trimming the fat, so to speak, to make a very concise overview of the books, a best of if you will. The Queen of Hearts is still the psychotic villain of the piece, but everyone in Wonderland is a bit of a villain throughout, all out for themselves and all against Alice. It’s a wake up call for Alice in the long run, to make sure that even with a bit of nonsense, some order is always needed.

Disney’s Blu-ray is an extraordinary one, which has been the case for all their animated classics. The coolest part of the disc is the Through the Keyhole, which is a companion piece while watching the film, which is similar to Beauty and the Beast, which has the film playing while we have different scholars, animators and Kathryn Beaumont herself speaking about the history of Lewis Carroll and the film itself. It’s very informative, and a great extra. A pencil test for Alice shrinking is also included, as is a reflection on Alice herself by Mrs. Beaumont. A deleted scene called ‘Pig and Pepper’, a interactive Blu-ray game called “Painting the Roses Red” and much more are included on the 2 disc set.

It took Walt Disney 30 years from the age of 21 to see his dream project made before his very eyes. This was a film that he took such pride in, and you can tell by the whimsical nature of it all that it was true to his heart. About 60 years later, this film is still giving young people and old people alike such joy and wonderment that you can’t help but feel like a kid again every time you watch it. It’s a film that, like most Disney treasures, you will want to horde before they go back in the vault again. This is a must buy for any animation lover.

9/10