1. The Rocketeer
Before Disney ever dreamed of buying Marvel, they made a comic book movie about this guy that has this device that allows him to fly in the air without a plane. This guy, dashing and adventurous, had a girlfriend he wanted to protect, an evil menace centered around a foreign threat, and a domestic front that allowed the evil menace a presence on his own doorstep. That's right: Disney made an Iron Man movie before it was cool, and before it was legally allowed to do so. Only it wasn't with the Iron Man property, it was with The Rocketeer, a Dave Stevens comic that served as a throwback to B-movie serials, pin up models, and high adventure set against the backdrop of World War II. I know, I know: The Rocketeer is a cult classic and has a decent following, as well as a slew of IDW comics behind it. But, we still haven't gotten a proper release of the film that truly showcases its beauty nor any special features to speak of. The original DVD had a trailer, and they were lucky to have that, because the Blu-Ray is bare bones (unless you count a "from the director of Captain America" sticker as a bonus feature). Yet there was an
anniversary screening in 2011 for Disney's D23 Fan Club, complete with a Q&A moderated by Kevin Smith. Not to mention there's probably plenty of details involving the failed sequel/theme park attraction plans that Disney had, as well as a bunch of those who participated in the film just waiting to be interviewed. And yet...we don't even get a trailer, or (from what I hear) a properly impressive sound mix. The Rocketeer is a classic that hasn't gotten its due, and it's about damned time that it did. So c'mon Disney, give us a
real Blu Ray and put Cliff Secord in the Mouse House Pantheon where he belongs. Thomas Jane will thank you for it (he's apparently such a fanboy for the film that he showed up to the anniversary screening in full costume, helmet and all). There you have it, What Culture Republic! What are some of your underrated Disney favorites? Do you think they'll
ever release Song of the South officially? Are you
really going to hold it against me that I included The Country Bears on the list? Throw down some fighting words in the comments section, and let's see if we can't strike some sort of compromising agreement.