Sleeping Beauty (DVD, 2008, 50th Anniversary 2-Disc Platinum Edition)

I saw Sleeping Beauty when it was first released movies in 1959. Even though I was only 10 years old I could tell it was different from the other cartoon movies, Disney or other production companies. The backgrounds were so rich and in such full detail you could easily feel as if could walk through the forest or climb the steps of the castle yourself. The detail did not end there, for all of the characters – human, animal, birds and even fairies – have deep complex personalities. With the possible exception of Aurora who, pre-women’s lib, is a very weak character, almost a bit of a snooze.
Maleficent was truly evil, easy to dislike, even boo – perhaps the most evil of the Disney villains (even more than Ursula the Sea Witch). Prince Philip is the true Hollywood hero who braves all that Maleficent Places in his path to reach the castle to free his true love from her mystical sleep.
As a gigantic Dark Fire Breathing Dragon, Maleficent is perhaps the most terrifying Disney creation of Walt’s storied career. The battle between good - Prince Philip, and evil – Maleficent as the dragon, is possibly the longest and most detailed and heroic battle in any Disney fully animated feature.
This is a story for all ages that should lift the spirits of all who see it, unless of course you’re evil sorceress.