It's hard not to lavish praise on this gorgeous family feature. There is so much about this lovely movie that is outstanding and keenly done, as well as it's quite a looker as a film. Cinema seldom looks this beautiful and feels so classical in style and the film has a feeling of antiquity about it for it's relatively contemporary source. This has got to be the most beautifully filmed color film of that period. period. It also boast some accomplished technical effects as well that surpass many film effects of the past.
It's very hard viewing this impeccable classic today and imagine that anyone could have called this film a rip off (in comparison to the 'Wizard of OZ'), and a lackluster achievement. Walter Lang gives this film a look of refinement and elegance and a visual beauty that most definitely surpasses the 'OZ' film. 'OZ' works better as fun entertainment, but it is not nearly as attractive in art direction and photography as is 'Bluebird'.
What 'Bluebird' is, is exquisite. That might be why children take to it less than 'OZ'. Children don't want "exquisite" they often prefer entertainment that is rough around the edges. 'OZ' is definitely a coarser film than 'Bluebird'. Beauty describes Walter Lang's visuals where peculiar and bizarre are what come to mind while describing 'OZ'
'OZ' is also sturdier as entertainment where 'Bluebird' is more delicate and artsy. Children are also probably more suspicious of 'Bluebird' too because it's obviously a "message" film. Walt Disney often said that audiences didn't like to be "preached" or "moralized" to and resented films with weighty messages. That of course shouldn't always be the case but Disney was probably right.
A real shame because 'Bluebird' has so much to offer in terms of a healthy moral message for young audiences. It does preach wisdom over pure entertainment content.
I also love this film in particular because it features Shirley Temple in probably one her most serious acting roles at this time. Her character of MyTyl is, in the beginning, a sort of anti hero. Cold, harsh and indulgently cynical. A role that was out of character for Temple as a child.
As of today this film, and the 'Bluebird' fairy tale in general, fails to capture the same popular interest that other fairy tales like 'Snow White', 'Pinocchio' and 'Peter Pan' do. A disappointing statement about people's taste because the film does have a lot to offer in terms of substance and popular entertainment.
It's very hard viewing this impeccable classic today and imagine that anyone could have called this film a rip off (in comparison to the 'Wizard of OZ'), and a lackluster achievement. Walter Lang gives this film a look of refinement and elegance and a visual beauty that most definitely surpasses the 'OZ' film. 'OZ' works better as fun entertainment, but it is not nearly as attractive in art direction and photography as is 'Bluebird'.
What 'Bluebird' is, is exquisite. That might be why children take to it less than 'OZ'. Children don't want "exquisite" they often prefer entertainment that is rough around the edges. 'OZ' is definitely a coarser film than 'Bluebird'. Beauty describes Walter Lang's visuals where peculiar and bizarre are what come to mind while describing 'OZ'
'OZ' is also sturdier as entertainment where 'Bluebird' is more delicate and artsy. Children are also probably more suspicious of 'Bluebird' too because it's obviously a "message" film. Walt Disney often said that audiences didn't like to be "preached" or "moralized" to and resented films with weighty messages. That of course shouldn't always be the case but Disney was probably right.
A real shame because 'Bluebird' has so much to offer in terms of a healthy moral message for young audiences. It does preach wisdom over pure entertainment content.
I also love this film in particular because it features Shirley Temple in probably one her most serious acting roles at this time. Her character of MyTyl is, in the beginning, a sort of anti hero. Cold, harsh and indulgently cynical. A role that was out of character for Temple as a child.
As of today this film, and the 'Bluebird' fairy tale in general, fails to capture the same popular interest that other fairy tales like 'Snow White', 'Pinocchio' and 'Peter Pan' do. A disappointing statement about people's taste because the film does have a lot to offer in terms of substance and popular entertainment.