Disney's Snow White Remake Vs. The 1987 Horror Version: What's Changed?

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Plot and Character Differences: A Tale of Two Snow Whites

The core narrative of Snow White remains, but the details and character motivations diverge drastically between the Disney classic and its 1987 horror counterpart.

The Prince: A Hero or a Bystander?

• Disney's Snow White Remake: The Prince remains a classic fairytale hero, albeit with a potentially more active role in the new remake. He's charming, brave, and ultimately rescues Snow White from her poisoned slumber. Keywords: "Snow White Prince," "Prince Charming," "Hero."
• 1987 Snow White: The Prince is significantly less heroic and more of a bystander. His role is diminished, highlighting the female protagonist's agency in overcoming adversity. Keywords: "Snow White Prince," "Passive Prince," "Bystander." This shift in portrayal reflects a different perspective on traditional fairytale tropes.

The Evil Queen: Malice and Motivation

• Disney's Snow White Remake: The Evil Queen's motivations, while driven by vanity and a desire for power, are presented in a more classic, almost cartoonish, way. Her cruelty is generally stylized and less graphic. Keywords: "Evil Queen Snow White," "Disney Villain," "Classic Villain."
• 1987 Snow White: This version presents a more complex and terrifying Evil Queen. Her malice is visceral, her actions far more brutal and psychologically disturbing. Her motivations are less about simple vanity and more about a deep-seated, almost supernatural, obsession with power and youth. Keywords: "Evil Queen Snow White," "Horror Antagonist," "Psychologically Complex Villain."

The Supporting Cast: Dwarfs, Huntsmen, and Others

• Disney's Snow White Remake (and the original): The Seven Dwarfs are cheerful, if somewhat simplistic, companions. The Huntsman plays a pivotal, albeit ultimately passive, role. Keywords: "Seven Dwarfs," "Huntsman," "Supporting Characters Snow White," "Disney Sidekicks."
• 1987 Snow White: The supporting characters are often darker and more ambiguous. The dwarfs might be less whimsical and more menacing, their roles more complicated. The Huntsman might have a more active and unsettling role. Keywords: "Seven Dwarfs," "Huntsman," "Supporting Characters Snow White," "Horror Supporting Cast."

Visual Style and Tone: Fairytale vs. Gothic Horror

The visual contrast between the two versions is stark, reflecting their contrasting tones and target audiences.

Visual Aesthetics: Magic vs. Darkness

• Disney's Snow White Remake: Expect vibrant colors, whimsical animation styles, and a fantastical setting. The overall aesthetic is bright, cheerful, and family-friendly. Keywords: "Disney Animation," "Visual Style," "Fairytale Aesthetics."
• 1987 Snow White: This version employs a dark, gothic visual style with muted colors, shadowy lighting, and a bleak atmosphere. The setting is more grounded in reality, enhancing the sense of dread. Keywords: "Gothic Horror," "Visual Style," "Horror Aesthetics."

Overall Tone and Atmosphere: Whimsical vs. Terrifying

• Disney's Snow White Remake: The tone is light-hearted, whimsical, and aimed at a family audience. The atmosphere is one of magic, adventure, and ultimately, happy resolution. Keywords: "Film Tone," "Fairytale Atmosphere," "Whimsical Tone."
• 1987 Snow White: This film cultivates a terrifying atmosphere, full of suspense and psychological horror. The overall tone is dark, disturbing, and intensely unsettling. Keywords: "Film Tone," "Horror Atmosphere," "Dark Tone."

Social and Cultural Impact: Two Sides of a Fairytale

Both versions of Snow White have had a significant impact on popular culture, but in vastly different ways.

Cultural Relevance and Reception of Each Version

• Disney's Snow White (1937 & Remake): The original Disney animated film became a landmark achievement in animation, shaping the fairytale genre for generations. The remake aims to update the story while retaining its essence. Keywords: "Cultural Impact," "Critical Reception," "Disney Legacy," "Classic Fairytale."
• 1987 Snow White: This version was a cult classic, demonstrating the potential for dark retellings of classic fairytales. It's often praised for its unconventional approach and effective horror elements. Keywords: "Cultural Impact," "Critical Reception," "Cult Classic," "Horror Remake."

Modern Interpretations and Remakes

The success of both the Disney animated classic and the 1987 horror version has inspired countless Snow White adaptations. These range from other live-action remakes to dark fantasy interpretations, proving the enduring appeal and adaptability of this fairytale. Keywords: "Snow White Adaptations," "Remake," "Modern Interpretation," "Fairytale Retelling."

Conclusion: Choosing Your Snow White: A Fairytale for Every Taste

The comparison between Disney's Snow White remake and the 1987 horror version reveals the incredible versatility of the original fairytale. From the bright, whimsical world of Disney animation to the dark and disturbing realm of gothic horror, the Snow White story continues to captivate and inspire. Both versions offer unique perspectives on the classic fairytale, appealing to different audiences and demonstrating the enduring power of this iconic story. Watch both versions—the Disney Snow White remake and the 1987 horror film—and decide which Snow White reigns supreme in your heart! What’s your favorite Snow White Remake? Let us know in the comments!