Fleischer Studios, renowned for their iconic “Popeye” and “Superman” cartoons, showcased unparalleled artistry in their 1939 feature film, Gulliver’s Travels 1939. This animated film positioned them as formidable rivals to Disney during that golden era of animation. Many speculate that had Fleischer Studios not faced bankruptcy in 1942, they might have even surpassed Disney in terms of innovation and animation prowess.
Their ambition with Gulliver’s Travels 1939 was clear: to outdo Disney’s “Snow White,” and they came remarkably close to achieving this goal. The digitally restored DVD version allows viewers today to fully appreciate the depth and exquisite detail of the artwork. Fleischer even pioneered a “stereo-optic” animation process, effectively adding a 3-dimensional quality to the visuals in Gulliver’s Travels 1939, enhancing the viewing experience. While the musical score might sound somewhat saccharine to modern ears, and the character “Gabby,” introduced in Gulliver’s Travels 1939, may not resonate with contemporary humor, these are minor points when considering the overall achievement.
Imagine the awe of audiences in 1939 witnessing Gulliver’s Travels 1939 for the first time. The sheer scale of the artwork must have been breathtaking. The depiction of Gulliver as a giant amongst the Lilliputians is consistently perfect, maintaining believable scale and perspective throughout the film. The iconic sequence where the tiny Lilliputians ingeniously use their collective skills to tie down the sleeping giant and transport him to the king’s palace is a highlight of Gulliver’s Travels 1939 and a testament to the film’s imaginative storytelling.
While the initial pacing of Gulliver’s Travels 1939 is deliberately measured, it effectively establishes the conflict between the Lilliputian kingdoms. Faithful to Jonathan Swift’s original narrative, this conflict stems from the petty pride of the rival monarchs. Although some viewers might find the “Gabby” character’s presence in these early scenes somewhat excessive, it’s important to remember that Fleischer Studios intended him to be a popular character, hoping to rival the appeal of Disney’s Mickey Mouse.
For enthusiasts of classic animation, Gulliver’s Travels 1939 on DVD is an essential viewing experience. It offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in animation history, showcasing the talent and ambition of Fleischer Studios at their peak.
