Waking Sleeping Beauty
2009 · Movie · PG · 86 min · ★ 7.2 · 71% critics
By the mid-1980s, Disney animation faces intense pressure and internal clashes that lead to disappointing results. This documentary follows how the studio rebuilds itself through a decade-long run of major animated hits, culminating in a renewed sense of magic.
Also known as Persistence of Vision USA
Where to watch
Streaming on Disney+ — or rent from $3.99.
1 hour to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 2009
- Release date
- 2009-09-05
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 86 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 71/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (113 votes)
About
Watch it if you want a behind-the-scenes look at Disney animation’s downturn and resurgence through classic hits and lots of archival material; Not for you if you expect lots of new on-camera interviews like The Pixar Story or Frank and Ollie.
Pros: gripping studio history; rich archival footage; inspiring comeback arc | Cons: covers limited years; feels rushed; lacks full interviews
Themes
- computer animation
- struggle for survival
- documentary filmmaking
- innovation
- challenge for change
- motion picture studio
- movie studio
- struggle for independence
- animation documentary
- economic struggle
- past failure
- digital innovation
Cast & crew
Don Hahn
as Self
Roy Edward Disney
as Self
Michael Eisner
as Self
Jeffrey Katzenberg
as Self
- PS
Peter Schneider
as Self
Rob Minkoff
as Self - Pumbaa (voice)
Glen Keane
as Self
Ron Clements
as Self
John Musker
as Self
Mike Gabriel
as Self (voice)
Directed by Don Hahn