I think everyone can remember when they first laughed, cried, and sung along with Disney's classic tale, Bambi. Whether that was 75 years ago when it was first released or it was on Disney Movies Anywhere just this past week, Bambi is one of those movies that touches your heart and stays with you forever.
Bambi was released in 1942 during World War II and took over five years to make due to its exquisite hand-drawn artwork and attention to detail. The timeless tale features an adorable young deer named Bambi who explores the wonders and challenges of the woods with his playful pal Thumper, the lovable skunk Flower, and wise Friend Owl – and ultimately fulfills his destiny as prince of the forest.
Watching the film again this week for the first time in years and having the pleasure of introducing it to my kids, I watched Bambi with fresh eyes. The gorgeous artwork that is both beautifully detailed as well as cartoonish and fun was even more impressive to me now than it was in my youth. It blew me away that the film is now 75 years old – Bambi looks and feels timeless, which is why it's been a classic for decades.
To celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, Bambi joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand on June 6. The Collection release includes a variety of new bonus material, including recordings of Walt Disney discussing the challenges and triumphs during the production of Bambi; deleted scenes and characters; stories and effects that Bambi had on the Studio, other films and artists; and much, much more.
Additionally, the Collection release includes an exclusive tribute to Tyrus Wong, the man who inspired the film’s soft watercolor backgrounds and beautiful palette. Included in the DVD is a easel-board watercolor that you can display proudly or keep in the case to enjoy each time you watch the movie.
BONUS MATERIAL (BLU-RAY & DIGITAL* HD) INCLUDES:
THE BAMBI EFFECT – “Bambi” was full of innovations for its time. Let’s take a look at how those past innovations affected future Disney animated titles all the way up to today.
STUDIO STORIES: “BAMBI” – Recordings of Walt Disney. Listen in on intimate moments where he discusses the challenges, pitfalls and triumphs during the production of “Bambi.”
DELETED SCENE: BAMBI’S ICE AND SNOW – Bambi coaxes Thumper and his brothers and sisters to come play on the ice during the first snow.
DELETED SCENE: THE GRASSHOPPER – A grasshopper confronts Bambi and Thumper and finds himself in quite a predicament.
BAMBI FAWN FACTS – Think you know everything there is to know about Bambi and his forest companions? Well, it’s time to discover some fun real-life facts about the creatures that live in the forest he calls home.
OSWALD THE LUCKY RABBIT: “AFRICA BEFORE DARK” – Oswald Short.
CELEBRATING TYRUS WONG (DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE) – A heartfelt look at the man who played a key role in the success of “Bambi.” Much like Mary Blair and Eyvind Earle, Tyrus Wong had a unique signature style all to his own. The soft water-colored backgrounds and beautiful palettes in “Bambi” were inspired by Tyrus’ concept art paintings. 
DELETED SCENES – Two Leaves, Bambi Stuck on a Reed, Winter Grass, Twitterpated
THE MAKING OF BAMBI: A PRINCE IS BORN
o STORY: TELLING THE TALE
o CHARACTERS: DRAWN TO NATURE
o ACTORS: GIVING VOICE TO ANIMALS
o ART DESIGN: IMPRESSIONS OF THE FOREST
o MUSIC: NATURE’S SYMPHONY
o HISTORY: BACK TO THE BEGINNING
TRICK OF THE TRADE (Excerpt)
INSIDE THE DISNEY ARCHIVES
THE OLD MILL: ANIMATED SHORT
ORIGINAL THEATRICAL TRAILER
THE GOLDEN AGE
So, did the kiddos like it? No, they LOVED it… even the one who was hoping for an action movie and instead got talked into a charming movie about a deer. This girl, though? A movie about a deer is just about the coolest thing, ever.
You are definitely going to want to grab the beloved Bambi while it is available in the Walt Disney Signature Collection. Watching it again, you will see why Bambi has captured the hearts of generations and holds the No. 3 spot on the American Film Institute’s “10 Top 10” honoring the 10 greatest animated films of all time. Sharing this love with your own children is an amazing thing, and you will find even more love for Bambi by experiencing the magic through them.
Want even more Bambi magic? Click the link below for tons of fun for the kiddos!
Want to find out more about the Bambi release? Be sure and like Disney Bambi on Facebook, Disney Animation on IG, and @DisneyAnimation on Twitter.
I hadn’t had tis movie for years so I was glad it came out to purchase again. My grandson had never seen it before. I enjoyed watching it with him, he loved this movie.