A Cartoon Studio Comparison
Way back in 1928, audiences were enthralled as the black-and-white, animated short, Steamboat Willie, made its theatrical debut. The rest as they say is Disney history. Perhaps you may know of the main character in that first film. He goes by the name “Mickey Mouse.” Of course you know him! Mickey is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters on the planet, I might go as far as to say he is THE MOST recognizable. Walt, Roy, and the Disney staff went on to create a cast of characters who were so special, so beloved that continue to bring smiles to children of all ages, even some 50 years after Walt’s passing: Donald Duck (my favorite of course), Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Daisy, Pete, Chip, Dale, and so many more.
DISNEY FILMS
Disney specializes in cartoons and films that have that Disney pixie dust sprinkle…the Disney magic. The movies take you out of the realm of what’s real, and for a brief moment, you have a chance to escape the stress and the trouble that exists in your world and join an animated, Disney protagonist on a wonderful adventure. Disney does a great stimulating the wonder muscles of your mind. For example, with the Peter Pan cartoon (a revival of an existing story) Peter, Wendy, and their companions could fly with a little magic powder and a lot of belief. Or there was one of my favorite magical moments in the film Sword in the Stone when Merlin and Madame Mim had a Wizard’s Duel…CLASSIC! Disney animation doesn’t always have to incorporate magic to inspire wonder, but it helps. Watching a Goofy “How to Cartoon” has the same kind of Disney magic for a whole different set of reasons, usually because the cartoon is so entertaining.
Oh. Let’s not forget Disney music. If told you to sing “Under the Sea” right now, I know so many of you, even if you don’t want to sing it, are playing the song in your head right now. Whistle While You Work, of the Hi Ho (7 Dwarves) or Zippidy Doo Dah.
GHIBLI FILMS
How about Ghibli? Ghibli films are special for other reasons. Ghibli Films may have to feel-good moments, but I wouldn’t say they’re “feel-good” features. I think all of the Ghibli films I’ve seen deal with some type of loss or potential loss. In the Totoro film, the girls potentially could have lost their mother, or in Grave of the Fireflies (Dear God that movie was sad) it’s the death (loss) of an entire family, or in Howl’s Moving Castle, it’s the loss of youth. I wouldn’t call these the main themes of the Ghibli films but it’s such a strong underlying them that it affects the air of the movie. As a result, Ghibli Films tend to have a more serious ambiance than their Disney counterpart. Slightly more serious animated features aren’t a bad thing, it kinda makes the Ghibli movies what they are.
Ghibli films can be quite magical in their own right. Castles in the Sky, Gods of Nature, Dragons, Talking Bouncing Heads, Wizards, and Magical Charms are all fair game in a Ghibli Film. The magic isn’t as “bippity boppety boo-ish” for lack of a better term, but it’s magical and memorable, nonetheless.
Ghibli Music. I think there are some really catchy Ghibli tunes that American audiences may not be aware of, but are wildly popular here in Japan, like Totoro’s theme the “Aruko” song. Ghibli Studio features, employ some of the best orchestral talents that Japan has to offer, which make the films all the more memorable.
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