While this may not be on the par of what will win the Academy Award or who will be the final Survivor, I hope you were looking forward to finding out the "final 25" of this list. So without further ado...
#25 - The Headless Horseman
The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad - 1949
As the spindly hat rack of a man Ichabod Crane makes his way home from the Van Tassels' Halloween party, he succumbs to the ultimate in paranoia. As clouds form into a giant hand, clutching the moon, he is stirred on by the memory of Bram Bones' spine-chilling tale of a horseman who haunts the neighboring countryside in search of a "head to chop." The schoolmaster imagines frogs croaking his name, a crow screeching "Beware! Beware!" (shades of Poe) and mysterious hoof beats in the distance. Seeing that his fears are getting the best of him, he laughs nervously, a laugh that is drowned out by a hideous cackle. The sky blazing fiery red, mounted on an ebony steed, his moonlit blade in one hand and a flaming Jack O' Lantern in the other... The Headless Horseman rides again!
#24 - The Rainstorm
Bambi - 1942
Drip, drop, drip, drop... these are the first sounds we here as this "little April shower" begins. The ballet of raindrops, backed by a melodious storm, is the first time the young prince has seen such an event, and we see it through his awed eyes. As the forest animals scatter for cover, the song segues into a thunderous symphony, illuminating the wonders, and dangers, of Bambi's wilderness home. As the skies clear and the dew settles, the scene ends as it began: drip, drop...
#23 - The Wildebeest Stampede
The Lion King - 1994
"It's to die for!" Simba's uncle Scar says of the surprise waiting for him in the bottom of the ravine. A life-threatening surprise is what lays ahead for the future lion king. Rocks rattle on the ground as the hyenas spook a herd of wildebeests into the canyon, on a direct course for the helpless cub. Mufasa arrives to rescue his son, but is trampled by the onslaught of hoofed beasts due to the fratricidal actions of Scar. As the dust settles, Simba plaintively cries out for his father, but there is no answer. When he finds the fallen form of Mufasa, the confused cub nestles up to him, unable to comprehend his tragic loss.
#22 - Jessica
Who Framed Roger Rabbit - 1988
"Got a thing for rabbits, huh?" We are in the Ink and Paint Club and the featured act is about to begin. The curtains part, a shapely leg appears. Jaws drop and eyes pop as what's attached to that leg shimmies into view. Breathlessly cooing her torch song, all eyes in the room are on the buxom Mrs. Roger Rabbit as the spotlight follows her, glinting off her scarlet dress, sparkling like it has a life of it's own. The (human) men in the audience can't stifle their yearning moans. For the first time, a Disney character was overtly, uncompromisingly sexual. "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." You could say that again...
#21 - A Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
Song of the South - 1946
Uncle Remus (James Baskett in his legendary role) is telling young Jim the tale of Bre'r Rabbit: "Now this here tale didn't happen yesterday, nor the day before. 'Twas a long time ago and in them days everything was mighty satisfactual! The critters they was closer to the folks, and the folks they was closer to the critters, and if you'll 'scuse me for sayin' so ... 'twas better all around. Yes sir, honey, it happened on one of them zip-a-dee-doo-dah days. Now that's the kind of day when you can't open your mouth without a song jumpin' right out of it ... " As Uncle Remus hits the first note of the classic song, blue skies burst from around him as if springing directly from his imagination. Welcome to the land of briar patches, laughin' places and Mr. Bluebird on your shoulder.
#20 - The Flight of the Golden Eagle
The Rescuers Down Under - 1990
Cody has freed Marahute from poacher McLeach's trap. But the wings of the giant bird accidentally knock the unsuspecting boy over the cliff, tumbling down to the river far below. With a flash of golden feathers, the grand eagle plucks him out of the sky and takes him on a journey he won't soon forget. Flying high over the outback, tumbling through the clouds, surfing on the water, it's the ultimate rush for our young hero. Shooting out over the edge of a mighty waterfall, Cody flies into the air on his own, landing safely back on earth with the help of his new feathered friend.
#19 - Tree Surfing
Tarzan - 1999
At the end of the "Son of Man" montage, the now fully-grown Tarzan glides along the treetops, literally surfing on the moss-covered branches like a tree-bound extreme sporter. Everybody has seen Johnny Weissmuller and his ilk swinging through a Hollywood back lot jungle on a prop vine, but only in animation can an ape man actually grip the vines with his feet. The athleticism and grace displayed in the form of Tarzan is a testament to the talent of one of the leading animators of today, Glen Keane, also responsible for Ariel, the Beast, Aladdin and Pocahontas. Tree-surfing is used later in the film, most notably in the baboon chase, but it was the first appearance of this technique that made you sit up and say "Cool!"
#18 - The Sprite
Fantasia 2000 - 2000
Angela Lansbury introduces this final segment of this Fantasia, Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite - 1919 Version", as a "mythical story of life, death and renewal." It is winter and the great elk summons a forest sprite to return life to the snow-covered land. Wispy tendrils flowing behind her, the Sprite sweeps over the earth, abundant greenery sprouting in her wake. But within the desolation of a volcano, she inadvertently brings forth the Firebird, a towering, lava-formed behemoth that proceeds to destroy everything in it's path, reducing the landscape to ash and cinders. The elk reawakens the fallen Sprite, her tears revealing that she still has the power to create life from the lack thereof. Her triumphant rebirth is a wonder to behold.
#17- The Genie of the Lamp
Aladdin - 1992
With a rub of the lamp and a burst of blue smoke, Aladdin comes face to face with the irrepressible Genie. Immediately we are treated to a frantic series of one-liners, visual puns, celebrity impressions, slights of hand, sight gags, and a full-scale, no-holds barred musical number from the pen of Ashman and Menken. Showing off all that he can do for the hapless street rat, the Genie creates a smorgasbord of Middle Eastern delights: dancing elephants, harem-clad camels, a treasure trove filled with gold and jewels, not to mention "a little more Baklava." Brought to loony life by Robin Williams' gonzo performance, at that exact moment the Genie takes a firm hold on the movie with one big blue hand and never lets go. "You ain't never had a friend like me!"
#16 - "Monstro!"
Pinocchio - 1940
After a long underwater trek, Pinocchio has finally located his missing father. Unfortunately, he finds him in the belly of a whale on the bottom of the sea. And it's not just any whale, but the brutally terrifying force of nature known as Monstro. In a daring attempt to escape from within this legendary beast, they start a fire to elicit a sneeze. One very loud "a-choo!" later and they are free... but Monstro is not to happy about it. As the huge sea creature dives over a giant wave, Geppetto and son, frantically paddling, narrowly avoid his deadly jaws, but their raft is reduced to splinters by the crashing of his immense tail. Their only hopes of survival is to make it to the faraway shore, with the monster still in pursuit...
#15 - Maleficent the Dragon
Sleeping Beauty - 1959
"Now shall you deal with me, O prince, and all the powers of hell!" Those immortal words spoken, the evil fairy Maleficent metamorphoses into a vicious winged dragon. Razor sharp teeth flashing, setting the forest ablaze with her fiery breath, she corners Phillip on a narrow cliff overlooking a flaming chasm. Certain death awaits, but, with the aid of the good fairy trio, the brave prince sends his "sword of truth" flying swift and sure, letting "evil die and good endure." The blade pierces the dragon's scaly hide, blood flowing, sending Maleficent tumbling to her doom far below. Safe, Phillip looks down to the black stain that is all that remains of her dark evil.
#14 - The Penguin Dance
Mary Poppins - 1964
In the midst of their Jolly Holiday, Bert and Mary Poppins (the indomitable Dick Van Dyke and the irreplaceable Julie Andrews) stop for a spot of tea in a quaint little outdoor café. Kazoos sound as their penguin hosts toddle out like circus clowns, ready to grant their guests' every whim. Loose-limbed Bert joins the birds in a zany soft shoe (soft flipper?) dance, culminating in a boisterous kickline, all for the gracious applause from the subject of their adoration, one Mary Poppins. It is a joyfully impressive example of combining live action footage and animation. Practically perfect.
#13 - Baby Mine
Dumbo - 1941
Mrs. Jumbo has been imprisoned for protecting her son Dumbo from a bratty circus-goer. In this simple, heartbreaking scene, she is reunited with the young elephant thanks to Timothy Mouse. But the chains that bind her prevent her from seeing Dumbo, she can only cradle her son in her trunk. The sweetly beautiful lullaby "Baby Mine" is heard, as we see the unconditional love of a mother and her child. It is a perfect example of an honest tear-jerking moment, earning every tear shed. Even Timothy can't resist.
#12 - The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Fantasia - 1940
An imposing sorcerer conjures an image of a spectral bat, his lowly assistant trudging buckets of water dutifully. When his master retires for the evening, the apprentice takes the opportunity to try on his mystical hat and do a little magic of his own. He employs a broom to do his dirty work while he dreams of one day controlling the stars and the planets themselves. When awakened, he finds himself in over his head as the broom has ceaselessly continued it's watery task to overflowing. In a shocking burst of violence, the apprentice destroys his wooden slave with an ax, but he has only increased his plight a hundred-fold, as all the fallen shards are reanimated, creating an army of bucket-toting broomsticks, all blindly carrying on with their mission. Frantically attempting to control the chaos, he is soon swept away by the torrents of water now filling the wizard's chambers. The sorcerer appears, and with a mere outstretch of his arms, dismisses the water back to whence it came. His apprentice, with a meek smile, returns the hat to it's rightful master. This version of Paul Dukas' whimsical orchestral piece "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" has it's inherent charm exponentially increased by the presence of the actor playing the role of the title character: a little mouse named Mickey.
#11 - The Toys Are Alive!
Toy Story - 1995
With the first blink of the cowboy doll's eyes we know that these aren't just ordinary toys here. Director John Lasseter, in a groundbreaking display of computer animation, has revealed to us the secret lives of toys: left alone, they come to life to carry out lives of their own. And complicated lives as well. Woody is the sheriff in these here parts see, and he is in charge of insuring that all the other toys know and understand what it is they are there to do, their reason for existence: to be there for their young owner Andy to play with and make him happy. We meet the neurotic dinosaur Rex, the crass Mr. Potato Head and the loyal Slinky Dog. All are aware of the chain of command in Andy's room and who's in charge, a balance that is about to be upset by the appearance of a certain interstellar space commander.
#10 - Under the Sea
The Little Mermaid - 1989
In what would come to set the standard for all show-stoppers to follow, King Triton's crabby court composer Horatio Felonious Ignacious Crustaceous Sebastian launches into a calypso flavored explanation to Ariel on why it's "better down where it's wetter." From the creative minds of songwriters extraordinaire Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, "Under the Sea" is staged like an elaborate Broadway show tune, filled with dozens of fish, crustaceans, amphibians and all manners of marine life of every size, shape and color joining in for a Jamaican jam session in the middle of this octopus' garden in the sea.
#9 - Spaghetti for Two
Lady and the Tramp - 1955
Tramp has taken his lady out on the town for a moonlit dinner for two at Tony's Italiano Ristorante. Greeted by the proprietor of this humble establishment, they are lavished with the best service in the house and treated to a heaping plate of spaghetti especial. As they dine, they are serenaded to, with accordion and mandolin accompaniment: "this is the night, such a beautiful night and they call it belle notte." Wrapped up in the moment, they inadvertently start eating the same strand of spaghetti, slowly being pulled together in an almost kiss that leaves a blush on Lady's fair features. Tramp tenderly nudges his last meatball to her to compensate for her embarrassment. "This is the night and the heaven's are right for this lovely belle notte... " One of the most innocently romantic moments in motion picture history.
#8 - Hellfire
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 1996
Daring. Shocking. Creative. Risk-taking. All these adjectives could apply to this infamous display of Judge Claude Frollo's inner hauntings. Alone in his chambers, Frollo (powerful vocals from Disney villain veteran Tony Jay) laments on his current state, how Esmerelda has created within him this "burning desire" which he cannot control. He sees her dancing form in the flames of the fireplace and can't resist such vulgar temptations of the flesh. Menacingly, red-cloaked figures manifest themselves, sitting in judgment of his sins. He begs for mercy, claiming that "it is the gypsy girl, the witch who sent this flame." He concludes that the only way to be admonished in the eyes of his savior is to destroy the object of his desires, to "let her tastes the fires of hell." Shadows stretch along the walls, beings baring religious icons, taunting him with their piety. Spent, Frollo collapses to the floor, his figure forming a crucified stance.
#7 - Jessie's Story
Toy Story 2 - 1999
By the time you hear of her poignant past, you have already grown to care for this spunky little cowgirl doll. To Jessie, her previous owner Emily was her "whole world." Via Sarah McLachlan's plaintive vocals and Randy Newman's bittersweet song, we are taken back to a time "when somebody loved me (and) everything was beautiful." Over the years, they were inseparable, always there for each other, in good times and bad. But eventually, little girls grow up, and "she began to drift away... I was left alone." Forgotten under the bed, Jessie is finally retrieved by a teen-aged Emily. Jessie is thrilled to finally be held in her arms again, to be loved again "just like it used to be." But instead, she ends up in a roadside charity donation box, peering through the cardboard slot, as her whole world drives away into the distance.
#6 - The Circle of Life
The Lion King - 1994
The screen is black. There is silence, save for a few ambient jungle noises. Suddenly, a massive red sun rises, bringing dawn to a new day here on the savanna as Lebo M's soaring chant begins. All manner of jungle life are progressing on a pilgrimage across the plains. We are carried along to their destination, the majestic Pride Rock, atop which sits their lion king. A strange figure approaches, a baboon, the shaman of this tribe. He and the king share a familial embrace. The object of his presence is revealed, the newborn prince, softly purring in his mother's arms. As his parents look on lovingly, the baboon takes the cub to the ledge and thrusts him up into the air to observe and be observed by the subjects of the kingdom. The clouds part and the sun shines down on this innocent cub, their future king.
#5 - Man in the Forest
Bambi - 1942
Bambi's mother has discovered a bare patch of grass within the snow-covered meadow. As her son grazes, she becomes aware of a disturbing presence in the surrounding trees. Sensing danger, she urges Bambi to run to the thicket, with her shortly behind. A shot rings out as they continue their dash to the safety of the forest. "Run, Bambi, run!" One more shot. Silence. Bambi arrives safely at their home. "We made it mother! Mother?" She is not there. Snow filling the screen in dread, the foal despondently cries out for her: "Mother? Mother?" He suddenly stumbles upon the Great Prince of the Forest. "Your mother can't be with you anymore." Seven words that will change the young deer's life forever. "Come with me, my son" the Great Prince says, as they slowly fade into the whiteness of the snowstorm.
#4 - "Toons!"
Who Framed Roger Rabbit - 1988
A Maroon Cartoon Production: Somethin's Cooking starring Roger Rabbit. This wacky short, cheekily irreverent while still celebrating this classic form, finds our rodent hero charged with the task of keeping an eye on innocent little Baby Herman or "it's back to the science lab for you!" Faced with a barrage of falling pots, flying knives and the powerfully strong suction of a household vacuum cleaner, Roger saves the day, and the baby, before having a refrigerator drop on his head. "Cut!" screams a voice, and suddenly we are on a movie sound stage where the props and set are three-dimensional, shadows play across the cartoon character's faces, Baby Herman starts cursing like a sailor and a live action human director steps in to chastise Roger for "blowing his lines again!" Never before have we seen "real" actors interact with "reel" cartoon characters (hereby dubbed "toons") in such an impressive, exciting way.
#3 - The Queen's Spell
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - 1937
When the Spirit of the Magic Mirror informs her Snow White is still alive, the smug look on the Queen's face turns to fury. Descending to her subterranean lab, where even the rats scurry away from her, she proceeds with her wicked designs. Plotting to "transform my beauty into ugliness", she collects the necessary ingredients for her evil concoction: mummy dust, the black of night, an old hag's cackle, a scream of fright. With a "blast of wind to fan my hate, a thunderclap to mix it well," the Queen swallows her black magic brew. The room swirling, her ebony hair bleaches to a chalky white; her slender hands degenerate into ossified claws, a flash of lightning baring the skeletal bones beneath. With a shrill cry of delight, the Queen reveals her new twisted form: bug-eyed, wart nosed, an old beggar woman's cloak to complete the sinister facade. "A perfect disguise!" she croaks, launching a thousand nightmares for years to come.
#2 - Chernabog Awakes
Fantasia - 1940
It is night on Bald Mountain. There is silence as we pan up to the peaks high above. Moussorgsy's symphony begins as the tallest point of the mountain unfurls to reveal the devil himself, Chernabog. Stretching his shadowy limbs down the to the peaceful village, he raises the specters of the departed from the cemeteries, the gallows, the bloody battlefields below, to perform an orgiastic dance of the dead in the skies, swirling about in blind decadence. All is observed and controlled by this omnipotent puppeteer, these grotesque apparitions reveling in his demonic glory. Flames ignite, harpies soar, evil is unfettered. As this cacophonous bacchanalia approaches a fevered climax, the eventual dawn approaches. Church bells chime in the distance. The spirits descend back into their graves. Chernabog, his sinewy wings wrapping about him, is forced to return to his cold resting place high on the mountain top, forever defeated by these sounds of holiness.
#1 - The Enchanted Ballroom
Beauty and the Beast - 1991
First we see Belle in the dress; this lovely young woman has come along way from that poor provincial town. Then we see the Beast; gone are the tattered rags that represent his torment, replaced by his regal finery. Mrs. Potts sings of this beauty and this beast, this tale as old as time, this song as old as rhyme. We enter with them into the gilded palace ballroom. The camera swoops up to the ceiling, past a spectacularly ornate chandelier, toward a mural of tiny cherubs in the clouds, gazing wistfully down upon the couple below. They begin to dance. Belle gently directs him to the proper stance. Beast, panicked, looks to his servants for encouragement, which he cheerfully receives from Lumiere and Cogsworth. Invigorated by this strange new feeling within himself, the Beast leads his beauty in a magical waltz, reflected in the polished floor beneath them. Belle too is finding "something there", and lovingly places her head on his broad chest, comfortable at last upon finding her own version of the "prince charmings" she has read about in books. We can see their love blossom, how these two outsiders have found within each other someone that can look beyond mere physical trappings, to the true being inside. Someone to love wholeheartedly, unconditionally.
The first time I saw this scene, I literally gasped at it's innate beauty. It perfectly combines everything that is important to create a classic movie moment: character, music, setting, feeling. Angela Lansbury's reassuring vocals, Howard Ashman's simple yet elegant lyrics, Alan Menken's grand melody, the ornate design of the fairy tale ballroom, the characters' interaction with each other. It is pure magic.
As are all of the wonderful scenes represented within this compilation. They take you to far away places, show you the excitement of the imagination. They thrill your senses and inspire your dreams. They have created unforgettable memories for generations, and will continue for many more in the years ahead.
I hope you have enjoyed reliving these 50 Greatest Disney Animated Movie Moments as much as I have.
-- Originally posted April 27, 2001
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