November 21, 1986

Song of the South's final theatrical release was on November 21, 1986, for the film's 40th anniversary. For the first time ever, the movie was now billed as "Walt Disney's Classic". The artwork prominently features Brer Rabbit and his hobo sack, along with Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and Brer Frog in the background. A picture of Uncle Remus holding hands with Ginny, Toby and Johnny are featured beneath the main image and beside the revised "Song of the South" logo.

It should be noted that since the 1980 release, ways of the movie theater had changed. Lobby cards, half sheets and insert posters were being phased out, so there is very little promotional material from this release. This, combined with Song of the South's new "Classic" status, brought the film into a new light. This was the only release in Song of the South's history that did not have an entire associated campaign; instead, Buena Vista Distribution simply released a modest Press Information booklet with three glossy black and white photos and a 30-page saddlestitched booklet with information including Credits, Production Information, an article on Combining Live Action and Animation, The Music, Joel Chandler Harris, About The Cast, Synopsis, and Notes.