They did it first with Beauty and the Beast (Human Again). Then they did it for The Lion King (The Morning Report). I'd had my suspicions for some time, so when Disney announced that the 10th Anniversary DVD release of Pocahontas would have a newly restored song (If I Never Knew You), I was not surprised in the least.

So what's the verdict?

When they gave this treatment to Beauty and the Beast, I loved it there. But a notable thing is that although the Beauty and the Beast DVD provides both versions (the original theatrical and the restored DVD), I watch *only* the restored version, simply because it's better. (This isn't the universal opinion, of course.)

The case is different with the restored Pocahontas. Both the theatrical version and restored version has its pluses, and I can't honestly say which one I prefer.

The new tent scene of the restored version is worth it. I love it, there's no question about that. I've wanted the tent scene fully coloured-out ever since I knew it had been axed, so it's a relief to see it done.

However.

The original version has something going for it that I hadn't noticed until I watched the restored version. That thing is the fact that at no point during the movie do Pocahontas or John Smith voice out their love for each other. They express it in the way they look at each other, speak to each other, make choices for each other. In fact, the only time that love is actually mentioned is at the crucial execution scene, when out of nowhere Pocahontas just cries out, "I love him, father." That's one of the many things that make that scene so effective, because the word "love" has the greatest weight on the first time it is said, and it means so much that it should be said at that moment.

If the love theme of If I Never Knew You isn't there, the story has the advantage of their love being beyond words. On the other hand, if the love theme is there, their love becomes tangible and open.

So really, it's just a matter of preference.

Then there's the If I Never Knew You reprise at the end of the movie, which is another plus-minus thing. The presence of the reprise has the plus in that the sadness stabs you in the heart faster, but the minus in that the new animation for John Smith is severely out of sync with the original animation.

So for my own personal viewing experience, it's an equally win/lose situation to watch either version. Which may be good, 'cos now both versions on the DVD will have equal viewing time. Heh.

So what do you think of the new version? I want to know. Do you love it? Hate it? Send in your comments to me at and I'll put them up here.