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| Walt Disney Studios |
Renaissance Era: Part One - 1989-1994
To take a line from Dame Judi Dench in the classic Epcot attraction Spaceship Earth, the next era in
Disney animation “is an incredible explosion of innovation that we call the Renaissance.” The
Renaissance era features some of the most beloved and well-known Disney animation classics
that were powerhouses at the box office and beyond. The Studios had learned home to stand on
their own feet after the passing of Walt Disney and had finally hit the sweet spot again with animation.
The films in this era, in my option, are the best we have ever had in Disney animation.
Disney animation “is an incredible explosion of innovation that we call the Renaissance.” The
Renaissance era features some of the most beloved and well-known Disney animation classics
that were powerhouses at the box office and beyond. The Studios had learned home to stand on
their own feet after the passing of Walt Disney and had finally hit the sweet spot again with animation.
The films in this era, in my option, are the best we have ever had in Disney animation.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
The Little Mermaid
Kicking off the best era in Disney Animation history is the retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen story
The Little Mermaid. This was the film in which composer Alan Menken made his grand debut on the
Disney scene. Along with Howard Ashman, the duo would go on to create some of the most
recognizable music in all of Disney history. Of course, Jodi Benson’s lovely voice as Ariel only
provided more beauty to the wonderfully written music. The Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards
in 1990 for Best Song (“Under the Sea”) and Best Score.
The Little Mermaid. This was the film in which composer Alan Menken made his grand debut on the
Disney scene. Along with Howard Ashman, the duo would go on to create some of the most
recognizable music in all of Disney history. Of course, Jodi Benson’s lovely voice as Ariel only
provided more beauty to the wonderfully written music. The Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards
in 1990 for Best Song (“Under the Sea”) and Best Score.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
The Little Mermaid follows the tell of Ariel, a teenage mermaid princess who doesn’t love the ocean
life and longs to live where the people are on land. She is a hoarder of all things human that she finds
in the sea and give each unique object she finds a name. Her father, King Triton, repeatedly warns
her not to go to the surface because humans are dangerous but teenagers are strong headed. One
night when Ariel goes to the surface - along with her friends Sebastian the crab and Flounder the
fish - she sees and immediately falls in love with the lovely Prince Eric.
life and longs to live where the people are on land. She is a hoarder of all things human that she finds
in the sea and give each unique object she finds a name. Her father, King Triton, repeatedly warns
her not to go to the surface because humans are dangerous but teenagers are strong headed. One
night when Ariel goes to the surface - along with her friends Sebastian the crab and Flounder the
fish - she sees and immediately falls in love with the lovely Prince Eric.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Knowing she has to see Eric again, Ariel goes to the power sea witch, Ursula, in search of help.
Ursula agrees to help on one condition: Ariel must exchange her voice for her legs. Signing the
contract, Ariel finds herself on land voiceless but with legs. She knows the spell can be broken by
true love’s kiss so she sets out to find Prince Eric. The two fall in love but with no kiss on the horizon,
Ariel begins to worry about her sensitive three day time frame to break the curse.
Ursula agrees to help on one condition: Ariel must exchange her voice for her legs. Signing the
contract, Ariel finds herself on land voiceless but with legs. She knows the spell can be broken by
true love’s kiss so she sets out to find Prince Eric. The two fall in love but with no kiss on the horizon,
Ariel begins to worry about her sensitive three day time frame to break the curse.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
All is jeopardized when Vanessa - who is Ursula in disguise as a beautiful woman - shows up and
puts Prince Eric under a spell to marry her. Ariel must reveal the truth to Eric but Ursula will do
everything in her power to stop her. Along with the help of her father, Ariel conquers the sea witch
and King Triton realizes that she truly loves Prince Eric. He grants his daughter her wish of having
legs before Ariel and Eric get married on a ship and sail into the sunset.
puts Prince Eric under a spell to marry her. Ariel must reveal the truth to Eric but Ursula will do
everything in her power to stop her. Along with the help of her father, Ariel conquers the sea witch
and King Triton realizes that she truly loves Prince Eric. He grants his daughter her wish of having
legs before Ariel and Eric get married on a ship and sail into the sunset.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Jeffrey Katzenberg, the chairman of the Walt Disney Studios at the time of The Little Mermaid’s
release in 1989, cautioned the directors of the film that it would probably make less money at the
box office since it was a “girl’s film.” During its original North American theater run, The Little Mermaid
earned just over $84 million dollars which made it the most successful Disney animation film at the
time. The Little Mermaid was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and has a runtime of 83
minutes.
release in 1989, cautioned the directors of the film that it would probably make less money at the
box office since it was a “girl’s film.” During its original North American theater run, The Little Mermaid
earned just over $84 million dollars which made it the most successful Disney animation film at the
time. The Little Mermaid was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and has a runtime of 83
minutes.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
The Rescuers Down Under
A sequel to the successful film The Rescuers, The Rescuers Down Under was released in 1990.
Compared to the other films in the Renaissance Era, The Rescuers Down Under was an
underperformer. There was no memorable love ballad or show stopping songs but the film was the
first film to be created entirely digitally so that makes it groundbreaking for Disney animation.
Compared to the other films in the Renaissance Era, The Rescuers Down Under was an
underperformer. There was no memorable love ballad or show stopping songs but the film was the
first film to be created entirely digitally so that makes it groundbreaking for Disney animation.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Set in the Australian Outback, The Rescuers Down Under follows a young boy named Cody who
befriends a rare golden eagle named Marahuté. When a poacher finds out that Cody knows where
the eagle’s nest is located, he kidnaps Cody and tosses his backpack to crocodiles so the rangers will
assume Cody has been eaten. Meanwhile, a mouse runs to a secret outpost and send a message
to the Rescue Aid Society about Cody’s situation. Bernard and Miss Bianca - the main mice in the
previous film - receive the message and head to Australia with the help of Orville, the albatross.
Arriving in Australia, Bernard and Miss Bianca meet the local RSA affiliate, Jake.
befriends a rare golden eagle named Marahuté. When a poacher finds out that Cody knows where
the eagle’s nest is located, he kidnaps Cody and tosses his backpack to crocodiles so the rangers will
assume Cody has been eaten. Meanwhile, a mouse runs to a secret outpost and send a message
to the Rescue Aid Society about Cody’s situation. Bernard and Miss Bianca - the main mice in the
previous film - receive the message and head to Australia with the help of Orville, the albatross.
Arriving in Australia, Bernard and Miss Bianca meet the local RSA affiliate, Jake.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
During the same time, Cody has been imprisoned for not giving the poacher the location of the nest.
Knowing that the eagle is a weak spot for Cody, they let him go so he will lead them to the nest and
straight into a trap. The poacher captures Marahuté and Cody, along with Jake and Miss Bianca who
have arrive to help. The motley crew must work together to save Marahuté and her eggs, no matter
the stakes.
Knowing that the eagle is a weak spot for Cody, they let him go so he will lead them to the nest and
straight into a trap. The poacher captures Marahuté and Cody, along with Jake and Miss Bianca who
have arrive to help. The motley crew must work together to save Marahuté and her eggs, no matter
the stakes.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Beauty and the Beast
Originally conceived as a non-musical by Richard Purdum, Beauty and the Beast was the first
animated film to ever receive a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
Beauty and the Beast was also the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for
Best Picture. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Score and Best Original Song
(“Beauty and the Beast”). The huge success of the film would spawn a hit Broadway musical, two
direct-to-video sequels, and a live-action remake.
animated film to ever receive a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
Beauty and the Beast was also the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for
Best Picture. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Score and Best Original Song
(“Beauty and the Beast”). The huge success of the film would spawn a hit Broadway musical, two
direct-to-video sequels, and a live-action remake.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Beauty and the Beast tells the tale as old as time of Belle, the beautiful village woman, and the Beast,
a man who was cursed to remain a beast until he found true love’s kiss. Belle dreams of adventure in
the great wide somewhere and doesn’t want to be stuck in her poor provincial town anymore. And
she definitely does not want to marry the ever persistent Gaston, despite the fact he is the adored by
every woman but Belle.
a man who was cursed to remain a beast until he found true love’s kiss. Belle dreams of adventure in
the great wide somewhere and doesn’t want to be stuck in her poor provincial town anymore. And
she definitely does not want to marry the ever persistent Gaston, despite the fact he is the adored by
every woman but Belle.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Belle lives with her father, Maurice, who is an inventor. One day, Maurice sets out with his horse
Philippe to a trade show to show off his latest invention. Maurice gets lost along the way and finds
himself at the Beast’s castle and the Beast imprisons him. Back in the village, Philippe returns
without his rider and Belle sets out to find her father. She arrives at the Beast’s castle and finds
her imprisoned father and offers to take his place if the Beast will release her father. The Beast
agrees and Belle becomes his prisoner. Returning to the village, Maurice finds Gaston and asks
him for help in storming the castle, rescuing Belle, and killing the Beast. Instead of helping Maurice,
Gaston calls him crazy and has him locked away.
Philippe to a trade show to show off his latest invention. Maurice gets lost along the way and finds
himself at the Beast’s castle and the Beast imprisons him. Back in the village, Philippe returns
without his rider and Belle sets out to find her father. She arrives at the Beast’s castle and finds
her imprisoned father and offers to take his place if the Beast will release her father. The Beast
agrees and Belle becomes his prisoner. Returning to the village, Maurice finds Gaston and asks
him for help in storming the castle, rescuing Belle, and killing the Beast. Instead of helping Maurice,
Gaston calls him crazy and has him locked away.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Back at the castle, Belle has befriended the enchanted servants of the castle - Lumière the candlestick,
Cogsworth the clock, and Mrs. Potts the teapot - who make her feel at home in the cold castle as
they treat her to an elegant dinner show. They are quick to tell Belle not to go to the West Wing of
the castle as it is forbidden by the Beast. Not one to take orders very well, Belle heads straight for
the West Wing which pisses off the Beast who yells at her. What the Beast doesn’t expect though
is if Belle to hold her own with him and yell back.
Cogsworth the clock, and Mrs. Potts the teapot - who make her feel at home in the cold castle as
they treat her to an elegant dinner show. They are quick to tell Belle not to go to the West Wing of
the castle as it is forbidden by the Beast. Not one to take orders very well, Belle heads straight for
the West Wing which pisses off the Beast who yells at her. What the Beast doesn’t expect though
is if Belle to hold her own with him and yell back.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
The two start to form an unlikely friendship which slowly morphs into a something resembling a
relationship. The most beautiful scene in the whole movie - in my opinion - is when the Beast invites
Belle to a dance in the ballroom as Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) sings the beautiful song “Beauty
and the Beast.”
relationship. The most beautiful scene in the whole movie - in my opinion - is when the Beast invites
Belle to a dance in the ballroom as Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) sings the beautiful song “Beauty
and the Beast.”
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| Walt Disney Studios |
After their dance, the Beast shows Belle a magic mirror in which she can see her father. When she
looks into the mirror, she sees her father being mocked and Beast can see that Belle wants to be
with her father. Letting go of the only thing he’s ever loved, the Beast sets Belle free. Belle returns
to the village and finds her father. She also finds Gaston who still doesn’t believe the Beast is real.
Using the mirror the Beast gave her, Belle shows them that the Beast is real.
looks into the mirror, she sees her father being mocked and Beast can see that Belle wants to be
with her father. Letting go of the only thing he’s ever loved, the Beast sets Belle free. Belle returns
to the village and finds her father. She also finds Gaston who still doesn’t believe the Beast is real.
Using the mirror the Beast gave her, Belle shows them that the Beast is real.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Gaston see that Belle loves the Beast and he makes it his mission to raid the castle and kill the Beast.
His fellow villagers join him as they march to the castle with torches and pitchforks. Gaston and the
Beast face off in an epic fight at the castle where Gaston dies and the Beast is injured. Belle runs to
him and tells him she loves him as she kisses him. This sets in motion the Beast’s transformation
back to a human. With the curse broke, the enchanted servants in the house also become human
again and everyone lives happily ever after.
His fellow villagers join him as they march to the castle with torches and pitchforks. Gaston and the
Beast face off in an epic fight at the castle where Gaston dies and the Beast is injured. Belle runs to
him and tells him she loves him as she kisses him. This sets in motion the Beast’s transformation
back to a human. With the curse broke, the enchanted servants in the house also become human
again and everyone lives happily ever after.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Aladdin
The idea for a movie based on the Arab folklore of Aladdin was first pitched by Howard Ashman and
it took three drafts before the Studios president, Jeffrey Katzenberg, would agree to let the studio
produce the film. Computers were used in the film to create some of the animation as well as the
final artwork. Alan Menken wrote the score that features six key songs written by both Ashman
and Tom Rice, who took over after Ashman’s death.
it took three drafts before the Studios president, Jeffrey Katzenberg, would agree to let the studio
produce the film. Computers were used in the film to create some of the animation as well as the
final artwork. Alan Menken wrote the score that features six key songs written by both Ashman
and Tom Rice, who took over after Ashman’s death.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
The film begins by showing the right hand man to the sultan, Jafar, and his pet parrot, Iago, on a
mission to find a magical lamp hidden in the Cave of Wonders. They are told by the cave’s mystic
guardian that only a “diamond in the rough” can enter the cave. Enter Aladdin: a poor street rat who
steals food to eat along with his pet monkey, Abu. On one of their forging trips to the marketplace,
Aladdin and Abu meet Princess Jasmine, the sultan’s daughter. The two quickly fall in love (this is
a Disney movie, of course) but their different economic statuses will keep them apart. The palace
guards capture Aladdin and sentence him to be executed.
mission to find a magical lamp hidden in the Cave of Wonders. They are told by the cave’s mystic
guardian that only a “diamond in the rough” can enter the cave. Enter Aladdin: a poor street rat who
steals food to eat along with his pet monkey, Abu. On one of their forging trips to the marketplace,
Aladdin and Abu meet Princess Jasmine, the sultan’s daughter. The two quickly fall in love (this is
a Disney movie, of course) but their different economic statuses will keep them apart. The palace
guards capture Aladdin and sentence him to be executed.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Jafar, disguised as a old man in the prison, frees Aladdin from the prison and sends him to the Cave
of Wonders with orders to retrieve the lamp. On his journey into the cave, Aladdin meets a magic
carpet before finding the lamp. He rubs the lamp and out pops the Genie who has been trapped in
side for years and Genie offers him three wishes. Aladdin’s first wish is to become Prince Ali Ababwa
in order to win Jasmine back with his perceived wealth and status.
of Wonders with orders to retrieve the lamp. On his journey into the cave, Aladdin meets a magic
carpet before finding the lamp. He rubs the lamp and out pops the Genie who has been trapped in
side for years and Genie offers him three wishes. Aladdin’s first wish is to become Prince Ali Ababwa
in order to win Jasmine back with his perceived wealth and status.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Meanwhile, Jafar is plotting to become sultan himself by marrying Jasmine. Only problem for him is
that Jasmine doesn’t want to marry him. The night, Aladdin arrives on his magic carpet and takes
Jasmine on a ride to show her a whole new world. When they arrive back at the palace, Jafar
ambushes Aladdin and steals the lamp.
that Jasmine doesn’t want to marry him. The night, Aladdin arrives on his magic carpet and takes
Jasmine on a ride to show her a whole new world. When they arrive back at the palace, Jafar
ambushes Aladdin and steals the lamp.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Iago eventually steals the lamp from Aladdin and gives it to Jafar, who becomes the Genie’s new
master. Jafar uses his first two wishes to dethrone the sultan and to become the most powerful
sorcerer there has ever been. Enter Aladdin once more. This time, our heroic street rat, along with
the princess, work to deceive Jafar into using his third wish to become a genie. This wish causes
him to be bound to a new lamp which traps him inside of it for eternity. After Jafar is gone, Aladdin
and Jasmine are free to live their lives together as they wish.
master. Jafar uses his first two wishes to dethrone the sultan and to become the most powerful
sorcerer there has ever been. Enter Aladdin once more. This time, our heroic street rat, along with
the princess, work to deceive Jafar into using his third wish to become a genie. This wish causes
him to be bound to a new lamp which traps him inside of it for eternity. After Jafar is gone, Aladdin
and Jasmine are free to live their lives together as they wish.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
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| Walt Disney Studios |
The Lion King
Production for The Lion King began at the same time as production for Pocahontas, with the latter
film attracting most of the top animators at the Studios. Peter Schneider, a producer for the Studios,
ended up leaving the project once it was decided it would be a musical. He was replaced by Don
Hahn, who was unsatisfied with the script and quickly rewrote it. Almost 20 minutes of the film’s
animation was created at Disney-MGM Studios in Florida with several scenes being created with
the use of computers. One of the most memorable computer animated scenes in The Lion King
was the wildebeest stampede scene.
film attracting most of the top animators at the Studios. Peter Schneider, a producer for the Studios,
ended up leaving the project once it was decided it would be a musical. He was replaced by Don
Hahn, who was unsatisfied with the script and quickly rewrote it. Almost 20 minutes of the film’s
animation was created at Disney-MGM Studios in Florida with several scenes being created with
the use of computers. One of the most memorable computer animated scenes in The Lion King
was the wildebeest stampede scene.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
Set in the Pride Lands of Africa, The Lion King tells the story of Simba who is the young cub of King
Mufasa. Mufasa shows Simba their lands and tells him to never go near the shadow place, which is
an elephant graveyard. He also tells Simba about the circle of life and how everything on the planet
connects to each other in some way. Simba is an eager cub and cannot wait to be king...or to show
his best friend, Nala, the forbidden elephant graveyard.
Mufasa. Mufasa shows Simba their lands and tells him to never go near the shadow place, which is
an elephant graveyard. He also tells Simba about the circle of life and how everything on the planet
connects to each other in some way. Simba is an eager cub and cannot wait to be king...or to show
his best friend, Nala, the forbidden elephant graveyard.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
On their forbidden tour, Simba and Nala are attacked by three hyenas - Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed. It
turns out the three hyenas are stooges of Scar, Mufasa’s younger brother who is jealous of the throne
his brother sits on. Scar devises a plan to kill both Mufasa and Simba so that he can claim the
throne for himself and rule Pride Rock.
turns out the three hyenas are stooges of Scar, Mufasa’s younger brother who is jealous of the throne
his brother sits on. Scar devises a plan to kill both Mufasa and Simba so that he can claim the
throne for himself and rule Pride Rock.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
While his evil plan works in killing his brother, his nephew makes it out the of the wildebeest stampede
alive. Scar threatens him by telling him his father’s death was all his fault and he needs to run away.
Believe what his uncle said was true, Simba runs as far away from Pride Rock as he can.
alive. Scar threatens him by telling him his father’s death was all his fault and he needs to run away.
Believe what his uncle said was true, Simba runs as far away from Pride Rock as he can.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
After collapsing in the dessert from dehydration, Simba is found by a meerkat name Timon and a
warthog named Pumbaa. The two outcasts invite the lion cub into their carefree life where they
live by the motto “hakuna matata” which means “no worries” in Swahili. Simba matures into an
adult lion in his carefree oasis with Timon and Pumbaa were the three rarely worry about anything.
warthog named Pumbaa. The two outcasts invite the lion cub into their carefree life where they
live by the motto “hakuna matata” which means “no worries” in Swahili. Simba matures into an
adult lion in his carefree oasis with Timon and Pumbaa were the three rarely worry about anything.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
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| Walt Disney Studios |
It is there he meets Rafiki, the shaman and advisor to King Mufasa, who tells him that his father’s
spirit is within him. Not long after, Simba is visited by Mufasa’s spirit in the sky who tells him to
“remember who you are” and to take his rightful place as king. Heading his father’s words, Simba
runs home to save Pride Rock.
spirit is within him. Not long after, Simba is visited by Mufasa’s spirit in the sky who tells him to
“remember who you are” and to take his rightful place as king. Heading his father’s words, Simba
runs home to save Pride Rock.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
He arrives to complete devastation but his faithful friends are right behind him to help him reclaim his
throne. While Timon and Pumbaa work to distract the hyenas who have invaded Pride Rock, Simba
sneaks in and confronts Scar. After an epic battle, the truth of who killed Mufasa is revealed and
Scar meets his death. Simba takes his place as King as the Pride Lands begin to restore. The
movie ends with Simba and Nala presenting their young cub to the Pride Lands, just as the movie
had begun with Simba as the cub.
throne. While Timon and Pumbaa work to distract the hyenas who have invaded Pride Rock, Simba
sneaks in and confronts Scar. After an epic battle, the truth of who killed Mufasa is revealed and
Scar meets his death. Simba takes his place as King as the Pride Lands begin to restore. The
movie ends with Simba and Nala presenting their young cub to the Pride Lands, just as the movie
had begun with Simba as the cub.
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| Walt Disney Studios |
The Lion King won two Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best
Original Score. It also won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song
(“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” written by Elton John). Two other songs - “Circle of Life” and
“Hakuna Matata” - were also nominated for the award. The Lion King was directed by Roger Allers
and Rob Minkoff and had a runtime of 88 minutes.
Original Score. It also won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song
(“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” written by Elton John). Two other songs - “Circle of Life” and
“Hakuna Matata” - were also nominated for the award. The Lion King was directed by Roger Allers
and Rob Minkoff and had a runtime of 88 minutes.
Now that we've covered the first four films in The Renaissance Era of Disney Animation, it's time for
you to tell us your favorite! Tweet your favorite film to @TMKBpodcast!
you to tell us your favorite! Tweet your favorite film to @TMKBpodcast!
Robyn Fleenor is a contributing writer for The Mouse Knows Best Podcast. She is an avid Disney
fanatic and would rather be at Walt Disney World eating glazed almonds than anything else. When
she isn't working to pay for her next Disney vacation, she likes to binge watch TV shows and fall in
love with fictional characters. She can be found tweeting at @rahrah6263.
fanatic and would rather be at Walt Disney World eating glazed almonds than anything else. When
she isn't working to pay for her next Disney vacation, she likes to binge watch TV shows and fall in
love with fictional characters. She can be found tweeting at @rahrah6263.
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