The Disney Film That Nearly Bankrupted the Studio Before Turning Into a Timeless Classic

Walt Disney was known for taking massive risks that often paid off in spectacular ways. However one of his most ambitious projects almost ended the company’s run in the animation industry. The film ‘Sleeping Beauty’ was intended to be the ultimate achievement in hand drawn animation. This 1959 production sought to elevate the medium to a high art form that surpassed everything before it. Walt Disney wanted every frame to look like a living painting which required a level of detail never seen before.

The project required an immense amount of time and resources to complete properly. Artist Eyvind Earle was given significant control over the visual direction of the entire film. His unique style focused on intricate details and a medieval aesthetic that took much longer to paint than traditional backgrounds. This meticulous approach drove the production budget to a staggering $6 million. At that time this was the most expensive animated feature ever produced by the studio and it put a huge strain on their finances.

When the movie finally arrived in theaters it did not meet the high financial expectations of the executives. The initial box office returns were quite disappointing compared to the massive investment required for the production. This failure led to the first significant annual loss in the history of the entire company. Disney was forced to lay off many artists and staff members just to stay afloat. There were even serious discussions about shutting down the feature animation department entirely to focus on television and theme parks instead.

The studio eventually recovered but the production process for future films changed significantly as a result. They moved away from the expensive and time consuming methods used for ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and adopted cheaper xerography techniques. For years the movie was viewed as a financial disaster that nearly broke the dream of the studio. It took several decades and multiple re-releases for the public to truly appreciate the incredible craftsmanship involved. Today the film is celebrated for its stunning visuals and the artistic bravery of those who created it.

The legacy of Princess Aurora and the villainous Maleficent remains a cornerstone of the brand for audiences around the world. Modern critics and animators frequently cite the work of Eyvind Earle as a major influence on their own creative styles. It is fascinating how a project that once threatened the existence of the studio is now a crown jewel of their library. The gamble eventually paid off in a way that Walt Disney likely hoped for even if he did not see it immediately. This story serves as a reminder that artistic value is not always measured by initial profits or box office numbers.

Let us know which animated classic you think is the most visually impressive in the comments.