Pinocchio (Disney’s) parents guide

Pinocchio (Disney’s) Parent Guide

One reason for watching this particular adaptation of the story is because it represents the pinnacle of Disney's animation collection.

Overall A-

When an aging wood caver (voiced by Christian Rub) uses his tool to construct a beautiful puppet, he names his creation Pinocchio (voiced by Dickie Jones) and wishes the little figure could be the son he longs for. Although his heart's desire is granted by the Blue Fairy (voice of Evelyn Venable), she cannot make Pinocchio into a real boy unless the wooden toy shows himself to be brave, truthful and unselfish.

Release date February 9, 1940

Violence B+
Sexual Content A-
Profanity A
Substance Use C

Why is Pinocchio (Disney’s) rated G? The MPAA rated Pinocchio (Disney’s) G

Run Time: 88 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

Thanks to the popularity of this classic fairy tale, many youngsters have grown-up in fear of sprouting a sapling in the midst of their face, if ever they told a lie.

The story begins with a wood carver named Geppetto (voice of Christian Rub), who uses the tools of his trade to construct a beautiful puppet. The lonely old man christens his creation Pinocchio (voice of Dickie Jones), and wishes upon a star that the little figure could be the son he longs for. In answer to his heart’s desire, the Blue Fairy (voice of Evelyn Venable) comes, and with a wave of her magical wand brings the doll to life. However, she cannot make Pinocchio into a real boy by herself. In order for that to happen, he must show himself to be brave, truthful and unselfish.

Perhaps because of the sawdust between his ears, this task proves to be more difficult than expected even with the help of Jiminy Cricket (voice of Cliff Edwards), who is assigned to be his conscience. With a little peer pressure from a sly fox and his copycat sidekick, the gullible marionette walks away from education and responsibility to follow the easy road to success and relaxation.

Learning the hard way that such freedom only comes with strings attached, the prodigal returns to the toy maker’s workshop, where he discovers his faithful father is in grave danger. This new challenge will be his last chance to find out what he is really made of.

Choosing right from wrong is the theme of this timeless story. As a result, some young viewers may find a few scenes disturbing, especially those involving Pinocchio’s excursion to Pleasure Island. Here he and other disobedient boys indulge in rebellious behaviors including drinking and smoking, with the ominous consequence of making a jackass out of themselves. Still for many, the moral messages about avoiding temptation will out weigh the slightly scary aspects of the movie.

Another reason for watching this particular adaptation of the story is because it represents the pinnacle of Disney’s animation collection. Aptly subtitled a masterpiece, everything from the intricacies of the mechanical music boxes and clocks in Geppetto’s home to the splashing waves and undersea realm of Monstro the whale, show the incredible skills of those hands that painstakingly brought this film to life. It is also a testament that technology does not necessarily improve on art. Thanks to a meticulous restoration effort, Pinocchio will continue to live in the hearts of new generations.

Directed by Norman Ferguson, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Jack Kinney, Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Ben Sharpsteen. Starring Christian Rub, Dickie Jones, Evelyn Venable, Cliff Edwards.. Running time: 88 minutes. Theatrical release February 9, 1940. Updated

Pinocchio (Disney’s) Parents' Guide

The Blue Fairy describes a conscience as “something that helps you choose between right and wrong, counsels in moments of temptation, and keeps you on the straight and narrow.” What did Jiminy Cricket do when Pinocchio chose to ignore him? Does your conscience respond the same way?

Pinocchio’s theme song purports, “If you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.” In Jiminy Cricket’s introduction he claims the story proves that statement is true—but does it? What had to happen before Geppetto’s wish could be granted?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Pinocchio (Disney’s) movie is January 31, 2017. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Disney’s Pinocchio: Signature Edition
Release Date: 31 January 2017
Disney’s Pinocchio releases in a Signature Edition (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) with the following special features:
- Walt’s Story Meetings: Pleasure Island – The Pleasure Island scene in “Pinocchio” had much more development than what is seen in the film. Join Pixar’s Pete Docter and Disney historian and author J.B. Kaufman as they explore artwork recently discovered in Disney’s animation research library revealing some of the attractions, gags and games, which Disney animators created for this iconic location of the film, that never made it on screen.
- In Walt’s Words – “Pinocchio” – Hear Walt himself discuss the making of “Pinocchio” through archival recordings and interviews.
- The Pinocchio Project: “When You Wish Upon a Star” – Music influencers Alex G, Tanner Patrick and JR Aquino from Disney’s Maker Studios, a global leader in short-form videos, gather in a creative workspace to create their rendition of the film’s signature song, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and produce a fresh new music video.
- Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in “Poor Papa” – This recently restored and scored 1927 short features Oswald the Lucky Rabbit who gets multiple visits from the stork and is forced to attempt various methods to help stop the onslaught of baby deliveries.
- Classic Bonus Features – These offerings from prior home entertainment releases include hours of bonus material, such as the making of “Pinocchio,” deleted scenes, sing-alongs, storyboards and theatrical trailers.

Related home video titles:

The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996) is a live action adaptation of this fairy tale. Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie features another character that spends time in the belly of a whale. Being turned into a four-legged animal to change errant behavior is also the method used in The Emperor’s New Groove.

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