Grumpy's Kiss and Departure

Today, another couple of recreated pan B/Gs from SNOW WHITE.

First, we have "Grumpy's Kiss and Departure." Interesting problem... the first frame in the sequence, starting on the right has Grumpy with his shadow. I couldn't eliminate it completely.

So here you'll see two versions: one with Grumpy and the entire first frame intact. Here's the first frame:


This version of the digitally re-created pan B/G contains the entire first frame on the right:

This second version of the digitally re-created pan B/G is almost completely cleared, as much as digitally possible... revealing quite a bit more of the B/G. Sorry, nothing I could do about that bit of shadow and a fragment of Grumpy's shoe!

As usual I've split the Pan B/G in halves so you can have a good look at detail Here's the left side:

And the right side:

And finally, another completely separate woodsy pan B/G. Grumpy gets his nose stuck in the hole in the tree. A funny bit!

SNOW WHITE

In honor of the 70th anniversary of SNOW WHITE and the forthcoming Disney DVD re-release, I've created some newly digitized restorations of some obscure B/G art pieces from Walt's first feature.

The first is a recreated pan B/G (with cel overlays of waterfall, vultures and their shadows.)









If you'd liek to see more, check out the archives by clicking the SNOW WHITE label link (below).

A New Way of Looking at SNOW WHITE

I have recently had some intriguing correspondence with a young artist named Patrik Spacek. Originally from the Czech Republic, he has lived in Illinois for the last three years.

A few days ago he wrote me, asking if I'd suggest a Disney background I'd like to see rendered in 3D computer graphics.

After thinking about it for a day, I suggested the interior of the dwarfs' cottage from SNOW WHITE.

When the graphics arrived in my email, I was absolutely floored.

This young man is a brilliant talent. The computer graphics he's created are nothing short of astonishing. SENSATIONAL!

Here are two shots of the cottage re-created in CGI 3D - the bedroom staircase and the entire interior pan shot of the cottage. I have included a close-up of the area under the stairs.

Look at the incredible detail - the curves on the staircase's wooden planks, the texture of the wall's stucco, etc.

This young man spent days creating this, and it took 20 hours to completely render.

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

Patrik, thank you for sharing your work with our blog readers. I think you have an amazing future ahead of you.

Patrik's goal is to work for Disney (ideally) and/or another major animation studio. Someone should sign this young man immediately.

(Readers - be sure and click on the images. They will open in a new window full size so you can really savor the incredible detail.)

SNOW WHITE Cottage Pan B/G

The obsession continues. I hammered away at this pan B/G for another three hours tonight.

Here's something we have never seen - the full length of the dwarfs' cottage!

All that's left to do is attach the hearth to the left side and it's done. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe...

SNOW WHITE: Soup's On!

Snow White runs down the stairs to check the soup...

Here is about 1/2 the pan B/G, recreated, as SW runs through the dwarfs' cottage...

And here, the homey hearth... SW, the mantletop spoon and the soup pot lid digitally eradicated for your B/G viewing pleasure...

SNOW WHITE

These scary trees are located in the forest area just outside the dwarfs' cottage...

SNOW WHITE: Dwarfs' Doors

It's intriguing comparing different views of the same area, in background art. Disney's attention to detail has always set them above and apart from all other studios.

The first view of the dwarfs' cottage doorway is when the animals and Snow White first enter. Note the cobweb left and above the door. (The door itself was intentionally removed to uncover as much B/G art as possible.)


This second view is at night, cel overlay of the door intact and closed. Note the warmth of the light, and many subtle differences between these two renderings.

Here are two views of the bedroom door:

SNOW WHITE: Grumpy Stomps Out

Today's post gives us a look at the interplay of background art pieces within a scene.

Snow White says to Grumpy: "Well, aren't you going to wash?"

He turns his back, stubborn...

Snow White, sweetly teasing says "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

At which point Grumpy sticks his tongue out at Snow White, then stomps off and walks right into the door.

When he stomps off we see Snow White at the left, with most of the shot's background art revealed.

In particular, note the wood bench and the wonderful pillar.

This recreated pan is the entire length of the scene. Once again, pay attention to the bench and pillar, and the different perspective. Disney was a masterful cinematographer. He understood the dramatic impact of pans, zooms, fades, and camera angles. The B/G art played a pivotal role in heightening these camera techniques.

In a tighter shot within the scene, we see the same area, with the nearly identical but definitely different background art, with subtle but noticeable variances in lighting and details. Notice the difference in the fruit bowl and the different draping of the fabric hanging out of the cupboard drawer. Intriguing continuity anomalies...

Decorating Dwarf Style! (Snow White)

Excellence is in the details!

Look at the wood texture in the stairs - and the carved owl heads!

Here's a digitally re-created pan background, full of more wonderful wood textures.

A different view inside the cottage...

Snow White sets a mean table!

A beautiful window design; notice (again) the texture of the wood grain, the play of light, the hardware on the windows, and the cracks and discoloration on the wall.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)

I digitally removed the door from its hinges so we can see the full interior and the doorway view of the dwarfs' cottage.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)

In 1937, Walt said "let the magic begin..."

Disney's first animated feature!

Dopey's Drums

The SILLY SONG sequence in SNOW WHITE is ingenious and charming. Dopey gets a couple of starring moments playing percussion. Here are the digitally recontructed backgrounds featuring his curious array of instruments. Note the incredible detail!

The bright gold cymbals and cowbells are cel overlays. (I left these intact on purpose.) Everything else is indeed background art. Imagine: duck drums, owl temple blocks, swan and squirrel cymbal holders, sleigh bells and more!

I am likely going to be away from the computer for a day or so, and unable to blog during that time. I'll return to posting ASAP. I have more delightful artwork from MGM's Tom and Jerry cartoons.

So come back again, soon, and there will be more treats from animation backgrounds!

SNOW WHITE continued

Here's a lovely background from a scene in the woods, with the old crone.