Littlefoot, Fievel the Mouse, the heroic Mrs. Brisby; these familiar characters left a lasting impression when they made it to the big screen in the 1980s. In an era when the animation juggernaut known as Walt Disney was struggling to bring in viewers, these were the characters that carried on the tradition of beautifully crafted hand-drawn animation. They captured the imagination of children and adults alike, and showcased the talent of Don Bluth, the creator behind such classics as The Secret of NIMH and An American Tale. 

When Bluth and fellow animator Gary Goldman left Disney Animation Studios in the early 1980s, they sent waves through the film industry. Several talented animators followed Bluth and Goldman because they too were concerned about the direction in which Disney animation was heading. When he founded his own studio, Bluth’s goal was to create the kind of animation that Walt Disney himself would love, while also providing healthy competition to Bluth’s former employer. 

But this is just one part of Bluth’s life and career. Today we’re taking a look at the animator’s life, and celebrating just some of the art that he has created (so far). So fire up those VCRs and settle in, friends! It’s time to learn about the life of Don Bluth.

Read More