After Walt Disney’s death in December 1966 and the release of “The Jungle Book” the following year, Walt Disney Animation Studios would see an era of decline. Also known as the Disney Dark Age, 1970 to 1988 would be a period of decline as studio heads and animators in the company were constantly changing. Making money was considered more important than artistry and creativity, with cheaper processes being used to create films.
With this trial and error filmmaking, only eight films would be released during this 18 year period, most of which would receive mixed to low critical reviews and box office reception. In an attempt to step away from some of the traditional storytelling elements used in Walt Disney’s classics, the Bronze Age would also see a shift away from fairytales and focus more on darker, secular stories.
Except for a select few, the Bronze Age is similar to the Wartime Era in that most of these films weren’t the Disney movies this writer grew up on. While some films did not leave a lasting impression, others have become cult classics and representations for a new age of Disney filmmaking. So without further ado, here is Frozen Mouse Fever’s countdown of Disney’s Bronze Age from worst to best.
8. The Black Cauldron (1985)
Disney’s first film to ever receive a PG rating, also happens to be one of its worst. In all honesty, I didn’t even know “The Black Cauldron” was a Disney movie until recently as it lacks any sort of Disney magic we’ve come to expect from their animated films. The characters are painstakingly annoying, the protagonist farm boy Taren especially so. Its only upside is its villain the Horned King, but his potential is diluted due to the lack of investment dedicated to the character. In the end, the film’s legacy will only be known for nearly putting the animation department in jeopardy after costing the studio $20 million.
7. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
There is nothing inherently wrong with “The Great Mouse Detective”, it just isn’t memorable. Emulating the story of Sherlock Holmes, this film follows the detective Basil, who is on a rescue mission. It’s cute and fun, and the animation is a vast improvement compared to other films of this era. It even gets some bonus points for saving Disney’s animation department from going bankrupt following “The Black Cauldron.” Yet, with forgettable characters and a storyline that’s been done to death, this mouse film never quite reaches greatness.
6. The Rescuers (1977)
Another mouse movie released during this era edges out its successor due to its more memorable and charming leads. Bernard and Bianca’s chemistry is the highlight of this dark film, whereas the plot can be a bit of a snore and even slightly depressing at times. The animation is also very grainy and simplistic, but it works due to the gloominess of the entire film. If the story arc brought the same high energy as supporting characters such as Orville and Evinrude, it could have been one of the era’s best. However, the plot simply drags for too long, making its eventual sequel a much better film overall.
5.The Fox and the Hound (1981)
This film would ring in a time of transition for Disney as experienced and inexperienced animators would need to work together to bring this story to life. It’s evident at times both narratively and artistically that there is a disconnect between these two generations. Despite a few hiccups, the story is heartfelt and timeless, and immediately has the audience investing in Tod and Copper’s friendship, and then feeling devastated when it begins to crumble as they grow up. Seriously, that ending is just rude. It gets a bad rap by movie critics for being too cutesy, but there is actually no such thing.
4. Robin Hood (1973)
Given that “Robin Hood” is the first Disney film to be produced without Walt Disney’s stamp of approval, it’s understandable that there would be some animation struggles along the way. It’s scratchy and grainy, and even recycled some animation scenes from previous Disney films due to budget concerns. What it lacks in artistry though, it makes up for in character work and a great story. Robin Hood and Little John are friendship goals, Prince John is a ridiculously silly villain and Robin’s romance with Marianne is simple and sweet. Also that opening song is super catchy.
3. The Aristocats (1970)
Everybody wants to be a cat! The last movie to be given the stamp of approval by Walt Disney himself, his early touches to the film add a special sort of flare to the movie not seen by others in this era. The animation doesn’t have that same classic feel as films from the Silver Age, but it does have the best soundtrack of this era without question. Thomas O’Malley exudes cool and the Duchess’ kittens are extremely cute. It’s a really fun movie, although the plot itself remains a little too simple and has a few too many similarities to “Lady and the Tramp”, which has hindered its ability to stand out.
2. Oliver & Company (1988)
The last film of the Dark Age would give us a sneak peak of what’s to come for Walt Disney Animation. With a more colourful visual palette not seen in other films from this era, “Oliver & Company” has a really solid soundtrack, with “Why Should I Worry?” deserving recognition for being the most underrated Disney jam. Inspired by the classic, “Oliver Twist” novel, the story is quaint, emotional, but also upbeat. With great leading characters, the films only downfall is its retro setting in the 80s, which makes “Oliver & Company” feel a bit dated and not as timeless as other Disney classics.
1. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Being a Disney kid growing up in the 2000s meant you were surrounded by all things Winnie the Pooh. One of the company’s biggest franchises, “The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh” was the first in a long line of films and TV shows built on the back of the silly old bear. Perhaps it’s because Walt Disney was personally involved in the making of the Pooh stories when they were first released as shorts, but this film is the only film of its era that screams Disney magic. Filled with love and pure joy, this classic film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t love the one of a kind characters in the One Hundred Acre Woods.
What’s your favourite movie from Disney’s Bronze Age? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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