- The First Feature-Length Animated Film: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the first feature-length animated film, running at 83 minutes. It was a massive undertaking for the Disney studio, which had previously only produced short animated films.
- The Film’s Production Cost: The production cost of the film was $1.5 million, which was a significant sum of money at the time. The cost of the movie was so high that it was referred to as “Disney’s Folly” by many in the industry.
- The Use of Technicolor: The movie was filmed using Technicolor, a new and expensive color process that allowed for vibrant colors to be captured on film. The use of Technicolor added to the movie’s visual appeal and helped make it a groundbreaking film.
- The Box Office Success: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was a commercial success, grossing $8 million in its initial release and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1938.
- The Voice of Snow White: Adriana Caselotti provided the voice of Snow White, and she was only 18 years old at the time. Caselotti was selected from over 150 actresses who auditioned for the part.
- The Names of the Seven Dwarfs: The names of the seven dwarfs are Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey. The names were chosen from a list of 50 possibilities.
- The Marketing of the Film: Disney marketed the film heavily before its release, creating a nationwide tour that featured a traveling caravan of performers, costumes, and merchandise.
- The Music of the Film: The movie’s soundtrack features several classic songs, including “Whistle While You Work” and “Heigh-Ho.” The music was composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey.
- The Influence of German Expressionism: The film’s visual style was heavily influenced by German Expressionism, a cinematic movement known for its dark and moody imagery. The use of shadows and contrast in the film’s animation was inspired by this style.
- The Wishing Well Scene: The scene where Snow White sings “I’m Wishing” to the wishing well was filmed using live-action footage of Adriana Caselotti. The footage was then rotoscoped, a process where animators trace over live-action footage to create realistic animation.
- The Inspiration for the Prince: The character of the Prince was inspired by actor Douglas Fairbanks, who was known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films.
- The Changes to the Fairy Tale: The movie made several changes to the original Snow White fairy tale, including the addition of the seven dwarfs and the removal of some of the story’s darker elements.
- The Popularity of the Film: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has remained a beloved classic for over 80 years, spawning merchandise, theme park attractions, and even a live-action remake.
- The Academy Award Win: The film won an honorary Academy Award in 1939 for its innovation and contribution to the film industry.
- The Legacy of the Film: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” paved the way for animated feature films and helped establish Disney as a major player in the entertainment industry. The film’s impact on popular culture and animation is still felt today.