Disney's Multiplane Camera

Dave R

This is kind of cool.

[flash=425,349:1w9kg023]http://www.youtube.com/v/8d4-AUwkKAw?version=3&hl=en_US[/flash:1w9kg023]

solo

That was great, aah! the golden years of animation.

mitcorb

It is cool! But the story behind how or why you discovered it would be interesting. In fact, the story behind many of the discoveries posted in this forum would be interesting. I can't seem to find the time to search for stuff like this.

Dave R

It was my life's mission to find this video. I searched everywhere and had no luck until today. Now I've finished my bucket list and I can die happy.

Actually, I make it a habit to check wimp.com in the mornings over my coffee because you never know what you'll find. It was pure luck.

Frederik

That was cool to see...

boofredlay

Thanks for posting that Dave. That was great.
I watched a documentary on the Sherman brothers last week. They were the only permanent staff musicians up until Walt died. Check it out if you get a chance.

Vicspa

Thanks Dave, it brought back many pleasant memories

david_h

The multi-plane was first considered and crudely devised back in '37 with Snow White, but by 1941-42.. .the years of Dumbo, Bambi, Pinnochio etc. Uncle Walt and the Nine Old Men had the Technology worked down to an art/science. It was patented by Disney studios. . . of course. Not only did it affect the way art was photographed . .. the camera affected the way backgrounds and layouts were conceived and executed. Even when later movies like Alladin and Little Mermaid were done using aspects of CG as a basis for the hand drawing, the Multi-plane (MP 2.1 ) was still used! check out The short . .the Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1940) to see how this was used to perfection . .. (Ichabod riding toward the covered Bridge!)

I have this great book at home written by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, (The Illusion of Life The Art of Disney Animation) that talks about all of this stuff. Amazing.

THe new Pixar and other Total CG movies are cool but I really do miss the old style in a lot of ways. Even the newer 2D cel animation stuff (Home on the Range? ? ?anyone? anyone?) doesn't even compare.

pmiller

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiplane_camera
Ub Iwerks, the creator of Mickey Mouse actually made the first multi-plane when he was Disneys partner.