Classic and near-classic animated films from Disney
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs D: David Hand (1937) 84m
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One of the brightest and best of the Disney Studio's animated classics, this fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm follows Snow White's blossoming into womanhood. There's the evil queen who is green with envy of her stepdaughter's beauty, the seven dwarfs who Snow White hides out with and - of course - Prince Charming.
Fantasia D: James Algar & Samuel Armstrong (1940) 120m
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A collection of eight animated interpretations of works of classical music. Famous for both its ingenious animation and groundbreaking use of stereophonic sound, the film also benefits from the outstanding music provided by Leopold Stokowski & the Philadelphia Orchestra. 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' is a fantasy favourite.
Alice In Wonderland D: Geronimi, Luske & Jackson (1951) 75m
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The Disney team was simply too sugary-sweet in 1951 to do full justice to Lewis Carroll's surreal classic. Alice stumbles into a bizarre Wonderland and meets the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. The 1950 UK/France live-action production (suppressed by the Disney studio) is probably closer to the mark if you can find a copy.
Peter Pan D: Geronimi, Luske & Jackson (1953) 76m
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Based on story by James M Barrie, Peter Pan is the proverbial boy who never grew up. Along with his sidekick, the tiny fairy Tinkerbell, he takes three children on a trip to Never Never Land where they run afoul of Captain Hook. Some of the songs are memorable, especially the imagination-fuelling 'You Can Fly'.
Sleeping Beauty D: Clyde Geronimi (1959) 75m
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Another early Disney animated classic, this time focusing on the story of Sleeping Beauty. A malevolent witch casts a spell over a beautiful princess that destines her to die in a spinning wheel mishap before her 16th birthday. A trio of wacky fairies intervene to save the day. Oh… and there's a handsome prince too.
The Black Cauldron D: Ted Berman & Richard Rich (1985) 80m
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Showing that they still know how to make a good old-fashioned animated classic, this Disney filmis a stirring sword & sorcery adventure about young boy's quest to obtain the mysterious Black Cauldron. Evil is provided courtesy of the Horned King and there is the usual array of comical characters along for the ride.
Beauty & the Beast D: Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise (1991) 84m
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The Disney Studios reaffirmed their status as the kings of fairy tale animation with this dazzling film about a girl, a beastly prince and the ability to love. Full of terrific songs (including the Oscar winning title song), delightful humour and sublime messages - this movie reminded a lot of us just how magical an animated classic can be.
Ratatouille D: Brad Bird & Jan Pinkava (2007) 111m
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Another terrific Pixar/Disney animated collaboration, this time about a rat (Remy) who dreams of being a world class chef. After a bit of hurly burly Remy ends up in Paris at the restaurant of his dearly departed culinary hero, master chef Auguste Gusteau. A series of madcap events lead him to form an unlikely partnership with a young man of almost no culinary talent.