KnockBack, Episode 25: The Lion King and the Animation Revival
Added 2018-08-02 16:00:02 +0000 UTCFew animated films are more important than The Lion King, released in 1994 towards the height of the Disney Renaissance. An unlikely hit, the movie was animated by what was at the time considered a b-team, with the so-called "Top Talent" toiling away on 1995's Pocahontas. Turns out both movies are awesome, but The Lion King is considered the better product. Go figure. Today's episode of KnockBack is framed around The Lion King, but really, the podcast doubles as a comprehensive look back at the dark times that preceded the Disney boom of the late '80s and into the '90s, with lots of animation history and anecdotes from a man who happens to know a thing or two about the field.
Comments
Oh man! It’s not. It’s 100% a real documentary. All real people not actors. Thats why we wanted to talk you about it when you were on our podcast last year. So many layers of insanity. You gotta watch it again. You’ll have a whole new appreciation for it.
Mike
2019-01-08 23:22:24 +0000 UTCYes. I think?
Colin Moriarty
2019-01-08 23:02:27 +0000 UTCColin are you under the impression that American Movie is scripted?
Mike
2018-08-14 04:03:14 +0000 UTCI'm pretty sure that it was his most financially successful movie and I get the feeling that most people don't know he was involved. Journey to the Past was nominated for an Oscar (like everything that year it lost to Titanic).
Brian Dewire
2018-08-13 20:22:14 +0000 UTCFunny you say that: I didn't even know Bluth did Anastasia until like two weeks ago (which is months after this episode was recorded). Otherwise, I would have brought it up!
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-13 20:19:01 +0000 UTCThis is an awesome show! I'm a little surprised you talked so much about Don Bluth without mentioning Anastasia.... which is an awesome movie. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend. The music is outstanding!
Brian Dewire
2018-08-13 17:35:42 +0000 UTCThat's a very nice compliment, indeed. Thank you!
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-08 17:23:14 +0000 UTCFor 99% of the podcasts I listen to, I can usually tell whether or not I’ll enjoy it based on subject matter that is discussed. This is the first podcast series where I’m always wrong when I initially think I won’t be interested in an episode based on the subject. While I like Lion King and Disney, when I first saw this topic I didn’t think it would hold my attention. I was wrong, just as I was in regards to the transformers, skateboarding, and anime episodes. I believe this is the best compliment I can give to a podcast, especially one that isn’t news-oriented, that is that regardless of what subject matter is being discussed you two always make it interesting and tell great stories.
Zack E
2018-08-08 15:58:23 +0000 UTCThank you so much! Dagan really shined here, I agree.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-08 01:16:01 +0000 UTCReally awesome episode. Dagan I really love the knowledge+passion for anime and animation you brought to this and the previous anime episode. Keep up the great work guys.
Brett Gomolka
2018-08-07 22:04:06 +0000 UTCThank you!
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-07 17:38:36 +0000 UTCAnother one you guys hit out of the park. Bravo!
Kenny Gutzler
2018-08-07 15:46:08 +0000 UTCOo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day!
Nate McKinney
2018-08-06 01:51:02 +0000 UTCThe Robin Hood is the Best Club.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-06 01:46:16 +0000 UTCI'm glad to hear it! It's certainly a topic to consider for a future episode of Fireside Chats, sure. =)
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-06 01:45:58 +0000 UTCIf you didn't notice Bowie's crotch, you weren't paying very close attention. LOL.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-06 01:45:25 +0000 UTCLoved this episode. Robin Hood is also my favorite Disney movie, it doesn't get nearly enough love. Great Mouse Detective is WAY up there too. Great performance by Vincent Price as the villain. You should check it out, Colin!
Nate McKinney
2018-08-05 06:54:04 +0000 UTCThis is my favorite episode of Knockback. Any chance you guys could discuss the current state of animation in today's era? I know it isn't "retro", so maybe you guys could record it for Fireside Chats?
Jon Barnett
2018-08-05 03:32:30 +0000 UTCWhat a wonderful episode! Loved hearing ‘the behind the scenes ‘ history of Disney and the stories of the animators’ trajectory/contributions etc. Fabulous. Col, I vividly recall how you would ask Us to ‘promise’ that you’d see you ‘in the morning ‘ - brings tears to my eyes... And IMO, the impact that the Lion King has had on generations of people is evidenced by how many of us recall the score and lyrics to the songs and how relevant this timeless story continues to be. Lilya’s play had me crying - it was so beautifully done and Finn was in this play a week or so ago in summer camp and again, it continues evokes emotion. One more thing - Bud, you watched Labyrinth so many times that we’d chuckle about it. And never once did I notice Bowie’s crotch. 😬😂 I love you guys - nd am so proud of you. Keep up the great work. ❤️❤️
BettyAnn Moriarty
2018-08-04 12:42:48 +0000 UTC👍
Will Hahn
2018-08-04 06:28:29 +0000 UTCWe'll get there. Fear not!
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-04 06:25:08 +0000 UTCYou're a man who enjoys the finer things.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-04 06:25:01 +0000 UTCThank you! I'm glad you dug it. We'll certainly return to this topic.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-04 06:24:53 +0000 UTCThank you! If you wanna hear Dagan talk more about his animation career, you may enjoy the episode of Puttin in Work with Jono Pech that he just recorded. It's available on podcast services.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-04 06:24:41 +0000 UTCThis episode was excellent! I love hearing Dagan talk about animation, it’s so cool! I would love to hear him talk about 3D animation more in depth, especially Pixar movies.
Will Hahn
2018-08-04 02:17:56 +0000 UTCRobin Hood is 100% the best Disney film. Criminally under rated!
John Quinn
2018-08-04 01:19:19 +0000 UTCThis is one of the best episodes you have done in my opinion. I love animation and Dagan's passion for animation is obvious. I would love for you guys to do more animation discussions like this.
strawhatninja
2018-08-03 23:36:28 +0000 UTCThis is my favorite episode by far, as a fellow animator, it's awesome to hear Dagan talking about the business! Would love to hear more topics in this vein, talking about his experience in the field would be awesome! Thanks again guys!
Ryan Harvey
2018-08-03 23:15:02 +0000 UTCThank you for your kind words! I'm pleased you enjoyed this episode.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 19:55:05 +0000 UTCAn episode of Fireside Chats about American Movie would, beyond a doubt, be the worst-performing episode of the show to date. LOL.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 19:54:50 +0000 UTCLOL.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 19:54:09 +0000 UTCEnjoyed this episode a lot, I'm glad you let it naturally evolve to discuss a lot of the different movies and animation in general. Also a second to Dagan's love of Emperor's New Groove, one of my favorite movies to watch with my son. David Spade and John Goodman kill it in their roles, and some great secondary characters as well (Patrick Warburton as Cronk steals the scenes he is in). Thanks for another amazing show!
Bryan Finck
2018-08-03 17:38:02 +0000 UTCThis is my new favorite episode of Knockback by far, man, god damn! I learned so much on this one. I never really attached the key names to the movies I watched daily when I was a kid, this was really enlightening. The Dagan-centric episodes are so, so good, and that's because he's an absolute natural at this and you're such a great leader on a podcast. Absolutely loved it. And thank you for the shout out at the end! It made my day to hear you talking about coming on my show, and yes, I INSIST that you rewatch American Movie, its fucking brilliant. And its funny, I just commented yesterday on the Q&A link, I'm still 100% ready at any time to fly down to California and do a Fireside Chat on American Movie, hahaha. The world has to know that there's something to live for. (Jesus told me so)
Ian (616Entertainment)
2018-08-03 15:18:41 +0000 UTCGreat Episode! Just some cool info I know, because I’m a Disney nerd: Simba in Swahili (an African dialect) means lion, which maybe why it seemed like a stolen idea. Also something funny is Mufasa means King and Scar’s original name was Taka which means Garbage. So the two brothers were named King and Garbage. No wonder Scar was so pissed off all the time.😂
Alex Ball
2018-08-03 08:46:51 +0000 UTCI'm glad to hear that. Thank you for listening!
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:45:28 +0000 UTC*joins chant*
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:45:19 +0000 UTCWe'll definitely return to similar topics, fear not. This is directly in Dagan's wheelhouse.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:45:12 +0000 UTCLOL. It made absolutely no sense, but I'll see what I can do.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:44:54 +0000 UTCGet better taste, Fred.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:44:40 +0000 UTCYou may.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:44:33 +0000 UTCThat sounds like a Be Careful What You Wish For situation. =D
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:44:28 +0000 UTCHope you enjoy. =)
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-03 04:44:15 +0000 UTCThis episode was GREAT! Somehow I never get tired of hearing people talk about their favourite Disney films... everyone is a bit different and it's fun to hear why.
Everyday Patrick
2018-08-03 03:37:01 +0000 UTCMufasa Mufasa Mufasa!
Erik Peterson
2018-08-03 02:35:16 +0000 UTCAbsolutely adored this episode guys! I love having Dagan’s expertise in these ultra-nerdy animation centric conversations. I’d love to hear Dagan and Colin talk in length about the early 00s decline of Disney’s 2D animation output in the future. Here’s a link to the documentary on what “Emperor’s new Groove” was going to be before the behind-the-scenes drama caused it to, I think lose a director and completely change. <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=21Z1WHQDXn4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=21Z1WHQDXn4</a> I’d love to see Colin and Dagan do a Schreier-esque breakdown of that dark time in western 2D animation and maybe touch on the somewhat renaissance we’re seeing now. Again, can’t stress enough how much I love what you guys are doing and it’s a highlight of my workday to sit and listen to fireside chats, sacred symbols and of course, Knockback. Love you guys and keep up the fantastic work! :D
Lachlan Pini
2018-08-03 02:14:34 +0000 UTCMy favourite episode of KB so far. And please don't stop giving Dagan introductions like that. Mufasa's side bitch had me dying
Petre Cismigiu
2018-08-02 23:43:13 +0000 UTCThe BEST Disney movie! (sorry Colin)
Fred Bence
2018-08-02 21:05:22 +0000 UTCCan I just give a hell yeah to Robin Hood and that sweet sweet Roger Miller soundtrack?
Jason Stafford
2018-08-02 20:58:19 +0000 UTCA perfect gift a day before my Birthday!
Marcus Brown
2018-08-02 20:35:24 +0000 UTCMy favorite animated film. I used to burn out the tape of this when I was little. It's so good. I can't wait for the live action remake.
Marcus Brown
2018-08-02 20:33:36 +0000 UTCCan’t wait to listen to this one!!!
Abe Moukhtar
2018-08-02 20:27:16 +0000 UTCI've not seen it. I'm sure Dagan has. Thank you for passing it along!
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 19:57:56 +0000 UTCTres interessant.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 19:57:37 +0000 UTCThis might be one of my favorite episodes of KB yet. I loved hearing Dagan's insight on this movie, and the overall trajectory of Disney Animation and the golden age of the early 90's. With that being said, have either of you watch the documentary "Waking Sleeping Beauty"? Its a movie released in 09' by Peter Schneider, and Don Hahn guys who worked from the 80's and 90's Diseny Animation era. It talks about the rise and fall of the Disney animation Reneissance. It covers everything from Black Cauldron, all the way to Lion King. A lot of the topics you guys discussed are in that documentary and I think it's highly pertinent to that discussion. Would HIGHLY recommend it 😃 Here's the trailer in case you're interested. I think you'd both enjoy it: <a href="https://youtu.be/EyeoyRjEiUU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/EyeoyRjEiUU</a>
William
2018-08-02 19:40:23 +0000 UTCI mean I'm all for parallel thinking when it comes to ideas, but these Kimba The White Lion/ Lion King comparisons are pretty wild. Here's a link highlighting a few just in case anyone is curious. again,it could be coincidence, but man....I dont know lol Either way, great episode!<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfJvKIDS9n8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfJvKIDS9n8</a>
Toren R. (KESA)
2018-08-02 19:33:29 +0000 UTCOverrated? No way.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 18:28:53 +0000 UTCThat's a great story. =D
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 18:28:41 +0000 UTCI listened to that episode yesterday, myself. Dagan is great. Really coming into his own as a podcaster, and, as you said, he has tremendous heart.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 18:28:06 +0000 UTCLOL.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 18:27:08 +0000 UTCTyler, what sorts of issues are you encountering? I'm happy to bring this to Patreon's attention.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 18:27:01 +0000 UTCThe first movie I remember going to on a date was Legally Blond.
Colin Moriarty
2018-08-02 18:26:35 +0000 UTCDoes anyone else think this movie is overrated??? I personally think Aladdin is much better, music too!
Cesar Solis
2018-08-02 17:53:26 +0000 UTCSetting: 2004 Interior Army Barracks. A dozen initial training soldiers gather around a portable DVD player with a 5 inch fold up screen(not bad for the time). Each one of these bad ass mother fuckers belted out and sang each and every song as loud as they could. Naturally, the 60 or so remaining soldiers confined to this small living quarters eventually joined in. It was quite the show. A group of strangers(very diverse), living together in close proximity joined together with a common familiar childhood memory, sang every song. Almost every Soldier knew every single word. The Lion King was a very significant film for our generation.
Michael Renner
2018-08-02 17:11:26 +0000 UTCEasily my favorite of that era. Such a sincere piece, well written. Great score. Love the tone of the opening: dark and mysterious. Get chills when I watch it.
Blair Sutton
2018-08-02 16:49:38 +0000 UTCJust listened to dagans podcast with Jono pech , don't mind admitting that I'm kind of jealous that you have a brother that's really cool and very heart felt in his passion for what he does ! Really looking forward to finishing work and getting to listen to this one :-)
Matthew Perry
2018-08-02 16:29:38 +0000 UTCBeauty and the Beast is where it's at. There really was a certain kind of Disney Magic in the 90's. They had something special. It doesn't feel quite as special anymore because of some political ideology seeping into it. They need to go back and focus on the archetypes. I miss 2d disney as well and I am a 3d animator lol.
Carson Smith
2018-08-02 16:19:56 +0000 UTCLooking forward to this one , I'm ashamed to admit that I associate this film with when I lost my virginity as it was what we watched before the big event ;-)
Matthew Perry
2018-08-02 16:13:38 +0000 UTCAnyone else been having issues with podcasts not playing all the way through? I'm having to download them now.
Tyler
2018-08-02 16:09:35 +0000 UTCThis will be a fun one. Lion King was the second movie I took a date to. First was Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. LOL
Jason Stafford
2018-08-02 16:03:31 +0000 UTC
