Review: Share another spaghetti kiss with 'Lady and the Tramp'

Posted Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 4:30 PM Central

by John Couture

Is there a more iconic Disney scene than the one of Lady and the Tramp sharing a surprise kiss via spaghetti noodle? Nope, I can't think of one.

This week, Disney returns with its Signature Collection edition of Lady and the Tramp and love is in the air once again. Not only is Disney allowing new parents (like me) the ability to share their beloved classics with their children without resorting to the clanky old VCR, but they are providing a definitive version that should last for generations.

The real issue becomes if you already own the Diamond Edition of Lady and the Tramp on Blu-ray, is this version worth the double dip? I will answer that question in a moment. First, let's take a deeper dive into this new Signature Collection.

You have three different ways to watch the film: the original theatrical version, the sing-along mode and Inside Walt's Meetings. While the Diamond version included the option to sing along and to listen to Walt's Meetings, the new Signature Collection actually cuts them into the film to augment the viewing experience. This is a neat touch and I have to admit that my kids loved the sing-along mode while I enjoyed the Inside Walt's Meetings version.

While the package includes all of the bonus features from the Diamond version including deleted scenes, the never-recorded song "I'm Free as the Breeze" and original trailers, the Signature Collection does introduce three new bonus features. They are a featurette about Walt and his Dogs, Stories from Walt's Office and a How to Make a Meatball feature.

The Walt and his Dogs feature was interesting, but it didn't really seem to add anything to the Lady and the Tramp lore. I guess I was expecting more of their influence on the film and while that was implied, I thought they stopped short of actually providing much that was new and enjoyable.

On the contrary, I really enjoyed the Stories from Walt's Office feature. Apparently, Disney recreated Walt Disney's office on their lot and this feature gives the viewer an up close and personal look inside the place where the genius toiled to give us some of the most memorable entertainment moments in history.

Finally, I don't even know what to say about the "How to make a Meatball" feature. I mean, it was hosted by some nameless Disney Show tween and it was definitely not aimed towards my demographic. Now, my daughter, on the other hand, is really into these types of cooking/baking videos lately and she loved it. Of course, I also think that she's more in the target demographic of this feature than I am.

Overall, the film is as amazing as it was the first time that I watched it and it truly is a special feeling to share these Disney classics with your children. That said, the film itself is the same as the previous Diamond Edition and I don't think the new features on this disc warrant a new purchase if you already own the film on Blu-ray. This is probably the first Signature Collection title that I didn't advocate to double-dip on, but the collection is still amazing.

If you don't own it yet, or if you are looking to own the definitive version than the Signature Colllection fits the bill. It was an instant hit with my kids and I foresee watching it over and over again for several years.

Lady and the Tramp is now available on Signature Collection Blu-ray combo pack.