Review of One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) by Niloo R — 18 Jul 2014

101 Dalmatians is one of my favorite Disney films of all time, it isn't the most well animated film in the Disney canon, but it is the most charming. And you can complain all you want about the sketchiness of the design, but it is indisputable that this film is engaging and makes you feel at home.

The screenplay is witty, evenly paced, and makes marvelous characterizations. It is enthralling from start to finish, never ceasing to make you feel good, and also, shaping characters that will always stay with you.

For one, Cruella De Ville is one of the most vindictive and vain villains in Disney's history, she cares only about her physical and social appearance, and goes to the most extreme lengths to maintain her vanity.

As for the rest of the characters, it is almost like an ensemble film, no one character is the main character, but they all are so lovable and well portrayed. However, about the animation, this is the first Disney film to use xerox cells, which meant that they were not hand-inking every frame.

This lead to a less detailed and sketchier animation, some dislike that about this film, but in my opinion, this is one of the only films it really works that well for. It works because the right colorings are used, they are duller colors, but they fit well with the more realistic and darker story.

In conclusion, I think that 101 Dalmatians is one of the most atmospheric and flat out entertaining Disney films, and is in my top 5 favorite Disney films ever.