An Entertaining Space Age Adaptation of a Classic

By Steve Collins

Treasure Planet is a science fiction animated feature produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Released in 2002, Treasure Planet marked the 42nd animated feature in the Disney canon. It is a science fiction version of Robert Louis Stevenson's popular novel Treasure Island. It employed the innovative technique of featuring two-dimensional animation over three-dimensional backgrounds. Indeed, this technique was used effectively on the character of John Silver, where his cybernetic arm was computer generated and the remainder of his body hand-drawn.

The plot is loosely based on Stevenson's Treasure Island. Jim Hawkins, voiced by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, witnesses a ship crashing near the inn, where he works. The ship?s dying pilot gives him a sphere and warns, "beware the cyborg." Shortly thereafter, a gang of pirates raids the inn. Jim, his mother, and friend, Dr. Delbert Doppler, voiced by David Hyde Pierce, barely escape. Jim discovers the sphere is a holographic map that leads to the renowned "Treasure Planet." Jim and Doppler commission a ship to find this planet. Among the ship?s crew is John Silver, voiced by Brian Murray, whom Jim suspects to be the cyborg. As the ship looms near Treasure Planet, a mutiny erupts, led by Silver. The planet turns out to be a space station, wherein Jim, Silver and an unscrupulous pirate named Scroop seek out the treasure.

Treasure Planet was in production for over four and a half years, the original idea having been pitched by Ron Clements in 1985. Curiously, it was during this same pitch meeting that John Musker pitched the story for the terrifically successful The Little Mermaid. Roughly 350 crew members began principal production in 2000. The animators were inspired by the painterly illustrators associated with the Brandywine School of Illustration (including Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth). The animators utilized the animation technique known as Deep Canvas. Deep Canvas allowed the animators to place the camera's eye anywhere the action or scene demanded, much like a live-action film. Furthermore, the film was made with an adherence to Ron Clements's 70/30 Law, wherein 70% of the animation would be of the traditional, hand-drawn variety, and 30% would be computer generated.

The introduction of the film originally featured an adult Jim Hawkins narrating the story, but this idea was scrapped as it was deemed too brooding and impeded character involvement. Additionally, a key sequence featuring Jim working on his solar surfer was to be included in the film, but the length of the opening surfing sequence required the scene be cut.

Regrettably, Treasure Planet was a box office disappointment. Indeed, many called it a box office bomb, grossing only $38 million in light of its $140 million budget. Disney's Buena Vista Distribution was forced to immediately adjust its fourth quarter earnings statement by $47 million. Despite the unfortunate performance, Treasure Planet was favorably received by the critics, indeed according to respected critic, Stephen Hunter, the film "boasts the purest of Disney raptures: It unites the generations, rather than driving them apart.

About the Author:

Steve Collins is a writer and Journalist based in Encino. A huge Disney fan, he uses the Disney Movie Club to complete his collection. Read his reviews of the Disney Movie Club today.