Walt Disney's animated classic PETER PAN makes its big screen digital debut at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre from Feb. 1-15, 2007. The special two-week engagement, which heralds the March 6 arrival of an all-new two-disc Platinum Edition DVD, will feature a newly restored digital version of the film with enhanced picture and sound.
On opening night, Disney producer Don Hahn (the Oscar-nominated LITTLE MATCHGIRL short, THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) will lead a panel discussion at the 7:00 pm screening. Highlighting the evening will be a reunion of the actors who voiced Wendy and John Darling (Kathryn Beaumont-Levine and Paul Collins), plus appearances by Margaret Kerry (the live-action reference model for Tinker Bell) and legendary animation star June Foray (who voiced and posed for characters in the film).
Commented Lylle Breier, svp of worldwide special events for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, "...This film is one of the great Disney classics and we know that audiences are going to have a great time seeing it on the big screen in all its digitally restored splendor..."
Originally released in 1953, PETER PAN soared to the top of the box office and became a favorite with movie fans all over the world. The film was directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi and Wilfred Jackson. The vocal cast also includes Bobby Driscoll as Peter and Hans Conreid as Captain Hook.
Walt Disney Home Ent.'s Platinum Edition DVD of PETER PAN has undergone an extensive digital restoration and features a new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix. Among the highlights: "The PETER PAN That Almost Was" - a never-before-seen alternate opening set in Never Land (instead of the Darlings' home), "In Walt's Words - Why I Made Peter Pan!" in which Disney reveals in his own words why he made the film, "You Can Fly: The Making of PETER PAN," three all-new multi-level games and a sneak peek at the upcoming TINKER BELL animated feature.
Tickets for all performances can be purchased at the El Capitan box office, online at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110. Daily showtimes are 10:00 am, 12:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:45 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:15 pm.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
