Recently, I watched a video of a lively discussion between the animators of one of my favorite Disney classics, The Lion King. They covered many topics, from lion-walking logistics to song development, and listening to them elaborate on the process behind a beloved movie of mine was beyond fascinating. What stuck out to me, past the obvious passion these people have for their craft, is how dedicated they were to producing the film in a way that honors animation as an art form.

The stunning opening scenes of Wall-E aside, many animated movies nowadays lack “quiet” time, with little space to breathe, few pauses in action, and rarely a still figure. I think it’s safe to say that as an audience, we get caught up in the dialogue and the colors and the movements, and we generally seek visual stimulation, but I’m not sure when that translated into constant sensory overload. It’s refreshing to take a look back and see what animators could do in their more peaceful, hand-drawn heyday. Stills from older Disney movies could stand alone as artwork. Seriously.

I found this website, Disney Screencaps, today, and I think my body stopped functioning. I’ve never found an online resource with this much power to amaze me, and I suggest you all go take a look. Yes, you’ve seen the movies. I’m sure you think they’re great, but I doubt you’ve seen them like this. One movie becomes seven THOUSAND five hundred individual pieces of art.

Sleeping Beauty is particularly cool, to me, so I have several images to share. If they ever upload clearer images of 101 Dalmatians, I will probably faint. The settings and style of that movie are beauutiful.