Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of millions of viewers since its release in 1937. As the first full-length animated feature film, it was a groundbreaking achievement for Walt Disney and his team, who faced numerous challenges in its making. In this retrospective review, we’ll explore the behind-the-scenes stories of this beloved film, the perspectives of the audience upon its initial release, and how the media responded to it.
The idea for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came to Walt Disney when he was just starting his animation career. He saw potential in the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale and began working on it as a short film. But as he continued to develop the story, he realized it had the potential to be a full-length feature film. The project was risky, as no one had ever attempted to make a full-length animated film before. But Walt was determined to see it through, and he poured his heart and soul into the project.
The film’s production was not without its challenges, including technical difficulties and a tight budget. The animation team had to create a new multiplane camera to give the film its depth and dimension, and they had to overcome various obstacles during the film’s production. One such obstacle was the creation of the character of Grumpy, who proved to be a challenge for the animators due to his distinctive features and personality.
Despite the challenges, the team behind Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remained committed to the project. In an interview with animator Ward Kimball, he recalled the intense pressure that the team faced during the film’s production: “We knew we had a good story, but we were all worried that it wasn’t going to turn out right. We worked long hours and pushed ourselves to the limit to make it happen.”
One of the most memorable moments in the film’s production was the creation of the song “Someday My Prince Will Come.” The song was originally written as a duet between Snow White and Prince Charming, but the team decided to make it a solo for Snow White. The song became an instant classic and has remained a beloved Disney tune for decades.
When Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in December 1937, audiences were blown away by the film’s groundbreaking animation and storytelling. Many moviegoers had never seen anything like it before, and it quickly became a critical and commercial success. In an interview with The New York Times, film critic Frank S. Nugent wrote, “As a film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a fascinating spectacle, a picture to be studied and marvelled at for the technical wizardry, the skill in drawing and animation, the deft use of color and the vividness of design.”
The film was also praised for its ability to capture the magic of the fairy tale on the big screen. In an interview with Variety, Walt Disney himself said, “I think the public will like Snow White because it’s a story they’ve known and loved for years. We’ve tried to keep the story simple and yet give it the magic and charm that the original had.”
In the decades since its release, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has become a beloved classic, inspiring countless adaptations and spin-offs. The film’s impact on the world of animation cannot be overstated, as it paved the way for future Disney classics such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and The Little Mermaid.
As we look back on the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, we can appreciate the immense amount of work and dedication that went into bringing this timeless story to life. Walt Disney and his team faced countless challenges and obstacles, but they persevered to create a film that would become a beloved classic for generations to
In addition to its cinematic success, the film also inspired many attractions and experiences in Disney's theme parks.
Walt Disney himself recognized the potential for Snow White to be incorporated into the parks. In an interview, he stated, "I think Snow White lends itself very well to a theme park. She's a lovely character and people really relate to her."
The first Snow White-themed attraction opened in Disneyland in 1955, just a few years after the park's debut. The Snow White's Scary Adventures ride allowed guests to join Snow White on her journey through the forest and encounter the wicked queen, the seven dwarfs, and other iconic characters from the film. The attraction proved to be a popular addition to the park and has since been replicated in other Disney parks around the world.
Over the years, additional Snow White experiences have been introduced to the parks, including meet and greets with Snow White and the dwarfs, stage shows, and parades. In Tokyo Disneyland, there is even a walkthrough attraction called Snow White's Adventures, which takes guests through the story of the film using elaborate sets and animatronics.
The influence of Snow White can also be seen in other areas of the parks. The Snow White Grotto, a peaceful waterfall and statue garden, can be found in Disneyland, and the Evil Queen's castle serves as the backdrop for the nighttime show Fantasmic!
Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter spoke about the enduring appeal of Snow White in the parks, stating, "I think the reason Snow White is still so popular is because she's a character that everyone can relate to. She's kind and sweet, but also has a bit of spunk to her. Plus, the story and the characters are timeless."
As Disney continues to expand its theme parks and introduce new attractions and experiences, it's clear that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will always hold a special place in the hearts of both park-goers and Disney enthusiasts alike. As Walt Disney himself once said, "I suppose Snow White is still my favorite picture. After all, it did start everything."
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