In honor of the Walt Disney Company officially turning 100 years old this month, filmmakers Dan Abraham and Trent Correy have put together an incredible tribute piece called Once Upon a Studio. Set entirely within the actual Walt Disney Animation Studios, the short focuses on nearly all of the iconic animated characters from the company's history coming together for an annual group photo. What sounds like a typical nostalgia based gimmick disguised as an anniversary present is actually more heartfelt and earnest than one might assume, as this short is a true love letter to the company's legacy.
As this short brings together an endless amount of characters from the company's history, both hand-drawn and computer animated, the amount of dedication the crew put into bringing these iconic characters together is nothing short of spectacular. Many fans of the studio's lineup will be thrilled to see at least one of their favorites from all 62 feature films produced there, let alone the likes of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. In addition, many returning cast members from the features today are included, along with appropriately mixed archival recordings and newer cast members to voice older characters. But of course, the inclusion of both animation veterans and the new generation of artists at the studio are what make the short work so well, including the work of 2D animation trainees like Austin Traylor and Tyler Pacana. With the likes of legends like Eric Goldberg, James Baxter, Ruben Aquino, Tony Bancroft, Nik Ranieri, and Will Finn returning, the immense amount of craftsmanship and admiration shown on display can not be overstated enough thanks to these legends.
But in regards to why this short works so well as an anniversary present, it taking place at the Roy E. Disney Animation Building is not as heartfelt as the inclusion of Walt himself. It's easy to be critical of the intensely complicated history behind the company's run, but one must not forget how the studio started off as just two midwestern brothers going out to California to pursue their dreams in the motion picture business. To this day, it's hard to think of another animation studio that has lasted as long as the company itself, especially when it paved its own way for live-action filmmaking, theme parks, merchandising and so much more. The inclusion of veteran Disney composer David Metzger's score adds to the magic so well, not to mention this being the final film featuring Disney story artist Burny Mattinson, one of the few people to stay at the studio since uncle Walt's time there. There's something almost chilling to see Mickey and the gang come together for such a big hurrah, and having them perform the company's national anthem should remind us all that faith steps in and sees you through.
100 years going on strong, the Disney company could not have picked a better anniversary gift than Once Upon a Studio. With the short now being available on Disney+ following its exclusive premiere on ABC, everyone and their mother should absolutely see this short, regardless if you're a Disney fan or not. There's a reason the studio has continued to inspire generations and generations since its inception, and that answer can be found through reminiscing the timeless characters and features that we've appreciated forever. Thank you Disney for the magic that has influenced us for the better.
