The Ten Decades of Disney

This week, I will look at the 'Mouse House, ' which celebrates 100 years of animation.

Welcome to Animated, the free weekly newsletter about the stories behind various animations. This week, and for the next three, I will look at the Disney corporation and some of its animations that celebrate their birthdays this year.

I have written this all about the 100th anniversary. Like many companies over the years, Disney is trying to alter its image to be more culturally aware of societal changes. Some argue that this has been too slow and that attitudes potentially held by Disney have impacted people and cultures. My writing is not political but about the company and its growth and changes over those one hundred years.

In 2023, the world celebrates the remarkable centenary of the Disney Corporation, a name synonymous with enchantment, imagination, and unparalleled storytelling. What started as a humble animation studio has evolved into a global entertainment juggernaut. This piece will take you on a nostalgic journey through each decade of Disney's history, exploring the milestones, innovations, and characters that have defined the company. From the 1920s to today, I will try and unravel the magic behind Disney's enduring legacy.

1920s: The Birth of a Dream

Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923. This decade marked the inception of a dream that would transform the entertainment industry. The studio's first significant success was the creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a character Walt designed in 1927. However, Oswald was taken from Disney due to a contractual dispute with Universal Pictures, prompting Walt to create a new character that would become an icon in the 1930s.

The Rise of Mickey Mouse

The 1930s witnessed the birth of a global phenomenon - Mickey Mouse. In 1928, Walt Disney introduced the world to the lovable, animated mouse in the short film "Steamboat Willie." Mickey's cheerful personality and catchy theme song endeared him to audiences worldwide. Mickey Mouse's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. In 1932, he received an Academy Award for creating a new category, the "Best Short Subject (Cartoon)," recognising his influence in animation. Micky would have been called Mortimer Mouse until Walt’s wife stepped in, saying that the name needed more of an edge and giving him the name of Mickey.

Disney's Golden Age of Animation

The late 1930s and early 1940s marked Disney's Golden Age of Animation. During this period, the studio produced classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941), and Bambi (1942). These films pushed the boundaries of animation, showcasing breathtaking visuals and intricate storytelling. Snow White, the first full-length animated feature, was a monumental success, grossing over $8 million amid the Great Depression. However, Pinocchio and Fantasia weren’t as successful at the box office, and only in later years when re-released and watched by different generations, did these start to gain iconic status with families.

Disney's Expansion

As the 1950s dawned, Disney expanded into new ventures. In 1954, they launched Disneyland. Disneyland was an instant success, attracting millions of visitors and becoming a template for future Disney theme parks worldwide. The decade also saw the release of Disney's live-action and animated hybrid film Mary Poppins (1964), which blended animation with live-action sequences and received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.

Transition and Innovation

The 1960s marked a period of transition for Disney. Walt Disney's untimely death in 1966 was a significant loss to the company. However, his legacy lived on as Disney continued to innovate. 1967, the company released The Jungle Book, a blend of captivating animation and memorable music. Disney also ventured into live-action films such as The Parent Trap (1961), further diversifying its portfolio.

Photo by steven lozano on Unsplash

Animated Renaissance

The 1970s saw a resurgence in Disney's animation. 1970, The Aristocats was released, followed by classics like Robin Hood (1973) and The Rescuers (1977). These films maintained the tradition of rich storytelling and memorable characters while experimenting with different art styles and animation techniques.

Disney's Renaissance

The 1980s witnessed a true renaissance for Disney animation. The studio released a string of critical and commercial hits, including The Little Mermaid (1989), signalling the beginning of a new era known as the Disney Renaissance. This film was praised for its captivating storytelling and memorable music, featuring songs composed by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The Disney Renaissance continued into the 1990s, with films like Beauty and the Beast (1991) and The Lion King (1994), which became cultural touchstones.

The Renaissance Continues

The 1990s were a period of unparalleled success for Disney Animation. Beauty and the Beast became the first animated film nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. The Lion King became among the highest-grossing animated films, grossing over $968 million worldwide. These films, along with Aladdin (1992), Pocahontas (1995), and Mulan (1998), solidified Disney's reputation as the leader in animated storytelling.

 Disney's Digital Revolution

The 21st century brought about a new era of animation with the release of Dinosaur (2000) and The Emperor's New Groove (2000). However, the acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios in 2006 marked a significant shift in Disney's animation. Under the guidance of Pixar's visionary John Lasseter, Disney produced a string of computer-animated blockbusters, including Finding Nemo (2003), Ratatouille (2007), and Toy Story 3 (2010). These films combined cutting-edge technology with the heartwarming storytelling that had always been Disney's hallmark.

Disney's Acquisition of Star Wars and Marvel

The 2010s witnessed Disney's expansion into science fiction and superheroes with its Lucasfilm and Marvel Entertainment acquisitions. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) rekindled the magic of a galaxy far away. Simultaneously, the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced iconic characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow, culminating in the blockbuster success of Avengers: Endgame (2019), which became the highest-grossing film ever.

Disney's Streaming Dominance

The 2020s have seen Disney's meteoric rise in the streaming industry with the launch of Disney+. This streaming platform provides a vast library of Disney's classic films and new original content, including series like The Mandalorian and WandaVision. Disney+ quickly amassed over 100 million subscribers worldwide, cementing the company's place in the digital entertainment landscape.

Conclusion

As Disney celebrates its centenary, it is clear that Disney's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, innovation, and imagination. From the creation of Mickey Mouse to the digital revolutions of the 2000s and the expansion into streaming in the 2020s, Disney has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the entertainment world.

With a treasure trove of classic films, beloved characters, and an ever-expanding universe of content, Disney continues to captivate audiences of all ages. This proves that the magic of Disney is timeless, and the next century promises to be just as enchanting as the last.