Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for Discussion of <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=1073" target="_blank">The Latest: Latest: Iger States Disney Does Not Have Plans to </a>
Originally Posted By Doobie Just wanted to make sure people saw this item from today's meeting: <<< During the question and answer session, Iger was asked regarding the future of Song of the South. He stated he had recently screened the film. And was concerned by some of the depictions and how they would be received. He stated that they have made the decision not to release the film. >>> He also mentioned he suspects this is a subject that will be revisited in the future. Doobie.
Originally Posted By CrouchingTigger I guess the video pirates will be assured of an income for the forseeable future.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj I listened to the webscast today when this question was asked. Mr. Iger was incredibly candid in his answer and didn't put any spin on it whatsoever. He said the film would probably make some money for the company in a DVD release, but sensitivities to its content would cause a negative backlash against the company. He also said that he personally screened the film a couple of months ago, and based on his own personal opinion of how the film portrayed its subject matter, he could not give the green light to see it released in this day and age. I think a lot of CEOs would have dodged this question outright, but regardless of whether you like the answer or not, I think a very honest statement was made today about why this film is not for sale.
Originally Posted By cstephens But "it's not appropriate for this day and age" was the same reason given by the protestors who resorted to threatening violence to stop a screening of "Birth of a Nation" sometime last year in Los Angeles. Instead of taking this as an opportunity for an educated and informed discussion about the movie, the times in which it was made and it's relevant to society today, they're just choosing to bury the issue. So, yeah, points to him for answering the question honestly, but serious minus points for his reasoning. /cs
Originally Posted By u k fan This will definitely help to fuel the fire of controversy if it does ever come out with quotes like "The film is so questionable that even the CEO of Disney, knowing full well the profit potential, was unwilling to release it" PS, I made that quote up, but I can see it happening one day!!!
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Does anyone know exactly what the issues are in 'Song of the South'? Aside from the main animated characters of Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and Brer Rabbit speaking in a southern dialect, I'm not familiar enough with the movie to know.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I can't see what the big deal is, especially if they give it some context. I have it on VHs and they even show it on TV about every 2 years here in the UK. It is certainly no worse than Gone with the Wind, or even North and South, Glory or Civil War. It is set after the Civil War, and it has Uncle Remus still as a servant. Also some horrid share cropper kids are a little racist. But it happened. Denying this would be like if Universal stopped selling Schindler's List and refused to rerelease it. Ok, it's no where near as powerful as SL, but it's still denying history. If a well respected african american set the tone before and after, I'm sure it would be fine. The Japanese Immigration and treament of chinese people in Golden Dreams are far worse (and no Disney, please do not get rid of those sections). If I were Disney, I would screen it at a couple of Universities and Arts Festivals with panel discussions to see how it goes. If it then flies, release it.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA But isn't Uncle Remus the hero of the story? Doesn't he bring it all together?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Indeed he does. But he says a lot of Yes'ums, no'ums. Like Driving Miss Daisy - it's nuts to keep it under wraps.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad I have watched the movie a number of times. I think the thing that most people have such a problem with is the way Brer Rabbit, Bear, and Fox speak. It is heavy Ebonics <---sp? and also a very uneducated way of speaking. It doesn't offend me, but I can see how it would be offensive to some. I agree with Iger on this.
Originally Posted By brotherdave There's also some non PC racial slurs (i.e. "Tar Baby") that's used throughout the film. I can understand the sensitive issues involved, but, with the film released with some appropriate introductions explaining the era that the film portrays, and the era that the film was made, this might help in difusing any controversy concerning it. Perhaps it should be marketed in the "Disney Treasures" series to an adult audience versus a broader, family and children's market as the other films are. I've seen the film via a Japanese import Video Disc, and all I can say is that it's an important part of Disney history to be ignored completely. It's a wonderful film that teaches strong moral lessons. It's just unfortunate that the film has some questionable (by today's standards) racial material in it. As stated before, Uncle Remus is the protagonist of the story that brings the family together again. It is positively no worse than any other film of that era portraying the Deep South before, during, and after the Civil War (which is where this film takes place), especially Gone With the Wind. Yet, no one seems the least bit offended by GWTW!
Originally Posted By Dznygrl I agree, it would be better if it were released as part of the Disney Treasures series rather than just a standard release, like On the Front Lines. HELLO... Der Fueher's Face/Education for Death, anyone? They managed to release THESE with a proper explanation about their context that didn't make people go all crazy. Song of the South shouldn't be any different.
Originally Posted By TomSawyer The Uncle Remus stories are the African trickster stories that were brought here along with the slaves. It is a legacy of stories that most African-Americans don't know, and they are part of their cultural heritage far more authentic than Kwanzaa. I think Disney should market it as such - these are authentic tales of Africa that were brought here and passed down until a young boy heard them and decided to write them down for the rest of the world to share. And Walt Disney saw the adventure and fun and truth of the stories and made a wonderful movie based on them - and a wonderful attraction as well.
Originally Posted By Imagineer This Is Song of the South more or less offensive then Bringing Down The House by Disney's Touchstone Pictures? <a href="http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0000079.cfm" target="_blank">http://www.pluggedinonline.com /movies/movies/a0000079.cfm</a>
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<Iger is a hypocrite.>> No he is not, and the link you provided does not show that in any way.
Originally Posted By u k fan SotS and Bringing Down the House are aimed at different audiences. It's like comparing Signs and Lilo & Stitch!!!
Originally Posted By belle42 Considering he said it would possibly be reconsidered, I would suggest a letter writing campaign to show Iger there is an interest in the release of the movie as a part of Disney's history. Considering how he just got Oswald back, I think this kind of plea would work best.
