Amoeba Music

Diamond Edition: Blu-Ray + DVD Combo

"Bambi" was released in 1942 during World War II and took over five years to make due to its exquisite hand-drawn artwork and attention to detail. Beloved by generations, "Bambi" holds the No. 3 spot on the American Film Institute's "10 Top 10," honoring the 10 greatest animated films of all time. The timeless tale features an adorable young deer named Bambi who explores the wonders and challenges of the woods with his playful pal Thumper, the lovable skunk Flower, and wise Friend Owl – and ultimately fulfills his destiny as prince of the forest.

Unlike many of Disney's Blu-ray releases, the color hasn't been oversaturated on Bambi, a wise decision as the delicate palette contributes so much to the poetic visuals discussed in the extras. The most important--and striking--of the new features is "Inside Walt's Story Meetings." Actors impersonating Walt Disney and several of his key artists read partial transcripts of discussions that took place during the creation of the film, between 1937 and 1940. Their narration is juxtaposed with the finished film and insets of relevant sketches, stills, rough animation, etc. Sadly, the filmmakers mar this striking explication with annoying pop-up windows inviting the viewer to see this or listen to that. Also included are storyboards and sketches for two deleted sequences. In "Two Leaves" (introduced by this reviewer), the last two leaves clinging to an autumn tree speculate about their ultimate fate. Although the leaves provide a poignant moment in the book, they only distract the audience from the main story arc. Similarly, a scene of Bambi getting tangled up in a reed and disturbing a wood mouse's nest is amusing, but does nothing to further the plot. And listeners will agree Walt was wise to cut a very forgettable song about being twitterpated. It all adds up to a beautiful package that can only deepen the viewer's appreciation of the most lyrical of Walt Disney's animated features. --Charles Solomon