In 1934, Disney was famous for animated shorts, and nobody expected anything more from Disney or animation in general. Walt Disney had a vision for something much bigger though, and despite unending resistance, he started working on the first ever animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The story of getting the picture made is possibly as interesting as the actual film, but the final product turned out to be much more than anyone could have expected in quality and scope. Known to many as "Disney's Folly" while in production for nearly four years, Snow White cost $1.5 million to make (much more than the $250,000 budgeted at the start). Disney was in a position where the company would either fail or succeed with the film. Luckily, the release, in 1937, was an instant success.
Disney's Hyperion Ave. Studio
This film has been called the Citizen Kane of animation, in that it has influenced the way animation has been done ever since. Every Disney film made owes it's existence to Snow White. Countless other films both animated and live action have Snow White to thank as well. As a historical landmark and technical achievement, it is an easy movie to celebrate.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is now 72 years old, yet still holds up quite favorably to modern animation. Many elements used in this film have become staples of Disney and animation as a whole. Forwarding the story through song is now popular, but was unheard of at this time even in stage musicals. The inclusion and emphasis on music in animated features continues to this day. Cute, furry animals have also remained popular over the years. There are countless techniques and special effects developed by Disney that were included in this film and are still in use. Snow White stands as an achievement of one man's vision (and hundreds of animators dedication) like few other films ever made. But with all that said, is it enjoyable?
I do not remember the first time I saw Snow White, but I know it was never amongst my favorite Disney films growing up. It is rarely at the top of my list when I am in the mood for a Disney film, but especially since watching it on Blu-ray several times, I have come to appreciate much about this classic feature.
The story is fairly standard Disney fair, a somewhat watered down classic fairy tale. If you have somehow avoided this film all your life, the basic premise is that Snow White is forced into hiding in the dwarfs' forest home because the jealous queen has ordered the beautiful princess to be killed. The queen succeeds in cursing Snow White, but (spoiler!) her plan is thwarted by the kiss of a handsome prince in love.
The characters all function well in fulfilling their purpose. These are the same basic archetypes found in many animated films today. Snow White is pretty and sweet. The queen is evil. The dwarfs are amusing. The hunter is scary. The animals are cute. The prince is handsome. Everything works together well at telling a cohesive feature length story, but I have never felt any true connection to it for some reason. Two of my friends watching it with me for the purpose of this review had fallen asleep by the end. There is, however, a lot more to this film than just the basic story to keep you entertained.
This film is filled with great music. The majority of the songs are memorable, and I found myself surprised by how familiar I was with many of the lyrics even after years without seeing the film. The background music is also moving as well and is vital in setting the tone of the picture throughout.
The gags are great. Each time I have watched this film recently, I have noticed more little gags involving the forest animals or dwarfs. These really help keep you entertained, especially on repeat viewings. It seems crazy to make your first animated feature include eight title characters. Disney uses them all well. Each dwarf has his basic personality summarized in his name. I kept getting the feeling that they often seemed similar to Disney's animated short stars including Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. There is also a ridiculous number of forest creatures on the screen at the same time in many scenes that keeps things interesting. I especially enjoy the turtle.
The animation and style is beautiful. Though the characters look a little rubbery compared to later Disney films (more a stylistic choice than any kind of limitation), it is truly impressive how well the animation holds up even compared to modern work in the field. The film also brought to mind other classic animation being done around the same time, including the Fleischer Superman shorts. The color palate was kept fairly subtle which helped differentiate this from many color animated shorts. The painted backgrounds are gorgeous, with so much detail that really brings the world to life. To think that not even ten years prior, Steam Boat Willie was the peak of Disney animation is astounding.
Still, as much as I admire this movie on all these levels and respect it for the huge achievement and influence it is, it doesn't rank among my favorites on a strictly emotional level (mostly due to the spoil of riches I grew up with in the form of all the other Disney features). If I had seen it in context during its release, I have no doubt it would have blown my mind. This is a film that demands to be seen for anyone who considers them self a serious fan of animation or film. It is probably the most important animated film ever made, and one of the more important films of any kind. It is a template for countless movies made since, and stands the test of time as well as any classic. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs started the Golden Age of Disney off with a style that animators try to replicate to this day and it is not hard to see why.
Up next we have Disney's second animated feature, Pinocchio.
Rachel Weisz as Snow White
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