Disney Releases Full 100th-Anniversary Tribute Short Film Online
Video screenshot via Walt Disney Animation Studios
Disney’s centennial celebration is culminating not in fireworks, but with the YouTube release of Once Upon a Studio, a short film and heartfelt homage to the studio’s 100 years of storytelling magic.
The star-studded animated feature, originally premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June and aired on ABC in October, is now available for the world to enjoy, bringing a piece of Disney’s legacy right into viewers’ homes.
Reuniting over 543 characters from the House of Mouse’s cherished portfolio, the film harks back to everything from the pioneering graphics of Mickey Mouse—whose Steamboat Willie iteration is poised to enter the public domain in 2024—to the ethereal charm of Tinker Bell. Directed and penned by the talented duo of Dan Abraham and Trent Correy, and produced by Yvett Merino and Bradford Simonsen, its refreshing blend of computer graphics, hand-drawn animation, and live-action visuals honor the studio’s enduring influence across generations and genres.
Video screenshot via Walt Disney Animation Studios
Audiences are invited to a nostalgic journey back through the corridors of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, where these beloved characters converge for an iconic group photo. Once Upon a Studio also serves as a touching tribute to Burny Mattinson, Disney’s longest-serving employee, who passed months before the special’s release.
Another meaningful inclusion is the voice of the late Robin Williams as Genie from Aladdin. For the first time in over 25 years, Williams’ voice, derived from unused archival recordings, brings the beloved character to life, with permission from his Williams estate.
Video screenshot via Walt Disney Animation Studios
The nine-minute short was released on Disney+ and Hulu on October 15. Now, Disney is bringing more magic to this small world by taking it online. Watch it below.
And in somewhat related news, Pixar is moving movies from the pandemic to the big screen.
