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

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Plot and Narrative Structure: A Tale of Two Snow Whites

Disney's 2023 Remake: A Familiar Yet Modernized Story

Disney's Snow White Remake largely stays true to the original animated film's core narrative. However, this modern adaptation adds nuances and updates the storyline for a contemporary audience.

• Key Similarities: The Evil Queen's jealousy, Snow White's flight into the forest, the discovery of the dwarves' cottage, and the poisoned apple remain central plot points.
• Key Differences: The remake features expanded roles for certain characters, adding depth and complexity to their motivations. There's also a greater emphasis on Snow White's agency and strength, showcasing her as a more proactive heroine compared to the original. New characters might also be introduced, enriching the updated storyline.
• Impact of Changes: These alterations aim to create a "faithful remake" while acknowledging the expectations of a modern audience, addressing criticisms of the original film's portrayal of female characters. The updated storyline offers a more nuanced and empowering take on the classic fairytale.

The 1987 Horror Version: A Dark and Twisted Twist

The 1987 Snow White, in stark contrast, is a dark fairytale, a horror reimagining that completely subverts expectations. This version trades whimsical charm for chilling gothic horror.

• Significant Divergences: The plot drastically deviates from the original. Expect a twisted narrative filled with intense violence, psychological horror, and a far more malevolent Evil Queen. The dwarves might have drastically different roles or even be absent entirely.
• Horror Elements: This adaptation utilizes gothic aesthetics, suspenseful cinematography, and a disturbing portrayal of the Evil Queen to create a genuinely frightening experience. The film exploits the inherent darkness within the original fairytale to craft a truly unsettling horror story. The subversion of expectations is key to this version's impact.

Character Analysis: From Princess to Victim (and back again?)

Snow White: A Comparison of Portrayals

The portrayal of Snow White differs significantly between the two versions.

• Disney's Remake: Presents Snow White as a strong female lead, more proactive and independent than her animated counterpart. This empowered Snow White actively participates in her own destiny.
• 1987 Horror Version: Often depicts Snow White as a more vulnerable victim, highlighting the brutal realities of the horror setting and the psychological torment she endures.

The Evil Queen: A Study in Villainy

The Evil Queen's portrayal also varies drastically.

• Disney's Remake: While still an iconic villain, the remake might focus on exploring the motivations behind her wickedness, adding layers of complexity.
• 1987 Horror Version: The Evil Queen is presented as a truly terrifying, malevolent queen, her actions driven by pure malice and a thirst for power. Her wickedness is amplified, and her methods far more brutal than in the Disney adaptations.

Supporting Characters: New Roles and Perspectives

Supporting characters like the Prince and the dwarves undergo significant shifts across both adaptations.

• Disney's Remake: May give supporting characters more screen time and expanded roles, adding depth to the narrative.
• 1987 Horror Version: May drastically alter or omit these characters, reflecting the film's focus on a darker, more isolated narrative.

Themes and Tone: Fairytale vs. Fear

Exploring the Themes of Love, Power, and Evil

Both versions explore the core themes of the Snow White story, but with vastly different approaches.

• Disney's Remake: Focuses on classic fairytale themes of true love conquering evil, with a possible modern lens on female empowerment and challenging power dynamics.
• 1987 Horror Version: Examines the themes of power, obsession, and the darkness inherent within seemingly innocent fairytales, emphasizing moral ambiguity and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. Feminist themes might be present, but framed through the lens of survival and resistance in a horrifying context.

Contrasting Tones: Whimsical vs. Grim

The contrasting tones of both films are immediately apparent.

• Disney's Remake: Maintains a largely whimsical fairytale tone, with vibrant visuals and a generally lighthearted atmosphere.
• 1987 Horror Version: Employs dark fantasy and gothic aesthetics to create a grim and unsettling atmosphere. The dark fairytale aesthetic is central to the experience.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Snow White Adventure

Disney's Snow White remake offers a modernized, yet faithful interpretation of the classic fairytale, focusing on a strong female lead and updated storylines. In contrast, the 1987 horror version presents a twisted, terrifying reimagining that subverts expectations and explores the darker aspects of the source material. Both versions offer unique perspectives on the age-old tale of Snow White, showcasing the versatility and enduring power of this iconic story. Explore the different interpretations of Snow White by watching both versions and deciding which Snow White story is your favorite! Compare the Disney Snow White remake with the 1987 horror version yourself – the experience is sure to be illuminating!