Defiance [DVD] [2008]

We all know the story--the wicked stepmother and stepsisters simply won't have it, this uppity Cinderella thinking she's going to a ball designed to find the handsome prince an appropriate sweetheart, but perseverance, animal buddies, and a well-timed entrance by a fairy godmother make sure things turn out all right. There are a few striking sequences of pure animation--for example, Cinderella is reflected in bubbles drifting through the air--and the design is rich and evocative throughout. It's a simple story padded here agreeably with comic business, particularly Cinderella's rodent pals (dressed up conspicuously like the dwarf sidekicks of another famous Disney heroine) and their misadventures with a wretched cat named Lucifer. There's also much harrumphing and exposition spouting by the King and the Grand Duke. It's a much simpler and more graceful work than the more frenetically paced animated films of today, which makes it simultaneously quaint and highly gratifying. --David Kronke, Amazon.com

The tale is familiar. A beautiful girl is abused by her stepmother and stepsisters and forced to work as their slave. When a ball is given for all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, Cinderella dreams of going too, only to have her hopes dashed at the last minute. With a gift of magic, she is able to go, but only until the stroke of midnight.

The story is so well known, if fact, that any story about an underdog coming from behind and winning is called a Cinderella story. Disney's job here was to make the story entertaining for 75 minutes. The solution here was creating the animals. Mice Jaq and Gus and their constant struggle against the evil cat Lucifer is funny and tying this sub-plot to the ultimate outcome is brilliant. The other standout character is the stepmother who is frighteningly evil with no super powers.

As with any Disney movie, this one also has great songs. Arguably the best known is "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo." Right behind it is "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes." My favorite, however, is the often overlooked love song "So This is Love."

While not the best release in the Platinum series, it still stacks up well. The movie has been restored, and it looks great to me. I'm not a nitpicker, but I can't find any problems with the full frame picture, the original aspect ratio. There is an enhanced 5.1 home theater mix, which doesn't seem quite as impressive as some other releases. It seems more like the sound coming equally from all speakers. Of course, given the age of the film, there probably isn't much more they could do. For purists, there is an original soundtrack on the disc as well.

The extras in this set seem to be split between content for kids and adults, with the kids winning. Disc one includes a new version of "A Dream is a Wish" with the stars of several Disney Channel series. It also has several "Cinderella stories" in sports moments, a weird feature to me. Disc two includes several features about living like a princess.

Also on disc two are the bonus features adult fans of this movie will want to watch. There are two "deleted scenes," which are really abandoned songs with the storyboards created for them. In edition there are more abandoned songs with no storyboards on here. It's pretty interesting watching how various ideas went from one form to another before finally making it into the movie. Other extras include a thirty-eight minute documentary about the creation of the show, including achieved interviews with the animators behind the show. We are also treated to an overview of how the movie progressed over the years it was in development, a tribute to the "Nine Old Men," Disney's "Laugh-O-Gram" version of the story from 1922, and radio promotion from the time. I was thrilled to see trailers from the movie's multiple releases here. Unfortunately, there is no commentary in sight.

This Platinum DVD release means that all of Disney's animated movies have been put on DVD at some point in the last few years. While the Platinum series isn't quite as nice for adult fans as they used to be, this is still a release that fans of the movie will want to pick up.


Your Dreams Can Come True   June 21, 2006
steve@gingertomstudios.com (Norwich, Norfolk UK)
24 out of 28 found this review helpful

In this Disney-version of the classic tale - mice, birds and a faithful dog all help to make Cinderella's dreams come true.

Yes, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother does make an appearance but there are many other characters to enjoy as well.

The story is nicely-paced and the quality of the animation - now that it has been digitally restored is at times breathtaking.

There are some great songs throughout the film and the dialogue & characterisations are strong enough to keep Mum & Dad interested as well as give lots of enjoyment to the kids.

Our 3-year old daughter's shoes are now called "glass slippers" plus "bibbidy-bobbidy-boo" and "we can do it" are some of her favourite catchphrases.

As an expert in watching children's DVDs over and over again - this stands up as one of the best. Thoroughly recommended.


Well acted and very moving   August 2, 2009
Josh Wright (Gloucestershire.)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Defiance follows three Jewish brothers forced into hiding by the Nazi regime. A story that is barely heard of. A brilliant cast was chosen and they complement each other well.

The acting is top notch and Daniel Craig's eastern European accent
seemingly flawless.

An excellent story that is extremeley moving at times.

Extremeley recommended!


Much better than valkyrie   July 6, 2009
S. Wolfe (England)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

When i heard there was a film coming out about WW2 i was excited, i like watching WW2 films as long as they're not too Americanised . This film was far from it. With stars such as Daniel Craig in it, it helps to promote it in to a real good movie.
The plot is set in the second world war. Nazi forces are smashing through Europe exterminating Jews and anyone against Hitler's Aryan race. The Bielski sons escape being killed but there parents are don't. They flee into the woods and try to survive against the Nazis who are hunting Jews. Over the weeks they take on survivors and eventually make a big camp. Tuvia the oldest brother and Zus the second oldest argue about who will take revenge for there parents death. Finally Tuvia takes revenge and kills the local secret police boss. However Zus thinks that there should be more Nazi blood spilt........

I give the film 5 stars because i think there is a really good story plot and the actors envolved fit well.

I great film for History fanatics!