The weekend of March 13 brought in over $67 million for the remake of Disney’s “Cinderella,” which increased to $130 million in total take under two weeks. The most recent adaptation of the original film has started many conversations regarding Disney’s constant efforts in bringing life to its animated classics.
Currently in the works for being recreated are “Beauty and the Beast,” “Dumbo” and “The Jungle Book.”
“The live-action remakes of animated classics seem to indicate a dearth of creativity and originality at the Walt Disney Company,” said the department chair of cinematic arts, Thomas Parham.
The first such film produced by Walt Disney Pictures was Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” (2010), which showed a rendition much darker than the original animation.
Similarly, “Maleficent,” released last May, appealed to the older generations and focused on the mysterious villain found in Princess Aurora’s story “Sleeping Beauty.”
“I think it was more appealing to the older crowd,” said Morgan Mendoza, a junior global and international studies major. “It’s a Disney movie, so there could have been comments of it to be dumb or cheesy, but it is more intense [and] it brought in an older crowd,”
These renovated Disney classics also attract more viewers based on their improved special effects, particularly noted by sophomore graphic design major Krista Rhoades.
Pros for Disney
Disney films are something that a majority of students grew up with and many easily remember the different movies they watched then and can reminisce about their favorite heroes. However, the reality is, Disney is still a business.
Sophomore film major Amber Overholt believes one of the many pros for Disney in its recent efforts is the chance to revive these classics into a modern version of the story using the latest technology, attracting both older and younger generations.
“Not only will the box offices be overflowing with ‘Cinderella’- and ‘Beauty and the Beast’- labeled cash stacks, but Disney is going to be making bank in stores with their Cinderella backpacks and little Belle ballgowns,” Overholt said. “Needless to say, this is and will continue to be a very smart move for Disney.”
Cons for Disney
According to Overholt, some of the cons for the remakes include the question of whether or not they will be able to live up to the animated versions with which most have fallen in love. She questions if Disney will be able to translate the childlike magic found in these original films into real life.
“Disney definitely set the bar high, but I’m hopeful for what they will create based on their history,” Overholt said. “I’m sure the filmmakers of Disney hold these stories just as close to their hearts as we do to ours and will be able to funnel this passion into epic remakes of classic stories.”
The films will no doubt look beautiful, but will they be able to tell the same story with the same effectiveness?
For kids?
While reflecting on previous Disney films, it is important to recognize today’s growing movement of female empowerment. These new remakes are speaking to this idea of strong and independent women, showing younger girls that they do not need a man or have to wait for Prince Charming to save the day, but rather they can save themselves.
Future films
“It will be interesting to see the special effects – especially with ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ since it [features a] non-human character,” Rhoades said.
“Beauty and the Beast” live-action is set to premiere in theaters in 2017. While there may not be many details made public yet, cast members are more than qualified for their roles, including actress and gender-equality activist Emma Watson as Belle.
Disney, making millions of dollars on each remake, soundtrack and clothing line, continues to reach all ages through its remakes of original classics, still allowing children to participate in its new form of magic.