Munir Presents Walt Disney Animation Studios: A Retrospective -- Introduction

By Munir Abedrabbo.

Hello folks! With the beginning of the New Year and the fact that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs just turned 75 this past December, I thought it would be nice to have a rundown over all 52 animated films that the Disney Studio has released so far. Each week, a film from the Disney canon will be presented alongside a short commentary and a rating system. All films are going to be presented in chronological order from Snow White to Wreck-It Ralph. I hope you enjoy this and that this retrospective will stir up discussions about these films and of these 75 years of great legacy!

To better organize this retrospective, I’ve divided all the films in time periods:

Classic Era (From Snow White to The Rescuers)

• Golden Age (From Snow White to Bambi)
• War Period (From Saludos Amigos to The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)
• Silver Age (From Cinderella to The Rescuers) 

Dark Era (From The Fox and the Hound to Oliver & Company)

Renaissance (From The Little Mermaid to Tarzan)

• Part 1 (From The Little Mermaid to The Lion King)
• Part 2 (From Pocahontas to Tarzan)

Second Dark Era (From Fantasia 2000 to Chicken Little)

New Era (From Meet the Robinsons until now)

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Classic Era (1937-1977)

Golden Age (1937-1942)

Overview

After years of making animated short films and experimenting with different techniques, Walt Disney decided to put all these techniques to test with the creation of a full-length animated feature. The result was not only an undisputed triumph but also it started the boldest and most productive period in the studio’s history. The five films produced in this period are a true testament of Walt’s talent as a storyteller and as a visionary and they paved the way for every single animated film that came after. Whether experimenting with animation techniques, or improving in the story department, these films set the standard to which all subsequent animated films are measured. They are unquestionable masterpieces and their legacy continues to flourish some 70 years after their original screenings. The Golden Age was truly the most magical time for the studio.

Coming soon: Animated Classic #1 Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Check out more of Munir's (and fellow new-recruit Damien's) reviews on our Contributors page.