As we all know, Disney are no stranger to computer generated animation, having partnered Pixar for the best part of 15 years in producing 10 of the best computer-generated films ever seen, before acquiring them in a merger, making them an exclusive Disney brand. What this post today is about is the magic of Disney’s in-house animation department and recent re-inventions of 3 major brands.
These are:
(Click the links to jump to that section)
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a children’s television series shown in the UK on the Playhouse Disney and ITV1 channels. What makes this stand out from most pre-school programmes is the exemplary animation and casting, and like most Disney programmes, you can tell a lot of attention has been placed on these factors. The images below demonstrate the level of care Disney have placed in designing a programme that not only pre-schoolers can enjoy, but adults too.
Apart from the obvious quality, what I love most about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is how well Disney have re-invented the characters of the Mickey Mouse world, whilst still retaining the charm and charisma of the original characters – all of the characters little quirks are there, from Donald’s apparent anger issues to Pete’s shiftiness. The basic premise is that Mickey, along with the help of Toodles and his Mouskatools, help the supporting cast and viewers solve simple mysteries and problems using logic and simple understanding of colours, numbers etc. How this series will fare years down the line, I don’t know, but what I do know is that the studio behind ‘Clubhouse’ have done a great job of honouring the traditions of the world’s most famous mouse, as well as introducing a lovable and enjoyable cast to youngsters worldwide.
My Friends Tigger and Pooh
Quite possibly the most famous stuffed bear and tiger in the world, My Friends Tigger and Pooh is another re-invention by Disney aimed at pre-schoolers.
Similar to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the premise for this series is the three friends Tigger, Pooh and Darby go around the Hundred Acre Wood solving mysteries and problems from the supporting cast, helping youngsters use logic and to have an understanding of basic problem solving. What sets this apart from other shows though is simply the animation itself, as well as being backed up by the original voice cast. This series premiered after Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, so obvious design and casting successes have been passed on, but the level of detail seen in some episodes show that Disney is not content just throwing a series together and slapping a brand on. True thought and attention has been spent on re-inventing Winnie the Pooh for what seems the hundredth time, so that it is familiar and yet brand new at the same time.
Tinker Bell
Like the above franchises, Tinker Bell is another re-invention, this time aimed at the young girl/teenage market, as part of the Disney Fairies franchise. Tinkerbell is the focal point of this new franchise and mascot of the brand.
Disney Fairies
Expanding on the original idea from J.M. Barrie’s book, The Little White Bird, that every time a newborn baby laughs for the first time, that laugh travels out into the world, and those that make their way to Never Land turn into a fairy, Disney have created a whole world and franchise. What this has resulted in, again, is a semi-believable world with amazing animation, believable characters and, best of all, great films to watch. Admittedly, a lot can be said of the original idea behind Tinker Bell and the Never Land universe thanks to Barrie, and without his originality and imagination Disney would not have a world to set it in, but they have done what they do best and brought a whole world to life.
I’ve only written about 3 subjects and I could add plenty more from a vast amount of films, programmes and material Disney have created in recent times, independently or in collaboration with other studios. These three caught my attention mostly because I watch them with my daughter and ended up being more interested in them than she was, but also because I have grown up familiar with these characters and have enjoyed watching Disney re-invent them whilst still remaining true to the original style and essence. I look forward to what franchises Disney will re-visit in the future, in order for future generations to grow up with characters as lovable as Mickey, Tigger and Tink.
Many thanks to Wikipedia for much of the information above, and of course Disney for the inspiration!
‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’ and ‘My Friends Tigger and Pooh’ images courtesy of Chin Pei
‘Tinker Bell’, ‘Tinker Bell and The Lost Treasure’ and ‘Disney Fairies’ screenshots from Disney Blu-Ray editions
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