Celebrate a 100 years of Disney with us as we explore the incredible stories Technicolor Creative Studios collaborated on bringing to life. We’ve had the privilege to work on Disney titles for over 90 years, from as early as 1932, with Flowers and Trees the first short film to use Technicolor’s 3-strip camera, to MPC studio reimagining classics like The Lion King, Pinnochio and Cinderella. Dive into these 10 iconic films worth adding to your watch-list.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Based on the 1812 German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the first full-length traditionally animated feature film and Disney’s first full-color feature animation film in three-strip Technicolor. The fantasy musical film was presented with an honorary Academy Award.
Image Credit: George Eastman House Moving Image Collection. Photograph of the nitrate frames by Barbara Flueckiger
Mary Poppins (1964)
In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father. The 1964 musical fantasy film was directed by Robert Stevenson, Color by Technicolor and produced by Walt Disney, with songs written and composed by the Sherman Brothers.
Image Credits: Library of Congress. Photographs of the Technicolor V dye-transfer safety print Joëlle Kost, ERC Advanced Grant FilmColors
Toy Story (1995)
The animated comedy film was directed by John Lasseter in his feature directorial debut. It was the first feature film produced by Pixar Animation Studios, released by Walt Disney Pictures with Prints by Technicolor. A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as the top toy in a boy’s bedroom.
The Incredibles (2004)
While trying to lead a quiet suburban life, a family of undercover superheroes are forced into action to save the world. Technicolor created the Color Prints for this animated comedy, directed by Brad Bird for Walt Disney Pictures.
Cars (2006)
Directed by John Lasseter, Cars is a 2006 animated sports comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures with Prints by Technicolor. On the way to the biggest race of his life, a hotshot rookie race car gets stranded in a rundown town, and learns that winning isn’t everything in life.
Up (2009)
Carl Fredricksen a 78-year-old widower goes off on an adventure in his house equipped with balloons in search of Paradise Falls, his wife’s dream destination, while inadvertently taking a young stowaway along his journey. An animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Pete Docter directed the movie with Prints by Technicolor.
Maleficent (2014)
A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land. MPC completed 875 shots for Disney’s Maleficent. Working closely with director Rob Stromberg and Production VFX Supervisor Carey Villegas, the team created a host of animated creatures and fairy world environments.
The Jungle Book (2017)
MPC brought the film’s most iconic characters to life with over 800 global CG artists working on Disney’s The Jungle Book directed by Jon Favreau. The newest filmmaking technologies from virtual cameras and computer simulations to digital characters were used to create a seamless experience for audiences, allowing audiences of all ages to feel what it’s like to walk and talk with animals in their jungle home.
The One and Only Ivan (2020)
500 artists across MPC’s studios in London, Montreal, and Bangalore collaborated on The One and Only Ivan, bringing to life 9 primary characters. The VFX and Animation teams crafted 1055 shots for the film which was directed by Thea Sharrock. A gorilla named Ivan tries to piece together his past with the help of an elephant named Ruby as they hatch a plan to escape from captivity.
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)
Thirty years after their popular television show ended, chipmunks Chip and Dale live very different lives. When a cast member from the original series mysteriously disappears, the pair must reunite to save their friend. Live-action meets cartoon animation and photo-real CGI for the Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers film from Disney+ and MPC. The global team of VFX artists delivered over 1450 shots for the film. This included the creation of Chip and Dale themselves.
Watch the Disney showreel to discover more critically acclaimed films that MPC has worked on over the years. Discover more about the legacy and evolution of Technicolor Creative Studios with our interactive Vault timeline.
