Sailing away from The New World, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are drawn in by the sound of clanging Parisian bells for a gothic twisted tale of monsters and men in 1996’s The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Joining them to discuss one of the darkest films of the Disney Renaissance is master of the macabre (and all-round lovely guy) Mike Muncer, of The Evolution Of Horror podcast – stopping by to talk murder, morality, and musical motifs. Together, this intrepid trio discuss the story behind Victor Hugo’s novel, the film’s fire-and-brimstone energy (and imagery), that jaw-droppingly daring opening sequence, Alan Menken’s imperious score, a weird TikTok sound mash-up, and Jeffrey Katzenberg’s proposed starry casting that never made the screen. All that, and the heartbreaking question is posed: are those gargoyles actually alive or not? Start up the clanging chimes of doom!

Next up: Hercules

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 Strange World. 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.

131 – The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (w/ Mike Muncer)

As the sun rises on a new era of Disney – the Wilderness Years – film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers go back millions of years (while the studio looks to the future) in 2000’s Dinosaur. Strap in for Disney animation’s first CGI-centric film – with Ben and Sam exploring how the filmmakers blended prehistoric creatures into footage of live-action environments, with mixed results. Plus, there’s the very different version that could have been, courtesy of Phil Tippett and Paul Verhoeven; the bizarre DinoLand USA theme park area closely tied to the lore of the film; a whole ton of freaky lemurs; and the discovery of a long lost fossil: the Dinosaur Song Factory album. Oh, and Sam takes a deep – and we mean DEEP – dive into the Walt Disney Animation Studios numbering system, and why it all goes a bit haywire from Dinosaur onwards. This one goes out to all the little eggs out there.

Next up: The Emperor’s New Groove

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 Strange World. 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.

136 – Dinosaur

Leaving Dinosaur (Plus Lemurs) in the past where it belongs, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers head further into the Disney wilderness on a trip to Peru, with 2000’s The Emperor’s New Groove. It’s not only a film with an important role in Disniversity history (to be explained), but marked a new groove for the studio itself – plunging Disney further into irreverence, absurdity, and cartoon antics. Expect discussions of the film’s tumultuous making-of, the nightmarish experience Sting had on music duties, the film’s major Looney Tunes influence, and the legendary performances from Eartha Kite and Patrick Warburton. Plus, Ben recalls a Years 8 school memory and campaigns for Kronk to join the next season of The Bear, and Sam gets his Yzma on. We hope this one gets a big thumbs-up from Papi.

Next up: Shrek live show (then, Atlantis: The Lost Empire)

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 Strange World. 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.

137 – The Emperor's New Groove

The years keep coming, and they don’t stop coming. Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers return to the London Podcast Festival for a sold-out show that leaves Disney’s Magic Kingdom behind for the swirling swamp of 2001’s Shrek. For our 50th episode, it’s finally time to tackle the big green guy in the room – a figure who not only changed the trajectory of Walt Disney Animation Studios movies for years to come, but has played a major part in Sam’s academic pursuits. Together, Ben and Sam talk fart jokes, Farquaad, Farkle and more as they break down the film’s overt Disney parodies, its repositioning of what an animated fairytale can be, and question how subversive it really is. Plus, prepare to meet the laser-eyed non-ogre of the original story book, gear up for a Shrek In The Swamp Karaoke Dance Party, and take a trip to the most magical place of all: Shrek’s Adventure.

Huge thanks to everyone who came to see us in person – and to Kings Place for hosting us!

Next up: Disney 100 specials (then, Atlantis: The Lost Empire)

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 Strange World. 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.

LIVE: Shrek

As Disney 100 week begins, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers pause regular class to present a miniseries exploring Disney’s centenary. First up: what actually is Disney 100, what does it mean, and what exactly are we marking 100 years of? We look into the history to talk contracts, self-mythology, and a century of cultural impact – and discuss the various ways that Disney is celebrating its own legacy this year. Then, we look back on the short that started it all – presenting a miniaturised version of our regular show format to discuss 1923’s Laugh-o-gram short Alice’s Wonderland (available on YouTube), and explore how it sowed the seeds of everything Disney would become. Roll out the Reception Committee!

Next up: Disney 100 Part 2: Once Upon A Studio

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 Strange World. 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.

DISNEY 100 Pt 1: Centenary Special / Alice's Wonderland (1923)

Disney 100 week continues, and film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are brought into the hallowed halls of the Roy E. Disney building for a grand reunion of the studio’s many legendary characters in brand new centenary short film Once Upon A Studio. Packed with Disniversity Legends, TDLFs, and oddbods we never saw coming, expect a flying trip through the best gags, most unexpected appearances, and the artists being celebrated for an eight-minute short that seems tailor-made to appeal to listeners of this podcast. Plus, Ben and Sam unpack that Walt and Mickey moment, talk the legacy of Burny Mattinson, and guess each other’s highlights. Warning: contains squawk-singing.

Next up: Disney 100 Part 3: The Exhibition

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 Strange World. 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.

DISNEY 100 Pt 2: Once Upon A Studio (2023)

Concluding the Disney 100 miniseries, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers venture down to London’s ExCeL centre to attend the hottest ticket in town: the Disney 100 Exhibition. Inside, they find all kinds of artifacts pertaining to the films covered on Disniversity – with original artwork, iconic props, historic pieces of music, effects models, and more. First up, they discuss the exhibition in general terms, sharing thoughts on the whole experience – before going into a (spoiler-y?) run-through of the most exciting pieces on display. Along the way, Sam reveals his surprise love of ‘90s sitcom Home Improvement, they stumble across a notable blimp, and uncover fresh evidence on the early origins of Pete himself.

Next up: Atlantis: The Lost Empire (we promise, this time!)

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 Strange World. 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.

DISNEY 100 Pt 3: The Exhibition

After the Disney 100 miniseries, it’s time to get back on the path of the Wilderness Years as film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers plunge into the mysterious depths of 2001’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire. And this time, they’re joined by very special guest Irenosen Okojie – author, and founder of the Black To The Future festival – to get to grips with an all-out science-fiction action-adventure movie, the first of its kind in the Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue. Together, our intrepid trio talk the Greek origins of the Atlantis myths, the instant appeal of Michael J. Fox, the impact of comic book artist Mike Mignola, and whether or not Kida is a Disney Princess. Expect lots of Indiana Jones references, discussions of the film’s colonial themes, and heartbreak over the betrayal of Mole. Et tu, Mole?

Next up: Lilo & Stitch. Finally!

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 Strange World. 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.

138 – Atlantis: The Lost Empire (w/ Irenosen Okojie)

With the journey to Hawaii taking a little longer than expected, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are passing the time with a bonus mini-episode – presenting an early reaction special on Walt Disney Animation Studio’s new feature, Wish. It’ll still be covered in full down the line – but for now, we discuss our expectations going in, our feelings on the songs and story, the end-credits characters who made us lose our minds, and how the film taps into Disney’s 100th anniversary celebrations. Enjoy – and get ready for Experiment 626 to land in the very near future.

Next up: Lilo & Stitch. We promise!

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 Wish. 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.

BONUS: Wish (Reaction Special)

Ladies, gentlemen, Stitches and glitches – it’s finally time. At long last, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers blast off to Hawaii for 2002’s beloved Lilo & Stitch. But will it live up to the hype? (Spoiler: Absolutely yes.) For this episode, our duo are joined by very special guest Maria Lewis – author, TV writer, podcaster and more – to bask in the glory of Ohana, discussing the film’s affecting human story, its presentation of Polynesian culture, the meaning of ‘good’ and ‘bad’, terrible ’00s Elvis covers, and violent memes. Plus, Ben gets some mysterious voicemail messages from Disniversity alumni, Sam goes ultra-deep on a vast Lasting Legacy, and Maria talks the importance of the Oceanic Story Trust. It’s a big, buoyant conversation on a film we’ve been desperate to cover for years now – so go ahead, and get stuck right in.

Next up: A Christmas Carol (2009, Robert Zemeckis). Then, Treasure Planet.

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 Wish. 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.

139 – Lilo & Stitch (w/ Maria Lewis)

Right then, let’s do this one last time: three ghosts, one bad man – and this time, not a Muppet nor a Mickey in sight. With the festive season upon us once again, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers gather to tackle the Ghost Of Christmas Yet To Come of Scrooge retellings – Robert Zemeckis’ motion-capture madness-fuelled 2009 version, Disney’s A Christmas Carol. Prepare for discussions of Jim Carrey’s malleable face, the wildest variants of the three ghosts yet,  front-flipping Bob Hoskins, a deeply unnerving Bob Cratchit, a brief history of Zemeckis’ ImageMovers Digital, and the terrifying presence of Ignorance and Want. It’s a wild ride of a film – Merry Christmas from Disniversity, and we’ll be back in the new year.

Next up: Treasure Planet

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 Wish. 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.

BONUS: Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)

The podcast crash course through the history of Disney's animated classics, by 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.

Note: This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

131 – The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (w/ Mike Muncer)

Disniversity Podcast

Related tracks