We knew Disney was remaking “Pete’s Dragon,” the 1977 Disney classic, but as the show goes into production in New Zealand, we learn some other big names and new details. The new version will blend live action and CGI to tell the story of the… Read More »Production begins on Disney’s remake of “Pete’s Dragon,” big names attached
Some news for all of you looking forward to the Pete’s Dragon remake. Michael C. Hall from Dexter was originally set to star in the modern adaptation. Now, it looks like Karl Urban is taking his place. No worries though. It seems this change is… Read More »Disney’s Pete’s Dragon remake will now replace Michael C. Hall with Karl Urban
Disney has made some adjustments to its movie release calendar and announced release dates for a couple upcoming films. Shakeups like these happen all the time, but a delay usually means early previews of the film weren’t playing quite as intended and the movie is… Read More »Disney moves back The Jungle Book, Announces More 2016 Release Dates
from Instagram. Ah, one of my favorite floats from the Main Street Disney’s Electrical Parade and one of my favorite trick questions, “who rides Pete’s Dragon?” Usually stumps people for a few moments. My favorite trivia for the Pete’s Dragon float was that before it… Read More »Instapic: Who rides Pete’s dragon?
It’s hard to review Pete’s Dragon without conflating it with my youthful memories of being a Disney fan. I was 7 or 8 and remember wishing that I too had a dragon like Elliot. Somewhere along the way the film became closely tied to my feelings about Disney as an adult too. “Candle on the Water” has always been one of my favorite Disney songs. Plus, seeing the the Elliot float in Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade always elicits a feeling of joy, because it’s such an amazing float (makes me want to shout “Brazzle Dazzle!” right now), and sadness because seeing Elliot always the parade was nearly over.
It goes without saying that Pete’s Dragon is a family friendly film everyone can enjoy. I watched it with my son and found him humming along to the songs even though he’d never seen the move before. For a film made in 1976 the effects are remarkably advanced, you’ll want to check out the special feature narrated by Pete (Sean Marshall) as he explains the history of Disney’s technical film wizardly that allows animation and live action to mix. This goes all the way back to Walt Disney’s first “Alice” shorts featuring Virginia Davis, who just passed away.
The combination of animation and live-action bring the magical friendship between Pete, a young orphan, and his unusual best friend to life in Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition, now out on DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Adventure, comedy and soaring musical numbers will charmed children and adults alike. And there is nearly an hour of brand-new bonus features, including a look at Disney’s live action/animation legacy, alternate versions of some of the film’s most beloved songs and much more.
Pete’s Dragon was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Score). The film boasts an extraordinary cast that includes Sean Marshall (“To Race the Wind”), Helen Reddy (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band), Mickey Rooney (Night at the Museum), Jeff Conaway (Grease), Shelley Winters (The Poseidon Adventure), Jim Dale (“Pushing Daisies”) and Red Buttons (“ER”), with Charlie Callas as the voice of Elliot the Dragon.
Also among the features is a classic Donald Duck short called “Lighthouse Keeping.” It features Donald, a crafty seagull, and a light house light that just won’t stay lit. I also really enjoyed the two excepts “Disney Family Album” and “The Plausible Impossible.” Always nice to see Walt Disney in his element entertaining the audience.
Follow below the jump for a complete list of features.