Digitally Restored Version of Disney's Animated Classic "Peter Pan" Takes Flight at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre from 2/1-15
A generous sprinkling of pixie dust, special live appearances at each show by Tinker Bell, and an opening night extravaganza is in store for moviegoers as Walt Disney's animated classic "Peter Pan" makes its big screen digital debut at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre from February 1st-15th, it was announced today (January 24, 2007) by Lylle Breier, senior vice president of worldwide special events for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. This special two-week engagement, which heralds the March 6th arrival of an all-new 2-disc Platinum Edition DVD, will feature a newly restored digital version of the film with enhanced picture and sound.
Adding to the excitement on opening night (Thursday, February 1st), veteran Disney producer Don Hahn ("The Lion King," "Beauty and the Beast," etc.) will lead a special panel discussion at the 7:00 pm show. 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), legendary animation star June Foray (who voiced and posed for characters in the film), and other surprises. 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.
Commenting on the announcement, Breier said, "We're delighted to be presenting the digital debut of 'Peter Pan' at the El Capitan Theatre in advance of its new Platinum Edition DVD release. 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. With a surprise-filled opening night panel, and the live appearance by Tinker Bell at every show, we'll be offering the best show this side of Never Land. There will be lots of fun, fantasy and magic throughout this engagement, and don't forget, 'Peter Pan' is the perfect movie to see on Valentine's Day."
Originally released in 1953, Walt Disney's "Peter Pan" is an enchanting animated adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic tale of a magical boy who refuses to grow up. Accompanied by the three Darling children - Wendy, John, and Michael - Peter flies back to Never Land where they encounter the Lost Boys, Indians, Mermaids, and the treacherous pirate Captain Hook. When Peter's fairy pal, Tinker Bell, becomes jealous of his attentions toward Wendy and is duped into helping Captain Hook, Peter must fly into action to save the day and get his friends "off the Hook." Filled with memorable music (including "You Can Fly" and "The Second Star to the Right"), colorful animation, and fantastic characters, "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 includes Bobby Driscoll as Peter, Kathryn Beaumont as Wendy, Paul Collins as John Darling, and Hans Conreid as Captain Hook.
On March 6th, 2007, Walt Disney Home Entertainment will release the special 2-Disc Platinum Edition of Walt Disney's "Peter Pan," brimming with fantasy, fun, and new bonus features. For this new "limited time only" release, the film has undergone an extensive digital restoration and features a new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix. Among the highlights of the 2-Disc set: "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 Walt reveals in his own words why he made the film, "You Can Fly: The Making of Peter Pan," three all-new multi-level games, a sneak peek at the all-new "Tinker Bell" movie and much more!