Disney has become a household name in classic family films for years. Since 1937, Walt Disney Studios has released upwards of 50 feature-length animated films. While there can be much debate over which is considered the best of these beloved films, it is worthwhile to watch a varied collection in order to get a true glimpse at the type of animated magic Disney has been providing for generations. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Start out with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, this film was a variety of firsts. Not only the first full-length feature film produced by Disney, it was also the first animated feature film produced in America as well as the first produced in full color. This film is a part of the National Film Registry, which preserves up to 25 "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films" each year to showcase the diversity of American film heritage.
2. Watch "Pinocchio." Made after the success of Snow White, this film is based on the story "Pinocchio: Tale of a Puppet" by Carlo Collodi. A magical blue fairy tells the wooden puppet Pinocchio he can become a real boy if he promises to be "brave, truthful, and unselfish." Desperate to fulfill these requirements, Pinocchio sets off for many adventures that introduce him to a variety of characters from Honest John and Gideon to Stromboli. This film is also a member of the National Film Registry.
3. Watch "Fantasia." The third feature-length film from Disney, this one is most unique because the animation is set to classical music with no dialogue spoken throughout--aside from a spoken introduction. Sorcerer Mickey, star of Fantasia, has charmed audiences for years with orchestral selections such as "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "The Rite of Spring" and "Dance of the Hours." This film is also a member of the National Film Registry.
4. Watch "Cinderella." This timeless story, 12th among the Disney animated feature-length films, follows the beautiful Cinderella whose cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball. With some help from lovable mice Gus and Jaq, and her Fairy Godmother of course, she is able to attend the ball and gain the attention of her beloved Prince. Her castle is the focal structure in Disney World's Magic Kingdom--a common photo spot for millions of Florida tourists.
5. Watch "The Jungle Book." The 19th feature film, it was the last one to be produced by Walt Disney himself as he died during its production. Join Bagheera the Panther and Baloo the Bear as they go to great lengths to convince young Mowgli to leave the jungle for human civilization.
6. Watch "Beauty and the Beast." The 30th feature-length film and modern classic is based on the fairy tale "La Belle et la Bête" by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont, showcasing the story of Belle, whose father Maurice is imprisoned by a terrible beast. Belle offers herself in place of her father as prisoner in the Beast's castle and works with the help of some enchanted friends to find the prince inside the Beast. This film, the first animated movie to be nominated for a best-picture Oscar, is also a member of the National Film Registry. It was turned into a stage version seen on Broadway for 13 years, making it the sixth-longest running production in Broadway history.
7. Research the other dozens of films that Disney has produced since 1937 and see which have the most intriguing plot lines to you--and watch those as well. Each animated Disney film has its own appeal and charm, with a storyline to please any age group.
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