My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses: "The Swan Princess" - The Critically Acclaimed Disney Princess Knockoff From the 1990`s That Became a Huge Franchise

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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Yes, I wanted to prove that a Princess can touch a frog and without turning into one :)

The name Richard Rich may not be the most household name in animation. Still, he`s managed to make his impact on his own right. Rich started at Disney in the mailroom in 1972 and would give piano lessons during lunch breaks (yes, it`s true). He was chosen by John Lounsbery as an assistant director for Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too based on his musical expertise. He was assistant animation director on The Rescuers, Pete's Dragon and songwriter on the short The Small One. However, as for his bigger contributions, he directed the underrated Disney gem The Hound and the Hound and the flop The Black Cauldron. He was slated to co-direct Oliver & Company, until he was fired by Disney feature animation president Peter Schneider.

However, Rich formed his own studio afterwards, Rich Animation Studios. With 26 employees, in which most of the key members came from Disney, including marketing chief, Matt Mazer. He also hired some of Don Bluth’s former workers. Subsequently, Jared F. Brown from Living Scriptures, Inc. made Rich to produce half-hour animated videos based on the audio readings of the Book of Mormon. However, while Rich would manage to direct various features afterwards (like The King and I and Alpha and Omega), there was one particular work that he would be recognized for. And that was The Swan Princess.

General Information About The Swan Princess

We`re triplets who wants to
show that purple hair can be
attractive :)

Released in November 18, 1994,

The Swan Princess was released by New Line Cinema (despite Columbia and TriStar Pictures released it overseas and Turner Home Video released it on video). Featuring the voices of Michelle Nicastro, Liz Callaway (Aladdin & The King of Thieves, Anastasia), Howard McGillin, Jack Palance, John Cleese, Steven Wright, Sandy Duncan (The Hound and the Hound), and Steve Vinovich (and yes, unlike with Disney, the voice actors were promoted in the trailers). Bobbi Page (Pocahontas) was among the chorus. The songs and score were composed by Lex de Azevedo and penned by David Zippel (Hercules, Mulan). Sai Ping Lok (Mulan) was among the background artists.

It was hard to stretch my eye
like this :)

The end credits version of Far Longer Than Forever was recorded by Regina Belle (Aladdin) and Jeffrey Osborne. Released in a time where The Lion King was enjoying a re-release, Swan Princess really never had the chance to stand up to it. Unfortunately it became a flop (another reason for that was how it was released in a crowded market of family films, like Disney’s The Santa Clause, 20 Century Fox’s Miracle on 34th Street, along with Paramount’s Star Trek: Generations). It was more successful on Home Video, selling over 2.5 million units (it took the #1 spot in the United States).

Behind the Scenes Information

I wanted to prove that a puffin
can hypnotize :)

The idea for The Swan Princess began in 1985. A reason it was picked, is for being based on a classic story. Rich wanted to do a fairy tale, one that would be done like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. Rich was inspired by the success of Don Bluth's animated films, too. Rich also co-wrote the screenplay. But the film was made entirely without studio funding. Rich would later try to sell his script to many Hollywood studios, but to no success. But each studio made script revisions and Rich took the best of each. Later, Brown suggested to merge Rich Animation Studios, Family Entertainment Network, and Cassette Duplicators Inc. to their own company, Nest Entertainment. One story problems was the climax, but they solved it by making the moon absent during the third act.

I`m a albino frog :)

The official production began in 1992. Overall, 275 animators and artists worked on the film. Swan Princess was remarkable for having the cels painted, like Disney did it before the CAPS system. The movie carried a $21 million price tag. Cleese was not the first choice. The crew wanted someone who could do a phony French accent. But they stumbled on him while looking at another actor in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But Cleese had just finished doing Fievel Goes West' for Steven Spielberg and he was unsure if he wanted to do another animated film right away. He was also considered of playing Zazu in The Lion King. But he chose Jean-Bob, cause he felt he was more interesting and fell in love with Jean-Bob. Because Rich wanted the movie to be classical, he needed New York and Broadway stars. But Rich wanted a honest, goodness princess, not a ‘sicky sweet’ princess. Rothbart’s was a very dark one-tone, one-beat kind of a villain. But when the crew saw Palance in City Slickers, they saw that he was able to be dark, but funny at the same time. As he had such a unique of speaking, and a deep quality of a voice. But he was hard to negotiate.

These poses will get me into
acting school :)

The release date was set from the get-go. But Disney had set Pocahontas for the same date. But Disney later delayed it`s date. Designer Steve Gordin wanted Odette to be a mature young lady like Aurora and not a cute girl like Ariel. He gave her long graceful neck to subtly implant the swan idea to her look. They landed on her face early. But his design of Jean Grey for X-Men: Evolution resembles Odette (despite how Jean was based on a real actress). Overall, Gording was looking for a style that wasn’t realistic, but still felt realistic.

I`m Rasputin`s ancestor :) In
various stages :)

Rothbart`s design changed a lot, as he was originally a hunchback and even a munk-like character. Lex actually sang No More Mr. Nice Guy. The crew looked for a performer for Rothbart's singing voice. But after struggling, they decided to have Azevedo sing. Far Longer Than Forever was based on The Miracle of Love from the New Testament. The crew wanted cartoony gags, due to their love for Looney Tunes-characters. Yet the comedy also appealed to adults. The scene where Bromley shoots the arrow was changed to give Bromley an armor. Due to how a teen copied a stunt from the movie The Program. Nicastro was originally going to sing Odette`s songs. But the crew thought her voice wasn`t graceful enough. And according to Rich, a lot of guys watched the movie.

How The Swan Princess Emulates the Disney Renaissance Formula

We`re descendants
of Cupid :)

Released in a time where Disney had restored their position as the Kings of Animation, The Swan Princess was one of the obvious Disney knocksoffs at the time (and yes, Rich pretty much made it as he made a Disney-feature). But frankly, it was a copycat that was perceived of being one of the better ones. Sure, Swan Princess didn`t convince the Animation World to convert to non-Disney animation completely (as following Disney knockoffs, like Anastasia, would gain more momentum). But it was still praised for being one of the better Disney wannabes. In fact, most of the elements from the Disney Renaissance formula were there: A beautiful, headstrong Princess (which always was a Disney trope) who`s motherless, a love interest, animal sidekicks, a villain, comical sidekicks and and a fighting climax at the end. It`s also structured of being a musical, with a introductory song, comedy number, villain number and a love duet (despite how surprisingly enough, there`s no "I want"-song for the lead character. Despite how Far Longer Than Forever could`ve been perceived as one)

We wanted to prove
that our kingdom
lives up to it`s name
of being far away :)

But frankly, The Swan Princess managed to succeed with it`s elements and being an genuinely inspired Disney knockoff. And frankly, it feels a bit like Beauty and the Beast, as it`s structured and made the same way (even some reviewers saw that, as Caryn James of The New York Times noted the similarities between Far Longer Than Forever and the Beauty and the Beast song). Sure, there are many who don`t consider it to be on the same league at the Disney Renaissance, but hey. There`s always naysayers. And sure, the nods to Disney are obvious (King William lifting baby Odette to the Kingdom, just like Lion King. And Prince Derek giving a necklace to baby Odette, just like Sleeping Beauty. Which also was a property from the same source material, which is a synergy). But at least Swan Princess should have credit for not reusing the loner hero trope that Disney frequently reused during the Renaissance. And it takes use of it's fairy tale genre clearly, of placing it in a non-descriptional, European kingdom.

The Strengths of The Swan Princess

I wanted to show that boobs
can be small :)

However, regarding the strengths of
The Swan Princess, there`s essentially a lot to like about the film. It's enchanting mood and pace, likeable and enjoyable characters, fine animation and delightful music. Certainly Speed and Puffin shines and manages to lift the movie (and frankly I prefer them to John Cleese's Jean-Bob. Who was mostly snooty and not particularly appealing). Also enjoyable are Derek's mother, Queen Uberta and Lord Rogers, who were funny and compelling on their own right. Since Swan Princess is a Disney ripoff, Odette is a Princess in true Disney mold: Kind, sweet, has animal sidekicks.

I wanted to look cool, but the
girls thought that I looked too
adorable with this grin :)

Yet she's upgraded with the determination and spunk that the Princesses of the 1990`s have been given. And while Derek may not be particularly unforgettable, he`s still compelling on his own right. And while perhaps Swan Princess may not be as deep as Disney's most mature work, it's not absent of pathos either, it still has it's moments of emotion and pathos (in the climax). While Rothbart may not be among the greatest villains, he's still effective enough (and his villain song is remarkably peppy and upbeat).

Disney`s Version of The Swan Lake Story and Comparisons to the Ballet

These pictures are about
before and after Hades went to
our World :)

The Swan Princess also follows the Disney mold in another way: Of being an adaptation of a fairy tale, on the Swan Lake. But since Disney once were synonymous with adaptations, they were actually planning their version of the story. Mike Gabriel and Joe Grant worked on the idea in the spring of 1991. Alongside with Brenda Chapman, Chris Sanders and Kelly Asbury. Chapman wanted to be Head of Story. But the pitch was rejected. But other Disney artists were also working on it, as Roger Allers developed his version. John Musker and Ron Clements were also offered the story, which they rejected for being too close to The Little Mermaid. Even Richard Rich pitched the idea for Disney during his time there, but it was rejected. It was planned at the stages of the Renaissance. But apparently the plot was going to deal with the mythology of dragons.

I`m preceeding the White
Witch from Narnia :)

As for the original stories, The Swan Lake has at least five general variations. Certainly when it comes to its ending. Some are happy, but most are tragic. The prince defeats the wizard and saves the Swan Princess. But in other versions the prince is defeated and the wizard gets the Princess. Or the prince and the wizard kill each other. Or the prince accidentally kills the Princess. Or the prince and the Swan Princess choose to die together to escape the wizard's curse. The ending has one of two outcomes: Their sacrifice breaks the spell and they transcend to Heaven. Or the prince becomes a swan and the two lovers fly away together. However, as for Swan Princess` similarities to the original ballet (despite how it`s given many changes), it has kept some key elements from the ballet: How the Prince must chose his bride and how Odette has been turned into a swan by Rothbarth and how it keeps her a swan for some hours. And how only a vow of true love can break the spell. And how Rothbarth sends someone who`s impersonates Odette during the vow. But the names of Odette and Rothbart were kept, but the Prince`s name was changed from Siegfried to Derek. To make it more modern. But Rich was inspired by the German folk tale and not only the ballet.

What Else is There?

What else did you brought me
for Christmas? :)

For being an adaptation of a fairy tale, The Swan Princess is very remarkable for one thing. For actually scrutinizing one of the most crucial tropes of a fairy tale: Of falling in love at first sight for the appearance. Since it`s usually a trope that`s often featured in that genre of stories, Swan Princess is very notable for actually taking that trope and shedding light to it. Since it`s a trope that is mostly perceivable as shallow and it`s something fairy tales are usually labeled for, it`s actually nice that Princess managed to take that trope and actually scutinizing it.

This is what happens when a
brown haired guy and a blonde
chick plans a wedding. It takes
forever :)

And since Swan Princess was made in a time where most studios weren`t keen to mocking the tropes and scrutinizing them as blatantly as they`ve done as they`ve done afterwards (*cough, Shrek and Frozen, cough*), it`s still nice to see a movie who actually does that. And who does it in a way that`s not cynical or snappy towards the genre as it could`ve been. And sure, it`s anachronistic. But hey, fairy tale adaptations usually has some kind of anachronism in them, anyways and it`s usually not that jarring, either.

The Flaws of the Screenplay of The Swan Princess

Yes, this is a part four of
seducting class, girls :)

However, despite that admirable ambition, The Swan Princess unfortuantely doesn`t truly develop that issue as it should`ve have done. For having beyond the appearance being the main theme of the story, it`s disappointing how it doesn`t give the time between the lovebirds, Odette and Derek, to actually explore the issue during the movie. In fact, Derek is never actually given appropriate time to really explore Odette`s other sides than her beauty after the rejection. Unfortunately the development between the Derek and Odette is quite sparse, as they spend their entire childhood hating each other and falling in love at first sight as adults. But after Odette declares her independence, she`s captured and there`s no time for her and Derek to actually develop an relationship afterwards (well, at least until Rothbart is defeated).

I was jealous of Maleficent`s
position as the greatest villain,
so I wanted to outshine her :)

So despite it`s progression, Swan Princess also becomes regressive with it`s arc. As Derek and Odette are pining for each other after she`s been captured, without having a true development. With makes their yearning not belieavable. And despite how Derek is the character who needs the arc (despite how the movie is his story) and how Odette is partially active of her escape, it`s regressive how the story requires Derek (and his friend Bromley, which makes Derek unique for being a rare hero who`s given a male, human friend) to save the day (and yes, people hated Derek in test screenings, as opposed to what Rich did. So they made him more caring in some scenes, as well as having him state what he loved about Odette was added at the end). But also making Odette the damsel in distress, when she`s actually the lead of her own story. But even that alone isn`t the only flaw of the screenplay. As Odette`s father, King William, dies and the movie never shows her showing a single sign of grief over her father.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration

As for the final reception of
The Swan Princess, the truth is that it`s never been particularly highly regarded on online ratings. Sure, it has it`s lovers, but it`s never been considered as a milestone in animation. Nor are it`s final ratings been very high, as it has a 6.4 on Imdb, 66% on Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes and 76% of fans on Google. So therefore it was a great shock (and a extremely pleasurable one) that Swan Princess was celebrated on it`s 25th Anniversary in 2019.

With a 4K Ultra HD remastered screening of the movie with the cast and crew of the movie at the W Hotel Hollywood. And it`s impact and legacy was both cherished and celebrated. And while such a celebration is remarkable on it`s own right, due to it`s low ratings, it`s of course nice for a fan of the movie (when Rich`s wife praised the movie, it changed his output. Cause she was a tough critic).

Franchise

We`ll have to do this behind
Robin Hood`s back :) So that
he won`t be jealous :)
The Swan Princess has manged to become a franchise of it`s own. But the franchise mostly consists of cheapquels. During the time where Hand Drawn Animation was still relevant, Swan Princess was given two cheapquels: The Swan Princess: Escape from Castle Mountain (1997) and The Swan Princess III: The Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure (1998). Both of them were instantly comparable to Disney`s cheapquel phase and were on the same quality (where the late Nicsatro would sing for Odette). And sure, the franchise morphed into a mandatory CGI territory (despite how Sony wanted them to be hand drawn, the stores wanted CGI for how kids prefer it) Despite how there was a 14 year gap between that transition, with The Swan Princess: Christmas (2012) and The Swan Princess: A Royal Family Tale (2014). Where Odette has a adopted daughter, Alise.

We had to hide our bellies :)
We, at least two of us :)

The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! (2016) focuses on Alise and her friend, Lucas. The Swan Princess: Royally Undercover (2017) is about them being spies. Also released were The Swan Princess: A Royal Myztery (2018), The Swan Princess: Kingdom of Music (2019), The Swan Princess: A Royal Wedding (2020), The Swan Princess: A Fairytale is Born (2023) and The Swan Princess: Far Longer than Forever (2023), where Derek discovers that his father was accused of having deals with pirates. And sure, since Swan Princess expanded itself to such a large franchise, it would`ve been tempting to compare it to Bluth`s The Land Before Time franchise. Who`s essentially done the same thing. But hey, money will always speak in Hollywood, so we`re going to get these cheapquels, anyways.

Epilogue

Most of us are too tall to
show our bodies, so that`s
why only our heads were
sculptured :)

At the end,
The Swan Princess has managed to become one of the most successful Disney-knockoffs. And frankly, it`s fair to say that it`s deservedly so. Regardless of the fanbase that it actually has, it genuinely deserves to be cherished for what it is. As for my own personal opinion about Swan Princess, the truth is that I genuinely love it. Despite how I`ve ranted about it`s flaws and plotholes, the truth is that Swan Princess is a movie that has a very nostalgic appeal to me. Yet I happened to even love it even more as an adult. Swan Princess was a movie that I liked very much as a kid, despite not being completely obsessed with it. While perhaps some of the comedy is a little juvenile (which even as a child I was repulsed by), I still liked a lot for it's strengths.

Yes, they are hidden behind
us :)

As Swan Princess is simply a delightful, enchanting and enjoyable movie, regardless of nostalgia or not. I remember that the movie was released the year after it`s domestic release (don`t ask why). But I never saw the movie until I got it on VHS at Christmas when I was twelve. And I remember watching it every morning when I was having a day off. In my childhood and youth, it was hard for me to see why this movie wasn't given more recognition or praise. And frankly, I still personally thinks it a pity that it`s been overlooked and haven't been given more attention. Considering that this entry was meant to synergize with it`s 30th Anniversary (yes, it`s hard to believe that it`s been that long since it was released), there`s nothing left than to wish The Swan Princess Happy 30th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more.