Munir's Disney Retrospective -- Animated Classic #24: The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Make Sure You've Read: Munir's Disney Retrospective -- Dark Era (1981-1988) Introduction

The Fox and the Hound was released in one of the most troubled times in Disney history. The 'Nine Old Men' retired and a new guard of animators (many of whom have since become legends in their own right) took charge of the studio, but that change didn't come easily. Don Bluth, one of the animators, frustrated with the lack of ambition and the way the studio was managed, quit and took a large number of the animation staff with him to form his own studio, which became Disney's main competitor during the decade. As a result, The Fox and the Hound was delayed, and, after spending more than five years in production, was released in 1981 without much fanfare. Since then, it hasn't become an undisputed classic but also hasn't been completely forgotten. The film is in the middle of the canon, neither revered nor hated, and it's likely it will stay that way. The story of Tod (a fox) and Copper (a hound), who became friends when they were supposed to be enemies, has some issues - mainly in the supporting characters, and a pointless side-story involving two birds and a caterpillar - but the emotional core of the central story is very well handled. Also, while the animation is not spectacular, some scenes are very powerful (including the Bear Fight, showcasing early work from the legendary animator Glen Keane) and will leave you satisfied. Like some of the films from the previous decade, The Fox and the Hound may not be a masterpiece, but it still has enough emotional depth to charm viewers of all ages. Rating: 3.5/5.

Next Week: Animated Classic #25 Review: The Black Cauldron (1985)

Munir's Disney Retrospective -- Dark Era (1981-1988) Introduction

Last Week's: Munir's Disney Retrospective--Animated Classic #23: The Rescuers (1977)

After the legendary team known as the 'Nine Old Men' retired, a period of transition began at the studio, which unfortunately brought some problems to the struggling new team and to the films they were working on. While some historians and fans state that the 'Dark Ages' started after Walt's death, it was in most of the 80s that the problems were felt, not only by the animation department, but by the entire company. Many of the films released in this decade threatened the very existence of animation at Disney, and you can tell that most of them had troubled productions, as it shows in the final product. Still, problems and all, there are some bright spots in this era and the films were a prelude for greater things and times that would return the studio to its former glory.