Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Definition

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a 1937 animated film produced by Walt Disney Productions, marking the first full-length cel-animated feature in history. This groundbreaking film not only set the stage for future animated films but also showcased advancements in technology and storytelling that influenced the animation industry significantly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released on December 21, 1937, and was a significant financial success, grossing over $8 million at the box office at that time.
2. The film's innovative use of Technicolor contributed to its popularity, making it visually stunning compared to other films released during that era.
3. Disney employed a large team of animators, resulting in around 250,000 individual drawings to create the film, demonstrating the extensive labor involved in cel animation.
4. The character designs and personality traits of the dwarfs—Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey—set a precedent for character development in animated films.
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was nominated for an Academy Award and received an honorary award for being a pioneering animated feature, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Review Questions

• How did Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs influence technological advancements in animation during its release?
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs played a crucial role in advancing animation technology by being the first full-length cel-animated feature film. Its production utilized innovative techniques such as multi-plane cameras that created depth in scenes and added realism to animation. These advancements set a new standard for animated films and paved the way for future works in both storytelling and visual presentation.
• Discuss how Disney's approach to storytelling in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs set it apart from previous animated films.
  • Disney's approach to storytelling in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs emphasized character development and emotional depth, which were relatively rare in earlier animated works. The film introduced complex characters like Snow White and her interactions with the dwarfs, showcasing distinct personalities that resonated with audiences. This focus on narrative depth helped elevate animation as a legitimate art form capable of conveying powerful stories.
• Evaluate how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs laid the groundwork for future animated features produced during the Disney Renaissance.
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs established foundational elements that were crucial for success during the Disney Renaissance. It demonstrated that audiences were eager for full-length animated films with rich stories and memorable characters. The film's success inspired future projects like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast to adopt similar narrative structures, innovative animation techniques, and strong character arcs, ultimately leading to a revival of interest in animated features within the industry.

Related terms

Cel Animation: A traditional animation technique where each frame is drawn on transparent celluloid sheets, allowing for smoother motion by layering the drawings over a static background.

Disney Renaissance: A period in the late 1980s to the late 1990s when Disney revitalized its animation style and storytelling, producing several critically acclaimed films that built on the legacy of earlier classics.

Technicolor: A color motion picture process that added depth and vibrancy to animated films, first used in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, enhancing its visual appeal.