Well, friends, it has finally happened. The very first full-length Walt Disney World animation that hit theaters in 1937 now has its own live-action musical reimagining. Disney’s Snow White opens exclusively in theaters March 21st, and I had the pleasure of seeing it in advance at a pre-screening. With so much controversy and negativity towards possible changes in the storyline, this new film had a lot discussed about it long before coming to the big screen. But is all this talk a lot of hot air? Did the reimagining live up to the classic animation? I break it down for you without any spoilers.
What is Disney’s Snow White About?
Here is the synopsis:
“Disney’s Snow White,” a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, opens exclusively in theatres March 21, 2025. Starring Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”) in the title role and Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, the magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy. “Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) and produced by Marc Platt (“The Little Mermaid”) and Jared LeBoff (“The Girl on the Train”), with Callum McDougall (“Mary Poppins Returns”) serving as executive producer, and features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“Dear Evan Hansen”)
A Classic Turned Modern?
It is fair to say that the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was an innovative masterpiece at the time. Because of that, the film has remained a big part of the Disney story. Snow White can be found everywhere in the Disney theme parks, the characters have a ton of merch and more recently, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was added in Walt Disney World, Florida, and continues to be one to the tops rides in the park.
I was not one of the children seeing Snow White in theaters, it was long before my time, however, the film was still introduced to me as a child and has always been part of my love for all things Disney. Snow White has all the aspects of the perfect fairytale; the princess and prince falling in love, the evil queen and witch, the cute forest animals and dwarfs, the wicked witch plummeting to her death, and the princess and her prince literally walking into the sunset with their white horse…”and they lived happily ever after”.
However, in today’s world, finding a prince to be happy is not the number one wish we are looking for in a great film. I think it makes sense, then, that fairytales adapt to their current audience. While we are on that topic, many Disney films adapted for the big screen were drastically changed from their original German, Brothers Grimm stories (just for fun, look up the original tale, it will blow your socks off!).
There is no doubt, people have fierce opinions when Disney comes out with reimagined films. If storytelling has taught me anything, it is that stories can be changed and recreated, for the sake of art. I find it refreshing to see creative new takes on stories that we know and love.
(L-R) Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) and Snow White (Rachel Zegler) in Disney’s live-action SNOW WHITE. Photo by Giles Keyte. © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
How Much Has Changed in Disney’s Snow White?
As per my promise to not give away any spoilers, I will tell you this: there are changes and additions to the story of Snow White, and I believe they not only expand the story to today’s audience, but they make it even better. My favourite character is Dopey, and friends, he will still your heart.
Character development in Snow White and her forest friends is positive and joyful. I really loved the ending of the film, but I cannot tell you what happens. You will have to see that for yourself. I would suggest that you ignore the internet-talk of comments and criticism and see the film. Your children will really enjoy it.
The best thing about adapting a classic tale, is the chance to develop new music. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul created new songs such as Waiting on a Wish, All is Fair and Good Things Grow. But my favourite new song by fair is Princess Problems. It’s so catchy that I have been singing it ever since I saw the film! You will still hear the two most famous songs from the classic: Whistle While you Work and Heigh-Ho, with additional lyrics were added.
Is Disney’s Snow White safe for kids?
Yes! Yay!
Of all the recent reimaginings, I believe this one is best suited for children. Finally! This is who these movies are for. While I think that tweens, teens and adults will also enjoy this film, it is clear that the story, new songs, characters and story has been kept for children in mind. I didn’t hear any jokes purely for the sake of the adults accompanying their children, the characters didn’t have side stories that were too much over the heads of a young audience, and nothing too scary is introduced, making children unable to enjoy the film, and wait until they are older.
That said, it would be wise to let you children know the story of snow white ahead of time, so nothing is too shocking. There is still a huntsman, and an evil queen that changes her appearance into a creepy old lady, and the queen still meets her demise. After all, it is a fairytale. And as I have mentioned before in these reviews, a reimagining, although it can be created with CGI and special effects, to young children, it looks and sounds real. As always, you know your children better than anyone.
My final thought on Disney’s Snow White is that is worth seeing and appreciating with your family. The live-action musical reimagining is refreshing, cute and perfect for families to see together. Let me know if you see it!
Disclosure: I was invited to the pre-screening to facilitate this review. All opinions, as always are my own. All images have been provided by Walt Disney World Studios Canada.