Glen Hall
Fantasia (1940)
Fantasia was a unique experiment in cinema as it blends classical music with animation, pushing the boundaries of what animation could achieve artistically and setting a precedent for innovation in storytelling, who’s influence can even be seen outside of cinema.
The film’s goal was to evoke visual interpretations of the music, ranging from abstract shapes to narrative storytelling, and succeeds by pushing the boundaries of what animation can achieve as an art form.
Although Fantasia doesn’t have a traditional narrative story like most films, it tells it’s story though a series of animated segments set to classical music pieces, each with its own unique visual interpretation.
Tangled (2010)
Tangled reimagines the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel. The story follows Rapunzel, a spirited young woman with magical, glowing hair that possesses healing powers. Raised in a tower by the wicked Mother Gothel, Rapunzel dreams of experiencing the world beyond her confines. When a charming thief named Flynn Rider stumbles upon her tower, Rapunzel strikes a deal to accompany him to see the floating lanterns that appear on her birthday each year. As they embark on a thrilling adventure, Rapunzel discovers her true identity, confronts Mother Gothel, and finds love and freedom.
Tangled demonstrated Disney’s ability to modernize classic fairy tales for contemporary audiences while maintaining the magic and charm of the original stories. It showcased advancements in animation technology and storytelling techniques, further solidifying Disney’s position as a leader in animated filmmaking. Tangled also will go down in the history books for over taking; Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” song with the most played at Wedding First Dances with their Academy Award-winning song; “I See the Light”.
Mary Poppins (1964)
A classic musical that everyone needs to watch at least once. Based on the book series by P.L. Travers., the story revolves around the Banks family in Edwardian London. When their nanny quits, the enigmatic Mary Poppins arrives, bringing magic and adventure into the lives of the Banks children, Jane and Michael. With her unique blend of whimsy and discipline, Mary Poppins takes the children on fantastical adventures, teaching them valuable life lessons along the way.
A ground breaking live-action/animation hybrid, Mary Poppins showcased Disney’s ability to combine innovative special effects with compelling storytelling, paving the way for future ventures into mixed-media filmmaking.
Frozen (2013)
It’s hard to imagine this movie is over 10 years old (as of writing), as it was EVERYWHERE for a while that it feels like it only came out yesterday. Frozen became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide with its empowering themes, catchy soundtrack, and groundbreaking animation.
Frozen tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, living in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa possesses magical ice powers that she struggles to control, leading her to accidentally plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter and flee into self-imposed isolation. Anna, determined to save her kingdom and reconcile with her sister, sets off on a journey accompanied by the rugged ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the comedic snowman Olaf. Along the way, they encounter magical creatures and face dangerous challenges as they seek to uncover the truth behind Elsa’s powers and restore balance to Arendelle. With its empowering themes of love, acceptance, and sisterhood, as well as its memorable characters and iconic musical numbers like “Let It Go,” “Frozen” has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and become a cultural phenomenon.
It redefined the Disney princess narrative and became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, cementing Disney’s status as a powerhouse in animated filmmaking.
Moana (2016)
Moana is journey of a spirited young Polynesian girl named Moana as she sets out on a daring voyage to save her island home of Motunui. Guided by the ocean and inspired by her ancestors, Moana embarks on a quest to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti, a mystical island goddess whose power has been stolen, causing darkness to spread across the ocean. Along the way, Moana faces treacherous challenges, encounters mythical creatures, and discovers her own identity and destiny as a wayfinder and leader. With its breathtaking animation, empowering themes of self-discovery and courage, and memorable musical score featuring songs like “How Far I’ll Go,” “Moana” has enchanted audiences of all ages and become a modern classic in Disney’s animated canon.
Moana celebrated Polynesian culture and mythology, featuring a strong female protagonist on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It was praised for its stunning animation and music, further showcasing Disney’s commitment to diverse storytelling and cultural representation.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl follows the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, a witty and eccentric pirate, as he navigates the treacherous waters of the Caribbean. When the cursed crew of the Black Pearl, led by the villainous Captain Barbossa, kidnaps Elizabeth Swann, the daughter of Port Royal’s governor, Jack teams up with blacksmith Will Turner to rescue her. Along the way, they encounter supernatural forces, treachery, and intrigue, all while contending with the curse that haunts the crew of the Black Pearl.
The highly successful live-action adaptation of the Disneyland ride, Pirates of the Caribbean revitalized Disney’s live-action film division and spawned a popular film franchise, showcasing Disney’s ability to leverage its theme park attractions into successful movie ventures.
The Lion King (1994)
After the death of his father, Mufasa, Simba flees into exile, haunted by guilt and responsibility. With the help of newfound friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba learns important life lessons about courage, friendship, and the circle of life. As he matures, Simba must confront his past and reclaim his rightful place as king to restore balance to the Pride Lands and defeat his treacherous uncle Scar. With its stunning animation, memorable characters, and powerful musical score, “The Lion King” has captivated audiences of all ages and remains a timeless classic in Disney’s animated legacy.
One of Disney’s most iconic films, The Lion King set a new standard for animation with its stunning visuals, powerful storytelling, and memorable soundtrack, becoming a cultural phenomenon and cementing Disney’s status as a master of animated storytelling.
