This past summer, Disney+ began premiering a special collection of 27 newly restored Walt Disney Animation Studios shorts, ranging from iconic classics to lesser-known treasures. These restorations arrive just in time to celebrate the studio’s centennial year as part of the Disney100 festivities.
New Restorations Celebrate Disney Legacy
A new wave of restored shorts is now available, including Trolley Troubles (1927), All Wet (1927), The Barn Dance (1929), Playful Pluto (1934), Mickey’s Kangaroo (1935), Merbabies (1938), Bone Trouble (1940), and Pluto, Junior (1942). The final batch of restorations arrives Friday, October 6, exclusively on Disney+.
Behind the Scenes with the Restoration Team
The Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation team leads the restoration project under director Kevin Schaeffer. Key creative advisors include Dorothy McKim, Mike Giaimo, and Eric Goldberg, all part of the Walt Disney Animation Studios legacy.
Karen Weissman, Restoration and Preservation Manager at Walt Disney Studios, shared insight into the challenges and creative decisions in bringing these shorts back to life.
“Some of the original film elements from the 1920s and 1930s were missing, which made it a challenge. We had to find the best available sources to deliver the highest image and audio quality possible,” said Weissman.
Rediscovering Forgotten Favorites
Weissman explained that not every short was familiar to the team initially, but by the end of the process, they had developed a deep connection to each frame. Some standouts include the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit shorts, which recently returned to Disney after regaining the rights from Universal, and Bone Trouble (1940), which now features its original title card thanks to diligent research and recovery.
Preserving Disney Character History
She emphasized the team’s attention to historical accuracy: “We consulted with veteran animators and used period references to honor the evolution of iconic characters like Minnie Mouse, who changes dramatically between the 1930s and 1940s.”
A Personal Favorite
When asked for her favorite, Weissman admitted it’s hard to choose: “I’m a big Chip and Dale fan, so Chips Ahoy (1956) was special. It was also one of the few shorts created in Cinemascope, which made it even more fun to restore.”
A Disney+ Highlight for Families
The response to the restored collection has been overwhelmingly positive: “People from within the Studio and beyond have reached out to say how excited they were to share these shorts with their families. Many had never seen them before,” said Weissman.
A Magical Milestone in Disney Animation
Now streaming on Disney+, these restored Disney Animation shorts serve as both a preservation effort and a joyful tribute to 100 years of storytelling. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these gems for the first time, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Disney’s rich animation legacy.
