Over the years, I am certain we have seen, heard or read at least one variation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The fairy tale which originated from Germany has, since its inception been instrumental in the media, being depicted in various books in many languages, many films, and cartoons and even in the theater scene. However, Snow White’s greatest and perhaps most well-known depiction was on December 21, 1937, when Walt Disney, as producer, released an animation feature of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered on December 21, 1937, was historical in many ways. The Walt Disney produced film was the very first animated feature film produced in America, setting the benchmark and being the pioneer of animated feature films that would be a fan-favorite for many years to come. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was also the first animated film to be produced in full color, other animated shorts and skits like Betty Boop were done in black and white and was never a full movie long, and hence, Snow White was indeed a groundbreaking and historic feat. Snow White was also the very first full-length cel-animated movie in motion picture history, a technique where characters and moving environment are drawn on a transparent sheet and painted over, a now traditional form of animation.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is culturally and historically significant in a number of ways. Its success led to the rise of full length animated features and also helped push other types of animation methods that are now currently used by animation studios. However, success did not come easy for producer Walt Disney. Before it was even released, naysayers and critics were already bashing the movie, Walt Disney’s wife had her worries about the movie, telling him that no one would pay even a dime to watch an animation film about dwarfs. The movie, though, premiered to critically-acclaimed reception on December 21, and a week later, after rave reviews, Walt Disney and the dwarves appeared on the cover of Time Magazine.

When Snow White finally opened on February 4, 1938, it became a huge success, both financially and culturally. The feature film earned more than any other movie in 1938 and grossed over eight million dollars in international openings worldwide, a monumental feat for any motion film in 1938. Since then, its revenue has been in excess of over 180 million dollars and is registered as one of America’s top ten highest grossing movie of all time. Snow White is widely regarded as the greatest animated film of all time, earning the title of “a timeless classic” and has been named in American Film Institute’s Top 10 and Top 100 list including Top 100 Movies of All Time, Top 100 Songs in Films and Top 10 Animated Films, coming in first.

Snow White’s monumental financial success can be attributed to its several re-releases. It was re-released in 1944, 1952, 1958, 1967, 1975, 1983, 1987 and most recently in 1993. It was released on DVD in 2001 and on October 6, 2009, Walt Disney Home Entertainment has confirmed that Snow White will be released on Blu-ray. So, if you need a perfect birthday present for a little one or those who are young at heart, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Blu-ray in high definition would indeed make the greatest gift.