As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia when I think about “Anastasia.” Growing up in the 90s, I was a die-hard Disney fan, and this animated film seemed like it would fit right in with the likes of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan. But alas, it wasn’t to be!
1997’s animated film “Anastasia” revolves around a young woman uncovering her past, and rumors have long swirled about its origin as a Disney production. Given Disney’s animation dominance in the ’90s with movies like “Mulan,” “Aladdin,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” it’s not hard to see why this might be believed. The film features elements typical of Disney productions, such as memorable songs, a lovable canine companion, and an appealing romantic interest. However, contrary to these whispers, “Anastasia” was not a Disney production.
Contrary to what some Disney fans might think, the film “Anastasia,” starring Meg Ryan, isn’t one of Disney’s productions. Originally produced by 20th Century Fox, it garnered $14 million upon its release in 1998 and was even nominated for two Academy Awards. Over time, Anastasia has come to be recognized as a cinematic princess icon from the ’90s. However, it’s important to note that “Anastasia” wasn’t initially part of Disney’s royal lineup; that changed later on.
What is the animated movie Anastasia about?
The film “Anastasia” is inspired by the real-life tale of the Romanov family, but it deviates from historical truth by choosing a family-friendly fantasy narrative over strict accuracy. The movie centers around a young woman named Anya (Ryan), who was placed in an orphanage due to her lack of memory about her family origins. Intrigued by the reward offered by Dowager Empress Marie (Angela Lansbury) for anyone capable of finding her missing granddaughter Anastasia, Anya embarks on a quest to uncover her true identity amidst the Russian buzz about the search. Two swindlers, Dimitri (John Cusack) and Vladimir (Kelsey Grammer), see an opportunity to profit from this situation and recruit Anya to feign being the lost princess Anastasia.
Although Dimitri and Vladimir are showing her the ways of royalty, sinister forces lie in wait. The enigmatic Rasputin (played by Christopher Lloyd), who once deceived the Romanovs, becomes determined for revenge upon discovering that Anya is Anastasia. This revelation sets off a chain reaction of peril, prompting Anya to seek justice for her family, protect her companions, and secure her own destiny.
Was Anastasia developed by Disney?
Contrary to popular belief, the character “Anastasia” wasn’t created by Disney. Instead, it’s quite amusing how this misconception has persisted for decades. In reality, “Anastasia” was intended as an alternative to Disney’s princesses, with 20th Century Fox using the movie as a means to challenge Disney, known as the House of Mouse. Interestingly enough, Don Bluth, who co-directed the film, was once employed by Disney.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Don Bluth began his career at Disney at age 18 and left in 1979 following two decades of service. Since then, he has significantly contributed to animation with movies such as “The Secret of NIMH,” often praised for its stunning hand-drawn artistry. Prior to the release of “Anastasia” with its unique brand of historical fantasy, films like “An American Tail” and “The Land Before Time” had already captivated children’s imaginations.
Over the weekend, “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” snatched the top spot at the box office, but for us gamers and animation enthusiasts, our favorite non-Disney animated film reigned supreme! With a staggering global earnings of $139 million, it secured the title as the most successful non-Disney animated movie, a crown previously held by “Anastasia.” However, its reign was short-lived, ending in 1998 when another film dethroned it. But for now, we’re celebrating its success!
So why is Anastasia considered a Disney movie now?
After numerous efforts and intense competition on the big screen, “Anastasia” eventually transformed into a Disney film when Disney bought 21st Century Fox in 2019. Now, it is among the numerous beloved titles accessible on Disney+. During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Don Bluth expressed his feelings about his cherished movie being passed on, stating, “As long as people watch it, appreciate the tale, and find their lives enriched by it, I’m content. However, if they begin marketing her as just another Disney princess, I might have to frown a bit, but I believe it’s in capable hands.
Currently, Anastasia shares her home with characters like Cinderella, Tiana, and Mulan, to mention a few notable examples. This engaging, emotionally resonant tale aligns perfectly with Disney’s collection, but it is destined to be distinct among the timeless animated masterpieces. The animation, which appears almost three-dimensional in parts of the movie, presents a visually captivating departure from the more conventional animation styles that were prevalent in Disney during the 1990s. Moreover, the love story in this film deviates somewhat from the usual formula, but it still concludes with the classic “happily ever after.
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2024-12-08 22:30