My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses: "Frozen II" - The Much Awaited Sequel To Disney's Biggest Hit To Date and Disney's First Theatrical Musical Sequel

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies.

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Well, at least we're thawing from the frost :)

We're trying to pose like
Fantastic Four :) At least sort
of :)

Yes folks, it was finally time! After six years of waiting, we were finally headed for the Frozen sequel- Which was simply called Frozen II (the crew played with a lot of titles and as the story evolved, the title served as full circle for both movies. While producer Peter Del Vecho claims the world named the title, because they referred to it). Six years after being introduced to the huge phenomenon, after having Let it Go become such an ingrained part of pop culture and having the Frozen-naysayers declaring to thaw the phenomenon down, the phenomenon was revived again with the sequel.

Some people have already been quite fed up with the overexposure of this juggernaut. Which is understandable, since the property has become a brand of it's own. Since we've already received four Frozen shorts and a Lego-series (despite that some episodes of Once Upon A Time included Anna and Elsa, the filmmakers didn't saw that as canon. For not affecting their storytelling. Yet the directors didn't see the shorts as canon, either, while they didn't have to worry about that). The criticism of overexposure would also be appliable to The Lion King as well. But at least it never had the advantage to receive a full-length, theatrical sequel.

Yes, it's a rare occasion to get
along :) Don't get used to it :)

Perhaps the six year synergy is a synergy of it's own, since Ralph Breaks the Internet also saw that synergy. But what's remarkable is how the Princess-films (sorry to use that term, folks, but it's what they really are) from the Revival era were released every third year (at least after Tangled).
So regardless of how Frozen II is a sequel, at least it follows the pattern of being relased three years after it`s previous Princess film, Moana. While the Revival era has not been confirmed to having officially ended, at least 2019 marks the 10th year anniversary of The Princess and the Frog. Which makes it a full circle for this era. Yet one should wonder now that Disney's reputation has been restored, why there haven't been any summer release for Disney Animation yet. Due to how Disney used to occupy the summer slot almost two decades ago.

How Frozen II Broke The Norm of Sequelizing a Fairy Tale, The Risk of Waiting Six Years, The Process of Planning The Sequel, Research Trips, The Difference Between the Sisters, The Green-Lit, How Tangled Was Going To Get a Sequel & Release Date

We're hiding the damage
that it broke :)

Unlike something like Wreck-It-Ralph

that has a premise that calls for a sequel, Frozen II was invigorating for being an actual sequel to an actual musical fairy tale (yes, now I can finally use that term. But let`s forget all the cheapquels, shall we?). Walt's everlasting policy against sequels has been frequently mentioned in my prior entries. But one criticism against sequelizing a fairy tale is how they're usually labeled with an "happily ever after"-staple. So therefore it feels contradictory to even break that stamp.

But we all know that the reason for even sequelizing Frozen is a overt and obvious one; To cash in for what was (unexpectedly) becoming Disney's most successful film of all time. So there you have it. Yet it's still a risk to wait six year for a sequel (as some reviewers has claimed). As Disney risked fans to age out their target audience.

irector Jennifer Lee has stated that she wasn't finished with this universe and that they missed the characters (and that she fought to see the film not through her or the audience’s eyes. But through Olaf’s childlike point of view).
Yet deciding to make Frozen II was much more complicated than you'd expect. The filmmakers said that making a sequel wasn’t their first instinct and the road to get there was more than a little bumpy. Yet they were given enough time by the studio to come up with ideas.

I'm pretending to be
a gypsy for now :)

Lee's said that they've spent much time with each character, journaled as them and even done psychological personality tests with them. Lee embodied Anna and Elsa, and Buck took on Kristoff (yet Lee noted that for "Buck took a lot longer to do it than she did, despite how she did two characters!”

Following up the Frozen phenomenon was daunting for Lee. Yet Del Vecho said almost everything about the story has changed over the course of making the film. The one thing that was true on both movies is they knew how they wanted to end with.

Cinderella would've
loved this :)

We see eye to eye :)
Pun intended :)

The pitch for Frozen II included a video from a research trip to Norway, Iceland and Finland in September 2016 (the directors and producer were so busy breaking the story on the first Frozen that they didn’t have time to go on the research trip back then). On the trips, the crew descended into caves, trekked across glaciers, and skirted the edges of volcanoes. Buck and Lee even consulted with botanists. In Finland they did an 8 mile hike through a forest and Lee joked that Norway didn’t seem to like her. As she ripped her pants, fell down and everything went wrong for her there. Chris was just skippin’ along, while Lee felt more at home in Iceland. Buck enjoyed it too, despite preferring the cozy locations of Norway and Finland. Yet the crew also took trips to Cheyenne and Wyoming as well.

The difference between the two former countries would inspire the contrast between the sisters. As Anna became labeled as the perfect fairy tale character, whereas Elsa as the perfect mythic character. Since mythic characters are often magical in a world they are different from, but their fates are often tragic. Which came from the research between the difference between a myth and a fairytale.

A “tone reel” and a wall of index cards detailed the themes and
emotional threads.While the discussion of a sequel started at the height of Frozen`s success in early 2014, it was officially green-lit in March 2015. And originally expected to be see the light in 2018. Both Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad began their recordings in the fall of 2017 and Bell recorded one song with the Lopezes in March 2018.

Tangled was originally also going to facing the same sequel fate. To what was Disney's biggest in-house hit at the time. But the creators resisted that temptation, as directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard ultimately weren't really interested in following up the story. Originally heading for a November 27 release, Frozen II was eventually released at November 22d. In Italy, the sequel was been given the surname The Secrets of Arandelle.

People`s Expectations to Frozen II, The Different Opinions of the First Frozen & How It Was Marketed To The Public

Regardless of how some people how been fed up with Frozen-phenomenon, the announcement of the sequel caused both yays and nays from people. Yays for fans who wants to see their favorite characters again. And nays from purists who believed that Frozen should've stayed the way it was. And for those who hates sequels. However, at least Frozen II is had it's directing and technical team back, which is something that not shouldn't be taken for granted for a sequel.

Due to the aforementioned legacy of the first Frozen, there's been various opinions around it. While of course it's been loved, there were many who considered it to be overrated. And many who loved it suddenly turned against it. As for me personally, while I've always made clear that my entries are analyses and not reviews, I've got to admit that I've considered Frozen overrated for several reasons. While I did like certain elements of it, it wasn't enough for me to consider it to be great. However though, I happened to enjoy the shorts more than the movie. Because I thought they were more endearing and captivating than their influential predecessor (yes, hate me for this, Frozen fanatics). So my initial wish was if Frozen II altered these elements and became a better movie than it's predecessor (which it did).

As with most current Disney productions, the information about Frozen II has been sparse at first. Yet the scattered leaks began in December 2018. Where a Russian picture of our dear sisters were leaked (sparking the rumors that Anna was pregnant for to "mom hair" and looking plumper. While their kimono's and the blossom trees in the background suggested a Japanese setting).

The teaser that was meant to be released in March

was released in February (as some suggested that it`s early was perhaps a response to the backlash of the live action Aladdin teaser). Yet what's intriguing is that Disney has now broken off their Pixar-mold for their teasers. And depicted the trailers for Frozen II as not misleading trailer. But rather shown the action and the authentic nature of the movie (which was been praised by Animated Views' Dacey Booker). But we all know that Japan has always had a different policy for these trailers all along. So those for Frozen II haven't been an exception (the Japanese trailer was unveiled in late September, with Into the Unknown. Which was one of the earliest songs to be completed).

We're Santa's replacers :)

Since the fall elements were promoted in leaks and trailers, there were some speculations that the plot would deal with the four Seasons (yet Marlon West said that he's haven't looked at the fan theories). The directors declared Frozen II as a mystery and that "it was fun doing something different" than it's much beloved predecessor.

New Looks For The Sisters, The Record Breaking Trailer, Into the Unknown Documentary & Inside Frozen II Podcast

At least Frozen II shall have credit for having new oufits and hairstyles for our Royal sisters. And yes, the first trailer was one of the most viewed trailers at the time. With a record-breaking 116.4 million views in 24 hours! Proving that the Frozen fandom was still alive and faithful (while there were rumors that the first teaser would appear in late of 2018). Alongside with the trailers, the posters weres also released simultaneously. Suggesting a quite minimalistic approach, yet being tastefully done. And implying the plot in a non-explicit way.

As for the rest of the marketing, a Behind-the-Scenes Documentary called Into the Unknown: Making Frozen II was made to Disney+ in June 2020. Director Lee described it as real and raw, "showcasing their collaborative environment in a way they've never shared before." And frankly, it was a good documentary series. A clip from the series was shown as part of a presentation for the video service. And it gave a glimpse of Anna kneeling before Olaf, who in a worried voice said "I don't think Elsa's OK". Also featureing the voice-over of a troll saying "You must find the truth". It was the first clip to feature the actors' voices to the public, before the second trailer's was released.

Still, Unknown wasn't the only making off-information that we've got prior to Frozen II`s release. As ABC News launched Inside Frozen II, a six-part podcast that also went behind the scenes of the movie. The series was launched November 20th and the following episodes were released weekly, concluding on Christmas Day. And it was essentially just as exciting and interesting as Making Frozen II. But remarkably enough, the usual Art of-book of Frozen II was released at the same date as Frozen II`s release. And the official Movie Special was released the following month (in December).

Elsa

Just pretend that I'm Peter Pan
or a Fairy or whatever :)

It's pretty well known that the most popular character of the Frozen franchise is Elsa. One of my biggest complains about the first movie was her lack of screentime. Since she's the catalyst of the events and the character with the biggest struggle (and gaining such a huge fanbase for this). Yet I've made an entry dedicated to her character alone for these aforementioned reasons.

It's just fanart, we didn't
actually do it :)

Yet it was tempting
to wonder if Frozen II was going to alter her position and making her a more pivotal character due to her popularity (which they did). Elsa’s control over her powers was put to the challenge when the forest confronts her with an ultimate test. And sure, let's not forget all the petitions about making her a lesbian. Since there's been a many of them! Whether you like it or not, many people found Elsa's sitatuion to be a powerful allegory for queer identity. Since we live in a time where Disney picks up those claims, they're more able to reach Disney more than ever thanks to social media.

It would've been interesting if Disney actually dared to do something with those pleas (which even Jennifer Lee and Idina Menzel have supported). But since Disney is Disney after all, it's dubious that they would to break their (politically correct) policy about it. Considering how marketable Elsa is. Yet there`s been plenty pleas to give Elsa a love interest, regardless of gender. Still it was early confirmed early in 2019 that she's wasn't getting any love interest at all (which fueled the lesbian theoires even more).

Even we can do
a catwalk :)

While Elsa's haven't been the only Revival Princess who've remained single (Merida, Moana and Raya anyone?), at least it's daring on it's own right to not give her a love interest at all. Effects supervisor Marlon West have said that "Elsa is not a character that`s defined by a romantic relationship. She is on a personal quest, still trying to find out who she is. She has more in mind the idea of protecting her family and uncovering the origin of her powers". Even Lee has stated that she doesn't know if a love interest will ever fit her in the future. And sure, since we live in an time of online fandom, let's not
forget about the pleas about her hooking up with Jack Frost from Dreamworks' Rise of the Guardians! For understandable reasons, of course, since they've would've made perfect sense as a couple.

At least what makes Elsa special is she`s it's Idina Menzel's most famous and cherished role at Disney (who've already confirmed the sequel before Disney did in November 2014). Considering her previous contribution in Enchanted (as a character who literally became a Princess at the end, but Disney didn't consider to include in the Princess franchise) and having auditioned for Rapunzel, it's nice that she`s get the honor as one of Disney's most worshipped heroines ever. And for all the rants about the sisters not having enough screentime together in the predecessor, there's certainly more interactions between them in the sequel.

The Plot

As for the rest of the plot, it was rumored in 2014 from Stitch Kingdom that it would be titled Strange Magic (which was just a rumor). Yet it wasn't just a mere coincidence, since the plot was centered about it. Jennifer Lee teased a little bit about the plot at the Ralph Breaks the Internet Premiere in late 2018. The Lopezes briefly teased about the parents involvement and a group of sylvan “hidden folk” inspired by Scandinavian folklore in that same March.
Yet what was teased about the storyline initially, was that it was going to be about a quest about what happened to the parents our sisters. which was finally going to be explained (and Buck apologized on Disney D23 Expo 2019 for killing them off). The filmmakers looked at Frozen and Frozen II as two parts of a single story. A second chapter needed to be told to complete the first. They crew decided to focus on Scandinavian and old Norse folklore for certain elements.

At least Santa isn't the only one who can ride a reindeer :)

In late May it was revealed that Elsa's quest would be to figure the origins of her powers. Since the lack of explanation of Elsa's powers was one of the biggest complains about the fist movie, which was something Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee were asked about by many fans (which could've been interpreted as caring too much to online critcism. Yet Lee was so caught up in Elsa's struggle with being different, that she hadn't been able to think about the origins of Elsa's powers in the first picture). And also why Anna doesn't have any Powers (despite that it wasn't explained).

The Gorilla's were absent in this picture :)

Yet in the summer of 2019, the Official Synopsis was been revealed: "Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen II, she must hope they are enough".

However, that same summer, another synopsis was unveiled: "After a strange illness strikes Arendelle, Anna discovers a secret room in the castle and incants a magic spell hoping to cure the sickness. Instead, a sinister wolf arrives, threatening to destroy the peaceful kingdom. Anna, Elsa and their friends embark on a thrilling quest to save Arendelle" (which obviously was fake news, since the plot had nothing to do with that).

I'm a Sporty Fairy :)

However, in late July, another synopsis was revealed: "Many years ago there was a battle between the Northuldra and the kingdom of Arendelle. The end of peace angered the spirits, sowing chaos among the Arendellians. The voices of the past have returned and Elsa may be the only one who manages to return peace to the kingdom." Lee declared that "that there were so many things we would start and they would just lace themselves backwards mechanically. There was the feeling that this story was always there. It was just waiting for us to uncover it".

In June, Disney showed some new clips at the Annecy Intl. Animation Festival. Shared by head of animation Becky Bresee and Marlon West. With the opening where King Agnarr tells the backstory of the Northuldra (where Anna and Elsa were young girls, adding fuel to a Revival trope: Starting the movie off as the Princesses being toddlers). Another clip screened showed the intense and graphically-satisfying magical battle between Elsa and the horse-shaped water spirit on the spirit’s home turf, Nokk.

As for the link to nature,

Elsa has a link to the water spirit. The symbol of which appears on her costumes. Each element is represented by a diamond-shaped symbol. There's a connection between Elsa’s powers and the enchanted forest when the ice crystals that form around her have the same four symbols for the aforementioned elements. Three elements are reacting, leaving only one that is untouched. The crew thought of Elsa’s powers as of nature, so it's a synergy.

I know they don't seem
summerlike, but I was
intrigued, anyways :)

Fire is represented with purplish-pink flames, water is represented with the mystical water-horse called the Nokk and Earth is represented with massive rock giants. The wind spirit Gale happens to be a mytological creature as well). The crew wanted the fog that surrounds the forest to be both friendly and a little bit threatening, which was their biggest technical challenge.

The first scene screened at the Festival, was the charades scene (where Olaf breifly turns into Mickey Mouse). The scene ended there, but West and Bresee explained what happened afterwards to the sisters. On D23 Expo 2019, the charade clip was shown again, which showed Kristoff trying to propose to Anna. As well as the Into the Unknown sequence, which is this movies showstopper and shaped by Let It Go. The four elements are then unleashed upon the kingdom after the song, causing a huge havoc. Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee also revealed back then that the film would begin with a prologue scene, but they didn’t bring the clip to reveal.

However, that prologue setted up the footage that they showed during the panel, which included a quick clip of a voice calling out to Elsa during a tense moment. Overall 10 minutes of the movie was shown. Early in September 2019, another preview of the film was shown to the press. Attended by Insider, five scenes from the first half of the movie were shown. Which were approximately 20 minutes of footage, three songs. Where the fire element had been kept secret by Disney's creative team. A significant portion of the footage was first screened at D23 Expo 2019, while the second scene shown was an extended version.

It's was also confirmed from a toy description that the friendship between Elsa and Olaf were intensified. and the characters are connected by rare magic. Olaf was now able to perceive Elsa's emotions, despite being far away. Josh Gad even tweeted an unclear picture that spoils that Olaf will mealt .

In late October 2019, a Behind the Scenes-event with Chris Buck was held. Where several scenes were shown. Some older scenes and some new ones, as our friends entering the mist and the full scene of Olaf's big song in this movie, When I Am Older. There was a Q&A afterward, where pivotal questions were asked. But also leaving some mystery behind. About how the books released prior to Frozen II's release date didn’t reveale the full ending, (similar to the Star Wars books). Which was a conscious decision by Disney. Buck felt it was better for people to enjoy the movie and to preserve the joy of not knowing everything beforehand. (which may explain why the Junior Novelization and the Art of-book were released at the same date as the movie). At least the pre-screenings received positive remarks, fortunately.

The Timeline For Frozen II & Kristoff`s Subplot

Arthur made me mad :)

The timeline for the sequel is three years after the first film. Since the producers wanted the characters to mature (and also most likely to making Anna old enough to be the queen. While it was tempting to wonder if it would spark another fan-related theory this time, hahahaha).

The sequel takes place after Frozen Fever and Olaf's Frozen Adventure. And the story takes place in fall, offering the animated crew and special effects to explore new color palettes. Such as orange, after a first snowy and frosted film.

As for Kristoff, he took a big leap from the first movie and waned to propose to Anna (Kristoff was also one of my complaints about the first Frozen. Since he was apparently just an archetypical trope loner and not having a resonant reason for even being so). And yes, there were fan pictures of our lovebirds starting a family long before it`s release (as I've used now in this entry). Chris Buck actually teased about the ending several years ago. And said that it was going to be supposedly very satisfying and keeping with the original outline for it. Yet that it would also subvert the idea of a fairy tale, happy ending (while the journey to that ending still changed a lot in the process).

The Revival Formula, The Leaves & The Cameos of Old Characters

For all the rants about Disney (and Pixar) recycling the Buddy
Journey trope for all the Revival films, it's not strange that both of the first post-John Lasseter sequels are relying on that trope. Since both films were after all shaped during Lasseter's time. Despite that criticism, we'll have to look at the fact, folks; Character journeys are easy to write in fiction. In order to give the story an actual goal. And to take the protagonist on a journey from point A to B. In other words, the Revival formula aren`t the only ones to blame for this.

We were isnpired by
the elephant pyramid
from Dumbo ;)

Regarding the seasonal elements (as aforementioned), the flying leaves were quite promoted in promotional footage. And yes, the leaves are instantly comparable to those from Pocahontas. But hey, Disney has always recycled various tropes and ideas. So this Pocahontas homage could be perceived as a good homage for sullen Pocahontas-fans.

While it was rumored early in June 2018 that Queen Iduna was going to play a pivotal role in the film, it was finally confirmed at D23 Expo 2019. (While it was rumored that Queen Iduna was the unknown woman in the first teaser, it was finally confirmed afterwards. But to all of you Hans lovers, he has a brief cameo in this sequel. Which was originally rumored by a leak of an concept art, Santino Fontana recently confirmed in October to New York Live TV that he was going to reprise his role as Hans in this sequel. But still, it was rumored early on that almost all the characters from the first Frozen would make an appearance in the sequel.

Voice Acting, New Characters and Tone

It's needless to say that most of the cast from Frozen returns to this movie (even the young actress for Elsa, Eva Bella). Yet what's remarkable is that Evan Rachel Wood voiced Queen Iduna this time (despite that Lee voiced her originally and joked that because the part now required acting and singing, she was fired), who's confirmed early about recording the pivotal lullaby All is Found (it was rumored that she recorded it with Kristen Bell, which happened to be Bells favorite song in the movie. Having sung it to her children for years since she's heard it, calling the song a sleeper hit).

Penelope Cruz

had originally auditioned for a role in this movie, but was turned down. In late September 2019 it was confirmed that Alfred Molina voiced King Agnarr.
This Is Us and Black Panther Emmy winner Sterling K. Brown played a new character: An dark-skinned Lieutenant named Matthias (which was confirmed on D23 Expo in 2019). Matthias ws somebody our squad encounters on their journey into the forest. Who've been trapped there for 30 years, leading his soldiers when the fierce battle broke out years ago when Anna and Elsa’s grandfather, who's named King Runeard, was king).The scene where he talks to Anna in the forest was screened on Disney D23 Expo.

At least you're not
the last unicorn :)

However, to talk more about the new characters, it was revealed in May that the aforementioned Nokk would encounter Elsa at the Dark Sea. Nokk is fierce warrior and a person must prove his worth and earn his respect to get his acceptance (at first he thinks Elsa is a threat).

It's was exciting to get to know these new characters, yet Disney did essentially the same thing they did with Ralph Breaks The Internet and revealed the new characters fairly late in the game. In July there was a leak that revealed some of them on a board game. Without getting more information about them.Elsa's new friend, however, a salamander named Bruni, was confirmed in August and was specifically made to be “as adorable as possible”.

But in late September,

Honeymaren was confirmed. Revealed not only in form of a toy, but in the cover of a book, as well. With her brother, Ryder Nattura (presumably being Saami people and the sylvan “hidden folk” inspired by Scandinavian folklore that the Lopezes hinted of in March 2018). While Honeymaren stirred up things early on Tumblr, being claimed to be a carbon copy of Moana. But all of the new characters were revealed in late September, however, through Slashfilm.com with full descriptions:

YELANA – The unspoken leader of the nomadic Northuldra. She is fiercely protective of her family and community, but is known to soften when people show an understanding of nature and their environment. Martha Plimpton was called on to bring Yelana to life.

HONEYMAREN – A member of the Northuldra, Honeymaren is a true free spirit and wants nothing more than to bring peace to the enchanted forest. She is bold and brave, with a reverence for the magic of nature. Rachel Matthews provides her voice.

RYDER (yes, I haven't been the only one who's compared him to Disney's previous Ryder, Tangled‘s Flynn Rider) – Eager and fun, Honeymaren’s brother Ryder embraces life with optimism. Ryder’s love of reindeer might just rival Kristoff’s. But unlike Kristoff, Ryder has never roamed the great plains outside of the Enchanted Forest. He longs to embrace the world and venture beyond the magical mist. Jason Ritter lends his voice to Ryder.

BRUNI – Curious and cute, this salamander inhabits the Enchanted Forest. Though shy at first, Bruni can’t help but be drawn to Elsa’s icy magic and enjoys the cool snowflake treats she creates. And yes, it's impossible to not compare him to another Tangled property, Rapunzel's chameleon Pascal.
As for the antagonist, it was early on cited that Frozen II has a lot of “antagonistic forces”. Yet Lee likes to mess with the Disney tropes in the writing. However, it's was confirmed in late September that there's was no villain in this sequel. As the conflict about the sisters was enough of a plot for the movie.

I'm holding an
reptile! Yay! :)

As for the overall tone of the film, it's was confirmed

that the second part had darkness. But also had a lot of humor and very touching moments. Which it eventually had. It's was declared to be bigger and more epic. Which it also was (even though the first Frozen was pretty epic). Kristen Bell revealed that there's a lot of very intimate moments in the movie that felt like they were taken from her real life. And whenever her daughters fight, she asks them what Anna and Elsa would've done instead of fighting.

Music & Revealing Clips

Yes, I'm living up to my
power ballad and letting go :)

Yes I'm proposing regardless
of being a different specie :)

Of course one relevant question regarding Frozen II was whether the songwriters would able to write a tune that would compete with it's previous, pivotal ballad, Let it Go. Since that song became a landmark of it's own and was promoted at Disney's D23 Expo 2013, it's was exciting to see if the Robert and Kristen Anderson-Lopez were able to craft a song that would compete with it (while Bell has stated that nothing will ever top it, despite having received that question a lot. While the Lopezes said they "didn`t let that pressure into the story room").

Don't get used this, I'll stop
holding ya when you grow
up :)

It was also tempting wonder if composer Christophe Beck would recreate the same musical themes from it's predecessor (which he sparsely did). And if the Lopezes would write other songs that were reminiscent of the first ones (while Buck and Lee said there were even better songs on this soundtrack). After all, the Lopezes returned for the Frozen-shorts and delivered some competent work there (yet the crew said that they don't know when a song is right as a Frozen song first).

However, as with Moana's big anthem How Far I'll Go, a snippet of Into the Unknown was unveiled in a Instagram video of a doll in the summer of 2019. Yet it wasn`t the only song that was been leaked through a doll. Since a snippet of Anna's poignant ballad titled The Next Right Thing (a ballad that challenges the conventions of placement in animation) was leaked in September. Into The Unknown was entirely leaked on Tumblr in the fall.

Early on, the crew knew that they were going to have a song in the village. A song that was going to be about the characters traveling through it (which eventually became Some Things Never Change.
The amount of songs has overall been eight. The chanting (or rather the mysterious voice) was done by Norwegian singer Aurora (to satisfy cultural purists). Despite that it war far from her first work done in Disney, having already sung in Tim Burton's remake of Dumbo.

While it was originally rumored Demi Lovato would make a comeback with an end credit song called Farewell Song (according to the official Facebook page of MTV Music Poland), it just happened to be a rumor. However, on D23 Expo 2019, two new songs was revealed. As Some Things Never Change among them (performed by the actors live on the gathering).

In August 2019 it was revealed that Kristoff would have his own song. The Power ballad with a definite sound of the 80's called Lost in The Woods

In September 2019 it was revealed that Elsa would have two songs in the movie. Another power ballad called Show Yourself; But also in late September, DisneyVevo released some snippets of Into the Unknown, The Next Right Thing and When I Am Older. A longer snippet of Into the Unknown was shown on Dancing with the Stars in October.
In early November, the very first clip from the movie was been released on YouTube (with our heroes embarking on the big journey). A couple of sneak peeks that were shown at Disney California Adventure was leaked on dailymotion.com. Which included the charades scene, the All Is Found reprise with our sisters and the full Into the Unknown sequence.

Trivia

The animation has done many technical advances since the first film. As proven with the detail on the hairs. Mike Giamo, who was behind the previous film, also worked on this sequel. The production took overall four years, yet Chris Buck initially said that it would've taken less. Due to having the same locations built. In the spring of 2018 it was hinted that Elsa would probably wear a pantsuit.

The artist who worked on the Earth Giants, Nick Orsi, tried to infuse some of the DNA of the trolls into the Giants (who could always serve as the replacers for the gians from Gigantic, haha). The Giants are asymmetrical, which makes them very difficult to move around. While designing their look, they had to take the enormous scale of the characters into account and integrate them into the environment, as beings made of rock. In order to be able to have them walk, they were devised a way to have the rocks slide around rather than bend, to help preserve their stone-like features. They were inspired by the concept there were earth giants throwing rocks around. As for the standing stones that resemble the Callanish Stones from Pixar's Brave, several fans believe that this new movie may take place in the same universe as the Pixar Movie (and also having even noted how strikingly similar their posters are).

The visual development artist of Frozen II, Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay, tried to sprinkle the iconography for both Anna and Elsa throughout the kingdom and the movie. Elsa has the elements in her costume, while Anna has Arendelle in her costume. because that's what they represent each. Marlon West adds that "it's even sneakier than you realize". The solution to move Gale was to use debris and the surrounding environment to indicate how she was moving. And by controlling the speed and direction of her movements, they could imbue her with a sense of personality. There was indoor skydiving crucial to animating wind, yet Animation Supervisor Trent Correy said "they all embarrassed themselves."

A original idea for Gale was to have her show up as a physical character made of debris. After deciding that she worked better as just a wind. A wind expert came in and talked about it`s physics. The seasons were quite difficult to animate because they do not correspond to any Skeleton traditionally used in animation. Which is a process that allows objects to have it's name. When the wind intervenes, it's was big challenge. Because of it's strong personality and it had to be animated in the most delicate and most subtle way possible. The spirit of fire moves like flames, but was animated as a human being.

As for the technical challenges with the water, Effects Supervisor Erin Ramos says: "We had to make these huge, breaking waves that are fully simulated. So it was definitely a step above where we were with Moana. I think Moana, the challenge was just getting the water to feel very gentle. It’s actually pretty hard to tame simulations. But then for Frozen II, just getting the right size of these waves, getting the scale actually, nailing that was the big challenge here. And also the interaction with the animation department, just the back and forth that we had to do that was the biggest challenge for this movie. Like, when a boat’s cutting through the water, it’s one thing. But when Elsa’s feet have to register on the surface of the water, on a surface that’s simulated…you don’t know what you’re gonna get".

I'm the wee Queen
of the world :)

At least the system was running much bigger sims on Frozen II. The storyboards for the Dark Sea sequence was the first thing Effects Supervisor Erin Ramos ever saw on the movie. And she just knew she wanted to work on that. Water and fire were the easiest two for Mike Giamo to choreograph.

In creating Nokk, the designers had to think about the Nokk not only above water but in water. And decide how much or how little water they would need to describe a horse, while playing with the abstraction of that design.

I'm Fashionista :)

Another challenge with the Nokk was the fact that it has eyes thatyou don’t see where they’re looking at. So you have to track the horse’s attention by looking at where its ears are pointing. And you can get a sense of its emotion by how its ears are reacting. Nokk was one of the "biggest challenges the crew had to face. He had too behave like a horse while also being a spirit. He broke up, moved in the formless water. and then founded his body and "acted like a wild stallion that just hasn’t been yet tamed". Some parts of his body act in a certain way when they are at home and some other way under water. Nokk is a shape-shifter but the directors decided to keep it to the shape of a horse. The direction for it was to be as realistic as possible as a horse. And not to be a cartoony horse with funny expressions. One of the things the animators did with Elsa when they first started talks with their colleagues, was bringing up different superheroes. And confirming that they weren't modeling Elsa after them.

I'll hope you'll better not
be tadpoles in white :)

The fall setting was a conscious one, since it's a season that represents change. And was a reflection of the maturation of the film’s protagonists. That idea extended to the village in Arendelle, where the designers actually repainted all of its buildings to match the new autumnal color scheme. Anna’s costumes and colors signify the fall season in this movie. Some statues across Arendelle were modeled after their fellow designers at the studio As for the forest, the designers were inspired by the work of Eyvind Earle. Who`s known for Sleeping Beauty.

You're making me
think that I have
pants :)

The filmmakers wanted to make sure that the audience didn’t get lost in an overwhelming, unfamiliar environment. So the designers built between a dozen and twenty unique mini-islands. Grouping combinations of trees, bushes, boulders, and hills together to form a small piece that could be slotted into a larger landscape. Accuracy was important, too – the plants and trees and moss you see all actually grow in those parts of the world. They brought in a botanist from Norway, and added tens of thousands of hand-placed trees into the world of the film, using mist to form a sort of back wall in several of the shots so the image doesn’t seem to continue on forever. The result is a stylized naturalism that makes the forest feel like a real place. While simultaneously giving it a touch of Frozen-esque otherworldliness. The departure of the icy color palette made the color team nervous. While the Heads of Environment, Sean Jenkins, built the forest in form of various islands.

The animators took special notice to make sure Elsa doesn’t r+egress with her power abilities. As she creates things, huge pieces of magic quickly. As for Bruni, Salamanders move very slow, but the crew wanted a little more speed with Bruni, who’s more of a cartoony character than a realistic one. They animators took reference from all sorts of lizards, salamanders and reptilians, A lot of it just kind of came from the heads of the animators, despite there not being tons of reference used.

The filmmakers decided that Elsa would always be in a light color, so that she looks like ice, which makes it challenging to find a color that’s brilliant and strong enough, when they’re next to each other. Anna’s chosen travel costume is actually number 122, and it was actually originally meant for Elsa, but they ended up shortening the hemline and giving her a heavy cape, which ultimately had more of an Anna feel. They think about every component and detail on each outfit, like the embroidery, where the orientation is, and the seams.

Elsa's costumes are constantly evolving with her. When audiences first met her as a child, she and Anna were both really bright and effervescent. But as Elsa becomes more secretive and more secluded and closed off, so do her silhouettes. She has higher collars and gloves, longer sleeves and longer hemlines, and her colors get darker, which is meant to show you that she’s becoming more and more closed off to the world. Let it Go was the first time that she returned to the first colors that we met her in. With a silhouette that was more freeing and meant to show you the authentic Elsa. With Into the Unknown, she’s in the darker color again. Elsa can also make her own clothes out of ice, so there’s more freedom with the use of more ethereal materials, including some tulles and silks. She cannot wear anything that feels too warm, so magenta and violet are as far as they can push things with color.

The home of
The Rasmus :)

I'm having my childlike
excitement:)

Martha Graham was the inspiration behind Elsa’s spell casting style and the hand-me-down nature of Anna’s costume (The purple cape and dress combo was originally designed for Elsa, but it was ultimately decided the snow queen deserved something a bit more regal and icy). In this sequel Elsa's movements are more modern dance-like, as opposed to it's predecessor. Even studio-wide vocal lessons were essential to getting Elsa and Anna’s breathing just right. “The inhale and the breathing that sets this up makes everything feel a little bit bigger,” says animation supervisor Justin Sklar. “For us, breathing shows effort, and effort feels earnest.” The animators stayed away from that monster type claw she did while doing her magic, as opposed to the first movie.

Yes, I'm a millenial girl and
therfore having a sword,
even though I'm ahead of my
era :)

And a fun fact: The shot of Anna grabbing Kristoff’s sword and swinging at the end of the first teaser had been cut from the movie. But fans had a very excited response to it. It was removed because it wasn’t serving the story. In July 2019 is was reported that Frozen II would be dubbed in Sámi, which is astonishing and admirable for a Disney feature. The animation was finally wrapped up completely in August. As for the ending, it has taken the Toy Story 3/Ralph Breaks the Internet cue and separated the sisters. By making Elsa the Fifth Spirit at the end. While it's now become a new trope that seem to affect every Disney sequel, it's still a nice cue of maturity. While it's not taken as far as it could've been. But at least it haven't been a something that would separate them forever. And sure, everyone who've seen the very end credits for Ralph Breaks the Internet, knows that it ended "with an exclusive sneak peak of Frozen II". But since that movie was just pure meta, we all know that it was just meant to be a fun cue.

Epilogue

The leaves aren't copyrighted
Pocahontas anymore :)

So yeah, there was much anticipation to the sequel to what has been Disney's most successful film to date. Yet one part of the anticipation is if the sequel was going to surpass the success of it's beloved predecessor (which happened to Disney's previous sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet). Box Office Pro predicted somewhere between $115 million and $145 million.
Yet the grossing issues haven't been a problem, since Frozen II had a record-breaking $350 million global opening. The biggest global opening ever for an animated movie. With a worldwide premiere of $350 million, it beat the record set by Toy Story 4 earlier that year by more than $100 million. Additionally, Frozen II also gave Disney Feature Animation their first $100 million+ opening in the States, earning $127 million.

Frozen II was also the third biggest debut for an animated feature ever at the time, behind only Finding Dory ($130 million) and Incredibles 2 ($180 million). In December it surpassed $1 Billion at Global Box Office, becoming the Sixth feature from Disney to do so in 2019.

Frozen II also received two Golden Globe® nominations: For Best Animated Feature Film and for Into the Unknown. It's also received two Critics’ Choice Award nominations and eight Annie Award nominations. The critical reception has been overall good, while it's scored lower than it's predecessor on Rotten Tomatoes (despite some claims that it's better than the original). Yet the reception of the fans have been rather splitted, as some fans claimed to love it, while others hated it.

Frozen II was Disney’s 58^th animated feature and headed to Disney Plus in the summer of 2020 for streaming and offline download after its theater and home video release. The soundtrack was released on November 15, 2019. Along with the vinyl cast songs soundtrack, score album and digital deluxe soundtrack. The Soundtrack reached No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart. Kristen Bell's kids knew all the secrets and the new characters for this movie. Yet their words have been muddled when they've sung the songs, which have saved Kristen from trouble of exposing them. While she still demands Disney waits 10 years before doing a Frozen live-action remake. In early October, Frozen II was given it's rating (which unsurprisingly enough was PG for action/peril and "some thematic elements"). And while there`s been speculations about Disney turning this franchise to a triology, there's been nothing confirmed yet about a third installment yet (which Marlon West has confirmed his wish on).

As for the film itself, after finally seen it, I`ve found it to be better than it's predecessor. In fact, I appreciated that it tried to be it's own movie, without relying too much of it's forerunner (which would've been fairly easy for the filmmakers to do, for it's success). So kudos for that. And yes, this was the third time that I've written an entry prior to it's feature film's release. But it's been something that I've enjoyed doing and will continue to do more of.

We're Followng the Leader, the Leader... Without John Darling :)

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My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses

torsdag 4. juli 2019

"Frozen II" - The Much Awaited Sequel To Disney's Biggest Hit To Date and Disney's First Theatrical Musical Sequel

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And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

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