The first twenty or so minutes are classic Disney through and through. As we are introduced to our main characters, Disney surrounds these legendary figures with superb settings and catchy music. Our leading humans, Roger and Anita, are great supporting characters for the legion of dalmatians. Roger's career in songwriting is such a clever detail that eventually leads to the creation of the iconic villain song, "Cruella De Vil." Furthermore, the way in which Roger and Anita meet, an instance contrived by our leading dalmatians Pongo and Perdita, brings a smile to my face every time I watch it. Speaking of Pongo and Perdita, their countless character attributes are such an inspiration as they quickly become two of my favorite characters in the Disney canon. Their bravery and selflessness are truly unrivaled, proclaiming a message that even in the midst of adversity, family still reigns supreme, and what a family they have! The fifteen initial dalmatian puppies are basically the definition of adorable, each one possessing a wholly unique personality, a momentous feat accomplished by the Disney animators.
As fantastic as those characters are, the primary reason I keep coming back to this film is Cruella De Vil along with her sidekicks, Horace and Jasper. Akin to Maleficent, Cruella contains their incomparable evil for such trifle reasons. She simply wants a dalmatian fur coat, nothing more, nothing less. From the moment she comes onto the screen, we cannot look away. Her presence is so intimidating and everything you would want and expect from a Disney villain. Even the rather minute detail of the way she frantically drives her ridiculously cool car strikes fear into the hearts of many. When Cruella is not scarring us for life, we get to know Horace and Jasper, the comedic evil duo. Acting as Cruella's henchmen, these two get many chances to shine, and they do just that and more. Some of Disney's finest villain work is found right here in 101 Dalmatians.
This film also boasts one of my favorite opening credit sequences in studio history. The combination of music and witty animation provides the animators an opportunity to show off immensely before even diving into the story. These opening credits set the tone for the entire film as the jazzy, beautiful credits foreshadow a jazzy, beautiful film ahead. Once again, the animation in 101 Dalmatians is simply breathtaking. The simple fact that they could animate one hundred and one dalmatians for one scene blows my mind, and yet they did just that time and time again. Additionally, the music in this film is a perfect compliment to the story. Beyond the phenomenal "Cruella De Vil," the instrumentals used throughout the film are truly wonderful melodies for a soundtrack I would love to just listen to for relaxation some days.
The fifties have ended, but that doesn't mean that Disney stopped making classics. In fact, they still have quite a few tricks yet to be revealed, and it all started with 101 Dalmatians. This charming, endearing film has something for everyone, and it will continue to offer those aspects for generations to come. It truly is a remarkable film.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: The film is based on the book by Dodie Smith, and she claimed that the birth of the dalmatian puppies actually happened in her home. Her personal dalmatians gave birth to fifteen puppies and one was born lifeless, but her husband miraculously revived it. It was this extraordinary aspect along with many others that attracted Walt Disney to Smith's book. Upon reading it, Walt instantly wanted the film rights. Smith wholeheartedly agreed as she had always hoped Disney would be the studio to bring her story to life. The results were exceptional. According to Box Office Mojo, 101 Dalmatians ranks twelfth all-time at the domestic box office when adjusted for inflation, ahead of such films as The Empire Strikes Back, Jurassic Park, and The Lion King. Disney desperately needed the gigantic success after the losses incurred after Sleeping Beauty which began talks of the animation department shutting down for good. After 101 Dalmatians, though, animation wasn't going anywhere.
Behind the Scenes: In order to cut production costs to make up for the Sleeping Beauty debt, Disney used brand new animation technology called Xerography, which provided a much more visually complex film. Walt initially did not like the way the dalmatians looked when Xerox was used, but in reality, the new technology helped Disney accurately, and cheaply, animate the spots on the dalmatians. According to studio insiders, Disney was able to produce the film in about half the cost as previous film thanks to Xerox, a method they would use until 1977.
Favorite Character: If Maleficent is my favorite Disney villain, Cruella De Vil comes in a solid second place. Our first glimpse of the legendary character occurs when she bursts through the doors of Roger and Anita's house and immediately begins rambling on about how she wants those dalmatian puppies, and the incredible things is we are never given a reason to why she specifically wants dalmatians for the fur. This leads us to the only logical conclusion possible: she is just that evil. Anyone who wants to murder puppies to make a coat is simply vile and heartless, exactly what I have come to expect in a Disney villain.
Favorite Scene: The Twilight Bark sequence is an ingenious plot device used with extreme success to explain how Pongo and Perdita discover the location of their puppies once they have gone missing. The progression of the message traveling from animal to animal via barking is just clever. Plus, it allows for the animators to stretch their legs with other dogs and picturesque scenery.
Favorite Song: Do you even have to ask? It's "Cruella De Vil," The end. Watch it here!
Updated Ranking: The sixties started on a high note, but where does 101 Dalmatians rank? See for yourself below!
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Peter Pan
- Cinderella
- Sleeping Beauty
- Pinocchio
- Lady and the Tramp
- Alice in Wonderland
- Dumbo
- Bambi
- 101 Dalmatians
- Fantasia
- The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
- Fun and Fancy Free
- Melody Time
- The Three Caballeros
- Saludos Amigos
- Make Mine Music
Tomorrow features a sad moment in the life of Disney as the next film is the final film Walt Disney oversaw production of from beginning to end. The Sword in the Stone is on deck!
-Cody Fleenor
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