Well, the original versions of Disney stories were usually based on traditional folk tales. They had a certain rawness. Take 'Cinderella' for instance. In the original, the stepsisters were extremely cruel and the story had a harsher feel compared to the more family - friendly versions we see today. And the original stories were a reflection of the times they were created in, with different social values and norms.
The original versions of Disney stories were a starting point for character development in modern movies. The original traits of characters like Mickey Mouse, which evolved from a more mischievous character in early concepts to a more family - friendly icon today, were based on the initial ideas from the original Disney stories. Moreover, the original stories' use of magic and fantastical elements inspired the elaborate and magical worlds created in modern Disney movies.
The visual and cultural representation also varies. Disney puts its own spin on the cultural backgrounds of the original stories. For instance, in 'Aladdin', Disney's version has a very American - influenced take on Arabian culture. The original stories, on the other hand, might be more rooted in the specific cultural traditions and values of their origin. And of course, Disney uses its signature animation style which gives a different aesthetic compared to how one might imagine the original story in a more traditional or literary sense.
One main difference is often the toning down of darker elements in Disney versions. For example, in some original fairy tales, there are much harsher consequences and more violent events. In Disney's Cinderella, the stepsisters' meanness is more comical than in the original story where they are extremely cruel. Also, Disney may add more musical elements and cute sidekicks to appeal to a wider audience, which are not present in the original stories.
One interesting thing is that some of the original Disney story versions had different endings. Take 'Cinderella' for instance. In the original, there were more details about her step - sisters' fates that were toned down in the Disney movie. Also, the characters in the original versions were sometimes less idealized and more like real, flawed people.
In the Disney version of 'Cinderella', it's a story of magic and hope. However, the darker versions may emphasize the hardships she endures more realistically, like the extreme abuse from her stepsisters. The dark versions also don't shy away from the harsher aspects of human nature. In Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast', the Beast is portrayed more sympathetically from the start, while in darker versions, his past misdeeds are more prominent.
Some real versions of Disney stories could be based on the original fairy tales they were adapted from. For example, 'Snow White' was based on a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. In the real version, the story might be darker and less polished compared to the Disney animated version. There could be more emphasis on the hardships Snow White faced and less on the cute animals that befriend her in the Disney movie.
Take 'Pinocchio' for instance. The original Carlo Collodi story had some darker moments. In Disney's version, the idea of Pinocchio being led astray into Pleasure Island where boys are turned into donkeys is a dark concept. It shows the consequences of bad behavior in a rather scary way, while still being a story that kids can enjoy with its more light - hearted elements like Jiminy Cricket.
The real stories usually have more complex and sometimes darker aspects. For example, in the real Cinderella story, the stepsisters were extremely cruel, cutting off parts of their feet to fit into the glass slipper. In the Disney version, it's much more light - hearted. Another example is The Little Mermaid. In the original tale, the mermaid didn't get a happy ending as easily as in the Disney movie.