Review of Sleeping Beauty (1959) by Scott S — 22 Aug 2009

Sleeping Beauty (1959) -- [6.5] -- From a technical and artistic point of view, this may be the finest animated film ever made. But it's also dull. I dislike how the three floating fat ladies (Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather) steal the show, while the prince and princess are given all the personality of tree stumps.

Fortunately, artistry goes a long way. "Sleeping Beauty" is Disney's most exquisite work. I love the background paintings, rendered in the style of medieval tapestries. You won't find better character animation either, especially for human characters.

Maleficent is one of Disney's best villains -- darkly beautiful with a perfectly sinister voice to match (thanks to Eleanor Audley, who also provided the animators with live-action reference for their work).

The climactic fight between Prince Philip and the dragon is boldly designed and exciting, but it's over and done with far too quickly. It doesn't have anywhere near the charm of many other Disney classics, but "Sleeping Beauty" is still worth your time if only to see the craftsmanship of classical animation at its best.