In this article, we will take a look back at the history, the artistry, and the influence of the movies in the Disney Renaissance era. It is funny to think that this era took place during the first decade of my life (as I was born in 1990).
I just thought that there were really awesome 2D animated movies on VHS tapes that I loved to watch. Of course, I had no idea what 2D animation was at this time, nor did I know the history and impact that these wonderful movies would have on the culture as a whole.
So, with that said, what exactly is the Disney Renaissance? without further ado, let’s get into some key information to answer that question.
The Disney Renaissance is recognized as an era in the history of Disney animation beginning with the Little Mermaid in 1989 and ending with Tarzan in 1999. It was a decade filled with stunning 2D hand-drawn animation, engaging storytelling, and memorable music numbers.
Most people recognize it as a time that saved Disney after low box office numbers and the death of Walt Disney in 1966 and Roy O. Disney in 1971.
Why is it Called the Renaissance?
It’s often called the “Disney Renaissance” because, like the cultural and artistic revival of the historical Renaissance, this period marked a revitalization and resurgence of Disney’s animated films, both creatively and commercially.
The Renaissance, originally a historical period in Europe spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marked a significant cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement characterized by a revival of interest in classical learning, humanism, and artistic innovation. This era saw advancements in various fields such as art, architecture, literature, science, and exploration.
However, when referring to the “Disney Renaissance,” we’re talking about a period in the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios that occurred during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s.
The Disney Renaissance began with the release of “The Little Mermaid” in 1989 and continued with a series of highly successful and critically acclaimed animated films such as “Beauty and the Beast” (1991), “Aladdin” (1992), “The Lion King” (1994), and several others.
These films not only brought Disney back to the forefront of animation but also set new standards for storytelling, animation quality, and musical scores in animated cinema.
The term “Disney Renaissance” is used because, much like the Renaissance in history, this era represented a period of immense creativity, innovation, and success for Disney Animation, leading to a resurgence of interest in animated films and securing Disney’s position as a dominant force in the animation industry.
What are the Disney eras?
Generally, Disney’s history is broken up into periods called “eras.” While there are variations to the exact start and end times, such as the addition of the transition era and the new streaming era, the following timeline is generally recognized.
For our history lesson, I have created an infographic of the eras:
Disney Renaissance History: Before the Renaissance
A decade before the Disney Renaissance, longtime Disney animator Don Bluth left the company to start his own production company called Don Bluth Productions. Together with starting the company, Bluth took 16 Disney animators along with him.
Over time, Don Bluth Productions became a competitor of Disney, adding to the pre-renaissance downturn.
In the early 1980s, Don Bluth Productions made significant waves in the animation world with acclaimed films such as The Secret of NIMH (1982), “An American Tail” (1986), and “The Land Before Time” (1988). As the Disney Renaissance was fast approaching in 1989, Don Bluth Productions was preparing for the release of “All Dogs Go to Heaven.”
Following a period of upheaval sparked by a hostile takeover attempt by investors, The Walt Disney Company underwent significant organizational restructuring in 1984. Michael Eisner, previously associated with Paramount Pictures, assumed the role of CEO, while Frank Wells, formerly of Warner Bros., took on the position of President.
Eisner also enlisted Jeffrey Katzenberg, his former colleague from Paramount, to serve as the chairman of Walt Disney Studios. Roy E. Disney, son of Roy O. Disney, assumed oversight of the feature animation department. Additionally, in the same year, Disney Television Animation was established as a complementary venture to theatrical animation.
In 1985, Disney released The Black Cauldron, its first PG-rated animated film. It was costly to make but didn’t do well at the box office, scaring kids with its dark scenes. Many left the theater upset during test screenings.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, Disney’s new chairman, wanted parts of the movie cut. About 12 minutes were removed, but some were later added to the 25th-anniversary release.
Despite this setback, Disney’s next films showed promise. The Great Mouse Detective (1986) pleased audiences and critics, while Oliver & Company (1988) did better at the box office than a rival film, The Land Before Time by Don Bluth Productions.
Disney Renaissance Movie List
So what movies were a part of the Disney Renaissance? Here is a list of movies that came out of the Disney Renaissance age:
- The Little Mermaid – 1989
- The Rescuers Down Under – 1990
- Beauty and the Beast – 1991
- Aladdin – 1992
- The Lion King – 1994
- Pocahontas – 1995
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame – 1996
- Hercules – 1997
- Mulan – 1998
- Tarzan – 1999
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Little Mermaid, released on November 17, 1989, marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance. It introduced groundbreaking animation techniques, such as the Computer Animation Production System (CAPS), blending hand-drawn characters with computer-generated backgrounds.
The film showcased a new kind of Disney Princess, Ariel, who was proactive and independent, setting a departure from traditional passive princesses. Its captivating music, including the iconic song “Part of Your World,” contributed to its success.
Despite initial concerns, The Little Mermaid became a commercial hit, grossing $84.4 million domestically. It received critical acclaim and won Academy Awards and Golden Globes for Best Score and Best Song (“Under the Sea”).
Roger Ebert hailed it as a return to the original Disney magic. The Little Mermaid not only revitalized Disney’s animation department but also set the stage for a series of acclaimed and successful films that defined the Disney Renaissance era.
I remember being a little girl in the 90’s watching The Little Mermaid and singing along to songs with my twin sister. Sebastian was my favorite character at the time. I also remember bringing my Ariel pillow and blanket to a Girl Scouts sleepover, impressing the other girls with my little mermaid merch. Those were the times!
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
The Rescuers Down Under, released on November 16, 1990, was the first sequel produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. While it didn’t match the success of The Little Mermaid, it was well-received.
The film continued to blend hand-drawn animation with computer-generated imagery, showcasing advancements in animation technology. Set in the Australian Outback, the plot follows Bernard and Bianca, two mice from the Rescue Aid Society, as they embark on a mission to save a boy named Cody from a poacher named McLeach.
Despite not reaching the same heights as its predecessor, it still achieved commercial success, grossing nearly $28 million domestically. The Rescuers Down Under may not stand out as a hallmark of the Disney Renaissance, but its positive reception and technological innovations contributed to the studio’s ongoing success during this era.
Though The Rescuers Down Under was not the hit that The Little Mermaid was, the movie meant a lot to me. Especially the scenes with Joanna, the Australian monitor lizard. Every scene with this lizard is pure comedy. If you haven’t done so already, you have to watch as Joanna goes for her favorite snack-eggs. It is truly hilarious.
The Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Beauty and the Beast, released on November 22, 1991, marked another front-runner of the Disney Renaissance. The film, with its enchanting score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, includes iconic songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,”.
It featured Paige O’Hara as Belle, Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts, and Jerry Orbach as Lumiere. The plot follows Belle, a book-loving and independent young woman, as she befriends and ultimately falls in love with the Beast, a cursed prince.
The use of CGI in the ballroom sequence showcased the film’s stunning animation. Beauty and the Beast became the first animated film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, winning Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
It grossed over $424 million globally, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved and successful films of the Disney Renaissance.
I must have watched this movie a million times as a kid, over and over again. “Be Our Guest” is stuck in my head as I’m writing this. My favorite scenes were the interactions between Lumiere and Cogsworth.
You also can’t forget the sweet and curious tea cup, chip, son of teapot Ms. Potts.
Disney Renaissance Animator: Peter Raymundo's Creative Journey from Mulan to Mermaid
Peter Raymundo began his career in animation at Walt Disney Feature Animation in Orlando, Florida, in 1996. He made significant contributions to numerous iconic Disney films during the Disney Renaissance and beyond, including Mulan (1998), Lilo & Stitch (2002), Tarzan (1999), The Princess and the Frog (2009), and The Emperor’s New Groove (2000).
Raymundo’s creative journey expanded beyond animation to encompass writing and illustrating children’s books, including The Third Grade Mermaid series (2017), a collection of novel-length picture books, that showcased Raymundo’s loose, watercolor illustrations.
These books, along with his latest works, have been published by Scholastic Press. marking a new chapter in his career as a writer and illustrator of children’s literature.
Disney Animation Works by Peter Raymundo
- Mulan (1998)
- Lilo & Stitch (2002)
- Tarzan (1999)
- The Princess and the Frog (2009)
- The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Book Illustration Works by Peter Raymundo
- Third Grade Mermaid series (2017) – A series of novel-length picture books featuring Raymond’s distinctive loose, watercolor illustrations.
- Lucky Scramble– (April 2024)- A graphic novel of a twelve-year-old boy, Tyler Goodman, navigating the exhilarating world of speed cubing.
Meeting Peter Raymundo
While at the OtakuFest in South Florida in 2023, I stopped by Peter Raymundo’s booth and purchased a book, titled The Power of Three: Spidey and his Amazing Friends.
While signing the book, Raymundo graciously shared insights into the fundamental aspects of Disney animation, explaining the animation roles such as “pencilers” and “colorers.”
As a “Penciler,” you were responsible for drawing or sketching the scenes and characters of the movie. After the drawing was complete, a “colorer” would then begin the task of adding color to the drawing. Raymundo explained that he was the “penciler” during his time at Disney.
By the end of the meeting, I got a signed book, a mini-lesson in Disney animation, and a cool sketch of Spidey!
To sum up, the Disney Renaissance era, starting with The Little Mermaid, marked a significant resurgence for Disney Animation. With groundbreaking technological advancements, captivating storytelling, and unforgettable music.
These timeless classics continue to enchant audiences, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history and solidifying Disney’s legacy as a powerhouse in animation.
Do you have a favorite movie from the Disney Renaissance era? A favorite character or song? Let me know in the comments below!
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Resources
As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
