SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (12/21/37) RKO - Walt Disney. 83 mins. Supervising Director: David Hand. Classic Grimm fairy tale of princess hiding from evil Queen, who finds shelter in cottage of seven distinctive little men.
(The film that started it all off! Even if it IS a little "sappy", It still stands as a giant in the animation realm. A DEFINATE Plus for all ages!)
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS (12/22/39) Paramount - Fleischer Studios. 74 mins. Director: Dave Fleischer. Jonathan Swift's story of Gulliver in Lilliput, a land of miniature people, and how he brings peace to two warring nations.
(From the studio that gave us POPEYE, this is also a definate plus! A little fuzzy around the edges, but the characters & music, are excellant!)
PINOCCHIO (2/7/40) RKO - Disney. 88 mins. Supervising Directors: Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske. Classic story by Collodi (Carlo Lorenzini) about the adventures of a puppet who comes to life, his wood-carver father and his insect companion, Jiminy Cricket.
(Good morals & great music make this a true joy for all ages!)
FANTASIA (11/13/40) RKO - Disney. 120 mins. Directors: Samuel Armstrong, James Algar, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Hamilton Luske, Jim Handley, Ford Beebe, T. Hee, Norman Ferguson, Willfred Jackson. Seven animation sequences set to classical music, including "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", "The Rite Of Spring" and "Dance of The Hours".
(This movie is excellant to introduce kids to classical music, & they will never realize it!)
DUMBO (10/23/41) RKO - Disney. 64 mins. Supervising Director: Ben Sharpsteen. Baby elephant, ridiculed because of big ears, becomes a circus star.
(a sweet movie, that gives all who are different hope. Wonderful!)
MR. BUG GOES TO TOWN (12/4/41) Paramount - Fleischer. 77 mins. Director: Dave Fleischer. A community of insects, who inhabit the site of skyscraper under construction, must move. (also known as HOPPITY GOES TO TOWN)
(An often forgotten film, this movie has all the classics elements, that keep you cheering for this small colony of insects!)
BAMBI (8/13/42) RKO - Disney. 69 mins. Supervising Director: David Hand. The life of a deer, living in the forest, from childhood to adulthood.
(A sweet movie, with great music, especially for the young crowd!)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (11/1/46) RKO - Disney - (partially live action) 94 mins. Cartoon Director: Wilfred Jackson. Troubled young boy escapes his cares through the stories of Uncle Remus. Three significant animated sequences star Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. (Almost impossible to find, (thanks for POLLITICAL Correctness), It is excellant!)
CINDERELLA (2/15/50) RKO - Disney. 74 mins. Production Supervisor: Ben Sharpsteen. Directors: Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. Girl, abused by wicked step-sisters and step mother, is aided by fairy godmother, attends the palace ball and wins the heart of the Prince. Subplot with mice versus evil cat.
(A beautiful film, with much sharper animation & wonderful music!)
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (7/28/51) RKO - Disney. 75 mins. Production Supervisor: Ben Sharpsteen. Directors: Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. Day-dreaming girl chases rabbit, falls into underground wonderland where everything is reverse and strange characters, talking flowers, and mad tea parties defy logic.
(The music is what really makes this movie!)
PETER PAN (2/5/53) RKO - Disney. 77 mins. Directors: Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. A girl and her two younger brothers follow Peter Pan and pixie Tinkerbell to Never Never Land and aid his battle against evil Capatain Hook.
(Still sets the standard for fantasy/adventure movies!)
LADY AND THE TRAMP (6/16/55) Buena Vista - Disney. 75 mins. Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson. Well groomed domestic dog, Lady, meets and falls in love with footloose street dog, Tramp.
(Wonderful characters & music make this movie a sheer joy!)
SLEEPING BEAUTY (1/29/59) Buena Vista - Disney. 75 mins. Supervising Director: Clyde Geronimi. Princess, raised in the forest by three magical fairies, is cursed by evil queen to sleep until awaken by love's first kiss.
(Beautiful animation, & a gripping story!)
ONE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS (1/25/61) Buena Vista - Disney. 79 mins. Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. Evil Cruella DeVil kidnaps dalmatian puppies for fur, but dogs outsmart her and her henchmen.
(It isn't the music here, but an exciting storyline & marvelous characters!)
GAY PURR-EE (10/24/62) Warner Bros. - UPA 86 mins. Director: Abe Levitow. A French farm cat (voice of Judy Garland) runs away to Paris where she becomes to toast of the town, and inspiration to the great artists (Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, etc.)
(The voices of Robert Goulet & Judy Garland really carry this movie! Great music, too!).
THE SWORD IN THE STONE (12/25/63) Disney. 75 mins. Director: Wolfgang Reitherman. Young Wart is tutored by Merlin the magician in the ways of the world. After many lessons and adventures, which include being transformed into various animals, and wizard's duel with Mad Madame Mim, Wart pulls the sword from the stone -- and becomes King Arthur.
(This movie is hysterical from beginning to end!)
THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET (3/28/64) Warner Bros. (partial live action) 102 mins. Live Action Director: Arthur Lubin. Animation Director: Bill Tytla. During World War II, meek 4-F Henry Limpet (Don Knotts) falls in ocean and is transformed into a fish. He aids the Allies war effort as a secret weapon below the waves.
(Don Knotts is the really star of this movie! Excellant!)
THE JUNGLE BOOK (10/18/67) Buena Vista - Disney. 78 mins. Director: Wolfgang Reitherman. Based on Rudyard Kipling's book, this is the story of a boy, raised in the jungle by wolves, being guided to human village by a panther and happy-go-lucky bear.
(Great music & memorable characters is what makes this movie great!)
THE ARISTOCATS (12/11/70) Buena Vista - Disney. 78 mins. Director: Wolfgang Reitherman. Pampered city cats are stranded in French countryside by evil butler; Led back to Paris by rowdy alley cat.
(The voices of Eva Gabor & Phil Harris are wonderfull in the movie!)
SNOOPY COME HOME (8/9/72) National General. 70 mins. Director: Bill Melendez. Snoopy leaves home to find Lila, his original owner, who writes from the hospital that she needs him.
(Classic PEANUTS film, with Snoopy leading the way!)
CHARLOTTE'S WEB (3/1/73) Paramount. 94 mins. D: Hanna Barbera. Wilbur the pig gains confidence from the words in Charlotte's spider web. With the help of Templeton the rat, Wilbur protect's Charlotte's offspring.
(Great storyline in this one!)
ROBIN HOOD (11/ 8/73) Disney. 83 mins. D: Wolfgang Reitherman. Foxy Robin Hood infiltrates the King's archery contest, romances Maid Marian, and frees the enslaved inhabitants of Sherwood Forrest.
(The animal version of Robin Hood! Great music!)
THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH (3/11/77) Disney. 74 mins. D: Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery. Pooh tries to get honey from a beehive, has a blustery day and meets the irrepressible Tigger.Made up of three POOH featurettes with ten minutes of new animation.
(Who can hate Winnie the Pooh?)
THE RESCUERS (6/22/77) Disney. 76 mins. D: Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbury, Art Stevens. Timid mouse Bernard and fearless Miss Bianca fly to the Louisiana swamps to find Penny, a liitle orphan held captive by power mad Madam Medusa, who needs the child to locate a lost diamond.
(The animation should be sharper in this movie than it is-but exciting story!)
RACE FOR YOUR LIFE CHARLIE BROWN (8/24/77) Paramount. 76 mins. D: Bill Melendez. Charlie Brown, Lucy and the Peanuts gang, away at summer camp, are challenged by bullies to a number of sporting activities, topped by a contest that takes them rafting on a wild river. Meanwhile, Snoopy and Woodstock get lost in the woods.
(Another classic PEANUTS movie! Good for the whole Family!)
THE FOX AND THE HOUND (7/10/81) Disney. 83 mins. D: Art Stevens, Ted Berman, Richard Rich. The story of a puppy and fox cub who grow up and learn they're supposed to be enemies.
(The charming story of how nature takes it's course in growing up! )
THE SECRET OF NIMH (7/3/82) United Artists. 82 mins. D: Don Bluth. Mousey Mrs. Brisby needs to move her home before a farm tractor destroy's it and her sick son inside. With the help of Jeremy the crow, she seeks out the rats of NIMH, an advanced breed of intelligent rodents.
(A gripping storyline & adventure story!)
THE LAST UNICORN (11/19/82) Jensen-Farley (U.S./Japanese). 85 mins. D: Arthur Rankin, Jules Bass. The last unicorn is captured and put in a carnival. Schmendrick the magician helps her escape and joins her in the quest for others of her species.
(An excellant storyline, but not for the very young!)
THE BLACK CAULDRON (7/24/85) Disney. 80 mins. D: Ted Berman, Richard Rich. Taran's pig is captured by the evil Horned King who believe's the animal can lead him to the Black Cauldron and it's awesome power.
(Classic adventure, with an unlikly hero! It should get more recognition than it has!)
WARRIORS OF THE WIND (4/15/86) New World (Japan) 95 mins. D: Hayao Miyazaki. In a post-apocalyptic world, warrior princess Zandra ("Nausicaa" in the original) protects the Valley of the Wind from evil queen Selena. Original Japanese film was 118 minutes.
(A classic story from the genius of Miyazaki-A good intro to the ANIME' style!)
WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (6/22/88) Touchstone Pictures. 103 mins. D: Robert Zemeckis. Animation Director: Richard Williams. (partial live action) In a 1940s Hollywood, where live people interact with cartoon characters, a popular cartoon rabbit teams up with a hard-luck detective to solve the murder of the cartoon studio boss.
(Very funny & excellant blending of live action & animation-not for the very young though.)
THE LAND BEFORE TIME (11/18/88) Universal. 66 mins. D: Don Bluth. A baby brontosaurus named Littlefoot, separated from his family after his mother dies, must find his way back to the Great Valley or become extinct.
(Good for the younger crowd!)
THE LITTLE MERMAID (11/15/89) Disney. 82 mins. D: Ron Clements, John Musker. Mermaid, who longs to live in the surface world, gives up her voice to a sea witch for a pair of legs.
(The first movie from the new generation of Disney Artists Wonderfull music & characters!)
JETSONS THE MOVIE (7/6/90) Universal. 81 mins. D: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera. George Jetson gets a promotion and the family must move into deep space. George soon gets involved with a sabotage mystery, while Judy falls under the spell of rock and roll idol, Apollo Blue.
(While this movie was "ragged" by the movie critics, it is a MUST SEE for all Jetsons Fans!)
THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER (11/16/90) Disney. 74 mins. D: Hendel Butoy, Mike Gabriel. The Rescue Aid Society sends Bernard and Miss Bianca to Australia to help youngster Cody and a kidnapped eagle.
(Much cleaner animation than the first one, & a compelling storyline form beginning to end!)
BEAUTY & THE BEAST (11/13/91) Disney. 85 mins. D: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise. Brainy young woman, scorned as a bookworm by local townfolk, is imprisoned by an enchanted Beast with whom she begins to fall in love.
The only animated feature, to date, nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. Re-released 1/1/02 in Imax with additional song sequence ("Human Again").
(The greatest Ink & pen movie ever made! Perfect in every detail!)
FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST (4/10/92) 20th Century Fox. 74 mins. D: Bill Kroyer. Evil spirit Hexxus, imprisoned in an enchanted tree, is released by workers leveling a rain forest. One of the crew, Zak, is reduced to pixie size by a winged sprite, Crysta. With the help of the fairy kingdom, and a burnt out laboratory escapee, Batty, the battle commences against the forces of evil.
(A wonderful tale about the destruction of the rainforest, with the comic genius of Robin Williams as Batty Koda!)
ALADDIN (11/11/92) Disney. 90 mins. D: John Musker, Ron Clements. Trapped in an underground cave by evil Jafar, poor thief Aladdin finds a magic lamp, containing a zany genie, who turns him into a prince.
(Robin Williams at his very best in this very enjoyable movie!)
THE LION KING (6/15/94) Disney. 88 mins. D: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff. Evil lion Scar kills lion King Mufasa and dupes his young cub Simba into leaving the Pride Lands. Simba, along with companions Timon and Pumbaa, returns as an adult to confront his destiny. Re-released in Imax format 12/25/02
(Second only to Beauty & The Beast, this is a beautiful rendered movie, with music by Elton John & Tim Rice!)
THE SWAN PRINCESS (11/18/94) New Line. 90 mins. D: Richard Rich. Prince Derek and Princess Odette, destined to marry, are separated by an evil enchanter, Rothbart, who turns Odette into a swan.
(A very enjoyable story, about 2 star-crossed lovers!)
THE PAGEMASTER (11/24/94) 20th Century Fox. 75 mins. (partial live action) Live action D: Joe Johnston, Animation D: Maurice Hunt. Frightened boy is transformed into a cartoon and transported into a world of books, led by talking books of Horror, Fantasy and Adventure.
(I'm no lover of McCauley Culkin, but this is a very enjoyable story of a cowardly boy, who finds his courage with the help of the books Fantasy, (voiced by Whoopie Goldberg), Adventure, (voiced by Patrick Stewart), & Horror, (voiced by Frank Welker).)
POCAHONTAS (6/23/95) Disney. 81 mins. D: Eric Goldberg, Mike Gabriel. American native girl Pocahontas meets English captain John Smith and they fall in love. The relations between the natives and the Jamestown settlers are strained when Smith takes responsibility for a death of a tribesman.
(Excellant re-telling of the adventurer John Smith & the beautiful indian princess-Pocahontas!)
TOY STORY (11/22/95) Disney. 81 mins. D: John Lasseter. (computer animation) The toys in Andy's room are fearful of being replaced when the boy receieves a Buzz Lightyear action figure. Woody's plan to get rid of Buzz backfires and they find themselves lost in the world outside of Andy's room.
(This is the first totally CGI movie & very enjoyable!)
BALTO (12/22/95) Universal. 74 mins. D: Simon Wells. Balto is an outcast Alaskan sled dog, half-breed (part husky, part wolf) who is vying for the affection of Jenna, a beautiful husky belonging to a little girl taken ill. When Balto's rival, bringing medicine, gets lost Balto leads the team through various perils to complete the mission.
(A wonderful story about a wolfdog, that proves himself a true hero!)
HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (6/21/96) Disney. 86 mins. D: Kirk Wise, Gary Trousdale. Victor Hugo's tale of Quasimodo, banished to a life in the belltower of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. The hunchback falls in love with Esmeralda, a gypsy girl, whom is also the desire of evil Minister Frollo.
(Great Vocal Talents make this movie a must see!)
HERCULES (6/27/97) Disney. 93 mins. D: John Musker, Ron Clements. Hercules, part God, part mortal, sets out to prove himself a hero, much to the dismay of Hades. With the help of Phil (a satyr, his trainer) and love-interest Meg, Hercules battles numerous demons and becomes a star.
(Hilarious re-telling of the anciant greek hero!).
ANASTASIA (11/21/97) 20th Century-Fox. 94 mins. D: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman. An orphan named Anya, hoping to find out her true identity, teams up with two rougues, Dinitri and Vladimir, who hope to groom the girl to pass as royalty.
(Don Bluth's best to date-a widespread movie about the legend of Anastasia! Beautiful animation!)
QUEST FOR CAMELOT (5/26/98) Warner Bros. 85 mins. D: Frederik Du Chau. Outsted knight of the round table, Ruber, plots to steal the legendary sword Excalibur. When the sword is lost in the forest, Ruber begins an all-out search but is foiled by Kayley, daughter of one of the knights, Garrett a blind warrior and a goofy two headed dragon.
(A terribly overlooked movie-a great storyline & beautifull animation)
MULAN (6/25/98) Disney. 88 mins. D: Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft. Based on a Chinese folk tale, a daring young girl risks everything by joining the army disguised as a man, in place of her ailing father.
(A wonderful movie, & the comic genius of Eddie Murphy as Mushu!)
ANTZ (10/2/98) Dreamworks. 83 mins. D: Eric Darnell, Tim Johnson. Insignificant ant named Z explores the world outside his underground city, and becomes a hero to his colony.
(Huge scenes make this the one of the best CGI Movies of all time. Great story line & voices!)
TARZAN (6/18/99) Disney. 88 mins. D: Kevin Lima, Chris Buck. Based on the story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan, raised by apes in African jungle, meets female counterpart and battles human and animal foes.
(Thoroughly enjoyable story, with the comedy of Rosie O'Donnell, & the music of Phil Collins!)
FANTASIA 2000 (12/31/99) Disney. 75 mins. D:Gaetan Brizzi, Paul Brizzi, Hendel Butoy, Francis Glebas, Eric Goldberg, Susan Goldberg, Pixote Hunt. Seven new animated sequences set to classical music, plus "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" from FANTASIA (1940). The new scenes are Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5", Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue", Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" and "Pomp And Circumstance" starring Donald Duck as Noah's helper. Also: "Pines Of Rome", "Steadfast Tin Soldier"(Piano Concerto No. 2), and "Carnival Of The Animals". Originally released in Imax format. Re-released theatrically in digital format and 35mm film on 6/16/00.
(Though not as sprawling as FANTASIA, still worthwhile as an introduction for young children to classical music!)
DINOSAUR (5/19/00) Disney. 82 mins. D: Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton. (computer grahics / partial live action) An iguanodon named Aladar is raised on island by family of lemurs. When meteors destroy their island, they join a group of lost dinosaurs on a trek through the desert to locate a hidden nesting ground. ($136.5 million US gross)
(Excellant story of survival!)
239. TITAN A.E. (6/16/00) 20th Century-Fox. 95 mins. D: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman. Fifteen years after Earth has been destroyed by alien race, the Drej, a young boy joins a group of surviving humans in search of the "Titan" spacecraft, the only hope to restore the human race.
(Non-stop adventure-very good!)
THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE (12/15/00) Disney. 79 mins. D: Mark Dindal. Spolied Incan Emperor, transformed into a Llama, must befriend a peasant in order to get home and return to human form. Grossed $89 million, as of 5/8/02 A feature length documentary about the making of this film, THE SWEATBOX, was released 9/20/02
(The voice casting in this movie is fantastic, with the comic genius of david Spade & John Goodman! This movie is a riot!)
SHREK (5/16/01) Dreamworks. 89 mins. D: Andrew Adamson & Victoria Jensen. (computer animation)In a fantasy world that parodies Fairy Tales and Disneyland, an orge helps a tyrant by rescuing an imprisoned princess. Total U.S. Box Office Gross: $267,783,866. Academy Award Winner - Best Animated Feature.
(Terribly funny-pun-city all over the place)
ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE (6/8/01) Disney. 95 mins. D: Kirk Wise & Gary Trousdale. Language expert Milo Thatch is enlisted to join Commander Rourke and his crew on a privately funded expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis. After numerous perils, they discover the fabled city, its survivors and their source of power and life - as well as Rourke's evil intentions. B.O. Gross as of 10/7/01: $83,111,929.
( I felt that the animation was very sub-standard, considering this WAS a Disney picture, but the storyline caries us through very well, & after a while, you don't even notice the poor quality of animation!)
MONSTERS INC. (11/2/01) Disney-Pixar. 92 mins. D: Peter Docter. Co-Directors: Lee Unkrich & David Silverman. (Computer Generated Imagery)In Monsteropolis, a little girl invades the local power plant, Monsters, Inc.. Two creatures Sully (a furry blue beast) and Mike (an eyeball) befriend the child, unravel a mysterious plot, and return the girl to her bedroom. U.S. Box office gross as of 8/25/02: $255,745,941. Nominated for Academy Award - Best Animated Feature.
(Best animation that DisneY has ever done, up to that point, & a hilarious story line, complimented by the voices of John Goodman & Billy Crystal!)
ICE AGE (3/15/02) 20th Century-Fox. 80 mins. D: Chris Wedge. Co-Director: Carlos Saldanha. (computer generated imagery) In pre-historic times, an unlikely trio consisting of a sloth, a mammoth and a sabretooth tiger trek accross a frozen tundra to return a human child to it's tribe. Nominated for Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. Box office gross (as of 7/15/02): $175,676,099.
(Great animaltion & excellant voice work!)
SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMMARON (5/24/02) Dreamworks. 83 mins. D: Kelly Asbury & Lorna Cook. Free, untamed stallion leaves herd and is captured by soldiers, befriended by American natives, escapes forest fires, rides wild rivers and makes spectacular jumps in effort to return to homeland with lady love. Nominated for Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. Box office gross (as of 8/25/02): $73,215,310.
(The most beautiful animation I have ever seen from Dreamworks! Wonderful storyline!)
SHREK 2 (5/19/04) Dreamworks. 88 mins. D: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury & Conrad Vernon. (computer generated imagery) Shrek and his bride, Princesss Fiona, visit her parents in a land Far Far Away, where an evil Fairy Godmother and her son, Prince Charming, plot to separate the two. Nominated for an Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. U.S. Box office gross (as of 8/22/04): $436,471,036.
(More crazyness from everyones favorite ogre & his friends!)
THE INCREDIBLES (11/5/04) Disney/Pixar. 115 mins. (computer generated imagery) D: Brad Bird. A family of superheroes, ordered to hide their super-powers and shed their masked identities, are forced to come out of retirement to save the world; an adventure that bonds their relationship. Winner, Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. Box office gross (as of 4/3/05): $261,409,367.
(Hilarious story of a family of superheros!
Buzz
(The film that started it all off! Even if it IS a little "sappy", It still stands as a giant in the animation realm. A DEFINATE Plus for all ages!)
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS (12/22/39) Paramount - Fleischer Studios. 74 mins. Director: Dave Fleischer. Jonathan Swift's story of Gulliver in Lilliput, a land of miniature people, and how he brings peace to two warring nations.
(From the studio that gave us POPEYE, this is also a definate plus! A little fuzzy around the edges, but the characters & music, are excellant!)
PINOCCHIO (2/7/40) RKO - Disney. 88 mins. Supervising Directors: Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske. Classic story by Collodi (Carlo Lorenzini) about the adventures of a puppet who comes to life, his wood-carver father and his insect companion, Jiminy Cricket.
(Good morals & great music make this a true joy for all ages!)
FANTASIA (11/13/40) RKO - Disney. 120 mins. Directors: Samuel Armstrong, James Algar, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Hamilton Luske, Jim Handley, Ford Beebe, T. Hee, Norman Ferguson, Willfred Jackson. Seven animation sequences set to classical music, including "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", "The Rite Of Spring" and "Dance of The Hours".
(This movie is excellant to introduce kids to classical music, & they will never realize it!)
DUMBO (10/23/41) RKO - Disney. 64 mins. Supervising Director: Ben Sharpsteen. Baby elephant, ridiculed because of big ears, becomes a circus star.
(a sweet movie, that gives all who are different hope. Wonderful!)
MR. BUG GOES TO TOWN (12/4/41) Paramount - Fleischer. 77 mins. Director: Dave Fleischer. A community of insects, who inhabit the site of skyscraper under construction, must move. (also known as HOPPITY GOES TO TOWN)
(An often forgotten film, this movie has all the classics elements, that keep you cheering for this small colony of insects!)
BAMBI (8/13/42) RKO - Disney. 69 mins. Supervising Director: David Hand. The life of a deer, living in the forest, from childhood to adulthood.
(A sweet movie, with great music, especially for the young crowd!)
SONG OF THE SOUTH (11/1/46) RKO - Disney - (partially live action) 94 mins. Cartoon Director: Wilfred Jackson. Troubled young boy escapes his cares through the stories of Uncle Remus. Three significant animated sequences star Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. (Almost impossible to find, (thanks for POLLITICAL Correctness), It is excellant!)
CINDERELLA (2/15/50) RKO - Disney. 74 mins. Production Supervisor: Ben Sharpsteen. Directors: Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. Girl, abused by wicked step-sisters and step mother, is aided by fairy godmother, attends the palace ball and wins the heart of the Prince. Subplot with mice versus evil cat.
(A beautiful film, with much sharper animation & wonderful music!)
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (7/28/51) RKO - Disney. 75 mins. Production Supervisor: Ben Sharpsteen. Directors: Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. Day-dreaming girl chases rabbit, falls into underground wonderland where everything is reverse and strange characters, talking flowers, and mad tea parties defy logic.
(The music is what really makes this movie!)
PETER PAN (2/5/53) RKO - Disney. 77 mins. Directors: Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. A girl and her two younger brothers follow Peter Pan and pixie Tinkerbell to Never Never Land and aid his battle against evil Capatain Hook.
(Still sets the standard for fantasy/adventure movies!)
LADY AND THE TRAMP (6/16/55) Buena Vista - Disney. 75 mins. Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson. Well groomed domestic dog, Lady, meets and falls in love with footloose street dog, Tramp.
(Wonderful characters & music make this movie a sheer joy!)
SLEEPING BEAUTY (1/29/59) Buena Vista - Disney. 75 mins. Supervising Director: Clyde Geronimi. Princess, raised in the forest by three magical fairies, is cursed by evil queen to sleep until awaken by love's first kiss.
(Beautiful animation, & a gripping story!)
ONE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS (1/25/61) Buena Vista - Disney. 79 mins. Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi. Evil Cruella DeVil kidnaps dalmatian puppies for fur, but dogs outsmart her and her henchmen.
(It isn't the music here, but an exciting storyline & marvelous characters!)
GAY PURR-EE (10/24/62) Warner Bros. - UPA 86 mins. Director: Abe Levitow. A French farm cat (voice of Judy Garland) runs away to Paris where she becomes to toast of the town, and inspiration to the great artists (Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, etc.)
(The voices of Robert Goulet & Judy Garland really carry this movie! Great music, too!).
THE SWORD IN THE STONE (12/25/63) Disney. 75 mins. Director: Wolfgang Reitherman. Young Wart is tutored by Merlin the magician in the ways of the world. After many lessons and adventures, which include being transformed into various animals, and wizard's duel with Mad Madame Mim, Wart pulls the sword from the stone -- and becomes King Arthur.
(This movie is hysterical from beginning to end!)
THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET (3/28/64) Warner Bros. (partial live action) 102 mins. Live Action Director: Arthur Lubin. Animation Director: Bill Tytla. During World War II, meek 4-F Henry Limpet (Don Knotts) falls in ocean and is transformed into a fish. He aids the Allies war effort as a secret weapon below the waves.
(Don Knotts is the really star of this movie! Excellant!)
THE JUNGLE BOOK (10/18/67) Buena Vista - Disney. 78 mins. Director: Wolfgang Reitherman. Based on Rudyard Kipling's book, this is the story of a boy, raised in the jungle by wolves, being guided to human village by a panther and happy-go-lucky bear.
(Great music & memorable characters is what makes this movie great!)
THE ARISTOCATS (12/11/70) Buena Vista - Disney. 78 mins. Director: Wolfgang Reitherman. Pampered city cats are stranded in French countryside by evil butler; Led back to Paris by rowdy alley cat.
(The voices of Eva Gabor & Phil Harris are wonderfull in the movie!)
SNOOPY COME HOME (8/9/72) National General. 70 mins. Director: Bill Melendez. Snoopy leaves home to find Lila, his original owner, who writes from the hospital that she needs him.
(Classic PEANUTS film, with Snoopy leading the way!)
CHARLOTTE'S WEB (3/1/73) Paramount. 94 mins. D: Hanna Barbera. Wilbur the pig gains confidence from the words in Charlotte's spider web. With the help of Templeton the rat, Wilbur protect's Charlotte's offspring.
(Great storyline in this one!)
ROBIN HOOD (11/ 8/73) Disney. 83 mins. D: Wolfgang Reitherman. Foxy Robin Hood infiltrates the King's archery contest, romances Maid Marian, and frees the enslaved inhabitants of Sherwood Forrest.
(The animal version of Robin Hood! Great music!)
THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH (3/11/77) Disney. 74 mins. D: Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery. Pooh tries to get honey from a beehive, has a blustery day and meets the irrepressible Tigger.Made up of three POOH featurettes with ten minutes of new animation.
(Who can hate Winnie the Pooh?)
THE RESCUERS (6/22/77) Disney. 76 mins. D: Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbury, Art Stevens. Timid mouse Bernard and fearless Miss Bianca fly to the Louisiana swamps to find Penny, a liitle orphan held captive by power mad Madam Medusa, who needs the child to locate a lost diamond.
(The animation should be sharper in this movie than it is-but exciting story!)
RACE FOR YOUR LIFE CHARLIE BROWN (8/24/77) Paramount. 76 mins. D: Bill Melendez. Charlie Brown, Lucy and the Peanuts gang, away at summer camp, are challenged by bullies to a number of sporting activities, topped by a contest that takes them rafting on a wild river. Meanwhile, Snoopy and Woodstock get lost in the woods.
(Another classic PEANUTS movie! Good for the whole Family!)
THE FOX AND THE HOUND (7/10/81) Disney. 83 mins. D: Art Stevens, Ted Berman, Richard Rich. The story of a puppy and fox cub who grow up and learn they're supposed to be enemies.
(The charming story of how nature takes it's course in growing up! )
THE SECRET OF NIMH (7/3/82) United Artists. 82 mins. D: Don Bluth. Mousey Mrs. Brisby needs to move her home before a farm tractor destroy's it and her sick son inside. With the help of Jeremy the crow, she seeks out the rats of NIMH, an advanced breed of intelligent rodents.
(A gripping storyline & adventure story!)
THE LAST UNICORN (11/19/82) Jensen-Farley (U.S./Japanese). 85 mins. D: Arthur Rankin, Jules Bass. The last unicorn is captured and put in a carnival. Schmendrick the magician helps her escape and joins her in the quest for others of her species.
(An excellant storyline, but not for the very young!)
THE BLACK CAULDRON (7/24/85) Disney. 80 mins. D: Ted Berman, Richard Rich. Taran's pig is captured by the evil Horned King who believe's the animal can lead him to the Black Cauldron and it's awesome power.
(Classic adventure, with an unlikly hero! It should get more recognition than it has!)
WARRIORS OF THE WIND (4/15/86) New World (Japan) 95 mins. D: Hayao Miyazaki. In a post-apocalyptic world, warrior princess Zandra ("Nausicaa" in the original) protects the Valley of the Wind from evil queen Selena. Original Japanese film was 118 minutes.
(A classic story from the genius of Miyazaki-A good intro to the ANIME' style!)
WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (6/22/88) Touchstone Pictures. 103 mins. D: Robert Zemeckis. Animation Director: Richard Williams. (partial live action) In a 1940s Hollywood, where live people interact with cartoon characters, a popular cartoon rabbit teams up with a hard-luck detective to solve the murder of the cartoon studio boss.
(Very funny & excellant blending of live action & animation-not for the very young though.)
THE LAND BEFORE TIME (11/18/88) Universal. 66 mins. D: Don Bluth. A baby brontosaurus named Littlefoot, separated from his family after his mother dies, must find his way back to the Great Valley or become extinct.
(Good for the younger crowd!)
THE LITTLE MERMAID (11/15/89) Disney. 82 mins. D: Ron Clements, John Musker. Mermaid, who longs to live in the surface world, gives up her voice to a sea witch for a pair of legs.
(The first movie from the new generation of Disney Artists Wonderfull music & characters!)
JETSONS THE MOVIE (7/6/90) Universal. 81 mins. D: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera. George Jetson gets a promotion and the family must move into deep space. George soon gets involved with a sabotage mystery, while Judy falls under the spell of rock and roll idol, Apollo Blue.
(While this movie was "ragged" by the movie critics, it is a MUST SEE for all Jetsons Fans!)
THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER (11/16/90) Disney. 74 mins. D: Hendel Butoy, Mike Gabriel. The Rescue Aid Society sends Bernard and Miss Bianca to Australia to help youngster Cody and a kidnapped eagle.
(Much cleaner animation than the first one, & a compelling storyline form beginning to end!)
BEAUTY & THE BEAST (11/13/91) Disney. 85 mins. D: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise. Brainy young woman, scorned as a bookworm by local townfolk, is imprisoned by an enchanted Beast with whom she begins to fall in love.
The only animated feature, to date, nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. Re-released 1/1/02 in Imax with additional song sequence ("Human Again").
(The greatest Ink & pen movie ever made! Perfect in every detail!)
FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST (4/10/92) 20th Century Fox. 74 mins. D: Bill Kroyer. Evil spirit Hexxus, imprisoned in an enchanted tree, is released by workers leveling a rain forest. One of the crew, Zak, is reduced to pixie size by a winged sprite, Crysta. With the help of the fairy kingdom, and a burnt out laboratory escapee, Batty, the battle commences against the forces of evil.
(A wonderful tale about the destruction of the rainforest, with the comic genius of Robin Williams as Batty Koda!)
ALADDIN (11/11/92) Disney. 90 mins. D: John Musker, Ron Clements. Trapped in an underground cave by evil Jafar, poor thief Aladdin finds a magic lamp, containing a zany genie, who turns him into a prince.
(Robin Williams at his very best in this very enjoyable movie!)
THE LION KING (6/15/94) Disney. 88 mins. D: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff. Evil lion Scar kills lion King Mufasa and dupes his young cub Simba into leaving the Pride Lands. Simba, along with companions Timon and Pumbaa, returns as an adult to confront his destiny. Re-released in Imax format 12/25/02
(Second only to Beauty & The Beast, this is a beautiful rendered movie, with music by Elton John & Tim Rice!)
THE SWAN PRINCESS (11/18/94) New Line. 90 mins. D: Richard Rich. Prince Derek and Princess Odette, destined to marry, are separated by an evil enchanter, Rothbart, who turns Odette into a swan.
(A very enjoyable story, about 2 star-crossed lovers!)
THE PAGEMASTER (11/24/94) 20th Century Fox. 75 mins. (partial live action) Live action D: Joe Johnston, Animation D: Maurice Hunt. Frightened boy is transformed into a cartoon and transported into a world of books, led by talking books of Horror, Fantasy and Adventure.
(I'm no lover of McCauley Culkin, but this is a very enjoyable story of a cowardly boy, who finds his courage with the help of the books Fantasy, (voiced by Whoopie Goldberg), Adventure, (voiced by Patrick Stewart), & Horror, (voiced by Frank Welker).)
POCAHONTAS (6/23/95) Disney. 81 mins. D: Eric Goldberg, Mike Gabriel. American native girl Pocahontas meets English captain John Smith and they fall in love. The relations between the natives and the Jamestown settlers are strained when Smith takes responsibility for a death of a tribesman.
(Excellant re-telling of the adventurer John Smith & the beautiful indian princess-Pocahontas!)
TOY STORY (11/22/95) Disney. 81 mins. D: John Lasseter. (computer animation) The toys in Andy's room are fearful of being replaced when the boy receieves a Buzz Lightyear action figure. Woody's plan to get rid of Buzz backfires and they find themselves lost in the world outside of Andy's room.
(This is the first totally CGI movie & very enjoyable!)
BALTO (12/22/95) Universal. 74 mins. D: Simon Wells. Balto is an outcast Alaskan sled dog, half-breed (part husky, part wolf) who is vying for the affection of Jenna, a beautiful husky belonging to a little girl taken ill. When Balto's rival, bringing medicine, gets lost Balto leads the team through various perils to complete the mission.
(A wonderful story about a wolfdog, that proves himself a true hero!)
HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (6/21/96) Disney. 86 mins. D: Kirk Wise, Gary Trousdale. Victor Hugo's tale of Quasimodo, banished to a life in the belltower of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. The hunchback falls in love with Esmeralda, a gypsy girl, whom is also the desire of evil Minister Frollo.
(Great Vocal Talents make this movie a must see!)
HERCULES (6/27/97) Disney. 93 mins. D: John Musker, Ron Clements. Hercules, part God, part mortal, sets out to prove himself a hero, much to the dismay of Hades. With the help of Phil (a satyr, his trainer) and love-interest Meg, Hercules battles numerous demons and becomes a star.
(Hilarious re-telling of the anciant greek hero!).
ANASTASIA (11/21/97) 20th Century-Fox. 94 mins. D: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman. An orphan named Anya, hoping to find out her true identity, teams up with two rougues, Dinitri and Vladimir, who hope to groom the girl to pass as royalty.
(Don Bluth's best to date-a widespread movie about the legend of Anastasia! Beautiful animation!)
QUEST FOR CAMELOT (5/26/98) Warner Bros. 85 mins. D: Frederik Du Chau. Outsted knight of the round table, Ruber, plots to steal the legendary sword Excalibur. When the sword is lost in the forest, Ruber begins an all-out search but is foiled by Kayley, daughter of one of the knights, Garrett a blind warrior and a goofy two headed dragon.
(A terribly overlooked movie-a great storyline & beautifull animation)
MULAN (6/25/98) Disney. 88 mins. D: Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft. Based on a Chinese folk tale, a daring young girl risks everything by joining the army disguised as a man, in place of her ailing father.
(A wonderful movie, & the comic genius of Eddie Murphy as Mushu!)
ANTZ (10/2/98) Dreamworks. 83 mins. D: Eric Darnell, Tim Johnson. Insignificant ant named Z explores the world outside his underground city, and becomes a hero to his colony.
(Huge scenes make this the one of the best CGI Movies of all time. Great story line & voices!)
TARZAN (6/18/99) Disney. 88 mins. D: Kevin Lima, Chris Buck. Based on the story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan, raised by apes in African jungle, meets female counterpart and battles human and animal foes.
(Thoroughly enjoyable story, with the comedy of Rosie O'Donnell, & the music of Phil Collins!)
FANTASIA 2000 (12/31/99) Disney. 75 mins. D:Gaetan Brizzi, Paul Brizzi, Hendel Butoy, Francis Glebas, Eric Goldberg, Susan Goldberg, Pixote Hunt. Seven new animated sequences set to classical music, plus "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" from FANTASIA (1940). The new scenes are Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5", Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue", Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" and "Pomp And Circumstance" starring Donald Duck as Noah's helper. Also: "Pines Of Rome", "Steadfast Tin Soldier"(Piano Concerto No. 2), and "Carnival Of The Animals". Originally released in Imax format. Re-released theatrically in digital format and 35mm film on 6/16/00.
(Though not as sprawling as FANTASIA, still worthwhile as an introduction for young children to classical music!)
DINOSAUR (5/19/00) Disney. 82 mins. D: Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton. (computer grahics / partial live action) An iguanodon named Aladar is raised on island by family of lemurs. When meteors destroy their island, they join a group of lost dinosaurs on a trek through the desert to locate a hidden nesting ground. ($136.5 million US gross)
(Excellant story of survival!)
239. TITAN A.E. (6/16/00) 20th Century-Fox. 95 mins. D: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman. Fifteen years after Earth has been destroyed by alien race, the Drej, a young boy joins a group of surviving humans in search of the "Titan" spacecraft, the only hope to restore the human race.
(Non-stop adventure-very good!)
THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE (12/15/00) Disney. 79 mins. D: Mark Dindal. Spolied Incan Emperor, transformed into a Llama, must befriend a peasant in order to get home and return to human form. Grossed $89 million, as of 5/8/02 A feature length documentary about the making of this film, THE SWEATBOX, was released 9/20/02
(The voice casting in this movie is fantastic, with the comic genius of david Spade & John Goodman! This movie is a riot!)
SHREK (5/16/01) Dreamworks. 89 mins. D: Andrew Adamson & Victoria Jensen. (computer animation)In a fantasy world that parodies Fairy Tales and Disneyland, an orge helps a tyrant by rescuing an imprisoned princess. Total U.S. Box Office Gross: $267,783,866. Academy Award Winner - Best Animated Feature.
(Terribly funny-pun-city all over the place)
ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE (6/8/01) Disney. 95 mins. D: Kirk Wise & Gary Trousdale. Language expert Milo Thatch is enlisted to join Commander Rourke and his crew on a privately funded expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis. After numerous perils, they discover the fabled city, its survivors and their source of power and life - as well as Rourke's evil intentions. B.O. Gross as of 10/7/01: $83,111,929.
( I felt that the animation was very sub-standard, considering this WAS a Disney picture, but the storyline caries us through very well, & after a while, you don't even notice the poor quality of animation!)
MONSTERS INC. (11/2/01) Disney-Pixar. 92 mins. D: Peter Docter. Co-Directors: Lee Unkrich & David Silverman. (Computer Generated Imagery)In Monsteropolis, a little girl invades the local power plant, Monsters, Inc.. Two creatures Sully (a furry blue beast) and Mike (an eyeball) befriend the child, unravel a mysterious plot, and return the girl to her bedroom. U.S. Box office gross as of 8/25/02: $255,745,941. Nominated for Academy Award - Best Animated Feature.
(Best animation that DisneY has ever done, up to that point, & a hilarious story line, complimented by the voices of John Goodman & Billy Crystal!)
ICE AGE (3/15/02) 20th Century-Fox. 80 mins. D: Chris Wedge. Co-Director: Carlos Saldanha. (computer generated imagery) In pre-historic times, an unlikely trio consisting of a sloth, a mammoth and a sabretooth tiger trek accross a frozen tundra to return a human child to it's tribe. Nominated for Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. Box office gross (as of 7/15/02): $175,676,099.
(Great animaltion & excellant voice work!)
SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMMARON (5/24/02) Dreamworks. 83 mins. D: Kelly Asbury & Lorna Cook. Free, untamed stallion leaves herd and is captured by soldiers, befriended by American natives, escapes forest fires, rides wild rivers and makes spectacular jumps in effort to return to homeland with lady love. Nominated for Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. Box office gross (as of 8/25/02): $73,215,310.
(The most beautiful animation I have ever seen from Dreamworks! Wonderful storyline!)
SHREK 2 (5/19/04) Dreamworks. 88 mins. D: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury & Conrad Vernon. (computer generated imagery) Shrek and his bride, Princesss Fiona, visit her parents in a land Far Far Away, where an evil Fairy Godmother and her son, Prince Charming, plot to separate the two. Nominated for an Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. U.S. Box office gross (as of 8/22/04): $436,471,036.
(More crazyness from everyones favorite ogre & his friends!)
THE INCREDIBLES (11/5/04) Disney/Pixar. 115 mins. (computer generated imagery) D: Brad Bird. A family of superheroes, ordered to hide their super-powers and shed their masked identities, are forced to come out of retirement to save the world; an adventure that bonds their relationship. Winner, Academy Award - Best Animated Feature. Box office gross (as of 4/3/05): $261,409,367.
(Hilarious story of a family of superheros!
Buzz
