ENCHANTED (2007)

ENCHANTED beautifully revived the magic of Disney animation. The quality of the animation and background art is as beautiful and sophisticated as any in any Disney film. The movie included literally hundreds of references to classic Disney films, including the storybook opening. It was followed by a deep zoom shot through the woods to Giselle's cottage.



Now we'll venture inside and see details of the cottage interiors.





Now, back outside and into the woods...



It took forever to digitally re-assemble this background, but the result is certainly gorgeous and worth the hours involved. This artwork is very reminiscent of SNOW WHITE, to me... truly remarkable and breathtakingly beautiful.

There was a pan and zoom during this segment, which makes digital restoration very complicated, but I managed to accomplish the re-assembly, and once again the result was worth the effort.

The final piece is one we don't see in the movie - the last two pieces, which I digitally joined. They obviously belong together, creating a very spectacular pan background. Left and right halves were used for different segments in the film.

A Word About ENCHANTED...

This blog pretty much always "stays the course" with its subject matter. However, the theatrical opening of ENCHANTED deserves, no, requires mention this weekend.

The Walt Disney Company has triumphed. The opening segment, in full-blown classic 2D animation is more than a joy, it is a masterpiece. It was created for Disney by former Disney animator James Baxter and his crew at James Baxter Animation. And it ranks among the best, most beautiful animation ever created.

Actually, the whole movie is a long-awaited return to the essence of what we've always loved about Disney: sweetness, humor, heart, imagination, dazzling visuals, irresistable music, and a happy ending!

And for those misanthropes who proclaimed 2D animation dead, I am happy to say you are completely and utterly clueless. At the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood (where I perform), I have watched the faces of guests light up with delight. There always was, and always will be something absolutely magical about drawings that move, these living illustrations with personality and feeling.

In this age of world-wide turmoil, how wonderful it is to spend a couple of hours with a movie that leaves you smiling, uplifted, and inspired.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful movie.

Run, don't walk to the theatre to see, and be, ENCHANTED.