sleeping beauty (1959)

the cynic in me is going to remain quiet whilst i write this piece, with attention turned to the downright appeal of the archetypal disney films. sure i understand completely that theyre a shrewd front to sell towels and assorted fare, and that their sexual politics leave a lot to be desired, but there is something that appeals from disney on a level that is synonomous with childhood and innocence and pure joy.

sleeping beauty, largely based on the tchaikovsky ballet interpretation of the fairy tale was the first animated film to be shot using 70mm film, and as such has a very unique scale of scope within the frame. the remastered print is of an outstanding quality, complimenting the visuals in a way that i dont imagine has ever actually been seen. the film itself is far too familiar to warrant a formal introduction, with the films theme predominently dealing with the tome of "good versus evil", albeit in a relatable and accessible manner, appropriate for the films target audience. the films score is heavily inspired by tchaikovsky's ballet score, and features such fare as "once upon a dream", which would go on to be considered to be one of the most memorable of the disney songs. another first for the film was its use of stereoscopic sound, the first use of its kind. the brief running time was also welcome, alas not as a critique towards the piece, but moreso as a genuinely welcome compliment towards the way in which the film manages to be wholly contained and satisfying within such a brief period of time.

for a piece of cinema that celebrates its fiftieth birthday this year, sleeping beauty still maintains an appeal to even the most headstrong of viewers.

bolt 3D (2009)

the first of disney's output that has genuinely been affected by the appointment of john lassiter as head of animation proves a great success. i genuinely believe this to be the best disney film in many a year, in fact i claimed it to be the best since 1970's "the aristocats" (my first theatrical experience fact fans), upon first leaving the screening. the effect is helped greatly by the use of 3D. gone are the traditional 3D gimmicks of spikes coming out of the screen every five minutes, or shards of glass floating in front of the viewers eyes, and in comes a subtle technique adding a layer of depth previously unseen in such a film. it also helps to take the gloss off of the sterile nature of some computer generated animation. the use of 3D really does put that seen in last months ''my bloody valentine 3D'' to shame, and shows how imagination is once again rife at disney.

wall-e (2008)

having seen wall-e upon its original release i knew exactly what to expect, but still anticipated a second viewing greatly. wall-e is such an endearing character that much has already been written about it, so to delve into that aspect is fairly unnecessary, alas i will simply add that a more empathetic and charming computer generated character has not been seen by myself. gollum included.

the wordless introduction to the film (i would hesitate to call it silent, as it isnt), cues the film perfectly. while not as revolutionary as thought upon first viewing it is still incredibly daring.