The Walt Disney Company is a household name, known for its iconic characters and beloved films. But have you ever wondered what the first Disney movie was? The answer may surprise you.
The Birth of Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios was founded in 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy Disney. The studio’s first venture was a series of short films called the “Alice Comedies,” which were a combination of live-action and animation. These films were moderately successful, but it wasn’t until the release of the first fully animated feature film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” that Disney Studios became a household name.
The idea for “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” came to Walt Disney in 1934, when he decided to adapt the popular fairy tale into a full-length animated feature film. At the time, many in the film industry thought the idea was foolish, as animated films were seen as nothing more than children’s entertainment. However, Disney was determined to prove them wrong.
The production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was a massive undertaking, with a budget of $1.5 million (equivalent to over $27 million today) and a team of over 750 artists, animators, and technicians. The film took three years to complete and was released in 1937 to critical and commercial success.
The success of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” paved the way for future Disney classics such as “Pinocchio,” “Fantasia,” and “Bambi.” Disney Studios continued to push the boundaries of animation, introducing new techniques and technologies to the industry.
Today, Disney Studios is a global entertainment powerhouse, producing films under various labels and subsidiaries, including Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and more.
The First Disney Movie: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is widely regarded as the first Disney movie. Released in 1937, it was the first full-length traditionally animated feature film and the first Disney animated feature film. The movie was based on the 1812 German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.
The production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was supervised by David Hand, and the film’s sequences were directed by Perce Pearce, William Cottrell, Larry Morey, Wilfred Jackson, and Ben Sharpsteen. Walt Disney himself was heavily involved in the production of the movie, overseeing the animation and music.
The movie was a huge success, both critically and commercially. It grossed $8 million at the box office, which was an enormous amount of money at the time. It also received a special Academy Award for its groundbreaking achievement in the field of animation.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs paved the way for future Disney movies and established Disney as a major player in the animation industry. The movie’s success allowed Disney to invest in new technology and expand its studio, leading to the production of other classic Disney movies such as Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Bambi.
Making of the First Disney Movie
The Concept
The concept of the first Disney movie originated from a series of short films called the Alice Comedies. These films were a combination of live-action and animation, featuring a young girl named Alice who found herself in a cartoon world. Walt Disney, the founder of Disney Studios, wanted to create a full-length animated feature film that would appeal to both children and adults. He chose the fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” as the subject for his first movie.
The Production
The production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a massive undertaking for Disney Studios. The film was in production for three years and involved over 750 artists, animators, and technicians. Disney insisted on using the latest technology and techniques, which included the use of multiplane cameras for more realistic movement and depth in the animation. The film also featured a full-length musical score, which was a first for an animated film.
The Release
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released on December 21, 1937, to critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its groundbreaking animation and storytelling, and it quickly became the highest-grossing film of its time. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs also received an honorary Academy Award for its achievement in filmmaking.
In conclusion, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated feature film produced by Disney Studios. The film was a massive undertaking that involved the latest technology and techniques, and it was a critical and commercial success upon its release.
Impact on the Disney Brand
The first Disney movie, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” released in 1937, had a significant impact on the Disney brand. The movie’s success paved the way for the company’s future productions, setting the standard for the quality of animation and storytelling that Disney is known for today.
The movie’s popularity led to the creation of merchandise, including dolls, books, and other products, which helped to increase the Disney brand’s visibility. This success allowed the company to expand into other areas, such as television and theme parks.
Additionally, the success of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” helped establish Disney as a leader in the animation industry. The movie’s innovative use of color and music set a new standard for animated films, inspiring other studios to follow suit.
Overall, the impact of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on the Disney brand cannot be overstated. The movie’s success not only established Disney as a leader in the animation industry but also helped to set the standard for quality storytelling and animation that the company is known for today.
Legacy of the First Disney Movie
The first Disney movie ever produced was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937. The legacy of this movie is immense, shaping the future of animation and entertainment as we know it today.
Firstly, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated feature film ever produced. It was a huge success, grossing over $8 million at a time when the average movie ticket cost just 25 cents. This success paved the way for other animated feature films, including Disney classics such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and The Little Mermaid.
In addition to its commercial success, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs also set a new standard for animation quality. The movie featured groundbreaking animation techniques, such as the use of multiplane cameras to create depth and the creation of realistic character movements through the use of live-action reference footage. These techniques are still used in animation today.
Furthermore, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs introduced the world to the Disney Princess franchise, which has become an integral part of Disney’s brand identity. The movie’s success also allowed Disney to expand into other areas, such as theme parks and merchandise, further solidifying its position as a cultural icon.
Overall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ legacy is one of innovation, creativity, and success. It paved the way for the future of animation and entertainment, and its impact can still be felt today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the very first Disney movie ever made?
The first Disney movie ever made was “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937. The film was a major milestone for the animation industry, as it was the first full-length animated feature film. Snow White was a commercial and critical success, and it paved the way for Disney to become a major player in the entertainment industry.
What is the second oldest Disney movie?
The second oldest Disney movie is “Pinocchio”, which was released in 1940. The film is based on the Italian children’s novel “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi. The story follows a wooden puppet named Pinocchio who dreams of becoming a real boy. The movie was a box office success and received critical acclaim, winning two Academy Awards.
What were some of the oldest Disney shows?
Some of the oldest Disney shows include “The Mickey Mouse Club”, which premiered in 1955 and featured a group of young performers known as the Mouseketeers. Another early Disney show was “Zorro”, which aired from 1957 to 1959 and starred Guy Williams as the masked hero. “The Wonderful World of Disney” was also an early Disney show, which originally aired in 1954 and featured a variety of Disney movies, shorts, and documentaries.