The Disney Princesses, a franchise all their own, are brought to Disney fans by excellent animation and well-casted voices. The first Disney princess, in fact, had a voice so unique that her actress, Adriana Caselotti, was supposedly restricted from any other acting roles. What goes into making the magic of a Disney Princess and her film? Let's take a look behind the scenes and find out:
Snow White
This retro behind-the-scenes featurette goes behind Disney animation, featuring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Several film process clips are included - Disney in storyboard conference, animators acting out scenes, drawing boards in progress, the technology behind the films, and early test screenings. The inking department, in particular, fascinates as a department populated by "hundreds of pretty girls," the early women of animation. The featurette even covers the music production department, with a clip of the orchestra recording some of Snow White's score. It's really amazing to see all the bits and pieces used in Disney's early films.
Cinderella
"The Voices of Cinderella" featurette looks at the cast of Disney's original Cinderella in 1950. Ilene Woods, especially, is featured, and a 1995 interview with Woods is included. She's described as having a "fairytale voice." This is merely a clip from the full featurette, but it whets the appetite for more about Woods and her incredible talent.
Sleeping Beauty
From "The Voice and Model of Aurora" featurette from the platinum edition, the clip follows Aurora's creation and separation from Walt's previous princesses. Mary Costa, in addition to being chosen for her "warm" voice, was hired for her amazing singing talent. The clip also looks at the voice of Prince Phillip, Bill Shirley, who was a pop singer at the time.
The Little Mermaid
From The Little Mermaid Platinum Edition, the clip is part of the "Live Action Reference" featurette, looking at the models and technical construction of the animated characters. The animators, in addition to using human models, actually studied marine animals, like octopi for Ursula. Sherri Stoner, the live action reference model, was brought in with instruction but was also able to play around with the character's physicality. Check out, also, Jodi Benson recording "Part of That World."
Beauty and the Beast
A clip from interviews and behind the scenes of the original cast, the featurette looks more in depth at how the musical numbers were constructed. The cast, really, once constructed, resembled more a Broadway cast than any other animated film cast. The numbers, accordingly, were designed like a stage musical. I especially enjoy the glimpse of Gaston's voice, Richard White, who always amazes me with how little he actually visually matches his voice.
Aladdin
This clip, from DisneyVideo, features Linda Larkin recording behind the scenes and being really adorable. There are several clips online of Lea Salonga recording as Jasmine's singing voice, but it's not as easy to find Linda Larkin, who really doesn't get as much recognition from the fanbase for the role.
Pocahontas
This is actually a full featurette, hosted by Irene Bedard, the voice of Pocahontas. The featurette looks at the story development, the animators' challenges working with characters based on real people, and, of course, the cast. Our hostess also takes us to the original Jamestown, where several monuments exist honoring the original settlers and Native Americans. More importantly, the featurette takes the audience through the real history of Pocahontas and her tribe. Check out Part 2 here.
Mulan
Also a full featurette, this is the first clip of six focusing on the making of Mulan, such as the research that went into the film - including a three-week trip in China. Many elements of the trip are translated into actual factors of the final film. It's a really fascinating look are where many characteristics, both in background and character, come from to create Mulan. Check out the full playlist here.
The Princess and the Frog
From Disney UK, this featurette goes behind the scenes with interviews with the creators and the cast. The entire cast is examined as their own characters and against previous Disney princess films. The behind-the-scenes recording sessions are especially entertaining, for all the characters. In many ways, the film is return to the Disney Renaissance - a true musical, a real fairy tale, and gorgeous hand-drawn animation.
Tangled
This short clip introduces Disney fans to Rapunzel and Flynn, a "Dynamic Duo." Featuring interviews with both the creators and the main cast, this Disney couple are examined shortly. It's a fun near-trailer for the film, patching together a lot of the comedic and sweet clips that helped us fall in love with their story.
Brave
An extended behind-the-scenes featurette, the clip looks at character, story, and a whole lot of Scottish accents. With several interviews and clips of recording sessions, it's a fun look at the first Pixar princess of the official Disney line-up. Additionally, the featurette looks at the story art, the inspiration of Scotland, and the music.
Frozen
Although Anna and Elsa are not yet included in the official line-up - probably because they still constitute their own franchise - I decided to include their film in the Disney Princess list. This clip goes behind-the-scenes into the recording studio. Check out Kristen Bell's and Idina Menzel's fabulous vocal talents. As much as I have slowly begun to hate this film, I cannot discount the major talent and beauty that went into creating it.
Stay tuned for a look at Disney's heroines, a new Film of the Week, and preparation for Disney's Zootopia!
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