Disney+ is set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney Animation Studios with the debut of 28 newly restored classic shorts. These beloved gems will be made available to stream on the platform starting from Friday, July 7, featuring iconic characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip n’ Dale, and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit – the studio’s first star. The release is part of the ongoing Disney100 celebration.
The selection of shorts varies from well-known classics to some lesser-known titles. Audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy Disney’s earliest theatrical shorts and a wide range of entertaining films showcasing the studio’s most beloved characters. The series will conclude in October with the screening of ‘Chips Ahoy,’ a 1956 CinemaScope short starring Donald Duck and his mischievous chipmunk rivals. This will lead to The Walt Disney Company’s official 100th anniversary on Monday, October 16.
The restorations of these iconic films were meticulously undertaken by the Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation team, led by director Kevin Schaeffer. The team worked closely with creative advisors from Walt Disney Animation Studios, including renowned special projects and 2D animation producer Dorothy McKim. Additionally, the restoration process benefitted from the expertise of color supervisor Mike Giaimo and animator Eric Goldberg. This very same team recently restored the timeless classic ‘Cinderella’ and is currently undertaking the restoration of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’
Dorothy McKim expressed great excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to be working with Kevin Schaeffer and the Studio’s restoration team in presenting these beautifully restored versions of classic Disney animated shorts. Two of our top artistic talents have lent their expertise and passion to the project to ensure that the films look their very best and are authentic to the creative intentions of the original filmmakers. We’re very excited to share these wonderful shorts with the Disney+ audience. They have never looked or sounded better.”
The restored classic shorts will be released in stages, with the first premiere on Friday, July 7. Among the titles to kick off the collection are ‘The Skeleton Dance’ from 1929, ‘Building a Building’ from 1933, ‘Bath Day’ from 1946, ‘Figaro and Frankie’ from 1947, ‘Goofy Gymnastics’ from 1949, and ‘Aquamania’ from 1961. Each subsequent release will introduce more classics, with the last batch premiering on Friday, October 6.
Some notable titles scheduled for release in August include ‘Barnyard Olympics’ from 1932, ‘Mickey’s Steam Roller’ from 1934, ‘Donald’s Nephews’ from 1938, ‘Goofy and Wilbur’ from 1939, ‘Donald’s Cousin Gus’ from 1939, and ‘The Flying Jalopy’ from 1943. In September, audiences can look forward to enjoying such classics as ‘Trolley Troubles’ and ‘All Wet’ from 1927, ‘The Barn Dance’ from 1929, ‘Playful Pluto’ from 1934, ‘Mickey’s Kangaroo’ from 1935, ‘Merbabies’ from 1938, ‘Bone Trouble’ from 1940, and ‘Pluto, Junior’ from 1942.
The last set of premieres, in October, will include shorts like ‘When the Cat’s Away’ from 1929, ‘Fiddling Around’ from 1930, ‘Camping Out’ from 1934, ‘Wynken, Blynken and Nod’ from 1938, ‘Old Macdonald Duck’ from 1941, ‘Inferior Decorator’ from 1948, and finally, ‘Chips Ahoy’ from 1956.
This outstanding collection of restored classic shorts is a testament to the everlasting magic and artistry that Walt Disney Animation Studios has brought to audiences for a century. Filmmakers and animation enthusiasts can immerse themselves in these timeless films’ nostalgic charm and brilliant storytelling. With their renewed visual quality and audio enhancements, these shorts are set to mesmerize both new and old generations alike.
As Disney+ continues to commemorate the Disney100 anniversary, viewers can look forward to more surprises, delights, and treasured memories from the unparalleled legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.