In a move that is sure to delight fans of all ages, Disney+ has announced that it will be releasing a collection of 28 newly restored classic shorts from the Walt Disney Animation Studios. The release will commence on Friday, July 7, and will feature a host of iconic characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip n’ Dale, and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the studio’s first star.
This year marks the centennial of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the release of these classic shorts is part of the ongoing Disney100 celebration. The collection includes a mix of well-known classics and lesser-known titles, showcasing the breadth and depth of Disney’s early theatrical shorts.
The series will conclude in October with the 1956 CinemaScope short “Chips Ahoy,” featuring Donald Duck and his chipmunk rivals, leading up to The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary on Monday, October 16.
The restoration of these classic shorts was led by the Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation team, under the direction of Kevin Schaeffer. The team worked closely with creative advisors from Walt Disney Animation Studios, including Dorothy McKim, special projects and 2D animation producer, and color supervision by Mike Giaimo and animator Eric Goldberg. This is the same team that recently restored “Cinderella” and is currently working on a restoration of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Kevin Schaeffer and the Studio’s restoration team in presenting these beautifully restored versions of classic Disney animated shorts,” said McKim. “Two of our top artistic talents have lent their expertise and passion to the project to make sure that the films look their very best and are authentic to the creative intentions of the original filmmakers. We’re very excited to be sharing these wonderful shorts with the Disney+ audience. They have never looked or sounded better.”
The release schedule for the restored shorts is as follows:
Premiering Friday, July 7:
- The Skeleton Dance (1929)
- Building a Building (1933)
- Bath Day (1946)
- Figaro and Frankie (1947)
- Goofy Gymnastics (1949)
- Aquamania (1961)
Premiering Friday, August 11:
- Barnyard Olympics (1932)
- Mickey’s Steam Roller (1934)
- Donald’s Nephews (1938)
- Goofy and Wilbur (1939)
- Donald’s Cousin Gus (1939)
- The Flying Jalopy (1943)
Premiering September 5–8:
- Trolley Troubles (1927)
- All Wet (1927)
- The Barn Dance (1929)
- Playful Pluto (1934)
- Mickey’s Kangaroo (1935)
- Merbabies (1938)
- Bone Trouble (1940)
- Pluto, Junior (1942)
Premiering Friday, October 6:
- Chips Ahoy (1956)
This release is a testament to Disney’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its rich animation history, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the chance to experience these classic shorts in their newly restored glory.
