Cinderella (franchise)

Last updated
Disney's Cinderella
Cinderella (2015) Logo Black.svg
Created by Walt Disney
Original work Cinderella (1950)
Owner The Walt Disney Company
Based on Cinderella fairy tale
Films and television
Film(s)
Direct-to-video
Theatrical presentations
Musical(s)Disney's Cinderella KIDS
Games
Video game(s)See video games section
Audio
Soundtrack(s) Cinderella (first re-released 1997)
Miscellaneous
Theme park attraction(s)

Cinderella is a Disney franchise that commenced in 1950 with the theatrical release of the 1950 film Cinderella . The franchise's protagonist is the titular character Cinderella, who was based on the character of the same name from the Cinderella fairy tale.

Contents

Overview

MCNG Marketing wrote "Cinderella alone is a brand that is easily worth hundreds of million of "bippity boppity" dollars." [1] The blog Fragments said "Cinderella seems to be the main princess in the Disney Princess franchise–there are 108 items for Cinderella on DisneyStore.com ... Cinderella is the alpha-princess of the Disney Princess franchise, which seems a bit odd since she is from the second-oldest film that is included in the franchise." [2]

The paper Saving Cinderella: From Disney to Cyborg Princess examines why Cinderella is such an enduring franchise: [3]

For many little girls, Cinderella is synonymous with "Disney Princess" – that astronomically successful franchise in which eleven young ladies become Princess. Not only is she beautiful, but her transformation – from pauper to princess (albeit courtesy of a fairy godmother) – makes her ever so real: if Cinderella can make such a transformation, so might I. However, Cinderella’s transformation is not limited to this ‘becoming-princess’; her transition is also about growing up, and in this way, it is a narrative of feminine identity. It is about, in Cinderella’s case, taking on the identity of Princess, a particular version of femininity.

Animated feature films

Cinderella (1950)

Cinderella is a 1950 American animated romantic musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney and released by RKO Radio Pictures. Based on the fairy tale Cendrillon by Charles Perrault, it was released on February 15, 1950. The film was directed by Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske and Wilfred Jackson. The songs were written by Mack David, Jerry Livingston, and Al Hoffman; they include "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes", "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo", "So This Is Love", "The Work Song" and "Sing, Sweet Nightingale". In 2018, Cinderella was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". [4]

With a wicked stepmother and two jealous stepsisters who keep her enslaved and in rags, Cinderella stands no chance of attending the royal ball. When her fairy godmother appears and magically transforms her reality into a dream come true, Cinderella enchants the handsome Prince Charming at the ball, but must face the wrath of her enraged stepmother and sisters when the spell wears off at midnight.

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True is a 2002 American animated romantic musical fantasy film, the first direct-to-video sequel to the 1950 American romantic musical film Cinderella . It was released on February 26, 2002. It was followed by Cinderella III: A Twist in Time in 2007. It consists of three segments featuring Cinderella planning a party, Jaq the mouse being turned into a human and living as Cinderella's page boy, and one of Cinderella's brutal stepsisters (Anastasia, the redheaded one in a pink dress) reaching her redemption through falling in love with a young baker, a low-class man of whom Lady Tremaine and Drizella do not approve. Estimated to cost $5 million, Cinderella II: Dreams Come True was Walt Disney Pictures' top selling animated sequel that year, grossing approximately $120 million in direct-to-video sales. The film received negative reviews. This is the only film with opposite reception.

Cinderella prepares for her first royal ball and tries to help her stepsister find love.

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time is a 2007 American animated musical fantasy film, the second direct-to-video sequel to the 1950 American romantic musical film Cinderella . Canonically it is a continuation of the original Cinderella, rather than Cinderella II: Dreams Come True , though due to its unusual chronological sequencing it acknowledges the events of Cinderella II: Dreams Come True by using some of its characters. The film was released on February 6, 2007, directed by Frank Nissen and features the voices of Jennifer Hale and Susanne Blakeslee. For the UK release of the film, it was simply titled "Cinderella: A Twist in Time", without mention of it being a sequel. It made its world television premiere on Toon Disney on December 3, 2007. The film received generally positive reviews (the first film received more positive reception than the third film, but the second film received contrasting reviews).

On the first anniversary of Cinderella's marriage to Prince Charming, her stepsister Anastasia finds the Fairy Godmother's wand in the forest. Cinderella's cruel stepmother, Lady Tremaine, uses it to reverse time, making the famous glass slipper fit Anastasia's foot before Cinderella has a chance to try it on. But, no longer retaining any memory of who Cinderella is, the prince prepares to marry Anastasia, and Cinderella is forced to jump into action to regain her happy ending.

Live-action remake

Cinderella is an American romantic fantasy film directed by Kenneth Branagh from a screenplay written by Aline Brosh McKenna and Chris Weitz. Produced by David Barron and Simon Kinberg for Walt Disney Pictures, the film is inspired by the folk tale Cinderella by Charles Perrault and the 1950 American romantic musical film of the same name. It stars Lily James as the titular character, Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine, Richard Madden as Prince Kit, Sophie McShera as Drisella Tremaine, Holliday Grainger as Anastasia Tremaine and Helena Bonham Carter as The Fairy Godmother. Principal photography on the film began on September 23, 2013 in London. The film was released on March 13, 2015.

After her father unexpectedly dies, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, who reduce her to scullery maid. Despite her circumstances, she refuses to despair. An invitation to a palace ball gives Ella hope that she might reunite with the dashing stranger she met in the woods, but her stepmother prevents her from going. Help arrives in the form of a kindly beggar woman who has a magic touch for ordinary things.

Theme park attractions

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle is the fairy tale castle at the center of two Disney theme parks: the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, and Tokyo Disneyland at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Both serve as worldwide recognized icons and the flagship attraction for their respective theme parks. Along with Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Castle is an iconic symbol of The Walt Disney Company as a whole.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (formerly Cinderella's Golden Carrousel) is an authentic carousel ride in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Similar attractions under varying names can be found at two other Disney parks, including Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. This 90-horse carousel plays organ-based Disney songs during the two-minute ride period. Hand-painted scenes from Disney's Cinderella can be seen on the ride; hence the name "Prince Charming".

L'Auberge de Cendrillon

L'Auberge de Cendrillon (French for Cinderella's Inn) is a restaurant located in Fantasyland in Disneyland Paris, which opened in 1992 with the park. It is themed to the Disney movie Cinderella.

Cinderella Castle Suite

A suite, which can be compared to the size of a master bedroom and bathroom in an average house, exists inside the upper levels of Cinderella Castle.

Cinderella's Royal Table

Cinderella's Royal Table is a restaurant "event" held daily within the Cinderella Castle's upper level at Disney World, Florida. While lunches are sometimes available, the primary meal served is Dinner. Reserved Guests are admitted to a waiting alcove before proceeding to a French-styled eating area with a number of coves, tables, and various Baroque props and chandeliers. Menus are provided for ordering a number of entrees, all of which are typically found in mid to upper level dining restaurants (beef and chicken tend to dominate). During the dinner, the Cinderella characters (usually Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Godmother) will circulate with and briefly chat with the guests, often posing for pictures. Reservations are required, and over the years wait times have ranged from two days to (for dinner) nearly 6 months.

Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall

In Tokyo Disneyland, Cinderella Castle contains a walk-through attraction. At the lobby and corridor, guests will find eight murals showing how Cinderella changed from beloved daughter, to servant girl, and then to Princess. They will also see a diorama of Cinderella magically transformed into wearing a beautiful ball gown, and other artworks made from various materials such as paper, wood and glass. In the Grand Hall guests will find a magnificent chandelier, the renowned glass slipper, a throne, and special paintings that reveal a magical message when photographed using a flash.

Stage musical

Disney's Cinderella KIDS

Disney's Cinderella KIDS is a scaled-down stage musical version of the film known as Disney's Cinderella KIDS is frequently performed by schools and children's theaters.

Video games

Cinderella: Magical Dreams

Cinderella: Magical Dreams is a video game based on the film of the same name. The game was released September 20, 2005.

Cinderella's Dollhouse

Disney's Cinderella Dollhouse is a point-and-click computer game released by Disney Interactive in 2000.

Cinderella Dollhouse 2

Cinderella Dollhouse 2 is a point-and-click computer game released by Disney Interactive in 2000.

Cinderella's Castle Designer

Cinderella's Castle Designer is computer game that allows players to build the castles from 1950's Cinderella.

Disney Princess games

Because Cinderella is a Disney Princess, there is an overlap between the Cinderella and Princess franchises. Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks is a video game based on the Disney Princess franchise, developed and published by THQ and was released for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS on November 8, 2011. Disney Princess Cinderella is a 2003 adventure video game developed by Art Co., Ltd for the Game Boy Advance. The game has the princesses completing several levels. Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey is a 2007 video game released for PlayStation 2, Wii and PC.

Kingdom Hearts series

Cinderella and Fairy Godmother appear in the first Kingdom Hearts video game. A world based on the film, Castle of Dreams, appears in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep , in addition to them two also appearing Jaq, Lucifer, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella and the Grand Duke. Fairy Godmother returns in the Kingdom Hearts III DLC Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind, and in Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory .

Disney Magic Kingdoms

Cinderella, Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella appear as playable characters in the video game Disney Magic Kingdoms . [5] [6] [7]

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Cinderella was first released by Walt Disney Records on February 4, 1997 and included a bonus demo. On October 4, 2005 Disney released a special edition of the soundtrack album of Cinderella, for the Platinum Edition DVD release, which includes several demo songs cut from the final film, a new song, and a cover version of "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes".

Other

The franchise's titular protagonist, Cinderella, is part of the characters in the Disney Princess franchise. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinderella</span> European folk tale

"Cinderella", or "The Little Glass Slipper", is a folk tale with thousands of variants that are told throughout the world. The protagonist is a young girl living in forsaken circumstances who is suddenly blessed by remarkable fortune, with her ascension to the throne via marriage. The story of Rhodopis, recounted by the Greek geographer Strabo sometime between 7 BC and AD 23, about a Greek slave girl who marries the king of Egypt, is usually considered to be the earliest known variant of the Cinderella story.

<i>Cinderella</i> (1950 film) 1950 Disney animated feature film

Cinderella is a 1950 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by RKO Radio Pictures. Based on Charles Perrault's 1697 fairy tale, it features supervision by Ben Sharpsteen. The film was directed by Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, and Clyde Geronimi. The film features the voices of Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton, Rhoda Williams, James MacDonald, and Luis van Rooten.

<i>The Slipper and the Rose</i> 1976 British film

The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella is a 1976 British musical retelling the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. The film was chosen as the Royal Command Performance motion picture selection for 1976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maleficent</span> Disney villain character

Maleficent is a fictional character who first appears in Walt Disney Productions' animated film, Sleeping Beauty (1959). Maleficent is the self-proclaimed "Mistress of All Evil" based on the evil fairy godmother character in Charles Perrault's fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, as well as the villainess who appears in the Brothers Grimm's retelling of the story, Little Briar Rose. Maleficent was originally animated by Marc Davis.

<i>Cinderella</i> (Rodgers and Hammerstein musical) Musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is a musical written for television, but later played on stage, with music by Richard Rodgers and a book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It is based upon the fairy tale Cinderella, particularly the French version Cendrillon, ou la petite pantoufle de verre, by Charles Perrault. The story concerns a young woman forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother and self-centered stepsisters, who dreams of a better life. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella is transformed into a princess and finds her prince.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lady Tremaine</span> Fictional character

Lady Tremaine is a fictional character who appears in Walt Disney Productions' animated film Cinderella (1950) and its direct-to-video sequels Cinderella II: Dreams Come True (2002) and Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007). In the original film, Lady Tremaine is voiced by American actress Eleanor Audley, who would later voice Maleficent, the evil fairy, in Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Madame Leota in The Haunted Mansion. For the sequels and subsequent film and television appearances, Audley was succeeded by American actress Susanne Blakeslee who also currently voices Maleficent, Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians, and the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She is given the title of Lady in the original film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ugly sisters</span> Fictional characters

Anastasia and Drizella are characters in the fairy tale and pantomime, Cinderella. They are the daughters of Cinderella's wicked stepmother, who treat her poorly. Anastasia and Drizella have been in variations of the story from as early as researchers have been able to determine.

<i>Cinderella II: Dreams Come True</i> 2002 American film

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True is a 2002 American animated direct-to-video fantasy anthology film, made of unused TV episodes. It is a sequel to the 1950 film Cinderella. Directed by John Kafka from a screenplay written by Jill E. Blotevogel, Tom Rogers and Julie Selbo, it is the first in the series to use digital ink and paint. It stars the voices of Jennifer Hale, Russi Taylor, Corey Burton, and Rob Paulsen.

<i>Disney Princess</i> Walt Disney Company media franchise

Disney Princess, also called the Princess Line, is a media franchise and toy line owned by the Walt Disney Company. Created by Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney, the franchise features a lineup of female protagonists who have appeared in various Disney franchises.

<i>Cinderella III: A Twist in Time</i> 2007 film by Frank Nissen

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time is a 2007 American animated musical fantasy film produced by DisneyToon Studios and distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Directed by Frank Nissen from a screenplay written by Dan Berendsen, Margaret Heidenry, Colleen Ventimilia, and Eddie Guerlain, it is the third installment in Disney's Cinderella trilogy, and a sequel to Cinderella (1950) and Cinderella II: Dreams Come True (2002). In Cinderella III: A Twist in Time, set one year after the first film, Cinderella struggles with the repercussions of a time-reversing spell cast by Lady Tremaine to prevent her from marrying the Prince. The film's voice cast consists of Jennifer Hale, C. D. Barnes, Susanne Blakeslee, Tress MacNeille, Russi Taylor, and Andre Stojka, most of whom continue to replace the 1950 film's cast by reprising their roles from Cinderella II: Dreams Come True.

Susanne Blakeslee is an American actress. Her notable roles include the voices of Wanda, Anti-Wanda, and Mrs. Turner on The Fairly OddParents; and as the voices of Cruella de Vil, Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Maleficent and Madame Leota for various Disney media.

<i>Hey, Cinderella!</i> 1969 multi-national TV series or program

Hey, Cinderella! is a 1969 television special adaptation of the fairy tale Cinderella, produced by Muppets, Inc. in the United States and Robert Lawrence Productions in Canada, and featuring The Muppets created by Jim Henson, who also directed the special. It was written by Jon Stone and Tom Whedon, and scored by the music composer of Sesame Street, Joe Raposo. It featured Kermit in his first appearance as a frog, as well as Goshposh and Rufus and Splurge.

<i>Cinderella</i> (1914 film) 1914 American film

Cinderella is a 1914 silent film starring Mary Pickford, directed by James Kirkwood Sr., produced by Daniel Frohman, and released by Famous Players Film Company. The film is based upon the fairy tale Cinderella. The film was released on Blu-ray & DVD as a bonus feature from the DVD of Through the Back Door (1921). It was previously released on DVD by Alpha Video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinderella (Disney character)</span> Title character in the 1950 Disney animated film of the same name

Cinderella is a fictional character who appears in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film of the same name released in 1950. In the film, Cinderella is voiced by American singer and actress Ilene Woods. For the sequels and subsequent film and television appearances, Woods was replaced by actresses Jennifer Hale and Tami Tappan, who provide the character's speaking and singing voices.

<i>Cinderella</i> (1997 film) 1997 television film directed by Robert Iscove

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella is a 1997 American musical fantasy television film produced by Walt Disney Television, directed by Robert Iscove, and written by Robert L. Freedman. Based on the French fairy tale of the same name by Charles Perrault, the film is the second remake and third version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, which originally aired on television in 1957. Adapted from Oscar Hammerstein II's book, Freedman modernized the script to appeal to more contemporary audiences by updating its themes, particularly re-writing its main character into a stronger heroine. Co-produced by Whitney Houston, who also appears as Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, the film stars Brandy in the title role and features a racially diverse ensemble cast consisting of Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters, Veanne Cox, Natalie Desselle, Victor Garber, and Paolo Montalban.

<i>Cinderella</i> (2015 American film) 2015 live-action film adaptation directed by Kenneth Branagh

Cinderella is a 2015 romantic fantasy film directed by Kenneth Branagh from a screenplay by Chris Weitz. Co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures, Kinberg Genre, Allison Shearmur Productions, and Beagle Pug Films, the film is based on Charles Perrault's 1697 fairy tale "Cinderella" and also serves as a live-action adaptation of Walt Disney's 1950 animated film. Starring Lily James and Cate Blanchett as the main roles, with Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Derek Jacobi, and Helena Bonham Carter in supporting roles.

Snow White is a Disney media franchise that began in 1937 with the theatrical release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It is based on the 1812 fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

<i>Sleeping Beauty</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise

Sleeping Beauty is a Disney media franchise that began in 1959 with the theatrical release of the animated film Sleeping Beauty, based on the homonymous fairy tale.

References

  1. "How Disney Princesses Became a Multi Billion Dollar Brand -". Mcnmarketing.com. 18 March 2013. Archived from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  2. "The Disney Princess Project: "Cinderella"". Fragmentssynapses.wordpress.com. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  3. "Saving Cinderella: From Disney to Cyborg Princess". Academia.edu. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  4. McNary, Dave (December 12, 2018). "'Brokeback Mountain,' 'Jurassic Park,' 'My Fair Lady' Added to National Film Registry". Variety. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  5. "Update 3: Cinderella | Trailer". YouTube. July 29, 2016.
  6. "Update 19: Lilo & Stitch | Livestream". YouTube. April 16, 2018.
  7. "Update 26: Mulan Part 2, Cinderella Part 3 | Livestream". YouTube. January 4, 2019.
  8. "Cinderella | Disney Princess". Disney Princess. Disney. Retrieved August 3, 2023.