History of Animation

Blog #12

2005-11-30T20:32:00.000-08:00

As a child one of my favorite books to read was the Berenstain Bear books. Brother and Sister bear were always getting in some sort of trouble. The were just like me and I could easily relate to them. Well when looking them up to write a blog about, I learned that the creator of the bears recently died at the age of 82. This series was turned into a cartoon show and these bears were in over 200 books. The Berenstain Bears were a childhood animation that we all loved and enjoyed reading and watching.
Stan Berenstain died Saturday in Pennsylvania. In more than 200 books, the Berenstain Bears, written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain, helped children for 40 years cope with trips to the dentist, eating junk food and cleaning their messy rooms. The reason for the couple to produce these books was to help children learn to read while entertaining them. Since the books were around for more than 40 years the authors were asked wether they considered making changes. Stan said no for changes in "Bear Country". He said that children in todays world still have messy rooms and are still telling fibs, but now there is violence, however not in Bear Country. There are problems, but they're the kind of typical family problems everyone goes through. When the couple was first beginning they had help from another prominate author, Theodor Geisel, or for some Dr. Seuss.
Now Stan and Jan's sons are contributing to the books and when the books are produced the finished piece of work is attributed to the Berenstains collectively. The tv show is still running and comes out with new shows just like any other. It is aired weekdays at noon on PBS. The next episode will be Trouble with Pets when brother and sister bear get a puppy and learn responsibility the hard way! R.I.P. Stan Berenstain and thank you.

Comments

2005-11-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

Here are my comments for Mike's blog and Travis's blog

Comments

2005-11-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

Here are my comments for Bonnie's blog and Laura's blog

Blog #11

2005-11-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

AFter reading about the American West, two common topics are owning land and Indians. After watching the movie, Spirit today in class I wanted to know more about the Indians involvment of the American West. I mainly researched the movements of the Indians and the leaders of different groups. The leader that I found to be the most interesting was Chief Looking Glass, or Allalimya Takanin. With the short amount of time that the Chief lived he accomplished many great feats for the Indians of the time period.
Chief Looking Glass was born in 1832 in today's Montana. He was the war chief of the Nex Perce and along with Chief Joseph lead a retreat from eastern Oregon into Montana and onto the Canadian border in the year 1877.Although he bitterly resented white encroachments on his ancestral lands, he opposed going to war with the United States over its plans to force his people onto the small reservation assigned to them at Lapwai, Idaho. The first confrontation of the United States and the Nez Perce happened in June 17, 1877 at the Whitebird Canyon. Chief Looking Glass was already living on the reservation at Lapwai. However the United STates general, Oliver Howard, had faith that Looking Glass would soon join the fighting. He sent his troops to the reservation to arrest Looking Glass. Howard's plans backfired, however, for Looking Glass eluded arrest and fled the reservation to join Joseph and his fugitive band just as Howard had feared. the Nez Percé flight bore the mark of Looking Glass's leadership. Going against what Joseph suggested, Looking Glass suggested to flee Montana and then stop at the Big Hole. Here he believed that he would keep his band free from attack however he was wrong. An army under the command of John Gibbon surprised Looking Glass on August 9, 1877. Many of the Nez Perce suffered heavy causualities. After this Looking Glass lost much of his prestige as a military leader. Nearly two months later, when the Nez Percé were finally surrounded by Colonel Nelson Mile's troops in Northern Montana's Bearpaw mountains, Looking Glass opposed surrender. By this time, however, Chief Joseph had decided that surrender was the only realistic option, and on October 5, he rode out to hand over his rifle. That same day, Looking Glass set out to join Sitting Bull's fleet in Canada, but before he could make it to the border, he was killed by a Cheyenne scout
Although he had made one wrong decision and cost the lives of some NEz Perce, Looking GLass did not give up his pride. He remained strong against the opposing forces until his death. He remained loyal to his tribe and was not willing to stop until they remained free and on their resevations. Looking Glass was a noble character for reasons that are uncommon. He main not have won a battle but he remained faithful to himself and tribe.

blog #10

2005-11-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

Pocahontas: Disney v. Real life

Two creators at Disney came up with great ideas for movies, one being Romeo and Juliet and the other American Frontier. Out of these suggestions came Pocahontas! John Smith being Romeo Pocahontas Juliet and scenery being the Frontier. Pocahontas was the first historical based movie that Disney tried instead of a fairy tale. Lets see how the real life Pocahontas compares to Disney's version.

In the Disney movie, Pocahontas is portrayed as a young adult, as if John Smith when they met. However, in real life, Pocahontas was a girl aged 12 and John Smith was a man aged 28. Obviously, you can rationalize why Disney would scew the ages of the characters for the younger viewing audiences and parental reasons as well. The movies are made to entertain not to provide a full non-fiction account of what happened. Pocohantas is also shown with a magnificent body with a cute short leather dress, one strap. However, being only 12 in real life, Pocahontas was naked most of her young life. When she would go into Jamestown she would be naked, but perhaps as she got older she did wear a leather dress of the sort. A fact that was seen in the movie as well as in real life, is Pocahontas did have a tattoo, possibly more than one. Physical features of John Smith were also different. In the movie John Smith was a tall clean shaven man who wore tight pants and little armor. In real life John Smith was a short fat man with a full beard, typical of the time period, along with puffy pants.

Aside from physical differences of the characters there were also differences within other areas.
John Smith and the other colonists sailed to the New World in a boat. In the Disney movie, it was a single boat named the Susan, however in real life the colonists sailed over in three boats, the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. During voyages, the governor would be in charge of the ships and what was going on. In the Disney version, Ratcliffe was the governor and took charge of the colonists on the Susan. In real life, the colonists at this time of the voyage did not have a governor. The colonists had a council for the voyage of 1607 which was headed by Captain Newport who was admiral. After they landed, the opened secret orders to set up the governing council which consisted of Smith, Ratcliffe, Wingfield, Newport, Gosnol, Martin, and Kendall. The first job was to elect a president and they elected Wingfield.

After being captured when venturing out at night by himself, John Smith was sentenced to be executed on top of a bluff at dawn in front of a group of colonists who had tried to come save him, or as Disney says. In real life John Smith was taking into Powhatan's house in front of only Powhatan's army because the colonists were not sure where John Smith was being held.

While exploring through the woods John Smith and Pocahontas and immediately fall in love. This is the Romeo and Juliet aspect of the movie. John Smith did not met Pocahontas until she rescued him. After being rescued, Powhatan adopted Smith as his son and gave him the name Nantaquoud. Through this Pocahontas and him became friends, just friends.

Obviously you see how well Pocahontas interacts with the animals in the wildlife. One such animal that has a prominent role, was Percy, Ratcliffe's dog. In real life, Percy was a last name of the colonist who followed Smith as president.

Although the movie is not fact for fact identical to the true story of Pocahontas, it still is a good movie. Disney did put in some clever references to the history, and some of the action is inspired by the history. If you know the history, it adds to the pleasure of the movie. If you think this is history, you will be confused. The story does not stop here, you can follow up on Pocahontas in Pocahontas II!!

Comments

2005-11-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

Here are my comments on voltaria's blog and Joshua's blog

Blog #9

2005-11-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Immigration

Between 1880 and 1919 more than 23 million people emigrated to the United States; of these 17 million entered through New York City. The two largest groups during this period were Russian Jews and Italians. Immigration was popular at this time due to the fact that American showed a place where you can be free. Immigrants have come to the United States as political and religious exiles, the impoverished seeking opportunity, the adventuresome in search of a challenge. Immigration posed a difficult challenge for the Jewish, Germans, Irish, Italians, and ect. What better way to depict this difficult struggle but with mice, as seen in An American Tale, and Fievel.
Fievel represents the first generation of immigrants that were born in the Old World yet grow up in America. Young, innocent, unknowing about the hardships of the world, he has to learn the hard way what real life is all about.Sometimes he’s endlessly optimistic, sometimes he gives up way to easily. He comes up with great ideas, but he also makes pretty daft decisions.
Fievel is separated from his family and in his what seems like hopless search he is faced with "cats" and meets new friends of all different cultures.
Although this movie is directed toward young children, a serious message about America's history can be portrayed to a younger viewing group. Not only how immigration was prominent during the 1880s to America but also not giving up. An American Tale, is a classic that will go down in history. Tonight was the first time I have seen this video and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

2005-10-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Comments on Mike's Blog and Diana's Blog

Blog # 8

2005-10-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Rocky and Bullwinkle

"Rocky: Do you know what an A-bomb is?Bullwinkle: Certainly. A bomb is what some people call our show." A famous one liner from the show created over 50 years ago. What is so interesting about this line, is the content of information, about a weapon. Well the creation of this show was during the WWII era so the main ideas of many of the sketches were of weapons or militia. There is much we dont know about this show however, but I am willing to share some of my secrets.
The setting for this show was named Frostbite Falls, Minnesota. However fake the place sounds, it really is named after an actual place in Minnesota called International Falls. It is named International because of its location in Minnesota. It is located in the upper northern corner near Canada. The name for Rocky and Bullwinkles place is named frostbite because after one reporter returned from International Falls they claimed it was Icebox America.
If you heard the name Bullwinkle most people would not spell the name as seen on the TV. Im sure if I heard the name i would spell it bullwinkel. However, the writers and creators did this typo on purpose. The moose is named after a man who owned a Ford dealership. He had a big nose and a funny personality so Ward and Anderson thought that would be perfect for the moose.
The accredited executive producer of Rocky and Bullwinkle, doesn't exist. The crew at the studio thought it would be a funny joke if they made up a fake biogrpahy to give reporters when they called the studio. they often sent out the bio for Ponsonby Britt O.B.E. It was embellished with a life filled with adventure and excitement . the plan worked out well and everyone got a laugh out of it.
This show has many undercover secrets that are waiting to be undercovered. It explains a lot about how the show worked and why some things are the way they are.

Blog #7

2005-10-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

WWII and Japanese Anime

When I think about animation my mind wanders to Mickey Mouse or new cartoons on nickelodeon. However, the use for animation is not just to entertain little children. Anime can have many uses with serious messages. Japanese Anime attitude and tone has had many inspirtion some dating back to the devestations of World War II. A notable effect of Japan's disastrous defeat appears in the gloom and melancholy that hangs over many films and series and separates them from the sunnier, more optimistic tone of American animation.
A more recent film that shows influence from the second world war is the movie Akira. This movie is about a futuristic, sprawling Neo-Tokyo on the point of collapse, with scientists and the military jockeying over a super-human with exceptional tele-kinetic powers while biker gangs and violence runs rampant on the streets.
A second influence of Japanese's involvement with the war can be seen with the extraordinary weaponry used in the anime. combat robots and other military prostheses that amplify the powers of diminutive characters.
The second World War was not recent for some although it was not that far away either. However, for the effects to be still fueling the Japanese animators mind is mind boggling. How the effect of a war can still be threating to those who suffered on the wrong end of the war and being at a place where war was fought.

Comments

2005-10-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Week one comments:
Comments on Will's Blog and Sarah's Blog

Week two comments:
comments on Mike's Blog
comments on Sana's blog

Week three comments:
my comments on Mike's Blog
I comment on Diane's blog but she removed it.

2005-10-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here are my comments for Mike's Blog and my comments for Will's Blog

Blog #6

2005-10-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Snow White: The fairest in the land

Snow White was a testimony to Walt Disney's potential. He went against what all the "other" animators were doing. Critics said, " the audience will be blinded" and " No one will watch a cartoon that is so long." No animators had created a full length animated film, which was exactly what Walt Disney did. This film, Walt Disney, was a major step upwards for Disney. After the films release December 21, 1937, the film earned 4.2 million dollars in its first release. It proved that animation could be used not just to amuse but to provoke a far wider range of emotions. Viewers witnessing the "death" scene of Snow White were moved to tears (Walts Masterworks) Snow White conquerred many feats in its years, does it still hold that power for today's youth?

Every little girl at one point in their life wanted to be Cinderella, Snow White, or any Disney princess for that matter. However, watching Snow White today in class i was not as drawn into the story. I was not as impressed with the animation and story as I was 10 years ago. The background, or scences of the film did not look animated. They looked as if I had just drawn them on the television screen. I was not capitvated or engrossed in the film, as if I was running through the trees or singing with the animals.

Maybe because now I am an adult, and I am more educated about the world, I feel as if Snow White was in a way offensive or not suitable for children. I thought the idea of having a huntman bring back Snow White's heart was a harsh way of going about killing her and bringing proof to the Queen. Wouldnt a strand of her hair have done the same thing? I am not sure I would want my children watching such a forward and obscene movie. Another scene with the huntman which was harsh, was when he was about to kill Snow White with a dagger. Hovering above a woman in the woods, does not paint a pretty picture for children to go to sleep thinking about.

Although I just took time and some what bashed one of historys greatest animated films by Walt Disney, the film did hold postive points. For example the cant not sing along songs. When you hear the songs in the film you can not help but sing or whistle along with Snow white and the dwarfs. Snow White was the last major classic film that Disney released to the consumer market on videotape in late 1994! There are other stories about Snow White that were published before Walt Disney's, Grimms Fairy Tales, where disney got the inspiration, as well as a Snow White published in 1898.

Blog # 5

2005-10-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

"When Danger calls, help is just one Super away!"

For any of you that have seen the movie, The Incredibles, I feel as if you would have to agree it was a great movie. The images, story, everything was awesome. You felt like you were seeing real people with real problems, yet it was a cartoon! The technology and work that went into making this movie is defintely seen by the final production.

The characters in the movie are entirely human, which is a first for Pixar. The writer-director, Brad Bird had an idea of a cast that did not look plastic or realistic, he wanted his characters directly out of the comic book, yet still looking like people. His technical team accomplished this by creating a program that used light and organic translucent skin that made the characters subtly glow from within (www.pixar.com) The model used for the background characters was named universal man, becuase he was used for everything. He was able to be morphed into children, adults, or senior citizens male or female. Two bigger characters that started out as Universal men were Dash's principle and the Underminer.

Bird was inspired to do this film but his own family, who are not quite superheros but showed some qualities. Bird was faced with being a good parent, especially after the birth of his second son, and being the successful director he wanted to be. The same problem that Mr.Parr faces as being a good parents and a superhero. The houses in the movie are inspired by the 1960's type house. The music is also from the 60's, specifically similar to James Bond.

Although the houses were similar to the 1960s the "bad" guys Mr. Incredible were fighting had out of this world hide outs. The images were outstanding and looked very futuristic. Its amazing how he can bring together so many different ideas from different generations. The concept art which is used to show these were mainly done by Lou Romano, Glenn Kim, and Geefwee Boedoe.

For Pixar the Incredibles did very well. Not only did the movie get good reviews but also did well in the box office. The film won an academy award for best animation, after its 2004 release, and best sound editting. This movie is Pixars second highest grossing movie within the worldwide with $629 million.

2005-10-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here are my comments for Mike's Blog and Will's Blog

2005-09-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

Comments on Sana's Blog and comments on Mike's Blog

Blog #4

2005-09-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Spanish Animation

I thought it would be interesting to see what the rest of the world is doing with animation as we travel through history of animation, mainly in the United States. I recently went to Spain and I thought it would be interesting to find a Spanish animated cartoon and see how it relates to ones we have here. While in Spain there were not many cartoons on the television and the movies that were animated in the theatres were movies from here in English as well with Spanish subtitles. Spanish animations tend to be used more for teachings instead of entertainment.
After searching online, for numerous hours, I was only able to find Spanish animation that are geared towards teaching children and adults the Spanish language. Perhaps it is because I am searching online in America, but I do not think it really matters. The animations are very similar to ones you would see on the computer. They are not as developed and detailed as ones you would watch on TV. The characters are very simple with simple features. In one animations about mananitas ( little mountains) the mountains were simple like a kindergarten drew them. Just three green lumps. The people were similar to stick figures but with clothes on. It looked like a 5th graders drawing had come to life. This animation was used to teach Spanish but it also told a story. It was teaching by telling a story and not by helping the children or adults to speak the language.
Another animation that was completely geared toward learning how to speak the language did not have many characters and did not tell a story. The character in the animation was like a teacher but was only a head figure. The features of the person were very detailed but still looked as if a young adult or new art student drew them. The person also looked futuristic. The colors used for the lips were very interesting and seemed to contrast the color of the skin. I found this to be very interesting because I feel as if there are not many futuristic animations for children or animations with futuristic characters and not just ABOUT the future. (futurama does not count in my book as a good animation for children)
I was not very impressed with the Spanish animations. However in another article that I did read it said how some of the western countries are more advanced in this art and that other countries, including Spain, are now starting to get the ball moving. They have recently agreed to merge two companies that are going to work on animations. However the Spanish animations I did watch were very interesting and although I already know a lot of Spanish it was a good way to brush up on some things I had forgotten!

Blog #3

2005-09-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

"September Fun Facts"

Instead of doing my usual blog about the readings, I decided to venture out onto the internet and see what kinds of information I could find about animation. There are numerous websites dedicated to up and coming artists and their animated cartoons. Some I have found amusing, while others will probably stay on the internet. Although one website that I came across really interested me. It was a timeline of what went on in the all teh different months! So I checked out September and here is what I learned.
We all know from class how September starts out, FELIX the cat! The website gives a great description of Felix and describes how other characters were designed after him, including Oswald and Mickey Mouse. (the mickey mouse surprised me) In September of 1929, Walt Disney travelled to Los Angeles to see the premiere of Paul Terry's sound cartoon. Surprisingly Walt Disney did not like and said " My gosh, terrible! A lot of racket and nothing else!" I could not beleive that when I read it. Another fun fact in the beginning of September, specifically the 3rd, the British Prime Minister interrupted a Disney cartoon of Mickey Mouse for a war annoucne in 1939. So after this the televisions are cut off completely and when they return in 1946, the announcer continues right where the cartoon left off. After 7 years the audience is still waiting for the conclusion of this cartoon. Its amazing the impact the cartoons had in this period of time, war. For today's fun fact, 1912 Chuck Jones was born and 1920 Jay Ward, the creator of Rocky and Bullwinkle was born. At the end of September 29, the creator of "The Addams Family", charles Addams died of a heart attack. To end this wonderful month of September one of our own favorite childhood shows premiered, the Flintstones!!
September was an exciting month for the history of animation. Especially through out the 1920s. The birth of numerous famous artists, as well as cartoons. I was suprised to see how old the Flintstones really were! I can not wait to see what October holds for us.

Chapter Two

2005-09-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney: A Legend

The first sentence of the chapter basically sums up what a majority of the world thinks. " It is impossible to overstate the impact Walt Disney had on the development of animated cartoons" Honestly after reading that I did not feel the need to go on, but I did. It is hard to believe that Disney has been donating to the worlds happiness with his animations for over 40 years! I am still watching disney movies as a 21 year old and I will continue to show my children. Walt Disney has left a profound impact on the animation world, and thanks to him I feel as if the animation world will only keep getting better. Even without his presence here today.
Although I do love Disney movies, I have never been a big fan of Mickey Mouse or Fantasia. In the chapter they talk how they had concerns of Mickey Mouse being like other animated animals, but were looking for a way for him to have his own personality. So they added other characters to the line up and people fell in love. It is amazing how long Mickey Mouse has been around. He was born 1928 and now its a conpletely different century! What shocks me even more is how Mickey Mouse was created in black and white but made the transition into color.
This chapter had so much information in it that I found to be so interesting that I would never have guess about Walt Disney but there is just to much to analysis and bore you all with in this one blog. Walt Disney is so facinating and I am sorry for realizing this now. I am definately going ot plan a trip to Disney world for after graduation! Anyone interested??

The Silent Era

2005-09-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

Blog #1
I would have never thought of color and sound being major technological advances. However, in the world of animation they made large and drastic changes. The artists and cartoonist of the time period took great pride in their work and that is something that is not always soon in today's world. Chapter one discusses numerous artists and cartoonist while introducing us to the world of silence and black and white.

The Silent Era was not my favorite period for animation. In a previous history class we were required to watch a silent cartoon, whose name I do not remember, and I was not entertained. I do not understand how or why, people of the time period would be entertained by silent cartoons. Perhaps I am just spoiled by the 21st century and all the advanced technology we have now, but silence tends to put me to sleep.

One thing about this chapter that I enjoyed was the enthusiam the cartoonist showed. After reading about numerous cartoonists and artists including Earl Hurd, Bud Fisher, and Natwick to name a few. Although many of these cartoonists and their cartoons are not as popular they are still being studied and enjoyed. With all the changing of technology most did not make the changeover, like Felix the cat. With the edition of sound and color some cartoons do not send the same original message as before. Although silent cartoons are not my favorite I would not want to watch Felix with sound or in color.

Step One

2005-09-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hope this works!