On this date five years ago...
Walt Disney Feature Animation's 43rd Animated Feature, "Brother Bear" opened up across America. Although I don't like the story as much as some, the animation is top notch. And the ad campaign for it was pretty good too...
This was the last production to be completed primarily by the Florida division of WDFA, now WDAS. They produced some beautiful work and had the luxury of not having as much Studio(read: Suit) interference, as they were all the way across fly-over country. Sadly, the disappointing box office was another nail/excuse in the coffin of "Hand drawn animation is dead"... Next year it lives again! Make sure you go see that one if you want to see more hand drawn, btw.
Oh, and it you want to see something interesting, the next time you watch Brother Bear, be very observant when you see the main character transform into a bear. That mountain in the background should look very familiar to those that have been to Disney's California Adventure. It's Grizzly Mountain from the Golden State.
The future of Disney Animation is in great hands right now, the future of hand drawn animation is in your hands right now.
Or soon will be...
