Uncategorized

2 more Disney films are added to the National Film Registry

Two more Disney films, “The Lion King” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” have been added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress bringing the total number of Disney films in the registry to 14.

Each year the Library of Congress selects 25 motion pictures to be added to the registry that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. The films must be at least 10 years old. The Librarian makes the annual registry selections after conferring with members of the National Film Preservation Board and Library specialists.

“Motion pictures document our history and culture and serve as a mirror of our collective experiences,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said when announcing the selection. “The National Film Registry embraces the richness and diversity of film as an art form and celebrates the people who create the magic of cinema.”

The Library of Congress describes the two Disney films as follows:

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) — Described by Roger Ebert as “not only great entertainment but a breakthrough in craftsmanship,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” introduced a new sense of realism into the interactions between cartoons and live-action characters on screen. In this film noir comedy, set in a 1940s Hollywood where cartoon characters are real, private investigator Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) is hired to prove the innocence of the accused murderer and uncontrollably crazy ‘toon’ Roger Rabbit (voiced by Charles Fleischer), with memorable appearances by Roger’s voluptuous wife, Jessica Rabbit (voiced by Kathleen Turner), and the chillingly evil Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd). The film evokes a love for the golden age of animation, represented through the construction of Roger Rabbit himself, who embodies Disney’s high-quality animation, Warner Bros.’ character design and Tex Avery’s sense of humor. The spirit of the film is artfully summarized in this one line: “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.” Executive producer Steven Spielberg worked tirelessly to negotiate the use of over 140 beloved cartoon characters in the film, making this the first time Warner Bros. and Disney characters shared the screen and the last time Mel Blanc voiced Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck before his death in 1989.

The Lion King (1994) — Disney Studios further solidified its position as the producer of modern-day animated masterpieces with this lyrical 1994 offering. The story of a young lion cub destined to become King of the Jungle, but first exiled by his evil uncle, “The Lion King” was a triumph from the moment of its release and has charmed new generations of viewers. Like Disney’s beloved “Bambi,” “The Lion King” seamlessly blends innovative animation with excellent voice-actors (Jonathan Taylor Thomas, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick and Whoopi Goldberg) and catchy, now-classic songs by Sir Elton John and Tim Rice. It is the film’s storytelling that resonates—funny, innovative, suspenseful—for both children and adults. Since its release, the film has spawned an animated TV series, two made-for-video sequels and a highly imaginative Broadway show.

Here is the complete list of Disney films on the list:

  • Steamboat Willie (1928)
  • The Three Little Pigs (1933)
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1933)
  • The Old Mill (1937)
  • Pinocchio (1940)
  • Fantasia (1940)
  • Bambi (1942)
  • The Story of Menstruation (1946)
  • The Living Desert (1953)
  • Mary Poppins (1964)
  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
  • Beauty and the Beast (1991)
  • The Lion King (1994)
  • Toy Story (1995)

Related Articles

Back to top button