What Happened to Western Animation?

The importance of animation in our history and culture cannot be understated, but over the years we've seen a shift in the way it's presented, leaving me to ask... what happened?

Thanks for watching!

[PhenomSage]

So a few people have fairly pointed out that I neglected to mention another branch of Western animation, that being French animation, and European animation in general. While I am familiar with a few French animated movies like The Red Turtle, Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner, etc. unfortunately it's not something I was knowledgeable enough about to consider talking about here. This is such a broad topic so I used this video as more of a personal reflection on Western animation as it's changed to me, my own experiences with it, and how the zeitgeist has shifted from my perspective.

That being said, I'm always interested in learning more, so feel free to comment any European animated movies that you would recommend, and hell, any videos or articles talking about the history of European animation would be cool as well!

[PRME]

I don’t mind cgi but the fact that almost EVERYONE here in the west is switching to it really discourages me. Id rather have a balance of both.

[dusanbursac]

Best question is. What happened to Disney's story telling?

[Amy-dehv]

I find 2D animation so much more emotional and engaging than CGI.

[CsRazeel]

Let's be honest though, Tangled would have most likely seen the same success even if it was 2D animated. The emperor's new groove may have flopped, but somehow it managed to remain culturally relevant, even in memes today.

[ScamboliReviews]

So what you're telling me is that spacejam 2 can save Western animation? It was inside us all along? I knew it.

[crownjewel]

A nightmare of mine?

If anime becomes all cgi

[myopinioniscorrect.]

Basically: *Treasure Planet.* It started with Disney. Disney wanted an excuse to stop continuing with traditional animation, so they purposely barely advertised and refrained from making it more known so when it commercially flopped it would have an excuse to switch to cgi and the like. That was likely the start of the whole shenanigan.

[moveslikeninja]

It's honestly so sad to see hand-drawn 2D animation as a dying form in the west. I miss the original mulan, lion king, prince of egypt, tarzan.... i'm sick and tired of every single thing having to look 3D ugh

[gyokshun]

I'm from Japan, and I have to mention this... So many Japanese people miss Disney 2D animation. There are many great Japanese animation works, but Disney animation is so unique and different in good ways which Japanese animation studios could
never make. The moves, graphics, background, combination with music, ... It is something that Walt Disney and all the other animaters created and developed. It's really sad that American people underestimate their great invention and culture. 2D animation is art. You can't abandon art just for the money. That would be such a big lost for not only America but the whole world!



*caution
I DO NOT talk about which is better. CGI or handdrawn, japanese or american. Those questions are ridiculous. You can't compare art, especially if it has different target, cultural and historical background, genre, etc.

No hate 😌love you all❤️🐌

[_M_]

I know I'll sound like an old fuck, but just thinking about how the new generation's first exposure to Disney will be the live-action epidemic... just,

[Maria-ruvi]

Did you know that Netflix's "Klaus" is hand-drawned? It's amazing!

[Anna-shne]

"If they didn't wanna watch these stories before because they were animated, they really don't deserve to watch these in live action now."
THIS is so true! Thank you.

[samin]

Normies think "eww cartoons" while eagerly awaiting the latest live action Disney disappointment

[dog]

I definitely like CGI animation but 2D animation totally has a certain vibe that feels way more unique. Especially between different studios and programs.

[happyrider]

Arcane has been a game changer even though it's built on 3-D animation, it just has that fluidity and the way it looks is just great.

[zaraleemcauliffe]

Yeah, you know anime animators are overworking when it can take multiple years to animate 1 feature length film, but Japanese animators are animating entire seasons in a year.

[AviNyan]

Glad you touched upon the horrible working conditions of anime animators!

[SAWTheDesigner]

Prince of Egypt.
Underrated 2D master piece by DreamWorks.

[DracowolfieDen]

It's still absolutely WILD to me that all my favorite animated films are considered commercial "flops"--Brother Bear, Emperor's New Groove, Balto, Tarzan... just absolutely mind-boggling to me.