With their friendship still mercifully intact (unlike Tod and Copper’s), film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers team up to tackle Disney’s darkest work of horror-fantasy – 1985’s The Black Cauldron. With its devilish horned villain, spooky sequences, and array of freakish figures, this episode delves into the land of Prydain to talk swords, sorcery, and seriously cute psychic pigs. From its obvious Lord Of The Rings parallels, to some of the most ambitious Disney animation in decades, to a behind-the-scenes coup at the studio, listen along to dive into the film that had kids screaming for the exits – and nearly spelled disaster for the whole enterprise. Plus, learn the meaning of ‘TDLF’, and discover how this film became part of the historical domino effect that gave us Shrek. And yes… we do talk about Gurgi. Bring your own munchings and crunchings.

Next up: Basil The Great Mouse Detective

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Encanto. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

Seeing as we’re in the bleak midwinter, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic are back to take on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most deeply upsetting Dark Age movie yet: 1981’s The Fox And The Hound. This time, we’re delving into the devastating story of friends-turned-enemies Tod and Copper – exploring why the narrative cuts so deep, how it compares to Bambi, and discovering what happens in the even more horrifying source material. Plus, we dig into an especially turbulent time at the studio, as Don Bluth leads a mass Disney exodus, a whole host of major new names enter the fray, and a tussle over an improbably-named song leads to Wolfgang Reitherman quitting animation all together. All that, plus another stone-cold Disniversity legend, and a very special guest shares her own personal childhood trauma from this darkest of Disney flicks. Content warning: this episode contains graphic owl abuse.

Next up: The Black Cauldron

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Encanto. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

Merry Christmas! Or, bah humbug! Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are here with a little festive bonus episode – putting a pause in the regular schedule to talk 1983’s theatrically-released short Mickey’s Christmas Carol. In this mini-episode, the duo explore how Dickens got Disneyfied in a brief but essentially faithful retelling of the ghostly Christmas fable – this time starring Scrooge McDuck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse (obviously), and a host of familiar faces from films past. As well as digging into all the cameos, we find out Sam’s Scroogiest habit, learn the history of Duck Tales, and meet everyone’s favourite animator / Commie canine, Karl Barx. PLUS! There’s 10 minutes of Encanto chat in there too – with the latest Walt Disney Animation Studios film hitting Disney+ on Christmas Eve. God bless us, every one!

Next up: The Fox And The Hound

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Encanto. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

After their emotional trip to the Hundred Acre Wood, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back – and they’re on a mission to find out what the hell happened to 1977’s mouse-based action-adventure tale The Rescuers. In this episode, the pair tackle the first Dark Age movie proper – talking its bleak plot points, eerie visuals, and downright nasty villain; unpacking why the film is merely ‘suggested by’ Margery Sharp’s novels; exploring its place in the burgeoning blockbuster scene alongside Jaws, Bond, and Star Wars; uncovering a surprising connection to 101 Dalmatians; and discussing how a smash-hit movie with rave reviews and bankable box office became largely lost to time. Oh, and let’s pour one out for the Disney film that never was: Scruffy, the Nazi-fighting monkey.

Next up: Mickey’s Christmas Carol bonus episode (then, The Fox And The Hound)

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Encanto. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

Having settled their tax-based disputes in Nottingham, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers venture to the Hundred Acre Wood for an especially emotional episode exploring 1977’s The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh. This time around, they’re tucking into an unexpected extra package feature presenting three tales from AA Milne’s beloved books – discussing how Pooh became a Disney mainstay, uncovering the Disney actor with the most animated voice cast credits, comparing the honey-loving hero to the T-1000 Terminator, and digging into the political campaign nobody saw coming: Pooh For President. All that, and expect plenty of tears (of joy and sadness) from Sam, plus an exploration of the mystery of how Encanto became the 60th canonical Walt Disney Animation Studios movie.

Next up: The Rescuers

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Raya And The Last Dragon. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a pod… Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers leave the jazzy neighbourhoods of Paris for the over-taxed streets on Nottingham in 1973’s Robin Hood – and they’re joined by the 90 Minutes Or Less Film Fest podcast’s Sam Clements to talk a beloved adventure which clocks in at just 83 mins. Along the way, the trio dig into the French folktale responsible for this foxy take on a British legend, Sam tries to coin himself a new nickname and waxes lyrical on the many talents of Peter Ustinov, and they discover the true meaning of ‘Robin Hood’s Delight’. And there's discussion of the elephant in the room: why does everyone find those foxes so… well, sexy? All that, plus whistling, and more potential Disniversity Legends than you can shake a stick at.

Next up: The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Raya And The Last Dragon. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

Ding ding ding! The summer break is over, and class is back in session. After The Bangers Era™ ended with the death of Walt Disney, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers are hurtling headfirst into The Dark Age (or, for now, The Bangover) with 1970’s The Aristocats. This time, it’s off to Paris for a jazz-cat adventure riffing on various hits from Disney’s past – with the duo discussing new enemy-of-the-show Card Walker, chugging down a nice warm bowl of ‘Crème de la Crème à la Edgar’, falling under the influence of O’Malley the alley cat, and instituting an all new feature: Disniversity Legends.

Content warning: contains discussions of racist depictions and stereotypes between 47:42 and 53:40

Next up: Robin Hood

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Raya And The Last Dragon. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

Before a new era – The Dark Age – begins, our short break continues with a different kind of bonus episode. In the most ambitious (animated film podcast) crossover event of all time, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic (or should that be ‘addict’?) Sam Summers are joined by Jake Cunningham and Michael Leader, aka the Ghibliotheque podcast team, to celebrate the launch of their brand new Ghibliotheque book. The pair enter Disniversity’s halls of learning to discuss their journey through the films of the legendary Japanese animation house, talk their favourite Disney flicks, ask Ben and Sam about their favourite Ghibli movies, and explore how the paths of Disney and Ghibli have crossed over the years. Welcome to the Disniotheque!

Next episode: The Aristocats

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Raya And The Last Dragon. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

Pencils down, pupils – after a bucketload of Bangers, we interrupt our short break with a third Study Group episode. This time, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers look back over the Bangers Era of the Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue – from Cinderella to The Jungle Book – discussing their favourite sequences and characters, updating their rankings, and discussing the biggest shift in the studio’s history so far: the sudden passing of figurehead Walt Disney. Plus, Sam springs a quiz on Ben, the pair discuss their real-life Jungle Cruise moment, and we tease the next era: who’s ready for the Dark Age? All that and more on the only podcast to compare Walt Disney to DJ Khaled. Probably.

Next episode: Secret bonus episode! (Shh!) Then, the Bangover begins with The Aristocats

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Raya And The Last Dragon. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.

After a glorious run of all-out megahits (er, and The Sword In The Stone), the Bangers Era™ comes to an end. Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a leisurely stroll through the jungles of India in 1967’s The Jungle Book – a journey for which they’re joined by Empire Magazine journalist (and Mowgli mega-fan) John Nugent, talking the film’s loveable characters and songs, its thwarted Beatles cameo, the re-use of previous bits of Disney animation, and its place as the final movie of Walt Disney’s lifetime. Get ready, everyone: the Dark Age is coming…

Content warning: This episode contains conversations about racist stereotypes and the racial coding of characters between 59:30 and 1:04:00.

Next up: The Aristocats (preceded by a Study Group episode)

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Raya And The Last Dragon. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.