Once Upon a Studio
2023 · Directed by Trent Correy, Dan Abraham
Original language: English
- animation
- family
- fantasy
- drama
- comedy
The story
Created for Disney's 100th anniversary, the short features Mickey Mouse corralling a gallery of legendary Disney characters for a group photo.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated studio-lot colour with the crisp, glossy polish of modern CGI, set against warm, carefully lit live-action backdrops, so the hand-drawn characters look like they've wandered into a sunlit real world. The camera is mostly steady and unfussy, following the action through a crowded, playful sequence in which Mickey herds a procession of familiar animated figures, each one arriving with a flourish of personality. The score is buoyant and orchestral, full of nostalgic swells and light comic beats, and the sound design leans on cheerful cartoon effects. The mood is nostalgic, warm and celebratory, with a giddy, affectionate energy that tips into sweet sentiment rather than irony. Its pace is brisk and the whole thing runs only a few minutes, so it suits a quick lift on a lazy afternoon, a family watch, or a fan's celebratory revisit. Intensity is very low: slapstick bustle and gentle mischief, with no violence, no peril and nothing frightening. It is made for animation lovers and families who want something cheerful, nostalgic and easy to share.
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