December 24, 1970: The opening of The Aristocats marks the beginning of the first post-Walt era of Disney Animation: the Bronze Age.


November 8, 1973: Robin Hood debuts as the studio’s second take on the popular English legend: the live-action film preceding in 1952. The song “Love” is nominated for an Academy Award.

Disney Mag Robin Hood

The characters of Robin Hood come to life at Disneyland in celebration of the film’s 1982 re-issue


March 11, 1977: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is released, a compilation of the following segments: Winnie the Pooh and the Honey TreeWinnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day; and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too.


June 22, 1977: The Rescuers opens in theaters. The film will receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Song in “Someone’s Waiting for You.”

Rescuers Album

Children’s album featuring the songs and story of the film


July 10, 1981: The Fox and the Hound premieres, marking the first showing from a group of young animators who would go on to spark the so-called Renaissance of Disney Animation.

Fox & Hound Comic

Comic book adaptation of the film


1981 Christmas Card

1981 Walt Disney Company Christmas card featuring Todd and Copper


July 24, 1985: After twelve years in the making, at an expense of over $25 million, The Black Cauldron finally hits theaters. Though recognized for its technological accomplishments, including an Academy Award for the development of the APT (animation photo transfer) process, the film is a massive failure at the box office.

Joe Hale

Signature card featuring Black Cauldron producer Joe Hale


July 2, 1986: Disney’s spin on the Sherlock Holmes mythology, The Great Mouse Detective, is released nationwide.

Great Mouse Detective Record

Basil of Baker Street, Dr. Dawson, and Olivia Flaversham on the trail of the evil Professor Ratigan


November 18, 1988: A twist on Dickens’ classic story, Oliver & Company brings the largely unsuccessful Bronze Age of Disney Animation to a close. With an eye to the future, it is the first film to employ a separate staff tasked specifically with producing computer animation.


<< Ch. 6: Silver Age

Ch. 8: Renaissance >>

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