I have always been a huge fan of Disney films, for as long as I can remember.
My mom always took me to see the the latest Disney film whenever one was released. I was also very fortunate that our local movie theater would play a different Disney film every week during summer vacation. That gave me the opportunity to see Disney films that were released before I was born on the big screen – classics like Snow White (1937), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941) and Bambi (1942) – to name a few – on the big screen in the movie theater. I am forever grateful that my mom took me to see every single movie, every summer, until the theater closed down.
Another film I was fortunate to see in the theater was Pinocchio (1940).
To be honest, I cannot remember the last time I’ve seen Pinocchio. It might have been close to 30 years. I remember the story very well, I just can’t remember when the last time it was that I saw it.
Pinocchio is available TODAY on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download.
Pinocchio is the story of a wooden puppet who needs to prove himself in order to become a real boy.
The film stars out with Gepetto in his workshop. Gepetto creates toys, clocks and other items out of wood. One of his most favorite pieces is a puppet he named Pinocchio. Pinocchio is so realistic looking that Gepetto talks to him like he was a real boy.
One night a Blue Fairy shows up at Gepetto’s shop while he is asleep and makes Pinocchio come alive. She tells Pinocchio that she can turn him into a real boy but only after he proves himself to be brave, truthful and unselfish.
In addition, she turns a vagabond cricket named Jimney into Pinocchio’s conscience to help him figure out what is right from wrong.
Gepetto awakens to find that Pinocchio has come to life, and he is over joyed.
Gepetto sends Pinocchio off to school and along the way he meets up with a no-good fox and cat who trick Pinocchio into going to work at a theater. From there Pinocchio is faced with one temptation after another, finding himself in bad situations.
All Pinocchio wants is to find his way back to Gepetto and do what it takes to become a real boy.
Will he make it back to his father? Will he ever prove to the Blue Fairy that he can be brave, truthful and unselfish? To find out you need to pick up a copy of Pinocchio. Look for it where ever movie are sold.
I was in awe of the film as I was watching it. It’s 77 years old – yet the animation is still stunning and wonderful. The film was just as magical as it was the first time I saw it.
I forgot how many songs came from this film including When You Wish Upon a Star, Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee and Give a Little Whistle
There are some great bonus features also included.
Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere:
Walt’s Story Meetings: Pleasure Island – The Pleasure Island scene in “Pinocchio” had much more development than what is seen in the film. Join Pixar’s Pete Docter and Disney historian and author J.B. Kaufman as they explore artwork recently discovered in Disney’s animation research library revealing some of the attractions, gags and games, which Disney animators created for this iconic location of the film, that never made it on screen.
In Walt’s Words – “Pinocchio” – Hear Walt himself discuss the making of “Pinocchio” through archival recordings and interviews.
The Pinocchio Project: “When You Wish Upon a Star” – Music influencers Alex G, Tanner Patrick and JR Aquino from Disney’s Maker Studios, a global leader in short-form videos, gather in a creative workspace to create their rendition of the film’s signature song, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and produce a fresh new music video.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in “Poor Papa” – This recently restored and scored 1927 short features Oswald the Lucky Rabbit who gets multiple visits from the stork and is forced to attempt various methods to help stop the onslaught of baby deliveries.
Classic Bonus Features – These offerings from prior home entertainment releases include hours of bonus material, such as the making of “Pinocchio,” deleted scenes, sing-alongs, storyboards and theatrical trailers.
*Bonus features may vary by retailer
Back when these movies were being filmed, I’m sure they never considered making bonus content like today’s movies do. That is why I was pleasantly surprised to find so many wonderful bonus features with this film.
I LOVE all the background on this film, from found storyboards to hearing Walt Disney discuss the film in his own words. It’s great to know that all this material was saved for people to enjoy for years to come.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in “Poor Papa” is also a fun bonus feature. It’s a “must see.” It will show you just how far along animation has come.
If you and your family are fans of Disney films, then adding Pinocchio is a must. This is a timeless classic that everyone can enjoy – both young and old alike.
Below are some fun craft projects you might want to try out in honor of the film’s release. I especially love the light up box one. I am going to make that one for sure.
Click on the images to retrieve the instructions and necessary info. to make each project.
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.