[Goofette]

I was finally able to see this movie. A friend of mine has it from the UK. I thought it was so cute and I fell in love with Uncle Remus. My mother was in the orphanage, and she remembers seeing it when she was a little girl, she said she always loved Uncle Remus too. It was strange, because when she watched it with me, she would say some of the lines before they said them, like it was just yesterday she watched it. Do you think it will ever be released in the U.S?

[Dawn S]

There has been such a stir about this movie as many people have called it racist. I am not a racist in the slightest & I don't see where this movie is offensive. It depicts a historical period accurately in a family friendly way. Some people do disagree & therefore, it's basically been brushed aside. Truly a shame.

[craziebabie1]

I really don't see it being released in the U.S. The whole racist issue is a big factor. I agree with Dawn as usual. I don't see where it is racist either. A friend of mine form Britain has it. So I was lucky enough to see it as well. She is bringing me a copy back next time she comes to visit. I can't wait. Yes Dawn I will send you a copy. :lol:)

[Crow323]

I've heard it was released on laserdisc in Japan yrs ago also. I was lucky enough to have someone get me a copy on video.
go to the Disney site under movies. they were takin votes on which of their movies you want released.

[tinkerbell]

Goofette I am really wondering how you saw a UK version .. unless it came out of canada ..they rent it up there but they do not sale the video .. I know because I tried to get a canadian friend to get me a copy. but the version from England is in PAL format .. I know this because Karen sent me a british copy and it will not play in my vcr .. I tried and had it converted to NCST ( I may have that backwards or wrong but its a different format) and it didnt convert well ..the picture goes dark at times and isnt really watchable, because of the copy write protection.. there was a japanese laser disc and vhs version released .. a cast member told me she had a copy. I dont really know if it has to do with the race issue as to why disney has not released it. I mean there are other movies out there like Gone with the wind. I think there is something else behind the fact that disney hasnt re-released this movie in several years. there is a petition on line to have the movie released on video .. and I hope disney pays attention to the growing number of people that want to see this classic film. Its a very special movie to me .. and soon I will have a copy on a CD *grin* because there are ways :)

[Goofette]

Originally posted by tinkerbell
Goofette I am really wondering how you saw a UK version .. unless it came out of canada ..they rent it up there but they do not sale the video .. I know because I tried to get a canadian friend to get me a copy. but the version from England is in PAL format .. I know this because Karen sent me a british copy and it will not play in my vcr ..

I thought it was from the UK but maybe not. I know that it was PAL format (originally) and it was somehow put on video. I have the tape now on video, but I don't know how they did it. I kept telling them it wasn't available here, and they said they knew but brought the VCR (even had a cover and back) for me. Next time I talk to them I'll ask more about it if you'd like. But I watch in on the VCR. Anyway, I would love to have the DVD version of it.

[Aurora2000]

I too am a big fan of Song of the South. i remember seeing it and LOVED it. The music the mix of animation and movie....
I remember when I learned it was banned I was like WHAT?

banned? Things are actually "BANNED" here in the us> ?

With all the offensive stuff out there in movies today ?

I know there are websites where you can order a european version but then you need an adapter or something to make it play. I never ordered it as I am an optimist that maybe someday .......


p.s. did you know Ruth warwick Pheobe on All My children played the Mom?

Robyn

[Cinderellafifi]

I also remember the movie from seeing it when I was young at the cinema and I remember enjoying it imensely. :D I was pretty surprised when I found out it was "banned" in the US. I'm wondering if it was just a Disney decision to no longer release it here versus an acutal banning.

Either way, I am all for the idea that each individual person should be permitted to make their own mind up as to what is or is not offensive. **Getting off the soap box now, thank you.** :wow:

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by Cinderellafifi
I also remember the movie from seeing it when I was young at the cinema and I remember enjoying it imensely. :D I was pretty surprised when I found out it was "banned" in the US. I'm wondering if it was just a Disney decision to no longer release it here versus an acutal banning.

Either way, I am all for the idea that each individual person should be permitted to make their own mind up as to what is or is not offensive. **Getting off the soap box now, thank you.** :wow:

I checked on www.snopes.com and it isnt *banned* ..its just a case of disney not releasing it in the states and a few other countries. I have to agree ..you know its like stuff on tv I dont like .. I change the channel .. it should be a choice .. I keep thinking with all the new *ride* movies it should be released. I was sure when they opened Splash Mt at MK that disney would release the movie. I keep hoping ..who knows with there being a demand .. there is reason for supply.

[Aurora2000]

I apologize for using the word "banned" . I am glad it isn't. I will say that when I asked about it at Disneyland at the splash mountain souvenior shop the CM there looked at me like I had 4 heads and said it was banned.

I am glad thats not the case.


Robyn

[tinkerbell]

a link answering questions about Song of the South's release
ok many people do not believe in online petitions ..but this is a link to FAQ's about one that is growing and it answers some questions about the movie too. I think its a great link for anyone that is a fan of the movie

[Goofette]

Thanks Tinkerbel, I'll check it out. I really thought that they would some day release the movie here. People are getting it anyway, so Disney might as well release it. After seeing what we did last night on tv, I really don't see the harm in this.

[geeman]

There was a rumor in the eighties that Bill Cosby had asked Disney never to show it again. I think it had it's last theatrical run in the eighties.
I was fortunate enough to own a laserdisc player in the early 90's and was able to see the Japanese version of the movie back then (I have a backup copy on VHS somewhere). I agree with one of the posters above. The characters are characters- children don't necessarily see COLORS or associate them with anything.
Growing up, I'd always found West Side Story offensive, yet when I actually sat down to watch the movie, I realized that it is speaking of another time, another way of thinking. Stereotypes can be bad, but only if you believe them.
I have to watch SOTS again and see whether it's possible to release.
I think people (and the WD Co.) MUST get over being over overtly P.C. You are always liable to offend someone (I've got a feeling Lilo and Stitch isn't how the Hawaiians want to be remembered).
You can forgive the mistakes of the past as long as you don't keep making them!

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by geeman
There was a rumor in the eighties that Bill Cosby had asked Disney never to show it again. I think it had it's last theatrical run in the eighties.

I think I read that rumor too, I have to say I am sorry ..for some reason www.snopes.com is gone or moved :(
any way ..about offending people ..your right geeman there seems to be no end of people that will be offended by something including lilo and stitch (which we just saw and laughed till i hurt) I remember part of aladdin was changed because the people over in arabra (spelling?) didnt like it. the store to me is about a sad little boy who finds a friend in an old man .. and learns that he can use his brain to get his self out of trouble.

In 1970 Disney announced in Variety that Song of the South had been "permanently" retired, but the studio eventually changed its mind and re-released the film in 1972, 1981, and again in 1986 for a fortieth anniversary celebration. Although the film has only been released to the home video market in various European and Asian countries, Disney's reluctance to market it in the USA is not a reaction to an alleged threat by the NAACP to boycott Disney products. The NAACP fielded objections to Song of the South when it premiered, but it has no current position on the movie.

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