Warning: Minor SPOILERS for 2025’s Snow White. The live-action adaptation of Snow White features a freshly composed soundtrack, yet it struggles to fully utilize its musical elements. As Disney reinterprets Snow White’s narrative, the film introduces a multitude of original songs to enhance the enriched storyline. While much of the discourse surrounding the film has revolved around casting decisions, the soundtrack presents an opportunity for the cast to demonstrate their musical abilities and validity within the production.
The majority of tracks in the Snow White soundtrack were crafted specifically for this remake, with notable exceptions like the classic “Heigh-Ho.”These new compositions reflect the evolving audience expectations for Disney films since the original was released in 1937, including a villain song for the Evil Queen—who, interestingly, did not sing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. However, many of these original pieces encounter a shared critique.
Many Musical Numbers Lack Visual Impact
Underutilization of Live-Action Potential
While the songs themselves are sonically appealing, their visual representation falls short. For instance, the extended rendition of “Heigh-Ho”adds more time to the beloved original, but the gem mine setting is rendered in dull greys, lacking vibrancy. This issue persists in other musical sequences, such as the Evil Queen’s (played by Gal Gadot) “All Is Fair,”set against uninspiring backgrounds like the dark forest or the dwarves’ poorly lit cottage.
The standout track, “Good Things Grow,”is striking in its visuals during the opening and closing scenes; however, the overly polished appearance of the characters detracts from their authenticity. The film also misses opportunities to creatively showcase the choreography, often presenting it from a single angle. This approach can evoke a low-budget, community-theater feel, which feels out of place in a high-production-value film.
Overall, the Songs Are Quite Enjoyable
Stronger as an Album than as a Film
Image via Disney
Despite their lackluster visual presentation, Snow White’s songs effectively support the film’s narrative. Rachel Zegler, for instance, may not be the most acclaimed actress among those who have played Snow White, but her vocal performance shines in songs like “Waiting On A Wish”and “Whistle While You Work.” Gal Gadot’s villainous number, “All Is Fair,”though less praised, carries a certain charm, while Andrew Burlap injects a playful spirit into “Princess Problems.”
Furthermore, these songs embody Snow White’s modern reinterpretation. For example, “Good Things Grow”presents her parents’ ideals of leadership, while “Princess Problems”critiques Snow’s disconnection from the kingdom’s realities. The iconic “Heigh-Ho”hints at the dwarfs’ whimsical nature, and “A Hand Meets A Hand”serves as a heartfelt expression of a developed romantic relationship. In contrast, “Whistle While You Work”loses its significance, seeming more like a directive to the dwarfs, while its original intention was to highlight Snow White’s integration into their home.
Musical Disappointment Fits into a Larger Trend in Disney Remakes
A Pattern of Underwhelming Musical Sequences
The trend of lackluster musical moments in Disney’s live-action remakes is regrettably not novel. Even standout songs from The Lion King struggle to engage visually, largely due to the film’s reliance on CGI. Moreover, many sequences, like “Be Prepared,”have all but abandoned the captivating imagery that resonated with audiences in the animated classic. Similarly, Aladdin suffers, with “One Jump Ahead”benefiting from directorial tricks, yet the visual elements fail to elevate Will Smith’s character, leaving his performance overshadowed by the legendary Robin Williams.
Conversely, the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King appears to break this trend, sidestepping the conflict between nostalgia and innovation. Although The Little Mermaid may not have perfectly captured the essence of “Part of Your World,”it still managed to excel in tracks like “Under the Sea.”Snow White had the potential for an original score to free it from the burdens of nostalgia, making the less satisfying musical sequences even more disappointing across the board.