D52–The Black Cauldron

Originally slated for release in 1984, The Black Cauldron finally made it to theatres in 1985 and features one of Disney’s two “lost” princesses. Disney’s first PG rated animated film, it was both a critical and box office failure, failing to even earn back its production costs and very nearly ending the entire animation program at the studio.

The film takes a very ambitious stance, but unfortunately fails at nearly every juncture. It attempts to tell an epic fantasy story, but does so in such an abbreviated amount of time that it simple can’t hold up. The plot is rushed, without ever having a sense of purpose or direction. Though there are hints that the characters may have more lurking beneath the surface, they are never given the chance to develop or grow on the audience. Last minute edits and rewrites add to the choppy, disjointed feel of the film as a whole. Even the animation feels subpar, falling far below the standards of the studio at the time.

The Black Cauldron is a dark, ambitious, and deeply flawed film. It will likely be too intense for younger viewers, while older viewers will be put off by its erratic pacing and shallow characterizations. It is interesting as a peculiarity among Disney films, but all but the most serious fans can safely pass this one by without fear of missing much.\

The 1985 trailer for The Black Cauldron

Up next: The Great Mouse Detective (1986)