Premiering on December 21, 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length cel-animated feature film in motion picture history - and the first full-length feature produced by Walt Disney. What many doubted could hold audience attention for more than a few minutes became a critical and commercial triumph, forever changing the animation industry.
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, the film tells the story of Snow White, a kind princess who finds refuge with seven dwarfs after her stepmother, the Evil Queen, becomes jealous of her beauty. The film’s mix of fantasy, emotion, music, and groundbreaking animation captivated audiences worldwide.
🎬 Why is it a "Must-See"?
- The first-ever animated feature film, a true milestone in cinema
- Pioneered techniques like multiplane camera animation
- Introduced unforgettable characters like Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen
- Features timeless songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come”
- Set the template for future Disney princess films
🧠 Trivia & Legacy:
- Walt Disney mortgaged his house to fund the project—critics dubbed it “Disney’s Folly” before release
- It received a special Oscar in 1939—one full-size and seven miniature statuettes
- Inspired animators and filmmakers around the globe
- Selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry
- One of the highest-grossing films of its time, adjusting for inflation
📜 Copyright Status:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is still under copyright and is not in the public domain.
💡 Long-Term Impact:
The success of Snow White proved that animation could sustain a feature-length narrative and deliver powerful emotional experiences. It launched the Disney studio into a new era and laid the foundation for the modern animated film industry.