Saturday, September 4, 2010

The Past Edited for Your Safety

Disney will release the classic film Fantasia on Blu-ray on November 30th. The release will include all the bells and whistles that collectors have come to expect. But, as with previous DVD releases, the character known as the black centaurette will be removed from "The Pastrol Symphony" sequence via a digital zoom. I have mixed feelings on this.

As a film geek, I'd love to see the original sequence included as a seamless branching option. But in today's PC climate, I understand why Disney would want to sidestep any potential controversy. It's the same reason why we will never see a official release of Song of the South. The racial image would overshadow the release. Disney should release both films uncensored in special editions that address the subject of racism in classic Hollywood films head on with features that examine how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. But in today's talking-head, 24-hour newscycle media, some group would stir up a shitstorm and use the films as an opportunity to grab headlines. History should never be sanitized for the public. These things happened, and to bury past errors is wrong. But to view them in context appears to be beyond the ability or inclination of most people. So while I do understand Disney's decision, it is unfortunate that we have not progressed to the point where we can acknowledge past mistakes and civilly discuss them.
   .

No comments:

Post a Comment