122 – The Black Cauldron

With their friendship still mercifully intact (unlike Tod and Copper’s), film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers team up to tackle Disney’s darkest work of horror-fantasy – 1985’s The Black Cauldron. With its devilish horned villain, spooky sequences, and array of freakish figures, this episode delves into the land of Prydain to talk swords, sorcery, and seriously cute psychic pigs. From its obvious Lord Of The Rings parallels, to some of the most ambitious Disney animation in decades, to a behind-the-scenes coup at the studio, listen along to dive into the film that had kids screaming for the exits – and nearly spelled disaster for the whole enterprise. Plus, learn the meaning of ‘TDLF’, and discover how this film became part of the historical domino effect that gave us Shrek. And yes… we do talk about Gurgi. Bring your own munchings and crunchings. Next up: Basil The Great Mouse Detective Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney. — Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Encanto. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.