In the summer of 2013, Walt Disney Pictures released a teaser trailer for their new live action film “Maleficent,” and during the 2014 Grammy Awards Disney fans all over were given a treat as the full trailer was released.
“Maleficent” is the retold story of “Sleeping Beauty” with Angelina Jolie playing the evil sorceress. However, unlike the original tale, this time she gets to tell her side.
While this new movie has gained popularity, this isn’t the first time that Disney has revamped an old childhood classic. In 2010, Walt Disney Pictures released Tim Burton’s dark and grim version of “Alice in Wonderland” with Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska as the Mad Hatter and Alice.
Although this movie went over well with viewers, one question began to rise, why would Disney take obviously darker and more serious take on their classic and beloved movies?
There are two simple reasons: not only is Disney counting on new movies to bring in profit, but they’re also bringing back our childhood while attempting to bring in new viewers.
Our generation brought in the most revenue for the Disney Corporation. When we were younger, Disney produced movie after movie like nobody’s business. Think back to films such as “Beauty and the Beast,” or “The Little Mermaid;” yes they’re a tad before our time but when anyone my age hears of Disney they will think of movies around that time period.
As I’ve grown older, the more I realize that I miss my childhood and will go and watch my favorite Disney movies to feel young again. Not only that, but me and my fellow Disney nerds also get really excited when some of our favorite films get reimagined.
For instance, “Alice in Wonderland” was one of my favorite movies growing up, so when I heard of the reimagined version, I was ecstatic. To our generation it’s like relieving our childhood. Disney has always been about family and the magic of childhood, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they were putting new twists on their favorite movies in such a way.
The second reason is purely business strategy. Walt Disney Pictures wouldn’t still be up and running if they only stuck to the classics that our parents watched with us as kids. Disney is most likely giving their older movies a twist to interest the newer generation.
For example my eleven-year-old sister, who has absolutely no interest in the original story of “Sleeping Beauty,” told me in a recent conversation that she wants to see the new version that is to be released on May 30 of this year. Then there is myself, who loves the original Sleeping Beauty movie and is ecstatic to see it brought to the big screen once again with a different point of view.
No matter what perspective you look at it from, we all can agree that Disney’s retelling of old classics is pretty fantastic. From bringing our childhood back into light and feeding the next generation some of Disney’s most famous storytelling, you have to agree that what they’re doing is lovely.