The term classic in one of those words that's so over used that it's lost any semblance of it's true meaning. It's hard to determine what's truly classic when just about everything over the age of five has that term applied to it (with the exception of my five year old daughter, I haven't heard anyone call her a classic yet). Still, if there is a movie which could truly fit the term classic, it would be Disney's 101 Dalmatians. Not only is it a film that has captured the imaginations and affections of generation after generation, it was a film that changed they way Disney did animated films. Now this true classic is finally available on DVD, and what a rare treasure it is.

101 Dalmatians marked the end of an era for Disney. It's previous film, Sleeping Beauty, was the last hand drawn and hand inked film produced by Disney. The reason for that was it was also one of the most expensive animated films Disney had done. In fact, the whole animation business was becoming far too expensive to continue unless a cheaper way was found to produce the animated cells. Had the innovations of 101 Dalmatians failed, it's doubtful that Disney would have continued making animated films. The other major departure for this movie was it's setting. It was the first time Disney had told story that didn't happen once upon a time in a far away land, but rather took place in a contemporary setting. It was also the first non-musical animated film Disney produced. There is such a rich history behind the making of this story, and one of the treats of this DVD is that it shares a lot of that history with you. This two-disc set includes a wonderful documentary about the making of 101 Dalmatians which explores all of the new territory it explored during it's production. It also includes never before heard songs, and insights on the creation of one of Disney's most memorable villians; Cruella De Vil. While the film itself is a delight, the bonus content on this DVD makes it a true treasure for any fan of Disney or animated films in general to own.

And it is a wonderful story. I read the book long after I had first seen the film, and I'd have to agree that the film accomplishes one of those rare deeds where the movie is actually better than the book. The many talented producers, writers and animators took the story and streamlined it into a fast, witty, whimsical adventure that not only stayed true to the source material, but breathed new life into it as well. Even as an adult, I find it hard to resist the simple pleasure of watching this adventure of two dogs searching for their puppies. In fact, it probably means more to me know as a parent as I reflect on what lenghts I would go to in order to find my children. More than that, it's a reminder of the lengths that God has gone to in order to find his lost children. Jesus himself alluded to how far God would go to find just one who was lost to him in his parable about the lost lamb in Matthew 18. God wanted to get his children back so badly, that he was willing to sacrifice his one and only son to pay the price to do so. You are one of those lost children, just as I am, and I can tell you there is nothing so wonderful or precious as to finally be reunited with our Heavenly Father. To a be a lost child who is now found is a happy ending we can all experience without going to the movies. The question is, do you want to be found?

It's been over forty years since 101 Dalmatians first came out, and yet it remains just as fresh and exciting as ever. Plus, the entire film has been digitally restored, so I don't think it's ever looked better. Add in a newly remixed and enhanced digital sound, and you have a classic film in pristine condition. Plus, it has some of the most extensive inside looks at the making of a Disney film that I've seen recently (I wish this sort of attention would have been given to the recent release of Robin Hood). It's a wonderful, two disc package with fascinating commentaries, in-depth background, and of course one of the most beloved films in the Disney animated canon. Don't hesitate to add this true classic to your collection.