Disney Princess Movies Essay

Many of us grew up with the whimsical and romantic princess tales brought to life through Disney’s animation. Anyone paying close attention would realize that there are a great number of similarities and differences between the classic Disney princess movies, which include Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella, and the more modern Disney princess movies. One of the main ways in which the old Disney princess movies differ from the modern Disney princess movies is in their production. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was not only the first Disney princess movie, but it was also the first full-length animated feature film ever. Because of this, the movie was a pioneer for animated films and was the first to utilize innovations such as Technicolor

The three classic Disney princesses, Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora, display qualities such as hospitality, kindness while being mistreated, and dependence on a man. Each of these princesses perform roles of a housewife, including cooking and cleaning. During the time these movies were made, which was from 1937 to 1959, these characteristics were what were expected of women. The next wave of princess came in the late 80’s and through the 90’s, and just as the times had changed, so did the messages coming from the movies. The princesses of this era are Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, and Mulan. Contrasting to the classic princesses before them, these ladies portray more strong and independent qualities. They think and act on their own, yet the society around them sees them as odd or strange because of these qualities. Lastly, the most recent princesses, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Anna, Elsa, and Moana, take more control of their stories compared to all of the other princesses. Their storylines are not as focused on a love interest. In fact, Elsa and Moana don’t even have a love interest. These changes not only show the growth Disney princesses have had in their message to their audience, but also the growth that women’s role has had throughout the

Back in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was advertised on posters and marquees. One can get a sweet sense of nostalgia looking at a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs poster advertisement that reads “One full, solid hour and a half of story told as never before on any screen!” Today, Disney princess films are advertised through a plethora of mediums, such as trailers, commercials, and online sites and blogs. Merchandise is a huge area that encompasses old Disney princess movies and new Disney princess movies alike. Disney princess products include nearly everything from toys to clothing to stationery and even Disney princess-inspired make up. A big contrast that not many people are aware about is that Anna and Elsa are not part of the Disney Princess franchise. Because of Frozen’s unprecedented amount made in the box office, the movie was separated from the other Disney princess movies as its own