Classic Disney Re-Mastered

Emily Ruderman
Alpha Phi

September 16, 2011. January 13, 2012. September 14, 2012. January 18, 2013. September 13, 2013. These dates will go down in history. Why, you ask? These are the re-release dates of some of Disney’s most beloved films into theaters.

This past September, moviegoers had the opportunity to embark on a journey into their childhood and experience the magic of The Lion King 3D. Only a few weeks ago, Beauty and the Beast 3D was brought back into the lives of people everywhere. This coming September, which seems like years away, will mark the coming of Finding Nemo. Next up is Monsters, Inc., followed by The Little Mermaid.

I am certainly not complaining about the fact that these movies (which definitely top my list of favorites, by the way) are all being re-released. Seeing The Lion King on the big screen was amazing. Being able to watch my absolute favorite princess (Belle) in theaters (which I was unable to do when it hit theaters the first time around since I was not born yet) is incredible. Watching Ariel swim along the silver screen for the first time will be an unforgettable experience. These classics were released in 1994, 1991 and 1989, respectively, so having them put back into movie theaters in 2011, 2012 and 2013 makes sense. It gives many teenagers and children (and maybe some adults) the chance to live through a memorable part of their childhood in a bigger way.

What I find interesting, though, is that instead of just bringing back the Disney classics, they are also throwing some Disney-Pixar movies, which were only released within the last 10 years, into the mix. Again, I am not complaining and, knowing myself, I will probably be one of the first people in line when these movies are released again. You could say I’m sort of obsessed with Disney. In a news release, Disney President Alan Bergman said, “Great characters and great stories are timeless, and at Disney we’re fortunate to have a treasure trove of both.” Either way, it’s curious as to why Disney and Pixar (which are now actually one company) decided to showcase these films as opposed to others.

Between Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc., the re-release of Monsters Inc. makes the most sense to me. By having the original movie come back into theaters, it will generate some momentum for the prequel, Monster University, which is set to premier in June of 2013. Seeing the original will bring back memories and then spark people to go see the new movie.

Even though Finding Nemo was a great movie that did extremely well in theaters, there doesn’t seem to be as much of a reason for its return to theaters – except solely monetary.

Disney will be bringing in a lot of revenue from its decision to put such great animated movies back into theaters. They are appealing to the child in all of us by releasing some of the classics, while also tapping into our more recent memories by bringing back some of the newer gems. Whatever their reasons may be, I’m glad they are re-releasing these films and I can guarantee you that part of the money Disney will be making will be coming out of my pocket.

Emily is a sophomore studying communication. You may contact her at erude@sas.upenn.edu.