This year, as we commemorate a century of magic in honor of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary, fans have been treated to a look back at some of the masterpieces that helped make Disney a success. Whether celebrating in the Disney Parks, at events, or through media or social media, opportunities abound to mark the occasion in your own special way. Something I’ve particularly enjoyed this year are the videos posted by Walt Disney Animation Studios on TikTok. Viewers are transported back in time to an era when high-quality standards and handcrafted artwork were of utmost importance, under the leadership of Walt Disney. After watching a behind-the-scenes clip from my favorite animated film, Sleeping Beauty, I was inspired to dig a little deeper. Let’s go on a journey to uncover some of the highlights from the making of Sleeping Beauty, and what makes this film so unique!
A Quintessential Fairytale
Sleeping Beauty holds a special place in the hearts of Disneyland fans. The castle is a tribute to the movie both inside and out, with a charming exterior, and walkthrough that continues to enchant visitors. But, where does the story begin?
Sleeping Beauty debuted over six decades ago, on January 29, 1959. The movie’s predecessors include classics like Lady and the Tramp, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Dumbo, Bambi, Pinocchio, and of course, the original, Snow White.
Sleeping Beauty follows the tale of Princess Aurora, who is destined for a terrible fate. Once upon a time, the evil Maleficent put a curse on the princess. Maleficent prophesies that before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she’ll prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle, and die. Throughout Aurora’s life, three fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, look after her. Although they do their best to protect her, the curse comes to fruition, and Aurora inevitably becomes a “Sleeping Beauty.” Eventually, she is awoken by Prince Phillip, whom she previously encounters in the enchanting forest. After slaying Maleficent in fire-breathing dragon form, Phillip’s kiss brings Aurora back to life, and the two live happily, ever after.
There is so much to love about Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. From the musical soundtrack to its medieval fairy tale setting, it’s truly a masterpiece. But, the crown jewel of the film is undoubtedly its artwork. Let’s dig deeper to discover why.
An Animated Masterpiece
Walt Disney had lofty goals for Sleeping Beauty from the get-go, envisioning it as a “moving illustration”. A conversation with his sequence director, Eric Larson, reveals his commitment to excellence. Walt Disney shared, “I don’t care how long it takes.” He was determined to get it right!
Disney Legend Eyvind Earle
In order to accomplish his goal, he had someone specific in mind for the artwork, Eyvind Earle. Earle shared a similar character trait to Walt Disney; he never gave up! In 1934, at 18 years old, he attempted to get a job with the Disney Studio, but to no avail. This didn’t dissuade him though. For three years, Earle applied over and over again, despite multiple rejections. It wasn’t until 17 years later that he saw his dream fulfilled. In 1951, he finally got a job as a background painter.
Earle’s artistic style was inspired by pre-Renaissance, Northern European art. Combining historic influences with modern, 20th-century painting, he gave Sleeping Beauty a unique and magical design. Earle hand-painted several backgrounds, compiling panoramas for the widescreen film, some of which were up to 15 feet in length!
Designing Princess Aurora
Earle’s background style made its way into the character design process as well, with artist Tom Oreb aiming to blend the two together. Princess Aurora’s dainty appearance was inspired, in part, by Audrey Hepburn. Animator Marc Davis collaborated with Oreb to bring Sleeping Beauty to life.
Walt Disney’s aim for perfection didn’t end with the visuals; it translated to the voice acting as well. With a specific sound in mind, he waited three years to find the right candidate to voice his new character. Upon hearing Mary Costa perform, he brought her in for an audition, casting her as Aurora himself. Although Costa went on to become a celebrated opera singer, she has a special attachment to the classic film. She’s been quoted as saying, “But Sleeping Beauty is the thing I’m most proud of in my entire career. It’s a beautiful film to be associated with, and I was thrilled to be able to do it.”
Celebrating the Magic of Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty‘s appeal is the result of Walt Disney’s relentless pursuit of excellence, which trickled into every aspect of the film’s making. If you’re a Sleeping Beauty fan, check out the clip below, which inspired this article, and follow @DisneyAnimation on TikTok for more interesting tidbits from Walt Disney Animation Studios, as we continue to celebrate Disney100!
@disneyanimation As part of the Multiplane Camera process, glass plates were painted by the Background Department and used to add depth and dimension to our worlds. Most plates were washed off, repainted, and reused at the time. 🎨 Watch #SleepingBeauty on DisneyPlus. ✨ Join us as we look at the artistry, technology, and people that have shaped 100YearsofDisneyAnimation.
Seal of Approval from Walt Disney
When referring to the animated classic in 1959, Walt Disney had high praise for its result. He said, “Sleeping Beauty is the most beautiful film we have ever made. It has been a definite challenge but thanks to our talented staff of artists and technicians, it has been met. They have now developed the process of animation to the point where it can truly be called ‘the art of enlivened, moving painting’.” Although The Walt Disney Company may not make the same kind of animated films like they used to, fans can enjoy a treasure trove of classics like Sleeping Beauty, whose quality will last the test of time.
Disney100 Collection
Keeping in ties with the Disney100 Celebration currently going on, fans of Disney movies will be thrilled to know there’s a limited-edition collection of 100 classic Disney movies from its century of existing as a company. And of course, Sleeping Beauty is one of the films included!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxCA4qwPXwF/?img_index=1
You can get the full details in the article below:
An Incredible Legacy – Disney 100 Animated Films Collection!
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Let’s Hear From You!
Recently, we took a poll asking about your favorite Disney movies. Did Sleeping Beauty make your list? Do you think Disney animation has lost its magic? Has technology changed the art form for better or for worse? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!