Disney VHS: Pocahontas w/ Case Full Screen Dolby Surround

Description

Pocahontas (Walt Disney’s Masterpiece) [VHS]
by Walt Disney

Disney’s take on this historical confrontation between European settlers and Native Americans follows the paths of two future lovers. One is British adventurer John Smith, who travels the Atlantic with the Virginia Company to establish Jamestown. On the shore is Pocahontas, a typical Disney heroine: bright, beautiful, mischievous, and motherless. The two meet in the untamed wilds of America (the first meeting is quite divine), fall in love, and try to ward off the warring factions. It’s Disney’s version of a Native American West Side Story.

The romance between the spirited Indian beauty Pocahontas and the handsome British captain John Smith is painted in dazzling colors and sweeping music. This 33rd animated feature from Disney boasts the voice talents of Mel Gibson, Linda Hunt, and David Ogden Stiers. Academy Award Nominations: 2. Academy Awards: 2, including Best Original Song–“Colors of the Wind.”

Actors: Mel Gibson, Linda Hunt, Christian Bale, Irene Bedard, Judy Kuhn
Directors: Eric Goldberg, Mike Gabriel
Writers: Andrew Chapman, Broose Johnson, Bruce Morris, Burny Mattinson, Carl Binder
Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
Rated: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Run Time: 81 minutes

On the tape:
Walt Disney World:Wake Up Call Commercial
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame Trailer
The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh Trailer
The Aristocats Trailer
Aladdin And The King Of Thieves Trailer
Walt Disney Masterpiece Collection Trailer

Disney deserves a standing ovation for this one- superlative in all its elements, especially in its musical score (Alan Menken, can we ever sing your praises too loudly?) this is one of the most emotionally moving features produced by Disney in its entire history. The greatest strength in this solid tale of history and fantasy is the hero herself, Pocahontas. There have been numerous unforgettable Disney heroines: Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Esmerelda, Mulan, etc. NONE of these, howver, can compare to Pocahontas, so outstandingly is she depicted. Glen Keane’s animation of this landmark toon creation is brilliant, and coupled with a sensitive voice performance courtesy Irene Bedard, Pocahontas becomes an institution all her own.

The animation is eye-popping and stunning, especially in the sequence “Just Around The River Bend” and the film’s closing moments. Stephen Schwartz’s penned love song to nature, “Colors of the Wind”, is arguably the greatest Disney ballad of all time. Judy Kuhn deserves special mention for her resplendent vocals which careen effortlessly over Menken’s score and through Schwartz’s words. The film deals exclusively with the notions of white supremacy, manifest destiny, and British sovereignty, though there are more than a handful of good English folk around (only authoritative figures like the King and Ratcliffe are depicted as outright scum- and even that is done in a realistic manner- we are not dealing with an over-the-top Ursula here, delightful as she undoubtedly is). Parents should be prepared to answer plaintive questions about the historical development of America and the inevitable truth that Native Americans were displaced by white settlers. It is truly wonderful that Disney has opted to tell a story that questions bigotry and racism (you could even call this an anti-war drama) and for that alone we thank them.

Pocahontas received two Academy Awards for its achievement in music: Best Original Score for Menken’s score and Best Original Song for “Colors of the Wind”.

0-7888-0374-3

Case slightly squished. VHS itself is near mint. Tape is completely rewinded for your convenience. Full screen. Dolby Surround.