Sometimes it’s hard to believe how much time has flown by. The thought that “Pocahontas” came out 10 years ago just boggles the mind. I’ve seen the film numerous times over the years, and every time I find myself just as enthralled as the first. I still remember that first time I walked out of the theatre, and I thought to myself that Disney had done it again. Their team of animating geniuses had indeed… “Painted with the Colors of the Wind.” Beautifully drawn, “Pocahontas” evokes a sense of wonder and appreciation for the nature that surrounds us. Or at least surrounds us for now until it is list to a more ‘civilized’ society. It brings to glorious life the legend surrounding Pocahontas and John Smith. Many detractors of the film argued that it was not historically accurate. Admittedly, this is true (after all, the real Pocahontas was only 11, so there was more than likely no romance), and perhaps they are right to say Disney should not have promoted it as such.

Certainly we don’t need for any more history to be re-written, but I believe the lessons taught here outweigh the characters. In regards to the inaccuracies, Disney gave parents the opportunity to encourage their children to read more about Pocahontas and find out what really happened. It might have even rekindled some adult’s faded interest in history.

Stirred by haunting melodies, “Pocahontas” went one step further in creating a style that was closer to a Broadway production than most other Disney animated films at the time. Composer Alan Menken and the late Lyricist Stephen Schwartz created not only memorable songs, but wonderful transitional phrases to bridge them. The most beautiful of course was the Academy Award winning “Colors of the Wind”, which had much to say about our arrogant approach to the world around us. My personal favorite however, was ‘Savages”, which is sung by both the Settlers and the Indians on the eve of war. It is a powerful song about perception, wrought with symbolic imagery as to who the ‘savages’ really are.

If there was any flaw (at least towards its money making potential) to “Pocahontas”, it was in the fact there is not enough in it for younger children. This one was for the BIG kids. The main focus was on the romantic aspects of the story. Granted there were still many extremely cute and funny scenes for the kids, but as opposed to being accessible to all ages like “The Lion King”, it was geared towards an older audience. It was a perfect stepping stone to the even more adult-oriented “Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

I loved “Pocahontas” then, and still love it now. So of course I was excited to see this great Special Anniversary Edition hit store shelves. I could bore you by waxing rhapsodic about the quality to he 2-disc set, but since most of you are probably Disney DVD consumers, you are already aware of what a terrific set it must be. First and foremost, the set includes two different versions of the film. It has the original theatrical version for those purists and a new 10th Anniversary version. This new has a fully integrated new song, “If I Never Knew You.” You’ll also find a commentary available by producer Jim Penecost and co-directors Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg, but only on the new Anniversary version. The first disc also includes a set-top game, sing along songs and some inventive arts and crafts projects for the kids.

Once you get to the second disc, you’ll find a lengthy documentary about both the real characters and the film. Hosted by the voice behind Pocahontas, Irene Bedard, this documentary offers up quite a bit of informative material. There are also several mini featurettes that focus on everything from the Storyboards to the Music, as well as a music video for and behind the scenes look at the new song. Once you perused these extra features, you’ll find some additional deleted scenes and a featurettes on the film’s original release. And one little addition I always find interesting is a multi-language reel that gives you an example of how the film sounded in other countries.

As is always the case with the release of any Disney classic on DVD, “Pocahontas” offers more than it’s money’s worth and belongs in every Disney DVD collection.

Extras: 2 Versions of The Film: 10th Anniverary Edition Features "If I Never Knew You," Seamlessly Integrated Into The Film; Original Theatrical Release, Deleted Scenes
All-New "Follow Your Heart" Set-Top Game, Disney's Art Project -- Build A Drum And Create A Dreamcatcher, Sing-Along Songs, Multilanguage Reel, The Making Of POCAHONTAS
Specifications: Widescreen
Studio: Disney
Release Date: 5/3/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: G
Website

We'll give an Pocahontas: 10th Anniversary Edition an A.