Don Bluth and Gary Goldman: Animation Giants Among Us This Weekend

This guest blog post is by Lizzy Newsome.

There are few childhood memories as unspoiled as cartoons. For many, animated films were the first introduction to the cinema, and watching those movies instantly transports you back in time. I can almost smell the Sour Patch Kids!

When considering important names in animation, the list is short. Don Bluth and Gary Goldman stand out as two of the masters of traditional animation techniques and practices. Expertly trained in the halls of the Disney Studios, they left in 1979 to form their own independent studio. The resulting revolution brought on by the creative explosion of Don Bluth Studios kicked off a renaissance in American Animation.

The Secret of Nimh hit theaters in 1982, and awakened a generation of wide-eyed children to a new world of animation with more dramatic stories set against a slightly darker backdrop. The team continued the trend with the release of many more animation classics, including: An American Tail, Land Before Time, All Dogs Go to Heaven, Thumbelina, Anastasia, and Titan A.E. (to name just a few). Even video games were subject to their artistic influence, with Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace.

The history and legacy of Don Bluth and Gary Goldman will soon be upon us! For the first time in our fair city of Austin, they will both be on hand for limited movie screenings at the shiny new Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline Cinema. In addition to gracing us with their combined presence, they will also be answering all your questions about their specific genre of fine art following each screening. It’s hard to emphasize just how don’t-miss these events are. Maybe you should ask your inner child?

There will be three chances to witness animation history being made in Austin. Buy your tickets in advance – they will sell out!

• The Secret of Nimh – Saturday, August 10th – 1 PM
• All Dogs Go to Heaven – Saturday, August 10th – 4 PM
• An American Tail – Sunday, August 11th – 1 PM

Lizzy Jane Newsome is easily excited by large public gatherings or animals on the Internet. When she isn’t busy in her chosen career, you can find her feeding ducks. For more excitement, check out BriteShiny.com.