Classic animations are timeless, providing many generations with the fulfillment of getting lost in a sweet story. While usually, it's a girl meets a boy, something happens to the girl, and then the boy saves the day, Disney created a twist on the traditional Cinderella/Snow White tale with their 1955 classic Lady and The Tramp. After all, who can't relate to finding love while sharing a meal and kissing over a spaghetti noodle?
Lady and The Tramp is a story that has many parts. It begins first with a story about a puppy finding a home. Lady (Barbara Luddy; Sleeping Beauty) is adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Darling (Lee Millar; Space Patrol and Peggy Lee; Johnny Guitar). Loved and spoiled with lots of attention, with never a harsh word said to her, Lady had a wonderful home life. All of a sudden, Lady stopped getting as much attention as she was used to getting. Even her family seemed annoyed with her on occasion.
After meeting a stray dog named Tramp, (Larry Roberts; Damon Runyon Theater), Lady finally understands why everything has changed- the Darling family will have a new baby and Lady will have to share the Darling's attention. When Mr. and Mrs. Darling go away and have to leave the baby, Aunt Sarah (Verna Felton; Cinderella) stays at the house. Bringing her own "babies" - her Siamese cats, Aunt Sarah puts Lady outside in the rain, where Lady decides to join Tramp in a life on the streets. After enjoying the famous spaghetti and meatball dinner with Tramp, Lady ends up in the pound but finds her way home. Chained up outside, Lady is distraught at not being able to save the new baby, but Tramp comes to the rescue. Lady and the Tramp show the audience that you don't have to be royalty to get your happy ending!
You cannot compare the animation of Lady and the Tramp to modern-day animations and special effects because it is such an innocent film that you cannot help but get lost in the picture. The animation is beautifully done, for example, the expressions on Lady and Tramp's face over the spaghetti is clear as day. You can see the shyness in Lady's eyes as their slightly wet noses meet. The audio is clear and not overpowered by the original music.
With the Digital version, it is so easy to access the bonus features. First, there is a sing-along section entitled "Music & More". Classic songs such as He's a Tramp, We are Siamese, and several others are played with the video and words on the screen. The Extras consist of How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs; Stories from Walt Disney's Office; the story of Walt Disney as filmmaker, husband, father, and dog lover, as well as storyboard tales. The digital copy also includes six deleted scenes.
There are a number of extras in the combo pack but only some are new for this release. These include Walt & His Dogs, Stories From Walt's Office, How to Make a Meatball, and Other Fun Facts About Lady and the Tramp, Song Selection, Sing-Along Mode, and Classic Bonus Preview. There are also other extras to enjoy - a few on the disc while others are on the digital download only. Most are enjoyable and should be watched at least once.
A classic fairytale story for all ages, Lady and The Tramp shows us that love is infinite and your capacity for love only grows as you find more things, people, and pets to love.
Grade: A
