This new book explores the iconic features from the Walt Disney Studio's first 100 years, from Snow White to Wish. A love letter to storytelling and collaboration, each chapter takes readers behind the scenes of a different movie, uncovering the hidden secrets, creative geniuses, and surprising connections that will enthral die-hard Disney fans and casual viewers alike.
It also examines how the studio's films have shaped and been shaped by the world around them and how they have attempted to reflect a changing culture. From the studio's representation of race and sexuality to its fluctuating creative fortunes through the decades, it offers an unflinchingly funny history of one of the biggest icons in cinema.
Disney's Animated Classics by Stephen Rötzsch Thomas will be published September 30, 2025. White Owl/Pen & Sword provided an early galley for review.
In the 1970's, I grew up on Disney animation. Most weekends were topped by Sunday night's Wonderful World of Disney and afternoons occasionally provided reruns of the classic Mickey Mouse Club from decades before. When the films came out of the vaults for their cyclical returns, I hit the theaters with family. Thus, I had to check this one out.
Thomas' approach is in interesting one. He hits each of the films in chronological order, devoting a short chapter to each in turn. Given the length, we naturally are not getting every fact about the films. He provides details relating to the making of each one along with other interesting factoids. Most of these are likely known to the true Disney-devoted, but I often found myself picking up a new tidbit here and there.
It is definitely an author's perogative to decide what they are focusing on and how to deliver their narrative. I found this one touched on personal connections and felt it was all delivered in a rather easy-going, conversational manner. It is clear that Thomas has a love for Disney animation which comes through in the text.
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