Waking Sleeping Beauty

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Myself

I don't watch many documentaries but I can't turn down an opportunity to have a look behind the scenes of Disney Animation from the golden age of 1984 - 1994. Disney is famous for it's wholesome image and how protective it is of that, so this surprisingly candid documentary was a refreshing change of pace from all the behind-the-scenes featurettes on their recent home video releases.

The highlight for me was watching Howard Ashman tutor Jodi Benson on how to sing Part Of Your World. The story of his passing is heartbreaking to watch unfold.

Disney seems to have been coming out of it's shell of late. Interviews and making-of's on recent blu-ray releases a slightly less guarded than before and with the announcement of the Disney Archives being made public for the first time, we are truly getting to peek behind the artistry of one of the most important studios in the world. Any fan of Disney animation or even film in general owe it to themselves to seek this out. It provides a fascinating look behind the suits that run a huge movie studio.