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:
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)