Introduction

When Walt Disney's Studios first opened, it immediately stole the hearts of millions of Americans, young and old. Today, it is a multi-billion dollar company still capturing the hearts of everyone who watches. Walt Disney's innovation, fantasies, and aesthetics have made it a universal American icon.

History of Walt Disney

The Walt Disney Company was started by two brothers, Roy and Walt Disney. The two moved to California and signed their first contract with MJ Wrinkler. Walt Disney was the imagination of it all. He had high ambitions and a strong imagination. "Try to imagine a world without Walt Disney. A world without his magic, whimsy, and optimism. Walt Disney transformed the entertainment industry, into what we know today. He pioneered the fields of animation, and found new ways to teach and educate," (Just Disney).In 1926, the company changed its name from The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studios to Walt Disney Studios. Walt Disney studios created the first motion picture with sound, the first color motion picture, the first animated feature film, the first animated and live action film, characters beloved around the world, discovered new equipment, broke hundreds of barriers, opened the doors to animations and endless possibilities, and transformed the entertainment industry forever. Movie Collage

Geography of Walt Disney

Walt Disney Studios first started off in a small studio located in Hyperion Avenue in Los Angeles, California. With Snow White being the highest grossing film records of all time in 1937, "work immediately began on other feature projects and the company moved itself to its current site in Burbank, California," (The Walt Disney Company.)

Google Maps

Walt Disney and Technology

Walt Disney Studios opened the doors for the entertainment industry. They produced the first animated film with sound, Steamboat Willie; the first animated film with color, Flowers and Trees; the first animated full length feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; The first animated and live action films, Song of the South.
Pinocchio was the first animated film to take lighting into account. Also, the tech team on Pinocchio created the first revolutionary playing camera. It added the first real three-dimensional effect.

"Walt's drive to perfect the art of animation was endless," (Just Disney).
Disney Classic Movie Blog

Walt Disney and the Arts

Walt Disney is all about art... the art of animation, the art of filming, singing, and even Broadway productions. Disney broke many barriers in his animations, all previously stated. Fantasia was the first film to focus on music, mainly Beethoven.

"In 1994, Disney ventured into Broadway with the stage production of Beauty and the Beast, followed in 1997 by The Lion King, which won the Tony Award for best musical," (The Official Walt Disney Website). Disney continues to produce Broadway shows, including Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid.

Lion King Musical

Many Disney movies center around music and singing. There are songs heard around the world specifically distinguish from Disney movies.

Walt Disney Biography

Walt Disney was founded in 1923 by a man named Walter Elias Disney, along side with his brother Roy. "As a child, [Walt Disney] loved to draw," (Life History of Walt Disney). He was born on December 5, 1901. All throughout his childhood, he was seen doodling and enhancing his artistic abilities. In his teen years, he became fascinated with acting and performing. The first creating he actually tried to produced were The Alice Comedies. He started his own company called Laugh-O-grams. Walt Disney soon ran out of money and his company went bankrupt. He decided to move on to bigger and better things when he teamed up with his brother and moved to Hollywood to sign on with MJ Wrinkler. From there, he slowly built up his company with his many animation achievements and beloved characters, such as Mickey Mouse. Disney was the first person to establish animation as a factory-line process. Walt Disney also sent workers in his studios to school to learn about art, perfect drawing, and improve artistic abilities. This was something revolutionary for the time period, and set motion to educating workers. Walt Disney


"Walt Disney could take the dreams of America, and make the come true. He was a creator, an imaginative, and aesthetic person," (Just Disney).

Walt Disney and Society

Walt Disney has become a legend in society. Disney movies are universal to all ages. The Disney Company has managed to create a sort of utopia within its films. It has now become a tradition that if a princess falls asleep, her Prince Charming needs to kiss her to awake her from her slumber. Many other messages have followed suit to an original Disney movie. For example, Cinderella set the trend for loosing a shoe, the midnight curfew, and a Fairy Godmother. Aladdin has become the role model for a Genie, three wishes, and a magic carpet ride. Peter Pan created the dream of flying away to Neverland and never growing up. These are just a few examples of the endless fantasies Disney has created.

"Other films include Beauty and the Beast (1991); The Lion King (1994); Pocahontas (1995); The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996); Mulan (1998); Tarzan (1999); Monsters, Inc. (2001); Lilo & Stitch (2002); and Cars (2006)," (Disney, Walt).

Not to mention the characters that will never be forgotten. Mickey Mouse is the most famous cartoon in all of history. Mickey Mouse

"Brought to life by Walt Disney, the American entertainment genius, Mickey Mouse is the most beloved cartoon character of all time. Mickey Mouse is genuine, cheerful, enthusiastic, humble, confident, versatile, adventurous, clever, charismatic and warm- a glowing symbol of America," (Hilfiguer 48).

What Makes Disney an American Icon?

Walt Disney is not just known around America. It is known around the world. The company manages to bring life to animations. Films produced over fifty years ago are still watched and loved today. Disney manages to capture its audience with its use of color, comedy, meaningfulness, creativity, and underlying message.

Walt Disney films are watched by people of all ages, races, gender, etc. The movies have meanings so universal, even children can understand them. They are themes that have been repeated and taught over and over again throughout history. Beauty and the Beast, for instance, shows that it is what is on the inside that matters. Hercules depicts that true love avails. Fox and the Hound tells a story of a true friendship. Mulan examples bravery and women's rights. The Lady and the Tramp and the Aristocats show the separation of society. All of the movies produced by Walt Disney have a life lesson within them.

Disney has also created a reputation for their princesses. Growing up, every girl dreams to be a princess, and they look up to the Disney ones. "The princesses to be featured in the line were chosen from classic Disney films. The characters were not chosen specifically for their royal titles, but rather how well they fit into what Disney executives deemed 'the Princess mythology,'" (What's Wrong With Cinderella).

Disney Princesses The Disney Princesses include Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, and the newest addition, Tiana.

Conclusion

Walt Disney has definitely worked its way into the hearts of almost everyone who watches it. The Disney company has managed to bring fantasies to life on the movie screen for over 80 years. Walt Disney Studios is still a strong, American icon thanks to its innovation, fantasy, and artistic style.

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