Disney’s animation film library is full of features that are visceral to every human sense. And Disney+ will showcase the magic of the auditory and visual through a new ten-episode animated short-form series called Zenimation.
Think of it as Disney’s version of ASMR that draws from some of the studio’s most memorable films like Moana, Peter Pan, Zootopia, Aladdin, Big Hero 6, Mulan, and so much more.
Creator and editor by David Bess carefully curated key scenes to fit appropriately into a thematic episode. So, for the “Water” episode, you can see clips from Moana, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen. While the “Cityscapes” episode highlights some of the more populated settings from films like Zootopia, Big Hero 6, Hercules, and The Frog Princess. Even more naturalistic settings like The Lion King, Pocahontas, and Tarzan will be featured.
But some won’t be as obvious. There will be more abstract episodes that focus on concepts like “Levity,” which will be an episode that pulls from some of the more hilarious scenes from Lilo and Stitch. You can also experience “Serenity” with some of your favorite clips from Mulan and Beauty and The Beast.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for Zenimation:
“Unplug, relax, and refresh your senses for a moment of mindfulness with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zenimation” – an animated soundscape experience. Whether it’s baby Moana being called by the ocean, Anna and Kristoff walking through an icy forest, or Baymax and Hiro Hamada flying over San Fransokyo, these iconic scenes become an aural experience like no other with the sounds of ocean waves, an icy forest and soaring flight. “Zenimation” pays tribute to both the visual and sound artists who have created Walt Disney Animation Studios’ legacy of films. Created and edited by David Bess. From Walt Disney Animation Studios.”
A show like this can calm some nerves for those who have some cabin fever during the shelter-in-place orders. All of this helps us take a breath, listen to the sounds, and elevate our senses through the magic of Disney films.
Honestly, these episodes are a great way to see how sound design and sound editing work in cohesion with the visual aspects of the film. And I cannot wait to dive into these short-form episodes.
All episodes of Zenimation are available to stream exclusively on Disney+, today.
