Life has a remarkable way of presenting us with truly unforgettable experiences, moments that transcend the ordinary and embed themselves deeply into our memory. Among the many adventures I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter, one stands out with particular brilliance: the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a drawing class led by none other than legendary Disney Animator, Mark Henn. Even now, recalling that experience sends shivers down my spine, a sensation not entirely attributable to my admittedly rudimentary drawing skills, but rather to the sheer awe of being in the presence of a master.
Mark Henn is a name synonymous with the golden age of modern Disney animation. For countless fans worldwide, his artistry breathed life into some of the most cherished characters ever to grace the silver screen. Imagine being taught by the directing animator and supervising animator of “Ariel” from the groundbreaking classic, The Little Mermaid! But his monumental contributions hardly end there. His incredible portfolio includes shaping the iconic features and expressive movements of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, the spirited Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, the mischievous Young Simba in The Lion King, and the formidable title character in Mulan. This impressive list merely scratches the surface of a career spanning decades of unparalleled creativity and dedication.
A quick glance at Mark Henn’s IMDb page reveals a veritable treasure trove of animated masterpieces, essentially a comprehensive catalog of many of my absolute favorite Disney films. With 35 animation credits for major Disney movies, his influence on the studio’s most beloved productions is undeniable and enduring. He is, without exaggeration, a foundational pillar of the Disney animation legacy.
An Unforgettable Encounter: A Disney Animator Mark Henn Interview and Drawing Class
The experience of sitting down with Mark Henn was truly one of those profound life moments that feel almost surreal. From the moment he began to speak, his genuine warmth and candid honesty shone through. He shared insights into his remarkable journey as a Disney animator, a career that has spanned over 38 years and seen him at the very epicenter of the industry’s most significant technological shifts. He’s witnessed firsthand the dramatic evolution from traditional 2-D hand-drawn animation on paper to the intricate world of computer-generated imagery.
Mark’s narrative of adaptation was deeply inspiring. He spoke about how the craft transitioned from the tactile sensation of pencil and paper to the precision of a mouse and computer, and crucially, how he not only embraced but thrived amidst these changes. As I listened to him articulate his passion for animation and his commitment to evolving with the times, it resonated strongly with my own experiences of navigating rapid change within various industries. His ability to adapt, rather than succumb to frustration, is a testament to his resilient spirit and unwavering dedication to his art.
Far from resisting the digital revolution, Mark Henn leveraged his profound knowledge of traditional animation principles to guide the next generation. Today, he plays a pivotal role in supervising Disney animators, ensuring that the invaluable wisdom passed down from the “old school” masters is preserved and integrated into contemporary workflows. He is a living bridge between Disney’s storied past and its vibrant future, actively working to uphold the studio’s unparalleled legacy and guarantee that each new character continues to captivate audiences with the same magical essence.
Celebrating a Timeless Classic: The Little Mermaid Walt Disney Signature Collection
In addition to the incredible experience with Mark Henn, I’m thrilled to announce a significant milestone for one of his most iconic creations: The Little Mermaid Walt Disney Signature Collection made its official digital debut on February 12, 2019, followed by its Blu-ray/DVD release on February 26, 2019. This special edition commemorates the 30th anniversary of a film that not only won two Academy Awards (Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Under the Sea” in 1989) but also profoundly revitalized Disney’s animation studio, paving the way for a new era of beloved musicals.
The Walt Disney Signature Collection is meticulously curated to present the studio’s most treasured films in their definitive editions, offering fans an unparalleled viewing experience. This Signature Edition of The Little Mermaid proudly showcases its award-winning musical score and a host of iconic songs that have become ingrained in popular culture, such as the infectious “Under the Sea” and the deeply emotional “Part of Your World.” A standout feature for fans is the included sing-along mode, inviting viewers of all ages to join Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and the entire beloved cast on their journey with their own voices.
Beyond the film itself, this collection boasts an array of never-before-seen bonus features that delve deeper into the magic behind the masterpiece. One particularly captivating segment brings together legendary composer Alan Menken with some of Disney’s most recognizable leading ladies, including Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas Singing Voice), Lillias White (Calliope from Hercules), and Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel from Tangled). Gathered around a piano, they reminisce, sing, and celebrate the enduring musical legacy initiated by The Little Mermaid.
Another fascinating inclusion is the latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office,” which draws a delightful parallel between Walt Disney’s own passion for collecting treasures and Ariel’s enchantment with human artifacts. Viewers are also granted an intimate look at the original recording sessions of The Little Mermaid cast, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process. Furthermore, the collection invites fans to explore hidden treasures and fun facts from the film and features a special, breathtaking performance of “Part of Your World” by the acclaimed a cappella sensation, DCappella. As an added bonus, fans will gain access to hours of classic bonus features from previous releases, ensuring a comprehensive dive into the film’s rich history.
ALL-NEW BONUS FEATURES:
(Available on Blu-ray & Digital)
- Sing-Along Mode – Immerse yourself in the film experience by singing along to every beloved song in this specially designed version of the movie.
- Alan Menken & the Leading Ladies Song – Witness an extraordinary gathering as Alan Menken, the musical genius behind countless Disney classics, is joined by an iconic ensemble of Disney leading ladies. From Jodi Benson (Ariel) to Paige O’Hara (Belle) and others, they share memories of musically creating their characters, discuss the honor of being part of the Disney Princess/leading lady legacy, and create new cherished moments as they sing around a grand piano, celebrating the music of their films in honor of the one that started it all: The Little Mermaid.
- “What I Want From You…Is YOUR VOICE” – Step into the recording studio and gain a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the cast of The Little Mermaid during their original, magical recording sessions.
- Stories From Walt’s Office – Gadgets & Gizmos – Discover the fascinating parallels between Ariel’s curiosity for human objects and Walt Disney’s own eclectic collections, ranging from miniatures to early mechanical characters that sparked the invention of audio-animatronics. This third episode of the series offers a compelling look at some of the unique collections Walt kept in his personal office.
- #TreasuresUntold – Join Disney Channel Original Series stars Ruby Rose Turner and Olivia Sanabia from “Coop and Cami Ask the World” as they embark on a delightful deep dive to uncover hidden treasures and share entertaining facts about Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
- DCappella “Part of Your World” Music Video – Enjoy an enchanting musical performance of this iconic song by the sensational a cappella group, DCappella.
- Classic Bonus Features – Revisit four exciting bonus features from previous releases, offering even more insight and entertainment:
- Deleted Character: Harold The Merman
- Under The Scene: The Art Of Live Action Reference
- Howard’s Lecture
- Audio Commentary With Ron Clements, John Musker and Alan Menken
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVES:
- “Part of Your World” – A 30-Year Retrospective – Join songwriter Alan Menken and Jodi Benson, the incomparable acting and singing voice of Ariel, as they perform the quintessential Disney “I Want” song, “Part of Your World.” They discuss its profound impact and enduring legacy since it first captivated audiences three decades ago.
- Classic Bonus Features – Access over three additional hours of previously released classic bonus features, including fascinating deleted scenes, fun Easter eggs, captivating music videos, and much more!
*Bonus features may vary by retailer
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Disclaimer: Disney generously covered my travel expenses to attend the press event in Los Angeles, CA, for the premiere of Ralph Breaks the Internet. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own and reflect my honest experience.