Disney has released a number of 2-Movie Collection Blu-Ray sets over the past few years. Most of the time, this is to sell a direct-to-video sequel with the original film because the “cheapquel” isn’t strong enough to sell on its own. But Disney is treating its fans like kings this month with the release of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad/Fun and Fancy Free 2-Movie Collection on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack (1 Blu-Ray/2 DVDs).
Both of these films were produced during World War II when most of Walt’s studio was devoted to making war propaganda films. As a result, it became impossible to produce full-length animated features. His solution was to split up his usable production units and make shorts that could be combined into “package features.”
Fun and Fancy Free was released in 1947 and used major stars of the day as a draw for audiences. By major stars, I’m talking about Edgar Bergen (with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer), Dinah Shore, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket. Jiminy is the link between these two stories. He finds a record of the story of Bongo, which segues into a story about a circus bear who gets lost in the woods and falls in love. After the record, he goes to his neighbor’s house and hears the story of Mickey and the Beanstalk.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad tells two well known classics, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. An unknown narrator introduces us to his personal library and selects the first story. Basil Rathbone narrates the story of Mr. Toad, who finds himself in trouble when he gives up everything to get a motorcar. Next, Bing Crosby tells the story of Ichabod, a school master who moves to Sleepy Hollow, only to find that the legend of the Headless Horseman might actually be true.
As a fan of Disney shorts, I adore both of these films (and the other package features, as well). More passive fans might scoff at both of these films as passable because they don’t tell a linear story from start-to-finish. The only weak short between the two films is Bongo, which still has some fun and memorable moments. I think Bongo could have benefited from having the other characters talk (Dinah Shore is the only spoken voice in the short). Mickey and the Beanstalk and both segments of Ichabod and Mr. Toad have become classics in their own right and were later released individually outside of the package features. Beanstalk replaced Edgar Bergen with Ludwig Von Drake in subsequent releases and that is the version of the short that I grew up with. Sadly, that version is not included as a bonus feature.
Video
Both films are presented in their original fullscreen aspect ratios (widescreen didn’t exist when these films were made). Each film has been restored and the results will please two different camps. Fun and Fancy Free has used Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), removing all grain from the film (and some minor animation detail with it). It looks fine and is by no means a disaster (for a disaster, see the 50th Anniversary Edition of The Sword in the Stone). Ichabod and Mr. Toad has been lovingly and gently restored, keeping minor grain in tact as well as animation flaws.
Both films are presented in 1080p and they’ve never looked better on home video before. These films have a softer color palette, but when colors are bright they are vivid. This is the first fullscreen Disney animated film to not receive a Disney View option (where optional artwork pillarboxes the film). I loved this feature and am sad to see it absent here.
The DVD’s included use the new restorations and are a huge improvement over the previous DVD releases form the early 2000’s. This DVD of Ichabod and Mr. Toad can be purchased separately, but this is the only way to get this version of Fun and Fancy Free.
Audio
Disney has created new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mixes for both films. Like most surround tracks for older films, the mix is heaviest on the front speakers and rarely fills the room. This isn’t a bad thing, as it’s more faithful to the original film. Other audio options on Blu-Ray are English 2.0, French and Spanish 5.1 (except for Ichabod’s Spanish track, which is mono).
The DVD audio options are English, French and Spanish, all in 5.1 surround (except for Ichabod’s Spanish track, which is mono).
Special Features
This 2-Movie Collection is a little misleading because it’s actually a 3-Movie Collection. Found under the bonus features section on the Blu-Ray disc is The Reluctant Dragon, a feature film from 1941 made by Disney in response to the large amount of requests for tours of his animation studio. The film has been restored and is offered her in 1080p HD. Comedian Robert Benchley’s wife forces her husband to visit the Disney Studio to pitch a story called The Reluctant Dragon to Walt. On his way, he finds himself getting an impromptu tour of their facilities while evading a security guard. It’s a charmingly nostalgic film that is required viewing for every Disney fan.
The DVD’s each have holdover bonus features from their previous releases that are exclusive to their discs:
- The Story Behind Fun and Fancy Free – a 15 minute featurette made in 1997 for the VHS release with the surviving animators who worked on the film and animation historians.
- Mickey and the Beanstalk Storybook
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Storybook
Packaging and Menu
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad/Fun and Fancy Free is housed in Blu-Ray case that is designed to hold 4-discs, 2 stacked on each side. A DVD of each film is found on the right side, while the single Blu-Ray disc is found on the left. Inserts provide you with your Disney Movie Rewards code (300 points) and an advertisement for Disney Movie Club. This case is housed inside an embossed slipcover, which features a sticker on the front advertising The Reluctant Dragon. The back of the box mentions that you can experience these films “on Blu-Ray and Digital HD,” but be advised that this release does not include a digital copy of either film.
The main menu is the spine of a book with posters for both films on the side. Selecting Fun and Fancy Free takes you to a menu where an animated Jiminy Cricket is peering through a window into scenes from Bongo and Mickey and the Beanstalk. Selecting The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad brings you to a fireplace with books on top and a framed picture with moving images from the film.
The DVD menus are the same for each individual film.
The disc opens with ads for Disney Movies Anywhere, Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition, and Legend of the Never Beast. Selecting additional features plays ads for Disney Movie Rewards and DisneyNature Bears.
Final Thoughts
This release is more than Disney fans could ask for. It was questionable whether or not Disney would even release the catalogue titles on Blu-Ray, so to get two in one set with The Reluctant Dragon as a bonus is wonderful. It almost feels like the Walt Disney Treasures line came back for one release without a metal case or Leonard Maltin introduction. If you’re a lover of Disney animation, this release is a must-have.