Shocking Changes in Disney’s New Snow White vs the 1937 Classic

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Summary

  • The Snow White remake introduces new elements, like her parents and modernized romance.
  • Significant changes include new songs, the omission of Prince Charming character, and Dopey being able to speak.
  • The new film changes the Evil Queen’s defeat and emphasizes Snow White’s fight for her kingdom.

The unveiling of Disney’s “Snow White” has been quite notable, yet it’s received a fair amount of criticism online. However, against this backdrop, the movie is making its debut at the box office, with some enthusiasts opting to emphasize the substantial changes that set this film apart from the original, transforming it into an entirely new entity.

Among all the Disney live-action adaptations made so far, none have ventured to remake a film as ancient as “Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs”, dating back to 1937. Given the almost 90-year difference between versions, it’s inevitable that modifications will be necessary to cater to contemporary sensibilities. Additionally, these changes must maintain the essence of an extended narrative and character growth, a trend followed by many of the live-action Disney remakes.

8. Snow White’s Parents Appear

A Happy Family To Begin With

The 1937 adaptation of “Snow White” was succinct, commencing with Snow White as a servant girl to the Queen. However, it’s worth noting that one of the most altered parts of the film is its opening. In the original version, we learn that Snow White wasn’t just a servant; she was born into a joyful kingdom where her parents reigned wisely and justly. Their virtues were symbolically represented, as they wore locket pendants engraved with their primary qualities, which they passed down to Snow White.

In the updated movie version, you’ll frequently hear “courageous, impartial, bold, and sincere” expressed. Unlike the original, this new narrative delves into Snow White’s kingdom’s decline, which began with the tragic loss of her parents. A crucial aspect of her story that was previously untouched in the original film is now brought to light at the movie’s outset.

7. Someday My Prince Will (Not) Come

A Missing Song For Different Times & A Changed Romantic Interest

One significant change in the narrative of Snow White’s tale lies in her romantic interest. Instead of Prince Charming, or Prince Florian as he is also known, who is absent from the live-action adaptation, we have Jonathan, a bandit championing for justice on behalf of Snow White’s father. He leads a rebellion against the rule of the Evil Queen, positioning himself as a key figure in her story.

In the updated version, “Someday My Prince Will Come” is no longer included, aligning with contemporary preferences. The sweet moment where Snow White sings a tale to the dwarfs has been omitted. Instead, Snow White encounters Jonathan for the first time when she finds him stealing potatoes from the Queen and decides to spare him from punishment. This is quite different from her initial charming encounter with a prince in the 1937 film.

6. The Other Songs Are Much Changed

New Lyrics & Entirely New Songs

The new version of Snow White is missing not just “Someday My Prince Will Come,” but also the dwarves’ washing song, leaving many fans disappointed. Furthermore, most of the songs from the original movie have undergone significant transformations. For instance, the lyrics for popular tunes like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work” have been rewritten to give them a fresher feel and better align with the new film’s aesthetic.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that while some classic tunes were absent or altered in this latest film, it compensated brilliantly by introducing an array of fresh numbers. One standout tune is “Waiting on a Wish,” a beautiful new addition that’s wonderfully reprised throughout the story. The Evil Queen gets her moment to shine with the villainous “All is Fair,” and the blossoming romance between Snow White and Jonathan is beautifully depicted in songs like “Princess Problems” and later, the heartwarming “A Hand Meets A Hand.” Moreover, the inspiring new opening number, “Good Things Grow,” truly sets the tone for this captivating tale.

5. Dopey Can Speak

The Dwarf Is Shy But Comes Through Eventually

In an effort to modernize certain aspects of the 1937 movie that fell short of contemporary norms, specific alterations have been implemented in the character of Dopey, particularly his interactions with the other dwarves. Unlike the original where Grumpy received the most attention in his relationship with the dwarves, the new live-action film emphasizes Snow White’s bond with Dopey, who seems to be subjected to bullying by the other dwarves.

In the initial film version, Dopey remained silent, unlike in the live-action adaptation where his ability to talk is revealed. He chooses not to speak due to fear, but in a pivotal moment during act three, he demonstrates this by voicing out for the first time, aiming to encourage Snow White and the other dwarves to challenge the Wicked Queen. This alteration in character development might seem surprising, yet it’s not necessarily unwanted.

4. The Thief Characters

A Second Group Of Curious Friends

In this fresh retelling of the classic story, I found myself delighted by the extended runtime, which allowed for a larger cast of characters. Primarily, these newcomers assumed the roles of woodland bandits who allied with Jonathan, challenging the tyranny of the Wicked Queen in the forest.

Following Snow White’s departure from the dwarves, concern for their wellbeing intensifies. She embarks on a journey, leading her to re-encounter Jonathan, who is accompanied by his lively companions. Among them are Quigg, known for his fascination with crossbows, as well as Farno, Scythe, Finch, Bigley, and Norwich. Notably, all of these characters are fresh additions; the original story primarily focused on Snow White, the dwarves, the Evil Queen, and her Huntsman, with minimal involvement from other characters.

3. No Glass Coffin

Snow White Is Never Actually Encased

In contrast to the live-action adaptation, the scene involving the wicked queen’s deceit using a poisoned apple is included. However, unlike the original tale, the dwarves do not encase Snow White in a stunning glass sarcophagus. Instead, they merely position her on a raised platform and guard her, adorning the area with flowers and natural surroundings.

Many viewers found this change unexpected, as the iconic scene of Sleeping Beauty lying in a glass casket from the 1937 movie is widely recognized. Yet, considering the brief span of her supposed demise, Disney may have thought that keeping this scene in the updated adaptation was superfluous.

2. A Defiant Fight For The Kingdom

Snow White Returns To Challenge The Queen’s Rule

In the revamped live-action movie, Snow White’s adventure transcends merely surviving the Queen. Instead, it’s about her courageously rising against her for the sake of the cherished kingdom she adores. The kingdom and its inhabitants are pivotal aspects in this new production, and after being awakened from a brink-of-death state, Snow White decides to stand firm and battle for their protection.

1937’s Snow White movie concludes with her waking up and departing with her prince towards the sunset. However, the fairy tale’s modern adaptation features Snow White initially facing a battle against the Queen, backed by the kingdom’s people, before reaching her joyous ending with her newfound love.

1. The Evil Queen’s Death

A Completely Different Ending

In the original tale, the Evil Queen plots Snow White’s demise using poison, but in the 1937 film adaptation, she meets her end by falling off a cliff pursued by the dwarves disguised as an old woman. However, this scenario is significantly altered in the live-action version.

Instead, Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen makes a comeback in the kingdom, reverting to her original form. Here, she confronts Snow White and the citizens with her guards. As Snow White manages to turn even her guards against her, she is left with no other options and flees. In desperation, she rushes to her magic mirror and destroys it, resulting in her own demise. This unexpected ending signified a complete loss for the Queen, and her excessive pride ultimately led to her downfall.

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2025-03-27 07:38