Instructional Media Center
• Animation Feature •
There are many techniques in moving picture animation. The modern-day animated movie is the celluloid extension of early moving picture inventions, which included flipbooks, magic lanterns, thaumatropes, and zoetropes. As animation evolved to the projection screen, new techniques emerged to further the art in the form of cel drawings, stop-motion, and live-action rotoscoping. Today, modern animation is facilitated by computer software, which accelerates the process and adds an ever expanding canvas of complimentary tools. The result has been a burst of artistic expression, which has propelled animation into a worldwide cinematic phenomenon. Reed Library holds a wide-ranging collection of animation, curated through the curriculum and community interest. Recently, we added several new animated films in support of Rob Ribera's ENG 381 History of Animation course. All are available in the IMC on DVD, Bluray, and even some VHS - (you can checkout DVD drives and VCRs from the IMC). The following are some of our favorites, presented in no particular order, other than some recency bias. If you have suggestions for our animation collection or wish to contribute an annotation, please send them to Jim Holmes - enjoy!
Akira - PN1995.9.J3 A65 2001 DVD
Revered by fans and critics, this 1988 cyberpunk action film, based on director Katsuhiro Otomo's 1982 manga series, is considered among the pillars of the Japanese anime canon. Set in a dystopian 21st century Tokyo, Tetsuo Shima, of the biker gang The Capsules, is injured in a clash with the rival Clowns. In the hospital, it is discovered that Tetsuo has the telekenetic powers of "Akira", the force that destroyed Tokyo thirty years earlier. The film paved the way for anime's explosion into global pop-culture. Key animator Makiko Futaki went on to be the lead animator for anime powerhouse Studio Ghibli. The rest is history.
Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse - PN1997.2 .S75 2019 DVD
Brooklyn teen Miles Morales broods in his own world of teenage angst, compounded by life at a new school. When he discovers a new world in an abandoned NYC subway tunnel, Miles is bitten by a radioactive spider, sending him into the Spiderman trope of existence, great power - great responsibility - and all. Oh but this Spiderman story is so much more. An inspirational collage of art and music erupts across multi-dimensions, bringing an array of characters, stories, and histories - in a love letter to the iconic comic superhero. Winner of the 2019 Oscar for best animated feature.
Persepolis - PN1995.9.B55 P4784 2008 DVD
Based on Marjane Satripapi’s autobiographical graphic novels, which chronicle growing up in Iran in the 1970’s, this 95-minute film synthesizes all four books into a powerful coming-of-age film through a complicated geopolitical lens. Black and white animation mirrors the books’ simple illustrations, providing the viewer with an experience surprisingly similar to reading.
Coco - PN1997.2 .C63 2018 DVD
Guitar playing twelve-year old Miguel Riviera lives in the small town of Santa Cecilia with his family, who have banned all music after their great grandfather abandoned them to pursue his dreams of becoming a star. A progression of circumstance guides Miguel to the land of the dead where he meets Hector, who once played with Miguel's musical idol Ernesto de la Cruz. The plot plays out through Mexican song and folklore in a search for unlocking the mysteries of Miguel's family secrets. Released in Mexico a month before the U.S., Coco became the highest grossing movie there - and elsewhere as it grossed $813 million at the box office. Winner of the 2018 Academy Awards for best animated feature and best original song "Remember Me".
Triplets of Belleville - PN1995.9.A6 B45 2003 DVD
When a Tour de France cyclist is kidnapped by the French mafia midrace, it’s up to his grandmother and dog to rescue him. Through a series of events, the intrepid odd couple join forces with the legendary Triplets of Bellville, a trio of free-spirited musicians. Enjoy the innovative original music (fast forward to 1:30 for the coolest song ever) and not-so-subtle visual cultural commentary. Nominated for two Academy Awards - best animated picture and best original song - it won the César Award for best film music.
Fantasia - PN1995.9.A59 F3583 2000 DVD
Walt Disney’s ambitious 1940 feature film was originally conceived as a vehicle to expand the Mickey Mouse franchise. What emerged was an unparalleled feat of animation set to classical music's greatest hits. First released as a theatrical roadshow, it failed to gain wider release due to World War II. Eventually the film garnered critical and popular acclaim in several edited re-releases. In addition to being the first stereophonic film, it featured many innovations in music soundtrack recording.
Wall-E - PN1995.9.F36 W3554 2008 DVD
In the 29th century, earth is uninhabitable, the result of human ecocide. WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth-class) is the last functioning robot on the planet, salvaging parts from inactive robots, with his pet cockroach Hal as his only companion. One day WALL-E encounters EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) a robot programmed to scan the planet for signs of life. What begins as a bleak condemnation of human consumerism, evolves into a heroic heartfelt robotic love story. A sparse dialog adds to the sound design and visual concentration. Considered by critics to be Pixar’s most artistic and thoughtful film, WALL-E won the 2008 Academy Award for best animated feature film.
The Little Prince (2015) - PN1997.5 L55 2016 DVD
Mark Osborne directed this modern adaptation of the beloved French novel Le petit prince, written by renowned author/poet/journalist/aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - 1943. Showcasing beautiful animation and storytelling in a variety of different art styles and colorful characters, the movie won the César Award for Best Animated Film in 2016. Starring Mackenzie Foy, Jeff Bridges, James Franco, Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, Bud Cort, and Marion Cotillard, co-piloted by a cheery and emotional soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and Richard Harvey - the film captures the wonder of childhood and the nostalgia of adulthood.
Princess Mononoke - PN1995.9.J38 S78 2001 DVD
Master artist/animator Hayao Miyazaki’s finest work can be found in the brushstrokes of his 1997 masterpiece - winner of the Best Picture Award of the Japanese Academy. Prince Ashitaka is cursed when a giant boar-god turned demon attacks his village. After learning the curse will eventually kill him, rather than succumb to despair, Ashitaka journeys west to understand the beast’s volition, where his forbearance drives him to understand each player’s perspective. Joe Hisaishi’s poignant score weaves beauty into this film’s stunning visuals and impactful storytelling in a fantastical journey that encompasses allegories for climate crisis, spirituality, technology, and war.
Howl's Moving Castle - PN1995.9.J36 H695 2006 DVD
When a young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, she ventures out in search of a cure, ending up at Howl's castle. Here she meets the castle's magical power, fire-demon Calcifer, who promises to reverse the curse if she can break the contract that binds him to the castle. The film went on to gross $190 million in Japan and $236 million worldwide, making it one of the most commercially successful Japanese films in history. For the U.S. release an eclectic English voice-over cast includes Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, and Lauren Bacall.
Looney Tunes Movie Collection - PN1997.5 .L66 2005 DVD
Warner Brothers released this classic collection of shorts in 1979 - recently remastered for DVD. Comprised of the most famous flicks from their ample catalog of cartoon classics including “What’s opera doc?”, “Robin Hood Daffy”, “Duck amuck”... Not to be missed, Road-Runner vs. Wile E. Coyote shorts are the quintessential existential exercise in eternal hope beyond reason - like being a fan of the Chicago Cubs – or Portland Trailblazers.
Tex Avery's Screwball Classics - PN1997.5 .T49 2020 DVD
Avery is best credited with moving Looney Tunes away from children-oriented cartoon characters towards humor that adults could also appreciate. Later at MGM he further developed characters and themes that pushed the envelope and paved the way for adult cartoon television. The IMC has all three volumes which were remastered and released on DVD in 2020.
Masters of Russian Animation - NC1766.R8x M3 1997 video
This series of compilations highlights the award winning films of Soyuzmultfilm Studio, founded in 1936. Despite severe censorship, the films explore a myriad of critical themes. Please note - this is a series of VHS tapes. The IMC has VHS players you can check out!
Animated Soviet Propagnda - D744.55 .A65 2006 DVD
From the 1920s to the 1980s, the Russian government ordered the production of several animated propaganda films. Their target audience was the soul of the Soviet Union with the goal of winning the hearts and minds and patriotism of the Soviet people. Commentary by leading Soviet film scholars.
America's own version of animated propaganda - Private SNAFU was commissioned by the Armed Forces as a way to provide lessons in the proper way to conduct operations and the consequences of "fouling" up. The cartoons were considered somewhat risque for the times - intended to provide entertainment and boost morale. The whole series is available on youtube.
A compilation of some historical and rare cartoons showcasing Japanese culture though World War II. Not to be missed - Momotarō's Sea Eagles - Japan's entry into war propaganda and first feature length animated film.
The Beatles joined the animated universe with the release of this 1968 film, which was considered one of the first feature film cartoons for adults. Follow The Beatles in their late 60's psychedelic pop splendor, as they fight to take back Pepperland from the evil Blue Meanies.
Cowboy Bebop - PN1995.9.J3 C69 2002 DVD
One of the IMC’s most popular animated series - wikipedia sums it up nicely – “Cowboy Bebop (カウボーイビバップ, Kaubōi Bibappu) is an influential, universally critically-acclaimed, and award-winning 1998 Japanese anime series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, written by Keiko Nobumoto, and produced by Sunrise. Its 26 episodes comprise a complete storyline: set in 2071, the series follows the adventures, misadventures and tragedies of a group of bounty hunters, or cowboys, traveling on their spaceship, the Bebop.” Also featuring one of the most singular, hip, far-out soundtracks of all time!
Spirited Away - PN1995.9.A59 S657 2001 DVD
A cornerstone of the anime genre, critically acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed this animated feature, which became Japan’s highest grossing film all-time. The plotline follows ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino on her liminal journey through the realm of the bathhouse of the gods. Winner of the 2003 Academy Award for best animated feature film.
Waking Life - PN1997.5 .W353 2002 DVD
Richard Linklater's foray into adult-themed animation. A young man, stuck in a series of dreams from which he cannot awake, explores the meaning of life. Rotoscoping allows the use of live action footage that was later animated. Watch it for tips on how to realize when you’re dreaming. They work!
Le chandail - PN1995.9.F7 C53 1991 video
A young boy from Québec loves his Canadiens de Montréal. Through a series of unfortunate events, he is forced to don the hockey sweater of their bitter rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs. To put it in perspective, this would be worse than wearing a Yankees jersey in Boston.
The Simpsons - PN1992.8.A59 S56 2003 DVD
Who would have ever guessed that a crude skit from the Tracy Ullman show would turn into TV’s longest running animated series. Created by Portland native Matt Groening. In case you didn’t know, several of the characters are named after Portland streets.
The PJs - PN1992.77 .P5654 2011 DVD Eddie Murphy voiced the main character in this stop-motion television series, one of the first of its kind, which ran from 1999-2001. Thurgood Orenthal Stubbs lives with his wife Muriel in the Hilton-Jacobs housing project, where he is the superintendent. Hilarity and satire ensue. Of particular note - the animation was shot at Portland's own Will Vinton Studios! All episodes available on youtube.
Animal Farm - PN1995.9.A5 A6 2004 DVD
A 1954 movie adaptation of George Orwell’s 1945 book. George wasn’t particularly fond of Joe Stalin.
Phantom Museums : Short Films of the Quay brothers - PN1997.5 .P5368 2007 DVD
Twins Stephen and Timothy Quay have created some of the most detailed miniature stop-motion animation in the history of miniature stop-motion animation. This two-disc set serves as a retrospective of their 30-year career and includes their most famous films along with shorts previously unreleased.
The Nightmare Before Christmas - PN1995.9.C5113 T56 2008
Jack Skellington “The Pumpkin King” has grown tired of the same old Halloween. Jealous of the attention that Christmas garners, Jack sets out to remake the holiday in his own likeness and in musical fashion. Tim Burton’s unique animation technique set the bar for modern day stop-motion animation, sparking a renaissance in the genre.
Coraline - PN1997.2.A2 C6735 2010 DVD
Adapted from the 2002 award-winning story by Neil Gaiman. A young girl’s family moves into an old house where she finds secret passage to a parallel world. The first stop-motion animation shot in 3D, Coraline was filmed at Laika (formerly Will Vinton Studios) in the Portland suburb of Hillsboro.
Bambi - PN1997.5.B3525 2004 DVD
A single mom struggles to raise her son in a rural wasteland teeming with armed homicidal maniacs and ne’er do well wild animals. After mom is brutally gunned down, Bambi’s deadbeat dad (the self proclaimed Prince of the Forest) returns to guide the young diffident buck. In doing so, he dooms Bambi to a destructive, ineluctable destiny. In the final scene, Bambi’s underage girlfriend gives birth to twins. With no job and little hope for his family’s future, the immature stag struggles to come to terms with the burdens of life, prompting his now famous closing monologue “To be or not to be". Whilst pondering the fragility of life in all its weltschmerz, Bambi meets Godzilla.