Il était une fois un studio

In honor of the Walt Disney Company officially turning 100 years old this month, filmmakers Dan Abraham and Trent Correy have put together an incredible tribute piece called Once Upon a Studio. Set entirely within the actual Walt Disney Animation Studios, the short focuses on nearly all of the iconic animated characters from the company's history coming together for an annual group photo. What sounds like a typical nostalgia based gimmick disguised as an anniversary present is actually more heartfelt and earnest than one might assume, as this short is a true love letter to the company's legacy.

As this short brings together an endless amount of characters from the company's history, both hand-drawn and computer animated, the amount of dedication the crew put into bringing these iconic characters together is nothing short of spectacular. Many fans of the studio's lineup will be thrilled to see at least one of their favorites from all 62 feature films produced there, let alone the likes of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. In addition, many returning cast members from the features today are included, along with appropriately mixed archival recordings and newer cast members to voice older characters. But of course, the inclusion of both animation veterans and the new generation of artists at the studio are what make the short work so well, including the work of 2D animation trainees like Austin Traylor and Tyler Pacana. With the likes of legends like Eric Goldberg, James Baxter, Ruben Aquino, Tony Bancroft, Nik Ranieri, and Will Finn returning, the immense amount of craftsmanship and admiration shown on display can not be overstated enough thanks to these legends.

But in regards to why this short works so well as an anniversary present, it taking place at the Roy E. Disney Animation Building is not as heartfelt as the inclusion of Walt himself. It's easy to be critical of the intensely complicated history behind the company's run, but one must not forget how the studio started off as just two midwestern brothers going out to California to pursue their dreams in the motion picture business. To this day, it's hard to think of another animation studio that has lasted as long as the company itself, especially when it paved its own way for live-action filmmaking, theme parks, merchandising and so much more. The inclusion of veteran Disney composer David Metzger's score adds to the magic so well, not to mention this being the final film featuring Disney story artist Burny Mattinson, one of the few people to stay at the studio since uncle Walt's time there. There's something almost chilling to see Mickey and the gang come together for such a big hurrah, and having them perform the company's national anthem should remind us all that faith steps in and sees you through.

100 years going on strong, the Disney company could not have picked a better anniversary gift than Once Upon a Studio. With the short now being available on Disney+ following its exclusive premiere on ABC, everyone and their mother should absolutely see this short, regardless if you're a Disney fan or not. There's a reason the studio has continued to inspire generations and generations since its inception, and that answer can be found through reminiscing the timeless characters and features that we've appreciated forever. Thank you Disney for the magic that has influenced us for the better.

I'm so overwhelmed with emotions as I write this review just after watching this short. What a beautiful way to pay to tribute to Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney in general. Seeing all the characters from Snow White to Asha holding hands and singing together, interacting with one another and by the time the short ends I was moved to tears. Every frame contains Nostalgia and all those beautiful memories we had watching these beloved characters on screen. The fact that most of the original voice actors came back to record their respective lines is so amazing. It's just one BIG happy family which makes everyone smile and create sweet memories that are going to be cherished forever. Thank you so much Walt Disney for such a precious gift.

That's all I have to say about Once Upon a Studio. This is not just a short but nostalgia and emotions all coming together to create a beautiful 9 minutes tribute. If you're a Disney fan then you'll definitely cry watching it.

This was such a cute short, remembering all the Disney Classics to now thank you Walt Disney, and to all who made it possible Walt Disney will always be in my heart and the picture came out very lovely and to see Oswald there as well. This is truly one of the best shorts in the world and plus what a wonderful reunion to the Walt Disney animation studio happy 100 years and hope for many more to come. And the Disney animators. Including Pixar thank you for all you've done. Here's to wishing for many more dreams and wishes coming true. If you miss the Disney animation, then the short is just for you.

I always say we get angry and hate on Disney, because we care most of the higher do not, but this short feels like it was the real people of Disney paying a love letter to the company and Walt himself I'm obsessed with Disney the OG real Disney and this brought me to tears, all the animated characters and many of the OG voices and taking a group picture being funny and charming in the real world it all just worked for me and especially Mickey seeing Walt, it all just works, I can't believe he's been gone for 57 years and I desperately wish he could still be here, it's very tear inducing, it was perfect 10/10.

If you heard me describe this short in a sentence, you would probably dismiss it as another nostalgia-bait production where a giant corporation all but brags about how many IPs and characters they own. But as a commenter on Letterboxd pointed out: there is a major difference between "Look at all the things we own" and "Look at all the things we made". This here is very much the latter.

Once Upon A Studio, a Disney+ short film commemorating 100 years of Disney animation and featuring 500+ characters from across the Animated Canon (voiced by returning stars and some archive recordings, approved by the estates of all parties involved), is one of the most touching and genuine things we've seen from this company in some time. This isn't just a series of namedrops and fanservice moments; it is a sincere celebration of the creativity, artistry, storytelling, and magic of Disney that has, on some level, meant something to everyone on the planet, be it the new generation of Frozen fans, us Disney Renaissance kiddos, or my late grandfather who would often recount how his first visit to a "flicker show" was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 and how it scared the pants off him.

Great care has been taken to include as many characters as possible -- including ones from such oft-ignored pictures as Dinosaur, Atlantis, and The Black Cauldron -- and mix the different animation styles in a mostly seamless way (the 2D animation is the real deal this time, thank Christ). We all know the issues with Disney, but it's hard not to be moved by this one, especially (in my case) when we get to Jiminy Cricket's portion of the "When You Wish Upon A Star" ensemble, still using the same Cliff Edwards recording that my fellow Swedes and I have heard on every Christmas Eve since 1960.

Of course, there are still some things that won't sit quite right with everyone. The part where Mickey says a few words to a portrait of Walt Disney should probably also -- or solely -- feature Ub Iwerks. Another issue is the fact that, despite how well this short film turned out, we're probably not getting a House of Mouse reboot.

Stray observations and neat details: In the group photo at the end of the short, Peter Pan is together with Pete's Dragon. The two different Rescuers kiddos are hanging out. Mickey Mouse says "after you" to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, as he should.