Peter Pan [1953]

I have always had a fascination with this story. As a kid I remember checking the Disney picture book version out of the library week after week. When I finally got to see it, I was enthralled. There is just something magical about the story. It's partially the coming together of all the boyhood adventures in one place. Mermaids, Indians, and Pirates? What more could any boy want? And, of course, the ability to fly. The "You can fly" sequence over London is one of my all time favorites. The whole movie really is animated very well with a story that movies quickly from place to place with lots of humor to keep everyone entertained and gorgeous animation of the fanciful Never Land.

This special edition is worth tracking down. The picture (original full frame) is sharp and the surround sound is very nice. Extras include a documentary on the making of the movie and a promotional theatrical featurette from the original release. The "audio commentary" is unique. Hosted by Roy Disney, it consists of selections from interviews of the voice talent, live action models, animators, and animation historians. While not your usual commentary, it's fascinating stuff and well worth a listen. Finally, there's a treasure hunt game and DVD storybook for kids.

This movie still brings a smile to my face and probably always will. Maybe my friends are right when they say I love this movie so much because I always wanted to be Peter Pan.


A great film for children and childlike adults.   March 1, 2003
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

I remember the first time I saw some of Peter Pan, it was on the Disney Christmas show there is every year on Christmas Eve in Denmark. The part that was featured is the part when Peter takes the children with him to Neverland, it is a film filled with great songs and the right amount of suspence and humour. There is real danger like when the mermaids try to drown Mary and when Captain Hook had caputred Tiger Lily, but there is also fun and laughter. Personally I have always liked the crocodile, the way it moves it's tale as the clock beats.
As an adult my love for this movie hasn't decreased, I am now ready to more fully embrace the tragedy of Peter Pan loosing his family and the perdicament the children find themselves in. Being a child forever and being happy or experiencing adulthood and the pain but also the joys you can't comprehend as a child.


One of the best   January 21, 2003
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Why are old Disney's some much better than more recent ones? Because much more is left to your imagination and the action is less fast and less aggressive. Also, verbal cracks and jokes are much more in abundance.

Peter Pan's definetely one of the best Disney movies. The plot is great, the characters are convincing (even Tinkerbell) and emotions are never over-the-top or sacharine. There's enough action in it to keep you spellbound (even at 33!!).

The great thing about is that the whole story makes completely sense in the eyes of many a kid (I have 3). It feeds on their imagination & still expects them to make clever judgements.

Enough said, it's a good story, brilliantly drawn. Modern day kids still love it!


In the Top 5   June 23, 2001
 14 out of 18 found this review helpful

Alice in Wonderland, Little Mermaid, Pinocchio and Cinderella have got to be in your Disney Top 5. So does Peter Pan. This is one of the only fairy tales adapted by Walt Disney which doesn't have much romance. It's also a "not just for kids" film. I'm 13 and I still like it. The characters are strong. Smee provides comic relief. Captain Hook provides wickedness. Peter, Wendy and the gang are great heroes. Tinkerbell is a cheeky little fairy which uses body language. The story is strong, the songs are good and the London flight is magic. the fairy tale which followed was the OTT version of Sleeping Beauty. The next good fairy tale film was The Sword in the Stone or even Mary Poppins, some ten years later.