While dinosaurs took over 65 million years to make their Hollywood debut, one underrated Disney movie, ‘Dinosaur,’ took 16 years to come to life. Known for their animal kingdom classics like ‘Bambi,’ ‘The Lion King,’ and ‘The Fox and the Hound,’ Disney’s animated features have showcased innovation in storytelling. However, ‘Dinosaur’ one of their most ambitious projects, remains underappreciated. This film’s journey was as monumental as the meteorites that led to the dinosaurs’ extinction. Its story, almost four decades later, remains fascinating.
Released in the early 2000s, ‘Dinosaur’ follows Aladar (voiced by D. B. Sweeney), a young Iguanodon adopted by lemurs. When meteorites destroy their home, Aladar and his family join a herd of herbivores on a quest for a new home, teaching them the value of cooperation and innovation. Although it didn’t spawn sequels or TV series, ‘Dinosaur’ evolved into a franchise with video games, merchandise, and a dedicated ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. More recently, Aladar made a cameo in ‘Once Upon a Studio,’ cementing his place in Disney’s legacy.
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‘Dinosaur’ originated with Phil Tippett, a stop-motion animator known for ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Jurassic Park.’ Tippett pitched the concept for ‘Dinosaur’ in 1987 on the set of ‘RoboCop.’ Initially a stop-motion animation company, Tippett Studio created ‘Prehistoric Beast,’ a short film featuring a Monoclonius and a Tyrannosaur. This caught the attention of filmmaker Robert Guenette, leading to the television documentary ‘Dinosaur!’ in 1985. Hosted by Christopher Reeve, it utilized Tippett’s animation to bring prehistoric animals to life, laying the groundwork for Disney’s ‘Dinosaur’.
Initially envisioned as a dark, documentary-inspired film, ‘Dinosaur’ evolved through numerous drafts. Disney demanded a “cute story of dinosaurs talking,” incorporating lemurs as Aladar’s family. Despite multiple changes, the film pioneered new CGI technology, blending live-action sets with animated characters. Its opening sequence is considered one of Disney’s best.
Although ‘Dinosaur’ faced mixed reviews upon release in 2000, it dethroned ‘Gladiator’ at the box office and was nominated for several awards. Despite struggling to break even due to high costs, it became a cult classic, appreciated for its ambition and nostalgia. Today, ‘Dinosaur’ continues to inspire, reflecting the evolution and imagination of its creators.
–Farheen Ali