On 1_1_11 I checked out the Disney documentary, “Waking Sleeping Beauty,” an honest look at the re emergence of Disney as an animation powerhouse. Don Hahn and Peter Schneider communicate an authentic story about the evolution of a studio that was at a crossroads after the failed release of “Black Caldron.” Interestingly enough, this documentary shows the power struggle between Roy Disney, Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg—all glued together by the Disney legacy and the eloquent leadership of Frank Wells during the 1980s through 1990s.
For any fan of creative enterprise, “Waking Sleeping Beauty” reveals the internal struggles of a company working hard within the creative and political processes to produce a final animation product worthy of recognition. I thought this documentary captured the creativity of genius through the eyes of the animators—Frank Wells, Tim Burton, John Lasseter, Joe Ranft, Roy Disney and through the classic films—Roger Rabbit, The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Great Mouse Detective. . .
The behind the scenes on the DVD are equally as interesting and offer a series of interview and tributes that equal the power of the movie itself. Check it out, you will be happy you did. I guess it’s back to work.