Animation Backgrounds

HIATUS

2010-09-28T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends. And I mean that.

In the years since I started this blog, I've made real friends around the world.

The time has come for a hiatus. Possibly permanent.

It takes an incredible amount of time to digitally restore these backgrounds. I've loved every minute!

But, my life is in a state of evolving and transition, and I need to focus on that.

I'm going to leave the blog online for your reference. And mine too!

Thanks for your support and encouragement over the years. Over TWO MILLION people have visited this blog.

Amazing. It's a tribute to the artistry of the talented people in the animation industry.

For the moment... that's all, folks.

Thanks again for your interest!

Sincerely,

Rob Richards

TO BEEP OR NOT TO BEEP

2010-09-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Here's background art from TO BEEP OR NOT TO BEEP , a Warner Brothers classic from 1963!

OLIVER AND COMPANY (1988)

2010-09-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

a digitally re-assembled pan B/G of NYC:

BAMBI Winter Pan B/G

2010-09-06T19:35:00.001-07:00

The complete re-assembled pan B/G:

Left side detail:

Right side detail:

BAMBI

2010-09-06T02:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a gorgeous digitally reconstructed pan B/G fro BAMBI:

Left side detail:

Right side detail:

Here's more, single frame size, very lovely:

BABES IN THE WOODS (Disney, 1932)

2010-08-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a huge re-constructed pan B/G:

Left side:

Right side:

Now, for viewing even greater detail, I've broken the B/G into four quadrants:

Here is another re-constructed pan shot:

Left side detail:

Middle detail:

Upper right detail:

The gnomes' homes - re-constructed B/G:

The witch's candy house re-constructed pan B/G:

The witch's candy house and nearby land, re-constructed pan B/G:

And finally, a closer look at the delicious candy house doorway!

Gorgeous artwork!

HIAWATHA'S RABBIT HUNT(Warner Bros., 1941)

2010-08-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

HIAWATHA'S RABBIT HUNT is an early Bugs Bunny cartoon. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Warner Brothers' animation division. The Disney influence was pervasive. All the studios were forced to step up their game. These are certainly among the most lavish artwork pieces I've ever seen from the infamous "Termite Terrace."

First up - a most unusual pan, which starts at the top of the waterfall, pans down and then to the left.

a stair-step waterfall...

a tranquil lakeside landscape...

And now (drum roll please...) THE LONGEST PAN B/G I'VE EVER RECONSTRUCTED!!!

Following is a series of its segments, left to right. This B/G was so big I had to divide it into six pieces to see the details!

Here's a close-up of the "rabbit stew" pot:

Now, a completely different B/G, also including the pot...

Details close-up left:

Details close-up center:

Details close-up right:

Another wonderful pan B/G:

Details close-up left:

Details close-up right:

And finally, a few choice remaining background pieces:

HATCH UP YOUR TROUBLES (MGM, 1949)

2010-08-03T02:35:00.000-07:00

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG finale

2010-07-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

more from THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

2010-07-22T16:41:00.001-07:00

OLD MACDONALD DUCK (Disney, 1941)

2010-07-21T21:13:00.001-07:00

First watch the cartoon (Thanks, YouTube!)

Now look at the B/G art...

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

2010-07-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

More gorgeous digitally re-assembled background art from Disney's THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG!

QUIET PLEASE! (MGM)

2010-07-14T14:16:00.001-07:00

DONALD'S VACATION

2010-07-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a perfect cartoon for the week of July 4th - DONALD'S VACATION (1940). Above is the original theatrical release poster. Below, the cartoon's title card:

The cartoon has lavish background art. Disney artists had reached their peak - SNOW WHITE and PINOCCHIO were done, FANTASIA was in production. It's astonishing this level of artwork was created for a short!

DONALD'S VACATION had one of the most difficult pan backgrounds I've ever digitally re-assembled. The camera followed a twisting arc, as well as including a zoom, pan and a multiplane tree! It took two days - but I managed to finish this intriguing piece of art. Here's the whole pan B/G:

Here's the left side:

The right side:

Just for kicks, I adjusted the B/G to nearly level, to give us another view:

Here are several additional pieces from the film:

Spectacular!

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

2010-06-22T03:19:00.000-07:00

more BEAUTY and THE BEAST castle interiors

2010-06-20T23:39:00.001-07:00

Here's a lavish pan B/G... as usual, for detail, it is followed by right, center and left sections, enlarged.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Castle Interiors

2010-06-17T15:11:00.001-07:00

Here's a tremendous pan B/g to finish this set. As usual, followed by segments to better see detail...

BROTHER BEAR

2010-06-09T12:38:00.001-07:00

The background art from Disney's BROTHER BEAR is as good as any of Disney's best. It reminds me somewhat of BAMBI... with a significant contrast in color palettes. Where the Bambi B/G art was subdued and muted, BROTHER BEAR is bold and fearless. Both approaches definitely work well.

DAFFY DUCK IN HOLLYWOOD (Warner Bros., 1938)

2010-06-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

BROTHER BEAR part two

2010-06-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

The contemporary Disney artists really did a superb job on background art for BROTHER BEAR. Gorgeous landscapes...

BROTHER BEAR

2010-06-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Mystery Art from Warner Bros.

2010-06-03T03:48:00.000-07:00

Can anyone identify this B/G from a Warner Bros. cartoon? Daffy Duck walks in to this film vault to grab a reel in an anonymous clip.

C'mon readers... I'll bet someone recognizes this!

BROTHER BEAR (2003)

2010-06-03T03:10:00.000-07:00

Talk about breathtaking... this gorgeous piece is from Disney's BROTHER BEAR (2003). More to come!

Three Blind Mouseketeers (1936)

2010-06-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

more from ALADDIN

2010-06-01T21:57:00.001-07:00

CONVICT CONCERTO (Walter Lantz)

2010-05-28T00:36:00.000-07:00

CONVICT CONCERTO is the 58th Woody Woodpecker cartoon, released theatrically on November 22, 1954. Woody is the piano tuner at the "Melody Music Shoppe." Check out these very musical pieces of background art, digitally re-assembled.

As the cartoon opens, we see Woody tuning a grand piano in the music store window.

Meanwhile, out in the street, there's a neighborhood bank being robbed.

After an exchange of gunfire, the robber flees, ducking into the music store. This digitally re-assembled pan B/G is the street in front of the "Melody Music Shoppe."

Woody continues tuning until rudely disturbed by the cash-toting gangster. He first confronts Woody here, just inside the front of the store:

Here's the scene of much of the cartoon's activity - the grand piano. Note the cel overlay bag-o-cash at the left!

Meanwhile, a policeman issues a "calling all cars" alert on the police alarm.

This wonderful pan B/G is the musical playground where Woody displays his virtuosity!

Look at the exquisite detail in this harp...

Left side detail, marimba and harp:

Right side detail including a policeman sitting on the stolen loot!

A big truck waits out front, for the get-away - to include the gangster, his mob buddies, the grand piano and the loot!

Here's a very loooooong pan B/G, the scene of a humungous explosion which wreaks obvious havoc on the store's instruments::

Left side detail, complete with euphonium (cel overlay):

Right side detail:

Here's that harp we saw before, far less concert ready:

And here's the remains of a drum set and some band instruments...

The street, scene of the big get-away...

The get-away continues over this gorge...

There's even a silent-movie-style railroad incident...

Ultimately, the bad guys end up where they belong... landing smack dab in the middle of a prison yard!

ALADDIN - Cave of Wonders Pan Background

2010-05-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today's art is a magnificent pan B/G from ALADDIN...
with usual left, middle and right sections following, for detail!

HAIR-RAISING HARE (Warner Bros.)

2010-05-20T23:23:00.000-07:00

Here, digitally re-assembled artwork from a Bugs Bunny classic!

Here's an incredibly long digitally re-created pan B/G:

DETAILS: The left side bedroom:

The left side hall:

Middle:

Right hall:

and now, on with the show...

This pan B/G is followed by left and right details:

And again, the show continues...

MORRIS THE MIDGET MOOSE (Disney, 1950)

2010-05-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

RESCUERS DOWN UNDER (1990)

2010-05-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

SPEEDY GONZALES

2010-05-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

After the SILLY SYMPHONY artwork (in the previous post), this Warner's cartoon art sure looks lean. But it is decidedly stylish... enjoy! We are starting with a terrific long pan B/G... then we're off and running!

THE MOTH AND THE FLAME (1938)

2010-05-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

In this rather obscure Silly Symphony, moths swarm into "Ye Olde Costume Shop" as a pretty girl moth is entranced by a hypnotic candle flame.

First up, this gorgeous rendering of a leaded glass window, in a digitally restored vertical pan:

The moths gaze upon the costume shop interior:

In their eyes it transforms into a magnificent feast. This elaborate digitally restored background art is Disney at its sumptuous, extravagant best!

after the pan right to left, the "feast" dissolves into the left side of the shop interior:

another pan B/G, final frame of sequence on right with cel overlay:

more art...

A magnificent candelabra, in a vertical pan...

Here's a beautiful pan B/G... followed by left and right side detail enlargements:

This is a partial reconstruction of a very long pan B/G.

The left side is particularly good...

Beatiful composition here:

Finally, a long pan B/G followed by a closer look...

MERBABIES (1938)

2010-05-14T04:09:00.000-07:00

I was able to digitally re-assemble all this gorgeous underwater Silly Symphony background art, except for that stubborn cartoon starfish, which was of course a cel overlay. Here's the full pan B/G:

Left side detail:

Middle detail:

Right side detail:

two restored standard frame size B/Gs:

A truly fantastic pan b/g:

Left side "stage" detail:

and some additional digitally re-created pan b/g masterpieces:

FAST AND FURRY-OUS! (Warner Brothers, 1949)

2010-05-10T04:10:00.000-07:00

Warner Brothers presents...

A Merry Melodies technicolor cartoon!

FAST AND FURRY-OUS title card:

Background art by Peter Alvarado:

You've just gotta LOVE these desert backgrounds. They read funny in and of themselves! They are stylish and anabashedly cartoony. On watching this all day (while digitally assembling the B/G art), I came to realize and appreciate how important a role the Road Runner and Coyote B/G art plays in the comedy. The pans set up a gag on frame one then pans over the the punchline or beautiful set-up for a gag.

This pan B/G includes Wile E. Coyote on the lookout...

Can't you just visualize the chases across these magnificent old west B/Gs?

Here's a spectacular red rock B/G:

This pan has a gag set-up on each end!

The intersection of Road Runner Blvd. and Coyote Avenue,,,

The fabulous, infamous rocket ride...

The desert landscapes continue!

This is going to hurt...

The hand-painted train tunnel...

The frame on the left extends a previously used B/G...

Oh, boy! A classic routine - the Acme super suit!

Look at all the parts involved in this elaborate plan...

More wonderful desert landscapes...

Talk about perspective! You can almost hear the sound effects of the coyote dropping...

The infamous jet-propelled tennis shoe!

More desert landscapes!

There are even chases around the California freeways!

This sign IS a gag, in and of itself - a vertical pan up the sign!

Wile E. hides behind this sign to await his prey...

The familiar "beep-beep" he hears brings a surpring different confrontation on this landscape B/G...

A remarkable cartoon and equally remarkable artwork!

Aladdin's CAVE OF WONDERS!

2010-05-07T00:41:00.001-07:00

DAZZLING! That's the word for this artwork from ALADDIN.

Here's a tremendous pan B/G, which includes several (digital) multiplane effects. It's followed by four quadrants (left to right) from the same piece so you can see the detail.

Aladdin and Abu wander during the last frames of this pan - so they remain...

Here's another golden treasure, literally! (followed by left and right side close-ups..)

The magic carpet flies past this spectacular treasure trove. I was able to digitally re-assemble the B/G without the carpet, but Abu refused to budge! (Again, left and right close-ups follow.)

Aladdin takes a tumble here...

The magic carpet hides behind these sparkling heaps, revealing itself only after Aladdin's coaxing.

Spectacular, eh?

more ALADDIN

2010-05-06T17:54:00.001-07:00

ALADDIN

2010-05-06T00:07:00.001-07:00

Let's start with a lovely long pan B/G from the opening of the narrator's sequence, which I digitally re-assembled for your enjoyment...

Then there's our first views of the "cave of Wonders." Inside the "Lion's Mouth":

Then, the marketplace...

a lovely still life...

more architecture in the marketplace...

We started with a digitally re-assembled pan B/G, and so we'll end the same way! Here's the full piece, followed by left and right sides for detail.

THE LION KING

2010-05-05T04:36:00.001-07:00

I was able to eliminate several dropping monkeys - but Pumbaa insisted on staying!

Aren't these African jungle backgrounds drop dead gorgeous?

interesting treescapes...

THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE - part two

2010-05-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE (2000)

2010-05-04T02:09:00.000-07:00

MOTHER PLUTO (1936)

2010-04-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

TOOT WHISTLE PLUNK and BOOM

2010-04-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

MUSICLAND (1935)

2010-04-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

PLUTO'S QUINPUPLETS (1937)

2010-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

What a cute title card!

This first digitally re-assembled pan shot starts with the pups, pans up to the name on the doghouse, then pans left to the proud parents.

Isn't this a gorgeous backyard? I especially love the flower trellis. and note the artful disarray of the pots on the rear right - along with a bag of fertilizer and the old-fashioned lawn mower!

I could have digitally eliminated the worm but I liked him...so he stayed!

This huge pan B/G took considerable time to re-assemble. But whata great pice of B/G art!

The end of the cartoon and it's night-time...

The final restored pan:

Left side detail:

Right side detail:

ATLANTIS

2010-04-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

Disney created the lost world of ATLANTIS in their 2001 animated feature.

ROGER RABBIT guest appearances...

2010-04-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

I've really enjoyed all the comments stemming from the new format here.

regarding ROGER RABBIT guest appearances..

Is the painting in this scene a beaver, or could it be MGM's Screwy Squirrel?

A side by side comparison shows it's not Screwy Squirrel. Right gloves, right shape nose but wrong color, wrong cheeks and tail color doesn't match...

Next - is the doorknob here the one from ALICE IN WONDERLAND?

Again, a side-by-side says no. Different mouth, eyes, eyebrows and "hair." Definitely similarities, but no match.

Trivia: Did you know the original ALICE doorknob was voiced by Joe Kearns, the actor who played Mr. Wilson on the original "Dennis The Menace" TV show? It's true!

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG - your thoughts?

2010-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

So - what are your thoughts about THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG?

Personally, I thought it was a remarkable return to great classic Disney animation. Beautiful visuals, charming and charismatic characters, great storytelling with drama, comedy and heart... and the Randy Newman score took me completely by surprise as one of his best efforts.

I was thoroughly entertained!

It seems there are two camps... some people love Disney no matter what the studio does. Others look to find fault no matter how earnestly Disney approaches making their films.

I'd like to see some good, honest commentary here. Share what you liked, and didn't like, about this film.

So - what are your thoughts about THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG?

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

2010-04-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

Here's another sumptuous dollop of digitally re-created background art from Disney's recent THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG. Gorgeous...

Thank you for your comments!

2010-04-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

The new "ROGER RABBIT" post (just below) has received a great many comments already, this morning. I just wanted to say thank you!

I appreciate your enthusiasm and feedback, and especially added insights and trivia.

I've had a feeling for some time about expanding the "frame of reference" of ANIMATION BACKGROUNDS. Originally conceived as a showcase specifically for digitally reconstructed background art, your response to ROGER RABBIT suggests I should consider not just background art, but a broader definition of background - information and observations - on animated films.

The main focus will remain on digitally re-assembled background art. But I think it will be fun to occasionally step beyond that as we explore together "the art behind the art."

Thanks again for your comments, loyalty and support.

Sincerely,

Rob

WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT?

2010-04-21T00:14:00.001-07:00

WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? featured a perfect storm of talent and creativity at the end of the 1980s, as Disney re-invented animation and rightfully reclaimed their position as number one. Steven Spielberg joined with Disney, and cartoon characters from Warner Brothers and other studios were licensed to appear in this spectacular toonfest the likes of which we've never seen... and will probably never see again.

This post features artwork from the incredible film. You can see the care and attention to detail in this movie. It's amazing how artists' work can be overwhelming and difficult, yet fun at the same time. (Been there. done that!) The artwork is gorgeous, meticulously crafted, with a wide range of styles. A huge bonus is the inclusion of so many clever ideas and toon references tucked into the artwork in the film.

Let's take a look! And don't forget to click on the images below to see the large versions.

The first set of background art is from the Roger Rabbit cartoon which opens the film.

Look at the eye-grabbing perspective in this one!

Here's a digitally recreated pan B/G... Roger Rabbit's living room. What is Baby Herman up to in the kitchen?

Let's get a better look at that kitchen. Dazzling!

Here's a "soft spot" for Roger to relax. It doesn't last long. What a delightful, clean "stage" for Roger's Tex Avery inspired takes!

Now - it's off to TOONTOWN!

It took several hours to digitally clear this wonderful B/G. If you remember the sequence, you'll remember there are characters crawling all over the screen. Here for the first time you can see the fantastic B/G devoid of all that commotion!

In a startling departure from our usual "backgrounds only" norm, let's look at some of the characters that appear in this sequence, starting off with Snow White and the old hag. They walk right past a cartful of "wishing apples" on their way into the corner market named Cindy's (short for Cinderella, I'll bet!).

Six of the seven dwarfs emerge from the subway! I wonder where Dopey is, what he was up to, and why he wasn't with the rest of the little men?

Goofy appears not once, but twice! First as "George Geef," the 1950s "everyman," with his nose buried in a newspaper while crossing the street.

You will have to look very closely - but I'm pretty sure this is Goofy on a pogo stick!

The Three Little Pigs appear - one dressed as Little Red Riding Hood...

And the Big Bad Wolf sneaks across a corner, hiding momentarily behind a crossing signal...

There's the Reluctant Dragon...

Mr. Toad gets a really wild ride on a fire truck, careening around the streets of Toontown...

Reader Michael J. Ruocco identified this as Sir Giles from the Reluctant Dragon:

These next characters are unknown to me. Anyone recognize them? This pig policeman and all those other little animals. Pigs? A goose? I'm wondering if they might be from the Van Buren studio...

Now we'll venture further into Toontown. Even windows are a showcase for stylish design!

What a handsome elevator button!

Tall building... 450 floors!

Here's the elevator with the door open and closed. Notice the personalization - faces appear everywhere - in the lighting fixtures, the elevator button... even the plant pot!

This bedroom is full of intriguing detail. Look at the face on the bed's footboard! Check out the "toon glove" drapery ties. What is up with that beaver painting? And the phonograph player on the bed? And... did you notice the mouse hole??!!!

I couldn't resist this screen grab... so much style, as the door bursts open...

and speaking of doors, here's another one...

Watch that first step, it's a doozy...

Here's a long digitally re-assembled pan B/G... from the first frame (left) to the last (on the right):

This street scene is cartoon art at its tooney best! Look at the "faces" in the architecture... even the box office. And notice "Willy the Giant" is appearing at the theatre in "Fun And Fancy Free."

Even the dark alleys are eye candy, if a bit ominous... and again, look for the "faces."

Look at the amazing carved door on the left...

Here is a Toontown street. Lots of marvelous details... including the face in the barrel! Notice the subway portal... there's another (different) version of this street coming soon. Also notice the sign "Caution - Falling Anvils!"

Here's a closer look at the left side store window. Dopey's got his own clothing line. And Lampwick (from Pinocchio) is the poster boy for BLAMO exploding cigars, and he's wearing his! The window signs promise "Gags Galore" and promote buying bonds. Look at CARTOONY, the Variety-style newspaper in the alley - the headline reads "Bob Z (as in Zameckis) has a winner!"

Look at the PHENOMENAL detail in this B/G. That appears to be a real car trunk embedded in the toon world... along with a junk truck overflowing with "ACME overused gags."
(check list)
musical instruments (toon piano, concertina and washboard!)
weapons of toon destruction -a saw, an anchor, dynamite, a bomb and a steel girder...
bowling balls (and pins)
a spotted inflatable sea serpent (pool toy)
miscellaneous trunks
a dead fish (stiff as a carp), and an open can of sardines
a dirty sock
a baby bottle, toothbrush and toothpaste, a dog bone, a straw hat...
golf clubs, a ski pole and a crutch and an umbrella...
various banana peels and a rubber chicken!
And...
a pail-toting broom from FANTASIA...
and MICKEY MOUSE's pants!!!

Here is the afore-promised second view of the street with the subway portal and the cautionary anvil warning sign. This one opens onto yet another Toontown street.

Here's a closer view. Notice the wonderfully strained expressions on the buildings' "faces."

Here's a different view of the street with the "ACME Overused gags" truck.

We conclude our visit to Toontown with a long shot of the same street, followed by larger left and right side views.

Only one thing left to ask...
WILL WE EVER SEE a ROGER RABBIT sequel? Unlikely... but here's hoping!

THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE continued...

2010-04-18T23:18:00.001-07:00

THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE

2010-04-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is a great pan background from THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE. Due to a zoom, with a foreground table, I couldn't reveal the entire B/G. But it was too great to not share... so here is the best effort. Enjoy the details!

Here's the left side:

Here's the right side, with the entire foreground table:

Here is the best revealed right side bookshelves.

THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE

2010-04-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

Donald Duck's THE LITTERBUG (1961)

2010-04-12T01:22:00.000-07:00

THE LITTERBUG is an obscure Donald Duck featurette. I specifically chose this this short because of its ultra-modern background art - and this incredibly long pan background!

Here are close-ups of the three stylish sections.

And for good measure, here are a few other B/G pieces from this 1961 film:

THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE (1986)

2010-04-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh --- Part Two

2010-04-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

ENCHANTED (2007)

2010-04-11T03:17:00.001-07:00

ENCHANTED beautifully revived the magic of Disney animation. The quality of the animation and background art is as beautiful and sophisticated as any in any Disney film. The movie included literally hundreds of references to classic Disney films, including the storybook opening. It was followed by a deep zoom shot through the woods to Giselle's cottage.

Now we'll venture inside and see details of the cottage interiors.

Now, back outside and into the woods...

It took forever to digitally re-assemble this background, but the result is certainly gorgeous and worth the hours involved. This artwork is very reminiscent of SNOW WHITE, to me... truly remarkable and breathtakingly beautiful.

There was a pan and zoom during this segment, which makes digital restoration very complicated, but I managed to accomplish the re-assembly, and once again the result was worth the effort.

The final piece is one we don't see in the movie - the last two pieces, which I digitally joined. They obviously belong together, creating a very spectacular pan background. Left and right halves were used for different segments in the film.