Disney+ is finally here. Things are pretty okay on the whole outside some hiccups on launch day. I’m mostly annoyed with The Simpsons not being streamed in their original 4:3 which ruins a lot of the jokes, but I’m a purest and I don’t think most people will care.
This program is presented as originally created. It may contain outdated cultural depictions
But there are changes being made to the Disney Classics that are on the service. The movies themselves aren’t being touched, instead new disclaimers are being placed in front of several films.
With so many of these classics dating back to when your grandparents were kids, it’s safe to assume society was a bit different when many of these films hit the silver screen. 2019 is a different time with new attitudes on all sorts of things including race, gender, and more.
Times always change, usually for the better as we learn more about the world around us. Knowing this, Disney Plus is adding disclaimers to several films for potentially offensive content.
Films like Fantasia, The Jungle Book, The Aristocats and more all feature an added description which states “this program is presented as originally created,” which in many cases is followed by a note saying the film “may contain outdated cultural depictions.”
It’s a simple note at the end of the film description and no details are given on what might be outdated in the film, but you can figure it out when you re-watch many of these films as an adult. The Siamese cats song and chopstick dance is hard to watch today, the Peter Pan song about the red man feels icky, and those crows in Dumbo aren’t kosher.
Look, these films are classics and will stand the test of time, but calling out problematic parts of many of these films doesn’t take away from their overall cultural value. In fact, these moments might make for teachable moments for those new to these films.
Oh, and don’t expect Disney+ to feature ‘Song of the South’ as that film is never, ever, leaving the Disney Vault.
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