To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney, the studio produced a special short film titled 'Once Upon a Studio', lasting only 9 minutes but packed with over 543 characters from classic and modern animations. This short is not just a gift for fans but a poem about the power of imagination and timeless memories.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins at Disney's animation studio after work hours. Mickey Mouse invites friends from every era to gather for a commemorative group photo for the 100th anniversary. From Snow White, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Mary Poppins, Rapunzel to characters from Encanto and Frozen, they all accept the invitation, traveling through doors and picture frames to the studio lobby. The short unfolds in real-time, interspersed with jokes and touching moments, ending with a heartwarming group photo that includes all characters.
Performance and Characters
Although the short has few spoken lines, the voice acting by original cast members brings every character to life. Chris Diamantopoulos voices Mickey with classic warmth, Tony Anselmo returns as Donald Duck, while Bill Farmer voices both Goofy and Pluto. Jim Cummings, who voices Baloo and Winnie the Pooh, remains delightful, and Auli'i Cravalho reprises Moana in a brief song that gives chills. The mix of characters from classic animation and CGI creates balance and showcases the studio's evolution.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The short is directed by Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, seasoned Disney veterans. The visuals seamlessly blend 2D and 3D, with 2D characters from the golden age like Aladdin and Jasmine moving fluidly in the real studio's 3D world. The camera moves in long takes, following characters from stairs to various rooms, creating a dreamlike experience. The music by David Metzger rearranges melodies from classic films, including 'When You Wish Upon a Star' and 'You've Got a Friend in Me', woven harmoniously.
Editorial Analysis
Once Upon a Studio is not just a star-studded short but a love letter to fans of all ages. The editorial team believes what makes it special is its interpretation of 'magic' as the collaborative effort of behind-the-scenes teams and timeless characters. The gathering of characters from different eras without division reflects Disney's philosophy that good stories never die and imagination connects people of all ages. Small details, like a map in the studio reading 'To the World of Imagination' or a photo of Walt Disney in a corner, are gifts for those who appreciate the studio's history.
Verdict
Once Upon a Studio is a heartwarming gift for Disney fans of all ages. This 9-minute short is filled with nostalgia and hidden details, perfect for families to enjoy together or for those wanting to relive childhood memories. Though short, every second is worth it.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Over 543 characters from every era create nostalgia and emotion
- +Seamless blend of 2D and 3D animation techniques
- +Short but powerful, packed with details and Easter eggs
- +Music rearranges classic melodies beautifully
- +Suitable for both children and adults who grew up with Disney
👎 Cons
- −Only 9 minutes long, leaving many wanting more
- −Some characters appear only briefly, which fans might miss
- −Simple plot with no conflict, may not appeal to those expecting complex storytelling
Top Cast
FAQ
The short is available on Disney+ as part of the 100th anniversary celebration, streaming since October 16, 2023.
No, the short exclusively celebrates characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios, not including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, or live-action.
It took about 9 months, with a team of over 100 people working on drawing and animation.
There are 543 characters from 85 animated films, ranging from Snow White (1937) to Wish (2023).
