Walt Disney himself probably never realized back in 1936 when he was filming Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and began working on ideas about a fawn named Bambi, that the movie Bambi, adapted from the book by Felix Salten, would become a memorable classic.

 Everyone fell in love with this film when it was released in 1942, six years after the work began, and the rich archive of features on this 2-disc PLATINUM EDITION DVD will bring all this home as viewers watch each tantalizing segment. Walt Disney remarked while making the film, “Fellas, this stuff is pure gold.”

Disney was ahead of it’s time in creating the animated coming-of-age story about a newborn fawn who loses his mother but learns what friendship is all about as he discovers his world and learns to follow in the path of his strong father, the Prince of the forest.

Bambi, directed by David Hand, follows the young Bambi (voice – Don Dunagan) through his early years of playing, learning about nature and survival, standing on his own feet, meeting his father and even finding a girl friend in Faline (Cammie King). Through danger, drama and tender moments, the film’s characters capture all of the emotions – joy, sorrow and love – that make the story resonate.

Every aspect of the exquisitely restored and remixed sound of the 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theatre Mix is flawless and further enjoyable when watching each extra feature. In fact, I’d watch most them before watching the film, the music will sound more lively, the animation more appreciated and the technology that went into making the film will become highly appreciated and respected.

Kids will not only be fascinated by the look and sound of Bambi, but be educated as well. As Bambi meets new animals friends, kids can learn about them. They can also gain insight into Bambi’s bravery as he faces difficult situations, learns to put kid stuff behind him and take his rightful place in life.

What’s really amazing was Walt Disney’s sensitivity to the material. The story has only about 1,000 words of dialogue so instead of someone “telling” the story, viewers “see” the story through the wonderful human-like characters and emphasis put on human-like emotions that come alive in the drawings, animation and music.

From the film Bambi, Disney has given mankind a rich treasure trove of imagination in which we can get lost into a world of fun and fantasy. Bambi is one of the best offerings that Walt completed and Disney’s work on this groundbreaking digital restoration deserves an Oscar itself. Thanks to the special care and expertise of so many craftsmen that worked on the new DVD and included 9,600 hours of work, Bambi Special Edition is a true classic that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Voice Cast of Bambi: Donnie Dunagan (Young Bambi), Peter Behn (Young Thumper), Stan Alexander (Young Flower), Paula Winslowe (Bambi's Mother), Cammie King (Young Faline), Hardie Albright (Adolescent Bambi), Tim Davis (Adult Thumper, Adolescent Flower), John Sutherland (Adult Bambi), Sam Edwards (Adult Thumper), Sterling Holloway (Adult Flower), Ann Gillis (Adult Faline), Fred Shields (Great Prince of the Forest), Will Wright (Friend Owl), Bobby Stewart (Baby Bambi), Margaret Lee (Mrs. Rabbit), Mary Lansing (Aunt Ena, Mrs. Possum), Thelma Boardman (Mrs. Quail)

Read a more in-depth review of the Bambi  DVD and all about the incredible extra features that are truly must-see.

Read my interview with the voice of Bambi - Don Dunagan.