Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

 

Goodness gracious, what can still be said about this absolute classic? 

Not only was it the first feature length animated film Disney ever put out, it was also an enormous risk, as the studio really needed a hit and they went all in with this production. If it failed, it might have well been the end of the House of Mouse. 

But as we now know, it struck gold and the rest - as they say - is history. 

Of course, based on a well known fairytale, this is the story of an egocentrical queen who wants to be the fairest in the land, but when it turns out that the princess aka Snow White is fairer, she becomes filled with rage and envy and wants the girl out of the way, so she alone can be the fairest yet again. But the huntsman tasked with killing Snow White cannot find it in himself to slay her, and tells the girl to run off into the forest. Here, she finds a cottage inhabited by seven hardworking dwarfs and for a time, at least, things are well. 

That is, until the queen finds out that Snow White is still alive, so she disguises herself as an old crone and offers the girl a poisoned apple. Snow White sort-of dies and the land is in tears for about a year, until a handsome prince crosses her path (or more precisely: her coffin), gives her a kiss and she awakens to be swept away into a life of happiness.

Yeah, the story is still a bit iffy after all these years, but that's fairytales for you. Snow White's in love with a guy she's only seen about three minutes in her entire life? That might be the most unlikely part of the story by far, but in truth: that is not what matters here. 

No, the thing to remember is that, even after almost a hudred years, the animation of this one is still absolutely gorgeous. The voicework, especially that of Snow White and the prince, feels rather dated, but look at those colours! The majestically painted backgrounds! The fluid motion and character imbued in the forest animals and the dwarfs! It's pretty bloody spectacular, I tell you. 

Not to forget that even though she doesn't have much screen time, the queen leaves a lasting impression as one of the quintessential villains of any Disney tale. It's all in the design, which is absolutely on point. 

So yes, weak on story, but gods, is it beautiful and magical to behold as a tale in its own right. You can tell they went for broke with this one and came up winning. There's a reason why this is still heralded as one of Disney's greatest.