Walt Disney's Bambi: Movie Review

I recently watched Walt Disney's film Bambi for the first time in many years. What a joy it was. I first saw this beautiful movie as a child in grammar school. What I most remember is a teacher comforting me while I cried as Bambi called out to his mother, I heard the shot and realized his mother was dead. I thought that I had remembered the whole movie. What I did not remember was the brutality, but that shows just how powerfully positive this movie really is. Early on in the movie Bambi's mother alerts him to dangers of man and his guns. You see Bambi cowering before coming out to play in the meadow. Later his mother is killed; the forest is burned. A bird panics and is killed on the fly. Oh My! Of course, Spring arrives and all is right with the world again. If your little one is going to watch this video, it would do well to stay nearby, just in case he or she has questions. That being said, there are many positives in this beautiful animated movie. Although you never see Thumper's dad there is a lot of sage advice from him. When Thumper says that baby Bambi "doesn't walk very good, does he?", his mother reply's "What did your father say?" Thumper lowers his head and responds "If you can't say somethin nice, don't say nothin' at all." There are other bits of wisdom because Thumper, the little rabbit, just has to say what he thinks and feels. This movie has everything we hold dear; family, a parents love, enduring friendship, death, rebirth of nature and becoming adult and having your own family. Walt Disney's Bambi is about the circle of life.

Each of the animated characters have their own larger-than-life personalities, and all are quite beautiful. Each one has an outstanding feature that makes him memorable and perhaps your favorite character. Bambi's beautiful eyes when he looks up for the first time, Flower's (the skunk) blush when he meets his lady love, the wise owl when he becomes grumpy and puffs out his huge chest. This is definitely a must see movie. If you are interested in the how and why of film-making buy the digital restored 2 disc version. The second disc has good inside information on Disney's meetings, his notes, etc. This disc also has eight interactive games and more for children.

Bambi is not Walt Disney's first animated film. In 1937 there was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia and Pinocchio in 1940, The Reluctant Dragon and the better known film classic, Dumbo in 1941. Each one as beautiful and expertly filmed as the next. All were beautiful and filmed with the Disney magic. Walt Disney was a man of vision who surrounded himself by similar artists and technicians. For more information, read Disney's bio.

This restored Bambi comes alive with color that returns this movie to its original dazzling color. Highly recommended. This is definitely a must see or must see again movie. Bring out your popcorn and enjoy. Caution--be prepared to watch at least five minutes of coming attractions, etc.

~Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations. 

Photo: Bambi movie poster Allposters.com