Entertainment
The Sleeping Beauty Ballet
Did you know that some of the songs in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" are actually from Tchaikovsky's
original ballet? Do you recognize this one? I know youuu!
original ballet? Do you recognize this one? I know youuu!
These are many different posters advertising the ballet. It's interesting what aspects each production emphasizes.
Sleeping Beauty and Disneyland
Did you know that the Sleeping Beauty castle was officially opened by Shirley Temple? Wow!
Sleeping Beauty Video Games
"8"
The upcoming game "8" is based on the Sleeping Beauty Tale, particularly "Sun, Moon, and Talia."
"We see “8” as a continuation of the oral tradition of telling and retelling fairy tales, each narrator adding his or her own elements, enriching the tale. We have discovered many different stories that are similar to Sleeping Beauty, stories from many different cultures and times. We have tried to put elements of all these stories in the game. Did you know that in some versions, the story does not end with the kiss of the prince? In several versions the story continues with Sleeping Beauty giving birth to the children of a married man and his wife being a cannibal who wants to eat the children." To read more, click here. |
Dark Parables: The Curse of Briar Rose
"1000 years ago, Sleeping Beauty was kissed by a prince, which removed a terrible curse from the kingdom. The rampant briars were held at bay, but the poor princess was left in her slumber. Follow a modern day detective as he travels to Edinburgh, Scotland, and attempts to end the curse once and for all in Dark Parables: Curse of Briar Rose. Dive into this eerie Hidden Object Adventure game and save Sleeping Beauty today!"
"Our culture has become so Disneyfied in many ways that we forget about the truly grim nature of fairy tales. The original stories are dark, depressing, and don't always have a happy ending. Hearing one as a child could cause a frisson of fear down the spine, a wish for a night light, and a lot of jumping at noises in the dark. Hansel and Gretel stripped down to the basics is not a happy tale; the true Little Mermaid is definitely a downer; and the old school story of Cinderella with its various mutilations could cause some kids to run screaming from the room. The new adventure/hidden object hybrid Dark Parables: Curse of Briar Rose by Blue Tea Games tries to take us back to the classic (pre-Disney) story of Sleeping Beauty, and the ending is not necessarily a happy one." |
Sleeping Beauty in the Disney video game "Kingdom Hearts"
Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" Board Game
Enchanted
If you've seen Disney's "Enchanted," you may have noticed some allusions to Sleeping Beauty (as well as many other Disney films from "the Golden Age"). I took these as a sort of nod akin to what we see in fairy tale retellings: a gift to the faithful. If you don't know Disney history (or fairy tale history), you will still understand the story, but some humorous tidbits go over your head. Check out these comparisons to see what I mean:
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Two Doll Version of Disney's Aurora
Costumes
Why do we always make risque costumes out of things we loved as children?
Comics/Webcomics Using the Motif
Mother Goose and Grimm
It's no secret that I love webcomics. It just so happens that Sleeping Beauty features prominently in these texts. Check out the original sites by clicking the photos.
These superhero princesses certainly do not need a prince to rescue them. How awesome would this be?
You know Disney recently bought Marvel Comics, right?
You know Disney recently bought Marvel Comics, right?