3 Out Of The Gate (Make That 4)

Looks like Disney will be releasing more and more of their animated classics on Blu-ray next year! The week after Wreck-It Ralph comes to Blu-ray (March 5th), three Disney animated films will be released!

What are they releasing? The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Brother Bear!

Oh... They are being packaged with their crummy direct-to-video sequels. Bummer...

But wait... That may not be... Blu-ray.com has two entries listed for each of the three films: One that's a double pack with the sequel, and one that doesn't come with the sequel. See for yourself.

If that's true, then that means Disney must know that a good amount of their fans really objected to this "package it with the direct-to-video sequel" trend that began last year with the Blu-ray release of The Fox and the Hound. I know I was one of them, and many others were appalled.

Also, look at the cover for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Notice how it doesn't list the sequel or show any of the characters from that said sequel anywhere on the cover, yet Mulan and Brother Bear's covers do? Why that one only? I guess it could be because the sequel really clashes with the mood and tone of the first film. Maybe, maybe not.

Only time will tell. The trailer and print advertisement for Mulan (which can be found in the Blu-ray set of Finding Nemo) seem to imply that they'll be released separately. If Disney goes through with releasing the film on its own and the double-pack as a separate release, you can call me one happy fan.

Which of these Disney classics will you be buying on Blu-ray?

Update: Atlantis: The Lost Empire has also been confirmed for a March 12th release. Oddly enough, both this film and Brother Bear were initially planned for an autumn release this year, but were quietly removed from the schedule. When they announced the March release of Brother Bear, I was wondering, "Now where's Atlantis?" Lo and behold, it's coming, but again, it'll be a two-movie collection with its awful direct-to-video sequel/failed TV series made into a movie.