Today is the day Disney returns to traditionaly 2D animation, after a five year hiatus, with its 49th animated feature, The Princess and the Frog. In 2004, Disney bid farewell to its bread and butter 2D animation with the less than spectacular release of Home on the Range in favor of the new flavor of animation, CGI.
This will also be the first African-American princess for Disney named Tiana voiced by Anik Noni Rose, whom I did a post on a few weeks ago. Some of the other notable voices are Keith David (Goliath from Gargoyles), John Goodman (Sully from Monsters, Inc.), and the ubiquitous Oprah Winfrey. It is directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. This duo has directed several Disney features together over the past 20 years including The Great Mouse Detective, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, and Treasure Planet. Likewise, they have been involved in many others.
Ever since I heard about this new animated feature about two years ago, I have been excited for the return of hand drawn Disney. I hope like me, you are planning to take the family to see this show. Remember, if this show is successful, then more hand drawn features will surely follow. If not, then, the future might get a little murky. So, here's hoping to a big weekend and big holiday season for Disney's The Princess and the Frog.
