Cinderella has always been very near and dear to my heart. It was the very first ever Disney VHS I received as a gift from my sister one Christmas. I’ll never forget it.
I remember the very first time I saw the film. Before this, I had zero inkling of who or what Cinderella was, or even fairy tales for that matter. But the first time I saw the movie I was hooked.
I knew every song and every scene. I loved the way she moved, the way the birds flew around, and those mice! There were so many things about the original cartoon which drew me in. No matter what part of the movie was playing, I was glued to it.
For a five-year-old girl, it was one of the most dramatic things I had ever seen. I was in love with this movie! I watched Cinderella until I grew out of it. Much like most adults, life began to unfold and a layer of dust collected on my first ever Disney movie.
Over the years I saw several live-action Cinderella movies being adapted. I had no interest in any of them. None of them convinced me they were as good or better than the Disney animated film. I was die-hard for Cinderella.
Then, when Walt Disney Studios announced they were making a live-action film based on the cartoon an eyebrow raised. I was certainly intrigued (but not sold).
Cinderella Now
As publicity for the new Cinderella began to reveal itself I was shocked. That dress! Oh and the talent! I had already been a huge Richard Madden fan from my love affair with Game of Thrones.
And when I saw Disney’s choice for Ella to be Lily James I agreed it was a perfect fit. But when I saw the trailer for the first time, I remember just sitting there, jaw-dropped, completely stunned. One dramatic quote spoke to me from that trailer,
“Where there is kindness there is goodness and where there is goodness there is magic.”
That quote and the spread of lavish costumes and detail on the sets made Cinderella an all-out fairy tale If I’d ever seen one. Immediately I began to search the film locations. More and more I was loving everything about this film!
Then something very Cinderella-like happened to me. I got an invite from Disney to attend the Red Carpet World Premiere of Cinderella! I nearly died. Before I knew it I was scrambling for the perfect dress for the ball.
The World Premiere was to date one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had, and that’s a lot to say for someone who has made a living from traveling the world.
Seeing the live-action film was more than I ever could have expected it to be. The drama was so much more real-life. Cinderella’s character was really well developed and sent a very strong message to little girls that, no matter what you’re dealt in life, kindness is always the answer.
Be kind and your wishes will come to you tenfold. As for Prince Charming, his character was developed more than ever. The live-action film revealed a much more dramatic side of him.
The Wicked Stepmother’s performance played by Cate Blanchett was absolutely gripping. Everything came together better than I ever imagines it would.
Cinderella was special for me at five for being my first Disney movie and my introduction to fairy tales. Now at thirty-five, it’s created a once-in-a-lifetime memory for me for which I will be forever grateful. I’ve taken so many great messages from this story, but most importantly I’ve taken with me the commitment to be kind.
Being a Cinderella Ambassador of Kindness
As some of you may have already read, during D23 EXPO this year, I myself, along with 24 other bloggers were made Cinderella Ambassadors of Kindness. This means we are spreading the word about the Cinderella Million Words of Kindness campaign which leads fans here to write in their own special words of kindness for the world to see. You can add your words here.
You can find Cinderella on DVD and Blu-Ray today!
Missed the trailer? See it here:
Cinderella DVD Blu-Ray Release is Today!
And this is why, even if you’ve seen the film, you have got to get a copy (aside from the fact that your daughters will undoubtedly protest).
BONUS MATERIAL: Digital HD/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)
- A Fairy Tale Comes to Life Filmmakers and cast reflect on Cinderella’s enduring power, and the joys and challenges of bringing this iconic tale to life.
- Costume Test Fun See the work of Academy Award-winning® Costume Designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, 2004) and share some lighthearted moments with the cast.
- Staging The Ball – You’re invited behind the scenes for the making of the Palace Ball sequence, including its spectacular set, stunning costumes and more. It’s a lavish and massive undertaking…and a magical day on set.
- Ella’s Furry Friends – Discover how the movie’s animal stars honed their memorable performances.
- Alternate Opening: Ella’s Childhood – View moments from Ella’s idyllic childhood that do not appear in the movie. With an introduction by Director Kenneth Branagh.
- Frozen Fever It’s Anna’s birthday, and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever – but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
DMA Exclusive:
- Deleted Scenes
With an introduction by Kenneth Branagh
o Serving (0:56)
o The Mourning (4:24)
o Getting to Know You (2:00)
o The Search for Cinderella (1:14)
o Dear Kit (2:57)
See the trailer for the DMA Exclusive material here:
DVD:
- Ella’s Furry Friends
- Frozen Fever
Special Notes to Cinderella and Frozen Fans
Adorable Cinderella Charms:
When you buy Cinderella (LA) on BD, DVD or Digital HD on Disney Movies Anywhere you can purchase an adorable stagecoach charm (which I received for being an Ambassador of Kindness). The charm is only $8.99 + $2.95 shipping. This offer is valid from 9/15/15 – 12/22/15.
The All-New Frozen Free Fall Snowball Fight!
Disney Interactive will be launching Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam, marking the first time that a first free-to-play match-3 game is available on these platforms.
I don’t know if you know this but I am cray addicted to Cinderella Free Fall and have been playing it for weeks. This game is AWESOME AND FREE!
Here’s the trailer for it:
How to get Frozen Free Fall Snowball Fight:
Do you have words of kindness you’d like to share? Click here to be a part of Cinderella’s Million Words of Kindness!
While Disney sent me on an all-expenses paid trip to D23 EXPO 2015, this in no way shapes my opinion of this film or the DVD Blu-Ray release.
