Animation

Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series #2

by Walt Disney Animation Research Libr

With an introduction by John Lasseter—and very little else in the way of words—this second book in The Artist Series lavishly showcases the most brilliant animation created by such luminaries as Ub Iwerks, Norm Ferguson, Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske, Dick Huemer, Grim Natwick, Art Babbitt, Fred Moore, Bill Tytla, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, John Lounsbery, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, Les Clark, Wolfgang Reitherman, John Sibley, Bill Justice, Clyde Geronimi, Ted Berman, Glen Keane, Andreas Deja, Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn and Tony Bancroft. The artwork—much of which has never before been published—offers the opportunity to marvel at the those magical lines of pencil that brought life to so many unforgettable Disney characters. Animation represents a rare opportunity to enjoy a glimpse into the truly spectacular trove of treasures from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library.

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction, Media Tie In

272 pages, Hardcover

First published December 8, 2009

Reviews

[Parka · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

John Lasseter mentions in the introduction his first job in college was pulling animation sequences from "the morgue" – Disney's archive of animation artworks. Well, this book is filled with those animation boards from "the morgue". Specifically, these are boards before the clean up process — before sketchy pencil lines are removed and colours, backgrounds added.

The second book in The Archive Series is still a huge thick hardcover with the boards printed gloriously big. Compared to the first volume, every artist is now properly credited to their work. There are a couple of fold-outs which are unnecessary because the art isn't printed across the fold anyway.

This book is primarily on the character art and animation. Artists and animators who want to give their characters life, make them act or emote, will gain a lot from this book. This is more so than the first book because here it features a lot of expressions and gestures. There's no mistaking how the characters feel or what they are doing just by looking at their expressions and poses.

For animation sequences, well, the boards included are actually a mixture of in-sequence and standalone. You'll probably be able to recognise the many memorable scenes, like how Dumbo swings from her mother's trunk (sweet!), when Pinnochio takes his first step or the spaghetti-eating-to-kissing scene (classic!) in The Lady and the Tramp.

Plenty of legendary artists are included, like Ub Iwerks, Norm Ferguson, Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske, Dick Huemer, Grim Natwick, Art Babbitt, Fred Moore, Bill Tytla, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, John Lounsbery, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, Les Clark, Wolfgang Reitherman, John Sibley, Bill Justice, Clyde Geronimi, Ted Berman, Glen Keane, Andreas Deja, Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn and Tony Bancroft.

This is an inspiring book recommended to animators.

[Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful! It has selected drawings and sketches from many of Disney's animated films. The thing I really love about it is that you can see the animator's original pencil lines. I know they're a reproduction but this is as close as I can get right now.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some might find this book boring because it's only the cleaned-up pencil sketches and cell frames of some of Disney's best movies, but I find it magical. There's something incredible about it!

[Jordon Packard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's more of a coffee table book than anything. But it shows off the some of the best animators to work for disney all throughout the years.

[Julieanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was astounding to me as a self-taught artist. It gives you a first-hand look into what animation frames look like and how pencil lines can be so fluid. It is also a great reference for drawing characters and certain sections show you actual frame progression as well as show-casing the talents of the various artists who helped shape many childhoods with these memorable characters.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been better with more sequential frames rather then single frames. Also, a lot of the frames are the cleaned up versions rather than roughs. Still, very nice art work.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected more of the sequential illustrations. Much better than the single frames supplied.