Das Walt Disney Filmarchiv. Die Animationsfilme 1921–1968

Walt Disney was one of the most creative minds of the 20th century, having created a unique universe of imagination. Like few cinematic classics, his animated films revolutionized the art of storytelling in film and continue to connect generations and cultures to this day.

This first volume of the most comprehensive series of picture books ever published on Disney's animated films takes readers into the creative heart of the studio during the Golden Age of Animation, featuring 1,500 illustrations and essays by renowned Disney experts. The book traces Disney's journey from the beginnings of silent film through the first feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), the groundbreaking artistic experiment Fantasia (1940), to the last masterpieces created under Walt Disney's creative direction, Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966) and The Jungle Book (1967).

After extensive research in the archives of the Walt Disney Company and numerous private collections, editor Daniel Kothenschulte selected a wealth of rare treasures of animation art for this volume: concept paintings and storyboards allow readers to relive the genesis of ideas, masterful cel setups showcase famous film scenes with great detail, while photographs by Disney photographers and notes from story conferences between Walt and his team provide detailed insights into the creative work of the Walt Disney Studios.

Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, or 101 Dalmatians: each of the great Disney classics is given its own chapter. Additionally, lesser-known gems such as the experimental short films of the Silly Symphonies and the long-neglected musical episodic films like Make Mine Music and Melody Time are treated with equal thoroughness. Many of the unfinished projects, including planned sequels to the legendary musical film Fantasia or a Davy Crockett homage, are also featured.