Disney to revive 2D animation w The Frog Princess
 

Walt Disney Feature Animation announced today that John Musker and Ron Clements will co-direct The Frog Princesss, a female twist on the classic fairytale The Frog Prince. Disney also announced that this will be the studio's first 2D or "traditional" animated movie since Home On The Range. Alan Menken is also attached to the project to compose the music. The film is targeting a fall 2009 release date.

It's far away yet and still has hurdles to clear but I think it's great news!

Are they going to rebuild or buy back all the 2D equipment they dumped? Are they going to hire some more animators to replace those that were fired or quit? Where will this be done?

Lot's 'o questions :D

Without a commitment to a full slate of development it is hard to see this as anything other a contract-basis project. But then I was wrong about the likelihood of them even doing one movie so what do I know.

Outsourcing, baby. That's where the quality comes from. ;)

Didn't Pixar buy up much of the 2D equipment?

I don't know, but a fair number of the fired artists bought their desks and stuff from Disney and took them home.

Yes, the desks were $1000 each, I believe.

Maybe they will use their Korian television unit for this, as they did for the video sequels. I sure hope not.

Even if they do merely utilize the TV unit, which would suck monkey balls, at least this represents a shift away from the "2D Is Dead" ideology. People will watch stick figures drawn with crayons if the story is worthy, regardless of what people like Eisner think. Thank God he's gone and there's now a chance for a revival, however slim it may be.

I'm thrilled that Disney is going to make traditional animated films again. Now that John Lasseter is in charge of Pixar and Disney animation, I think we will start to see great things coming from the Disney label once again. Now, let's just hope that they rebuild the Florida Disney animation team.