It is very hard to imagine but one of the most controversial movies of all time is a Disney film. Released in 1946, Song of the South has never been released on video nor DVD in the U.S. It won an Oscar for Best Song and has been re-released in theatres several times (most recently in 1986). However, the powers that be at Disney feel that the movie has a strong racial tone. As recently as 2007, the issue has been raised with the same result: no release. However, the movie has been released on video in foreign markets.
It also seems peculiar that there is an attraction based upon the film at Disney World. Splash Mountain takes riders on a journey through the Briar Patch which is populated by Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear, Br’er Fox, and other characters from the stories of Uncle Remus.
As explained in the following article, it seems highly unlikely that Song of the South will be released in this country in the near future. However, outlets such as ebay.com may have access to copies.
The ride ROCKS! Unfortunately, it was being renovated during our last visit. So weird to see the dry mountain without the splash! Oh, well, couldn’t have ridden it anyway. Can’t wait to see what they did with it… Never seen the movie.
I love the ride, too. Just seems so weird that they would in a way advertise something that they shy away from. very odd that they released it in theatres just as the “video revolution” was beginning but never offically put it out here anyway. Guess they showed it on Disney Channel a few times in the channels infancy, but then pulled it… very strange.