It’s hard to imagine today, but Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was not available on home video until October 28, 1994. For 57 years (1937-1994), the only way to experience this Disney classic was in a movie theater. To keep the film fresh for new audiences, Disney re-released Snow White in theaters eight times, typically every seven to ten years. This strategy helped create the tradition of the Disney Vault, which later extended to home video releases.
The Fairest of Them All – A 1983 Snow White Special
Ahead of the 1983 theatrical re-release of Snow White, Disney produced a TV special titled The Fairest of Them All. Hosted by Dick Van Patten, the program celebrated the legacy of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, offering behind-the-scenes insights and special guest appearances.
Disney Legends & Special Guests
The special featured many of the artists who worked on the original film, including Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men like Ken Anderson, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnson, and Ward Kimball. It also reunited the original voices of Snow White and The Prince, Adriana Caselotti and Harry Stockwell, allowing fans to hear their reflections on bringing the beloved characters to life.
The program included a fun segment with Donald Duck, voiced by the legendary Clarence “Ducky” Nash. Additionally, young Drew Barrymore and Ricky Schroeder made appearances as they experienced Snow White for the first time, capturing the magic through fresh eyes.
Preserving Disney History
This 1983 Snow White TV special served as an early example of Disney’s efforts to educate new generations about its animated classics. It remains a fascinating look at the film’s impact and the artists who brought it to life. If you enjoyed The Fairest of Them All, you might also like The Golden Anniversary of Snow White, another retrospective celebrating the film’s legacy.
A Call to Disney Fans
I was only able to locate a portion of this special, but I know there is more out there. If you have the full version of The Fairest of Them All recorded on VHS, I’d love to hear from you. This piece of Disney history deserves to be preserved, and any help in tracking down the full recording would be greatly appreciated!
Don’t miss any of the Disney Family Albums: Clarence “Ducky” Nash, The Missing Episode, Ward Kimball, Sherman Brothers, Jim MacDonald, Milt Kahl, Ken Anderson, Disneyland Designers, Eric Larson, Peter and Harrison Ellenshaw, Wolfgang (Woolie) Reitherman, Frank Thomas, Voice Actors, WED Imagineers, Golden Horseshoe Revue, Ollie Johnston, Annette Funicello, Marc Davis, The Milotte’s and the Beebe’s, Fess Parker / Buddy Ebsen, The StoryMen
