by Breelyn Sirk

Created on: May 26, 2009

Disney has always been the icon for animated motion pictures. Children have grown up being enchanted by the lovable cartoon and magical kingdoms that Disney produces. People who have a favorite Disney movie usually make their decision based upon the storyline, but it's the animation that brings the story to life. Traditional animation used to be the only option Disney had, but Pixar joined up with Disney in the mid 90's and an introduced computer generated animation. This technology was very innovative and different, but that didn't mean that it was better than the traditional method of hand drawn animation. Disney has had two films, each using a different method of animation, that have the unsurpassed animation of all Disney films.

"Beauty and the Best" begins with the stunning picture of a grand castle surrounded by a beautiful forest; this display looks like it's straight out of a classic painting. Zooming in closer to the castle, a series of colorful and elegant stained class tells the story of "The Beast", this style of brief storytelling is original and captivating. The viewer then gets the last glimpse of beauty with the image of a lovely, sparkly magical rose, and then the focus is thrust to the outside showing that the beautiful castle has changed into an ominous and gothic scene. This classic and wonderful animation shows why it is the only Disney film to merit a nomination for the academy award of "Best Picture". The detailing of the dark castle is amazing and gives a sinister tone unlike any other Disney movie. The contrast of that darkness is the beautiful radiance that the kind Belle brings and the castle is transformed back into its original state of vivid colors. The ballroom dancing scene is the perfect example of the delightful use of color with Belle's gorgeous gold gown, and the animation of the ballroom itself is breathtaking with all of its intricate details. With all this outstanding use of contrasting shades and colors, and detailed drawing, "Beauty and the Beast" is truly an animation masterpiece.

"Finding Nemo" is a Disney Pixar film that captures the sublime colors and fascinating creatures of the ocean perfectly. The film starts with a scene of a picturesque collection of coral right next to a drop off of the vast sea, and introduces two very accurately illustrated clown fish. The animated movement of the corals, sea, and fish is impeccable and gives off a bright and optimistic feel. Next enters in the menacing barracuda, changing the scene into a dark and dreary setting of the ocean, the scenery alone evokes a depressed and tragic feel. The way that just the animation tells the story, on top of the incredible illustration of colors and precise detailing of the wide variety of sea life, makes "Finding Nemo" an elite example of the best animation.

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