The (Old) History of Walt Disney Animation Studios 6/14 - Animation Lookback

Summary

The video script delves into Disney's transitional period post-Walt Disney, highlighting films like 'The Rescuers,' which introduced new talents like Don Bluth. It discusses the critical and financial reception of movies like 'The Fox and the Hound,' 'The Black Cauldron,' and 'The Great Mouse Detective,' touching on their impact, controversies, and technical milestones, such as the use of computer graphics in animation.

Takeaways

• 🎬 'The Rescuers' was the first film released by Disney without Walt Disney's involvement, featuring Miss Bianca and Bernard on a mission to rescue Penny and the Devil's Eye diamond.
• 🌟 Don Bluth, who worked on 'The Rescuers', later left Disney to establish his own animation studio, marking the beginning of his successful career.
• 👴 The film is considered one of the last works of the 'Nine Old Men', a group of Disney animators who were key figures in the studio's early success.
• 🐦 Orval the albatross was chosen as a transporter in 'The Rescuers' after Frank Thomas was inspired by the clumsy takeoffs and landings of albatrosses in Disney's True Life Adventure series.
• 📈 'The Rescuers' broke box office records for the largest financial amount made by an animated film on its opening weekend, earning $48 million.
• 🎵 The film was nominated for an Oscar for the song 'Someone's Waiting for You' and received positive reviews from critics.
• 🔞 A controversial topless woman frame in the VHS release led to a recall of around 3.4 million VHS tapes and subsequent editing out of the scene in future releases.
• 🦊 'The Fox and the Hound' tells the story of a fox named Tod and a hunting dog named Copper, exploring themes of friendship and overcoming natural instincts.
• 📚 The story of 'The Fox and the Hound' was loosely based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1967 novel but deviated significantly in its portrayal of the characters and narrative.
• 🐉 'The Black Cauldron' was Disney's first film to receive a PG rating and introduced several firsts for the studio, including widescreen presentation and the use of computer graphics.
• 🏆 Despite its initial financial struggles, 'The Black Cauldron' won a special Academy Award for the development of the AP process, which enhanced the quality of animation.

Q & A

What was significant about the release of 'The Rescuers' in terms of Walt Disney's involvement?

The Rescuers was the first film released by the studio without Walt Disney's involvement, marking a significant change in the studio's history.

Who are the main characters in 'The Rescuers' and what is their mission?

The main characters are Miss Bianca, the Hungarian representative of the Rescue Aid Society, and Bernard, a janitor, who are tasked with rescuing a little orphan named Penny from Madam Medusa, who intends to use her to find the Devil's Eye diamond.

What notable animator is credited for his work on 'The Rescuers' and what impact did his departure have on the animation industry?

Don Bluth is a noteworthy animator credited for 'The Rescuers'. His departure to create his own studio led to a significant shift in the animation industry, marking the beginning of a new era.

Which other animators mentioned in the script later became prominent figures in the animation industry?

Glen Keane, Ron Clemens, and Joe Hail are other animators mentioned who later became significant figures in the animation industry.

What was the critical reception of 'The Rescuers' and did it receive any recognition?

The film was praised by critics and was nominated for an Oscar for the song 'Someone's Waiting for You', indicating its positive reception and recognition.

What controversy arose during the release of 'The Rescuers' and how was it addressed?

A controversy arose due to a topless woman appearing in one frame of the VHS release. Disney recalled around 3.4 million VHS tapes and edited out the scene in subsequent video and DVD releases.

What was the premise of 'The Fox and the Hound' and how did it differ from its source material?

'The Fox and the Hound' is about a fox named Tod and a hunting dog named Copper who are friends, unaware they were supposed to be enemies. The story was loosely based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1967 novel, with significant differences such as the animals being non-speaking in the novel and a more realistic portrayal of life and death.

Which Disney film was 'The Black Cauldron' and what made it stand out from other Disney films at the time?

'The Black Cauldron' was the 25th Disney film and stood out as the first to receive a PG rating, the first to be widescreen since 'Sleeping Beauty', and the first to use computer graphics and the AP process instead of xerography.

What was the significance of the AP process in the production of 'The Black Cauldron'?

The AP process was significant as it enhanced the quality and settings of the animation in 'The Black Cauldron', playing a crucial role in completing the film.

What was the controversy surrounding the release of 'The Great Mouse Detective' and how did it affect its box office performance?

The controversy was due to the film's release coinciding with 'An American Tail', which overshadowed its success. Despite this, 'The Great Mouse Detective' performed reasonably well at the box office, earning $25 million.

How did the use of CGI in 'The Great Mouse Detective' set a precedent for future Disney films?

The use of CGI in the final battle scene on Big Ben in 'The Great Mouse Detective' was an early example of computer animation in Disney films, setting a precedent for the integration of technology in animation.