Animation historian Jerry Beck comments on the delay of this year’s wave of the Walt Disney Treasures DVDs on his Cartoon Research news page: “Originally scheduled for release on December 2, 2003 – the latest (and greatest) wave of DISNEY TREASURES have now been rescheduled for next May. I’ve been told this delay has nothing to do with censorship – the delay is due to the success of FINDING NEMO, LION KING (SE) and PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN and the desire to meet the public’s demand for these films. Facilities to create the DVDs for the Disney Treasures sets are overwhelmed. Here’s the official letter sent to the press explaining what’s happening…”:

Dear Journalist,

Due to the overwhelming consumer demand and retailer orders for Buena Vista Home Entertainment’s WALT DISNEY TREASURES Wave 3, we have rescheduled the release to May 18, 2004.
Growing in popularity with each of the two previous debuts, demand for the four titles in the upcoming wave has exceeded BVHE’s ability to manufacture enough of the highly-collectible, individually numbered, limited series.
WALT DISNEY TREASURES debuts some of Walt Disney’s greatest wonders – uncut and uncensored, as never assembled or released on DVD before. Each exciting two-disc DVD volume is packaged in a collectible tin, with an exclusive lithograph. The limited series volumes contain individually numbered authenticity certificates. Fully restored, each volume is hosted by noted film historian Leonard Maltin.

The exciting Third Wave of the line (now debuting May 18, 2004) includes:

“On The Front Lines” the Disney Studio’s rare and historic World War II-themed productions, including recently declassified military training films and the feature-length film “Victory Through Air Power,” collected together for the first time.

“Mickey Mouse In Living Color (Volume Two)” features rare and never-before-seen Mickey Mouse animation. It is a continuation of the 2002 debut of Volume One.

“The Chronological Donald” presents a first-ever compilation of Donald Duck’s shorts from 1936 to 1941.

“Tomorrowland” showcases Walt’s historic TV shows on outer space and space travel.

These special sets are chock-full of supplemental features such as rare or unseen archival material, story sketch sequences, still-frame production art galleries, historical publicity and memorabilia galleries, artist interviews and more. Available for a limited time only on Disney DVD from Walt Disney Home Entertainment, each of these four new DVD volumes is priced at US$32.99 (S.R.P.) and Canada $36.99 (S.R.P).

Please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail with questions, or check the BVHE Publicity website (www.BVHEpublicity.com) for continually updated information about this and all releases from Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Sincerely,
BVHE Publicity