2d Traditional/Classical Animation Corner.

From the Vaults:

@Combrazor: I remember you commenting on your fondness for the Warner Bros shorts from the Golden Age, of which I'm equally a huge fan, on another thread in the Filmaking forum, and that got me thinking. I'm not sure how familiar you are with Disney shorts from the same era [considering how rare they are to come by, relative to the more ubiquitous Warner Bros shorts], but I recently got a hold of some Goofy shorts animated from between the early 40's and mid-50's and could not help drawing comparisons between the works of both studios around that period.

I happen to also own the first and second Volumes of the 5-Volume Warner Bros Golden Collection, a compendium which features some of the best animation ever produced by Warner Bros studios during that era, including interviews from animators, artists, and other professionals involved in the production of those gems. Interestingly, the Warner Bros artists [especially the animators] severally acknowledged the superiority of Disney's animators, technically, though they're also very quick to emphasize that their style and theme were a rebellion [of sorts] from what Disney had by then become typecasted and known for. They'd point out that their animation was geared more toward an adult audience, a sharp contrast from the more family-friendly/kiddies/clean-fun Disney style.

However, Warner Bros' animation was technically based on Disney's, as Walt Disney had by then [from the late 30's onwards, especially after the making and success of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'] established a firm tradition of churning out the most technically proficient animators. A lot of these 'Disney drop-outs' were later credited with having helped feed rival studios with the knowledge of the technical aspects of making things move the Disney way, while creating a unique/individual style and personality of their own.

Personally, as an animator, animation historian and enthusiast, I've come to agree, after much research and experience, that the Disney works from that era [early 40's to mid-50's], and even to this very day, are indeed the best. Warner Bros has also produced some great animators -- my favourite being Bob McKimson, boy! can that man make a drawing move or what??!! -- that include Chuck Jones, Ken Harris, e.t.c. However, hardly could any of them touch any of the Disney 'Greats' [also known as the 'Nine Old Men'; they were responsible for animating the classic disney features [as well as shorts] that built the studio's reputation] -- Milt Kahl [considered the greatest and most technically proficient animator that ever lived], Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas, John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman, Eric Larson, Ward Kimball, Marc Davis, and Les Clark. I'm drawing my conclusions based on close scrutiny of their individual works, relative to those of rival animators from other studios. Most of the present-day animation pros learned their craft from these men and their students -- a la Brad Bird, Glen Keane, Richard Williams, Andres Deja, James Baxter, Sergio Pablos, Eric Goldberg, e.t.c.

I wanted to know, Mr. Combrazor, if you've had the chance to watch Disney short subjects and compared them to the Warner Bros shorts, and what your feelings are about both. I'm of the opinion that the Disney character 'Goofy' is the BEST funny Disney character ever created, and an animator's delight, because he's the most human-looking/moving funny disney character, and was fortunate enoff to have been animated, for the most part, by the great -- though unsung -- John Sibley [often condidered the '10th old man']. I'd recommend the following Goofy shorts titles as starters [all made between early '40s and mid-to-late '50s] -- you can start with "No Smoking", "Tiger Trouble", "Father's Day Off", "Hockey Homicide",  and "Father's Weekend". I believe some of 'em are available on YouTube, and usually run about 7-minutes in length. If possible, please check them out, compare the animation and entertainment value to the Warner shorts and tell me what you think. Thanx.


Youtube link to "No Smoking": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmjjHkxTItE