Review - Once Upon a Studio (2023)

        Hey guys, Chuck here, and it's still amazing that, throughout the year, we've been celebrating one hundred years of Disney. And last month, on October 15th, Disney debuted a short on television, which is also set to be in movie theaters this month playing in front of Disney's new movie Wish. The short is called Once Upon a Studio, and it's a true celebration of Disney animation over the past century. 

        So, it starts off with several staff and interns leaving the Roy E. Disney Building at the Disney Studio, with legendary animator Burny Mattinson (who sadly passed away back in February of this year) remarking on the many years of animation history by saying "If these walls could talk." Suddenly, an art piece showcasing Mickey and Minnie Mouse comes to life, and Mickey and Minnie work to get everyone from the various projects from Walt Disney Animation Studios throughout the years. Everyone from Tinker Bell, Judy Hopps, Peter Pan, Bambi, Dumbo, Cinderella, the Mad Hatter, Hades, Scar, Timon and Pumbaa, Anna and Elsa, Mirabel Madrigal, the Fairy Godmother, Rapunzel, Milo Thatch, Kaa, Robin Hood and Little John, Mowgli and Baloo, Lilo and Stitch, Quasimodo, Jiminy Cricket, the Dalmatian puppies, Mulan, Ariel, Belle, the Beast, Raya, Tiana, Hades, Winnie the Pooh, Moana, Baymax, Maui, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and even newcomer Asha (the protagonist of Wish) all get together for a group picture outside of the Roy E Disney Building. As everyone gathers in the lobby, Mickey looks up and reminisces at a portrait of Walt Disney. But, when Goofy tries to set up the camera and goofs up, the various Disney characters begin to sing the iconic tune "When You Wish Upon a Star," Fix-It Felix fixes the camera, Hercules puts the ladder back up, and the Fairy Godmother helps Goofy set the camera, and the picture is taken. 

       The short then ends with a message: "To everyone who imagined with us, laughed with us, and dreamed with us, Thank You." 

        Now, I'm going to admit it, this short absolutely drove me to tears. Honestly, it's an absolute treat getting to see these legendary characters that have existed through the years, and been beloved the world over for generations, all in one place. And the fact that it's an ultimate culmination of one hundred years of Disney animation makes it all the more special. Now, as far as the voice over for the short goes, Disney got as many of the original speaking and/or singing voice artists back to reprise their roles. And where that was impossible, suitable replacements were brought in, or archived audio from the originals was used. I especially noticed this when I heard the voice of Clarence Nash as Donald, Sterling Holloway as Pooh, Kaa, and the Cheshire Cat, and Robin Williams as the Genie. And, yes, that was ACTUAL archived outtake audio of Robin Williams. Cool. Also, archived audio of Cliff Edwards as Jiminy Cricket was used during the song "When You Wish Upon a Star." 

      And just some of the moments throughout the short, like the Dalmatian puppies watching "Night on Bald Mountain" from Fantasia, seeing Mr. Toad from Ichabod and Mr. Toad riding the Carpet from Aladdin, Moana helping Flounder from The Little Mermaid get into some water, and so many more moments. I absolutely loved an elevator gag involving Donald Duck holding the elevator for the sloth from Zootopia, only for Baymax to hop onto the elevator as well. Honestly, just seeing how many iconic characters have been around through the years is amazing. And I thought it was a nice touch that Asha, the newest Disney princess, from the new movie Wish got to participate as well, and an even nicer touch having her stand next to Snow White, who is the very first Disney princess.

        But, arguably my favorite moment was seeing Mickey look up at a portrait of Walt Disney while a somber version of "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins played in a background. If you know your Disney history, and how much Walt loved that song, you'll really appreciate that particular moment in the short. 

       Honestly, I loved watching Once Upon a Studio. And you know what? I'm not even going to recommend waiting to watch it in theaters when Wish comes out. I highly recommend watching it NOW on Disney+. I'm giving Once Upon a Studio a rating of 5/5. 

       Okay guys, this is Chuck signing off, and here's to a hundred years of Disney magic. Cheers.

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