Written by Madison Challis; edited by Charlotte Lewis
In the pantheon of cinematic history, few studios have etched as indelible a mark on the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide as Walt Disney Animation Studios. From the earliest flickers of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to the modern masterpieces that continue to captivate, Disney's animated films have been a constant source of wonder, inspiration, and innovation. As we embark on a journey through the storied eras of Disney animation, we delve into the artistry, cultural significance, and enduring legacy that these films have woven into the fabric of our society.
This series of articles will guide you through the Golden Age's pioneering spirit, the Wartime era's resilience, the Silver Age's fairy-tale revival, and beyond, exploring how each period reflected and influenced the world both on and off the screen. We'll examine the historical context that shaped these films, the technological advancements that propelled animation into new realms, and the unforgettable characters and stories that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Join us as we celebrate the magic, the milestones, and the mesmerising journey of Disney animation through the ages. Whether you're a lifelong Disney aficionado (like myself) or a casual admirer of animated artistry, this series promises to enchant, inform, and inspire, revealing the enduring magic that Disney has cast upon the world of entertainment.
Let’s begin.
The Disney Golden Age, also known as the Golden Era, marks the beginning of Walt Disney Animation Studios and is a period renowned for its significant contributions to the animation industry and pop culture. This era spans from 1937 to 1942 and is characterised by the production of Disney's earliest full-length animated feature films, which have since become iconic.
The Golden Age began with the release of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937. This period was defined by technological innovation, storytelling excellence, and artistic achievement in animation. The era unfolded against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the lead-up to World War II, times of significant economic hardship and global uncertainty. These external pressures influenced Disney's filmmaking decisions, both in the thematic elements of hope, resilience, and escapism present in its films and in the studio's operations, including financial constraints and the quest for new markets and audiences.
Image IMDb
Films Included in the Golden Era
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937): The first full-length animated feature in colour and with sound, setting the foundation for narrative-driven animated films.
7.5 IMDb 97% Rotten Tomatoes 3.2 Letterboxd
Pinocchio (1940): Known for its technical brilliance and complex characters, emphasising themes of honesty and transformation.
7.5 IMDb 100% Rotten Tomatoes 3.5 Letterboxd
Fantasia (1940): A groundbreaking experiment combining classical music with animated imagery, showcasing Disney's willingness to innovate and experiment.
7.7 IMDb 95% Rotten Tomatoes 3.9 Letterboxd
Dumbo (1941): A simpler, more economic production due to the constraints of World War II, focusing on themes of acceptance and the value of differences.
7.2 IMDb 95% Rotten Tomatoes 3.4 Letterboxd
Bambi (1942): A film noted for its realistic animation of nature, dealing with themes of growth, loss, and survival.
7.3 IMDb Rotten 91% Tomatoes 3.5 Letterboxd
The above ratings for all five films are somewhat interesting to me, specifically the Rotten Tomatoes ratings. While I respect the advancement in technology and animation that these films represent, to me, they are some of the more unbearable Disney films. For children, they are quite scary, and not stories I imagine Disney would recreate this way now – this is arguably why they have remade Pinocchio and are soon releasing the new Snow White. Fantasia, however, is one of my favourite films. While it is still quite frightening in parts for a ‘children’s’ film, and I can see how many at the time did not understand the masterpiece for what it was, the film was ahead of its time. The abstract idea of art on film alongside a classical orchestra is magnificent to witness, and the concepts that the animators came up with to match the infamous pieces are so beautiful and creative. It is a film I come back to for comfort, and is great as a background film if you are ever hosting.
Relevance at the Time
The films produced during the Golden Age were relevant for their technological innovations, such as the multiplane camera technique, and their storytelling prowess. They offered audiences an escape from the harsh realities of the time, providing both children and adults with stories of hope, courage, and perseverance. These films also reflected the American culture of the era, emphasising values such as honesty, bravery, and the importance of family and friends.
More on the multiplane camera
Developed by William Garity for Walt Disney Studios in the early 1930s, this camera revolutionised animation by adding a sense of depth and realism previously unattainable with traditional animation techniques.
The Problem with Traditional Animation
Before the advent of the multiplane camera, animations were largely flat because they were shot on a single plane. All the elements of a scene—characters, backgrounds, and effects—were drawn on the same sheet or closely stacked sheets of glass, which limited the ability to create scenes with depth or complex movements within the environment.
How the Multiplane Camera Works
The multiplane camera addressed this limitation by separating the various elements of an animated scene across different layers of glass, each positioned at a different distance from the camera. These layers could be moved independently of one another, allowing for the creation of parallax effects and a more dynamic sense of depth as the camera panned or zoomed. For example, foreground elements could move faster than those in the background, mimicking the way objects appear to move in the real world relative to the observer's perspective.
The camera itself was a large, vertical structure with multiple adjustable planes, each capable of holding a piece of artwork. Lighting was positioned below and above the artwork to ensure even illumination, and the camera was mounted at the top, pointing downward. This setup allowed animators to create scenes with a three-dimensional feel, enhancing the storytelling with visual depth and complexity.
Impact on Disney Films
The multiplane camera made its first significant debut in the Silly Symphony short "The Old Mill" (1937), showcasing its ability to create atmospheric and visually compelling scenes. However, its potential was fully realised in feature films starting with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937). The technology was used to create many memorable scenes, such as the dramatic forest chase in "Snow White" and the sweeping ballroom scene in "Beauty and the Beast" (1991), although, by the latter, digital techniques had started to supplement traditional methods.
Legacy and Evolution
The multiplane camera was a milestone in animation technology, setting a new standard for visual storytelling in animated films. It opened up new creative possibilities, allowing animators to explore more complex narratives and settings. While the original mechanical multiplane cameras are no longer in use, having been replaced by digital techniques that can achieve similar effects with greater efficiency and flexibility, the principle behind the multiplane camera—creating depth and immersion in animation—continues to influence the industry.
Influence on Pop Culture
The Golden Age films have left an indelible mark on pop culture. They introduced a series of iconic characters and narratives that have been referenced, parodied, and celebrated across various media platforms for decades. The era established the Disney brand as a cornerstone of family entertainment and set standards for animation that influenced countless filmmakers and studios around the world. Characters from these films have become part of the global collective consciousness, featured in merchandise, theme parks, and in various forms of entertainment, from Broadway shows to video games.
Moreover, the storytelling techniques and artistic achievements of the Golden Age have inspired generations of animators and storytellers, contributing to the evolution of animation as a serious art form. The legacy of the Golden Age can be seen in the continued popularity and relevance of these films, which remain beloved by new audiences and are celebrated for their craftsmanship, narrative depth, and emotional resonance.
In summary, the Disney Golden Age was a pivotal era that not only transformed the animation industry but also introduced timeless stories and characters that remain influential in global pop culture and entertainment. In my view, it isn’t a personal favourite era, but it’s the one that started them all - so from that point of view, it is the most important!