The canine adventures of two dogs who despite coming from 'opposite sides
of the tracks', become romantically involved, sharing several exciting adventures
together.
Walt Disney's first animated CinemaScope production (1955), and one of his most popular and enduring releases, and surely one long awaited by collectors, did not meet with universal approval on it's initial release, certainly not by the critics anyway.
It is undeniably a charming film, but by all accounts that charm was lost on the reviewers: The New Yorker thought the leading characters singularly unappealing. They also were not much impressed by Disney's use of CinemaScope which they thought gave the dogs the dimensions of hippos.
The New York Times was of the opinion that the artists work was
below par and that the use of CinemaScope made the flaws more apparent. Variety,
in what must have otherwise be considered a most favourable review remarked: "in
making a hero out of the jaunty Tramp, the writers worked in a fight with a rat that
recalls to mind the terror of the bat episode in Lost Weekend - this is for kids'?".
The critics notwithstanding, the film was unreservedly acclaimed by the public who made it a substantial hit for the studio. Costing $4,000,000 to produce and with subsequent re-issues it has earned some $36,000,000, with a recent video re-release to add to that sum. Unfortunately, we the 8mm purchaser, will be unable to boast that we have not significantly added to that sum since Super 8 sales pale into insignificance compared to those of video.
The Lady and the Tramp opens and closes and closes with snow
scenes which are all the more
attractive for being in CinemaScope. The CinemaScope frame being, in the main, skillfully
used
throughout despite it being Disney's very first 'Scope animated production.
The score contains some delightfully memorable music and songs: He's a Tramp (sung by Peggy Lee), Siamese Cat Song, Peace On Earth and the charming, Bella Notte.
A timeless concoction that is not without it's darker moments - Tramps fight with a viscous rat for example and the sad plight of the canines at the dog pound.
Our review copy had absolutely first-class picture and good sound. Exemplary (sharp) image with excellent colour despite Some Slight movement due to dodgy slitting. A replacement print was free of this eye-wobbling phenomena.
Top-notch Disney entertainment with print quality to match. Very highly recommended.
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Distributed by: Derann
Films. I have this film in my collection my rating: Picture When Walt Disney had their own releases during the 70's. Two 200' versions were released. Muzzle Trouble and An Evening With Lady and the Tramp. |
The above review was printed in Super Eight Film
Review in issue 41. |
This page was last updated 02 Dec 2002
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