Disney's Animated Classics (Hardback)
A Comprehensive Guide
Imprint: White Owl
Pages: 224
Illustrations: 32 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781036120559
Published: 30th September 2025
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Which Disney character is responsible for the most onscreen deaths? What are the entry requirements for becoming a Disney Princess? Why is Jiminy Cricket always breaking into people's homes?
In Disney's Animated Classics, Stephen Rötzsch Thomas explores the iconic features from the studio's first 100 years, from Snow White to Wish. A love letter to storytelling and collaboration, each chapter takes readers behind the scenes of a different movie, uncovering the hidden secrets, creative geniuses, and surprising connections that will enthral die-hard Disney fans and casual viewers alike.
Disney's Animated Classics examines how the studio's films have shaped and been shaped by the world around them and how they have attempted to reflect a changing culture. From the studio's representation of race and sexuality to its fluctuating creative fortunes through the decades, Rötzsch Thomas offers an unflinchingly funny history of one of the biggest icons in cinema.
His unauthorised deep dive is an irreverent but loving tribute to the films that have defined generations of childhoods. Whether you're a self-proclaimed Disney Adult, a film fan looking to learn about the animation behemoth, or just someone trying to understand why Robin Hood was responsible for your sexual awakening, there's something for you here.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Rebecca Stewart
This is a great book to learn more about your favorite Disney movies... Definitely would recommend!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Sheri Page
As a die-hard Disney fanatic and former cast member, I'm obsessed with this book! It's packed with fascinating facts on Disney's rich history, from animation to the latest blockbusters. I devoured every chapter, which took me on a magical journey from the first Disney movie to the present. Now, I'm on the hunt for more books that dish out the dirt on Disney's past.
In the 1970's, I grew up on Disney animation. Most weekends were topped by Sunday night's Wonderful World of Disney and afternoons occasionally provided reruns of the classic Mickey Mouse Club from decades before. When the films came out of the vaults for their cyclical returns, I hit the theaters with family. Thus, I had to check this one out.
NetGalley, Martin Maenza
Thomas' approach is in interesting one. He hits each of the films in chronological order, devoting a short chapter to each in turn. Given the length, we naturally are not getting every fact about the films. He provides details relating to the making of each one along with other interesting factoids. Most of these are likely known to the true Disney-devoted, but I often found myself picking up a new tidbit here and there.
It is definitely an author's prerogative to decide what they are focusing on and how to deliver their narrative. I found this one touched on personal connections and felt it was all delivered in a rather easy-going, conversational manner. It is clear that Thomas has a love for Disney animation which comes through in the text.
About Stephen Rötzsch Thomas
Stephen Rötzsch Thomas grew up on the edge of the One Hundred Acre Wood, but don't worry – he’s definitely not built his entire personality around it. He runs gigs as Folkroom, writes chicken recipes for Ideas With Legs, and is getting to the point where he could use a good literary agent, if you know anybody. He lives in Nottingham with his wife and two cats.
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