Shows
Disniversity PodcastSTUDY GROUP: Goodbye To Disney’s Weirdest EraSTUDY GROUP: Goodbye To Disney’s Weirdest Era
What the hell was that all about? As we leave The Wilderness Years (aka the Oddbod Era, aka the Freak Era) behind, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers reflect on the long and winding road of movies that encompass the Walt Disney Animation Studio’s biggest identity crisis. In this Study Group episode, we try and summarise what the Wilderness Years actually was, and why it’s one of the studio’s most fascinating eras (despite giant fluctuations in quality) – plus, we rank every film from this era, update our overal...
2025-09-031h 05Disniversity Podcast145 – BoltThis is it: the end of the Wilderness Years road. Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers close out an era in Disney history with 2008’s action-packed pup adventure Bolt. Together, they discuss the ways in which the studio finally figured out their approach to making 3D CGI movies, unpick the unconventional production of the fictional ‘Bolt’ show, ponder whether it all amounts to animal cruelty, explore how the film borrows from Toy Story and The Matrix, and talk the casting of John Travolta. Plus, Sam gets into some deeply meta Nemo lore, and Ben becomes obsessed with the ch...
2025-07-311h 22Disniversity Podcast144 – Meet The Robinsons (w/ Al Horner)What’s up, Goobs. As the Wilderness Years draw towards an end, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers go back to the future with 2007’s time-travelling oddity Meet The Robinsons. And they’re joined by special guest Al Horner, who has his very own peculiar history with what might be *the* defining Wilderness movie. Together, they discuss the oddest Robinsons, discover the joy of ‘crogs’, and discuss Walt Disney’s vision of a ‘great big beautiful tomorrow’. Plus, Sam unpicks the insane lore of the spin-off game, there’s a spot of actual time travel, and Ben ponders the big qu...
2025-05-061h 36Disniversity Podcast143.5 – The Wild (w/ Jon Hornbuckle)When is a Disney movie not a Disney movie? When it’s this one! Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers stop for an important detour on the Wilderness Years path to discuss 2006’s haunting reverie, The Wild – a film released by Disney, that counts in the UK’s numbered DVD ordering of Disney movies, and yet wasn’t animated by the studio itself. Joined by friend of the pod Jon Hornbuckle (who previously helped us dig into the mystery of The Wild’s status in Disney canon), we discuss how the film came to be part of Disney’s leg...
2025-02-251h 03
Disniversity PodcastBONUS: An Almost Christmas Story (2024)Ho ho hello! It’s almost Christmas – so what better time to talk An Almost Christmas Story, Disney’s heart-swelling new animated short film, from acclaimed director David Lowery? Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers venture to snowy NYC for a tale of a lost owl and a lost girl, who might just find the meaning of Christmas together in the big city – with a handful of folk songs along the way. We talk the film’s cardboard-styled animation, the real story of the Rockefeller tree owl, and get down to the ultimate question: what truly makes something...
2024-12-2150 minDisniversity Podcast143 – Chicken Little (w/ Tom Nicholson)DON’T PANIC! No, the sky isn’t falling – it really is a brand new episode of Disniversity, as film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers step boldly into a whole new dimension in 2005’s Chicken Little. And they’re joined by steadfast podfriend Tom Nicholson to talk this most pivotal (and, spoiler, terrible) of Walt Disney Animation Studios movies. Together, the intrepid trio tackles all the big questions: What happens when Disney goes full-Shrek? Are burps ever funnier than farts? And what the hell is ‘Chicken Little’? Plus, Tom queries Turkey Lurkey’s rise to power; Ben declares war on...
2024-12-171h 43Disniversity Podcast142 – Home On The RangeCowboy hats on, people – the Wilderness Years is taking film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers back to the Wild West, in 2004’s Home On The Range. And it marks a major milestone in Disney (and Disniversity) history: the end of 2D animation. Well… for a bit, anyway. As they rock up to the saloon, the duo talk the legacy of ‘Yeehaw Disney’, break down how genres are constructed, and discuss Michael Eisner’s dramatic exit from his Disney tenure. Plus, Sam reveals his mission to witness every cast member from Cats (2019) in the flesh; Ben becomes desperate for a film t...
2024-11-191h 30Disniversity PodcastBONUS: The Death Of Disney’s Straight-To-DVD SequelsAs the winding road of the Wilderness Years stretches on, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a quick pit-stop to mark a major point in the timeline: the end of Disney’s straight-to-video sequel era. Together they look back on the best, worst, and most egregious entries in the non-canonical canon, from the time-twisting Cinderella saga, to the deeply meta Lion King-verse, and beyond. RIP, home-entertainment exclusives – we hardly knew ye, (or, maybe knew ye better than ye deserved).
Next up: Home On The Range
Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summ...
2024-11-0537 minDisniversity Podcast141 – Brother BearThe trail through the Wilderness Years continues into the American wilds, as film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers discover the true meaning of brotherhood – and bears – in 2003’s Brother Bear. Along the way, they discuss a lesser batch of Phil Collins songs; unpick the odd morality at play in the film’s depiction of nature; and discover what happens when brothers become bears, bears kill brothers, bears become brothers, brothers kill bears, and every other possible combination of that you could possibly imagine. Plus, there’s much talk of those ‘hilarious’ moose, Sam gets into the deeply unsavoury ques...
2024-10-011h 36Disniversity Podcast140 – Treasure Planet (w/ Kambole Campbell)Avast, me hearties! Disniversity is back on the map – and film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are hoping to find hidden riches in 2002’s Treasure Planet. Our intrepid heroes are joined by animation (and particularly anime) lover Kambole Campbell, zord-ing up with the crew to talk the legacy of Disney pirate stories, farting slug-men, and the Anakin Skywalker-coding of Jim Hawkins. Plus, we discuss the pirate-to-sci-fi ratio of the film’s genre mashup, Sam unspools a wild Dracula-centric dream about much-desired Treasure Planet toys, and the ultimate question is pondered: exactly how long is this John Silver?
Next u...
2024-09-171h 40Disniversity PodcastBack From The Wilderness...Is this thing on? Is anybody out there? When film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers set out into the Wilderness Years of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, little did they know they’d be heading into their own wilderness year of sorts. But fear not: Disniversity is alive, and it’s back, back, back! Just before the pod proper begins again, here’s a big life update talking all the important stuff: Sam’s wedding, Ben’s baby, and – most importantly – the Beetlejuice tie-in Fanta. Thank you, sorry, and we love you all.
Next up: Treasure Planet. At last.
Disni...
2024-09-1623 minDisniversity PodcastBONUS: Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)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 Ig...
2023-12-241h 08Disniversity Podcast139 – Lilo & Stitch (w/ Maria Lewis)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, S...
2023-12-122h 26
Bah Humbug: A Christmas Movie Podcast with Helen O'HaraIt’s a Wonderful KnifeIt's a spectacular pun, based on the best Christmas Film Of All Time (TM), but now with added slasher action. This Christmas horror isn't for the faint of heart, but definitely has lots of red in it, a small-town where everyone has lessons to learn about the holiday spirit, and even a bit of romance. What's not to love? Your host, Helen O'Hara (@HelenLOHara) is joined by film journalist and Disniversity podcast host Ben Travis (@BenSTravis) to dissect what makes a great Christmas horror, and how this compares to its Frank Capra big brother...If you’ve en...
2023-12-0939 minDisniversity PodcastBONUS: Wish (Reaction Special)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...
2023-12-0559 min
Disniversity Podcast138 – Atlantis: The Lost Empire (w/ Irenosen Okojie)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 i...
2023-11-221h 37Disniversity PodcastDISNEY 100 Pt 3: The ExhibitionConcluding 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...
2023-10-2141 minDisniversity PodcastDISNEY 100 Pt 2: Once Upon A Studio (2023)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...
2023-10-1851 minDisniversity PodcastDISNEY 100 Pt 1: Centenary Special / Alice's Wonderland (1923)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...
2023-10-1656 min
Disniversity PodcastLIVE: ShrekThe 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 brea...
2023-10-101h 32Disniversity Podcast137 – The Emperor's New GrooveLeaving 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 Pat...
2023-09-191h 47Disniversity Podcast136 – DinosaurAs 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 freak...
2023-09-051h 37
Well Good MoviesThe Brave Little Toaster (1987) with Dr Sam SummersIn a slight detour to our usual run of movies Craig and David start their countdown to 100 main episodes by discussing movies that have long been on our watchlist. First up we invite back Dr Sam Summers, lecturer in film and animation and host on the Disniversity podcast, to discuss the dark and wild animated film that is The Brave Little Toaster.Created in a slight partnership with Disney and involving several Pixar alumni we delve into this dark children's animation to ask how reflective it is of 80s animation and consider whether it should be...
2023-08-291h 56Disniversity PodcastLIVE: A History Of Magic In Disney Animation (Live From The BFI)It’s not time for class to return quite yet – but for now, here’s a bonus talk! Join film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers live at the BFI in London, where they were invited on stage as part of Once Upon A Time: A Disney Day, during the Making Magic: 100 Years Of Disney season. In ‘From Magic Mirrors To Madrigals: A History Of Magic In Disney Animation’, they discuss one of the most important parts of Disney’s legacy, and ask the big questions. Why is the entire Disney brand so tied to the idea of magic? How f...
2023-08-0952 minDisniversity PodcastSTUDY GROUP: The Renaissance Era EnlightenedThe end of term is here – and before we go on a brief summer break, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are here to deliver one final statement on the Renaissance Era. In our latest Study Group episode, we look back over what makes this seismic decade for the studio such a creatively fertile time, and explore how the era changed Disney for good. Expect discussions of the greatest songs, characters, and sequences from across the Renaissance, a ranking of every Renaissance film (with unexpected results), and the latest versions of Sam and Ben’s official Disniversity rank...
2023-07-041h 36Disniversity Podcast135 – Fantasia 2000As the Renaissance Era draws to a close, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers head back to the orchestra pit for another blast of absolute music in Fantasia 2000. Not always considered part of the Renaissance, we discuss why it belongs firmly at the end of this era – and discuss its celebrity guest hosts, the studio’s first fully-3D short, and how the film differs thematically from the original Fantasia. Plus, we rhapsodise about the Rhapsody In Blue sequence, explore the legacy of space whales and Payakan the mighty Tulkun, admit the first ever live-action Disniversity Legend, take...
2023-06-271h 38Disniversity Podcast134 – Tarzan (w/ Emily Murray)Leaving China behind them, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers head back to the African jungle for a vine-swinging adventure in 1999’s Tarzan. And they’re joined by Tarzan-stan (Tar-stan?) journalist Emily Murray, bringing her deep love of Phil Collins dad-rock bangers. There’s much discussion of that drum-heavy soft-rock soundtrack, explorations of the Deep Canvas technology that brought the jungle to life, the deeply problematic original Tarzan mythology, and the film’s eye-popping action sequences. Plus, Ben reminisces on the Tarzan game for Game Boy Color, Emily unveils her deep love of Lady & The Tramp, Sam digs int...
2023-05-271h 54Disniversity Podcast133 – Mulan (w/ Rhianna Dhillon)With their friendship mercifully intact, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers get down to business with 1998’s Mulan – bringing with them all the force of a great typhoon, the strength of a ranging fire, and very special guest Rhianna Dhillon! Get ready for deconstructions of masculinity, much praise for nearly-axed hero Cri-Kee, discussions of the original Chinese folksong, explorations of Mulan’s true identity, and praise for the film’s impressive, spectacle-filled action sequences. Plus, Rhianna is taken back to her youthful adoration of Li Shang, Sam recalls the greatest nights of his teenage life, Ben learns a great...
2023-04-181h 58Disniversity Podcast132 – HerculesAfter ascending the heights of Notre Dame, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are blasting back to Ancient Greece for an anachronism-heavy superhero-deity mash-up: 1997’s Hercules. And – ding ding ding! – it’s the first film in Disniversity history that finds our duo with wildly differing opinions… Strap in for a spicy trip to Mount Olympus and back, exploring the way Disney conflates Hercules with the Superman myth, its then-contemporary explorations of fame and sporting celebrity, its distinctive visual identity, the push-and-pull of idealism vs cynicism, and the film’s Americanisation of the unhinged original Greek stories. Plus, delve into S...
2023-04-062h 08Disniversity Podcast131 – The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (w/ Mike Muncer)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-drop...
2023-03-211h 55Disniversity Podcast130 – Pocahontas (ft. Camilla Townsend)Fresh from experiencing the circle of life in the savanna, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers head just around the river bend to Disney’s next renaissance movie: 1995’s Pocahontas. Since they can only speak to the film itself – and not its important, and oft-mistold, historical context – they’re joined early in the show in a guest slot by historian, lecturer, and Pocahontas And The Powhatan Dilemma author Camilla Townsend, who uses her expertise to dig into the real story behind the one that’s (inaccurately) gone down in history, discuss the stuff the Disney film gets wrong, and e...
2023-02-212h 18Disniversity Podcast129 – The Lion King (w/ Amon Warmann)After soaring over Agrabah and beyond, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers make the pilgrimage to Pride Rock to pay tribute to Disney’s regal Shakespeare spin: 1994’s The Lion King. And they’re joined by Simba super-fan Amon Warmann, for a bumper-sized discussion of the biggest Disney film yet. Together, they explore how the film accidentally stumbled into its Hamlet homage, how it rose from being one of the studio’s less-prestigious projects into a box office behemoth, and solve the ultimate question: is ‘Be Prepared’ a good karaoke song or not? Plus, Ben is thrilled by an altern...
2023-01-252h 25Disniversity Podcast128 – Aladdin (w/ Paul Scheer)A whole new year, a whole new pod – film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back in the heat of the Disney Renaissance, getting a new fantastic point of view on 1992’s Aladdin. And they’re joined by esteemed podcaster-actor-comedian (and more) Paul Scheer! The How Did This Get Made? and Unspooled legend hops aboard the magic carpet for a deep-dive into Disney’s Agrabah adventure – discussing Robin Williams’ explosive vocal performance and the Genie’s expressive animation, how the film made Disney cool again to teenagers, the stage show musical number that somehow informed an alt-right movement, and...
2023-01-102h 17Disniversity PodcastBONUS: The Muppet Christmas Carol (w/ Brian Herring)’Tis the season to be happy and joyous, fa-la-la! In a very merry Muppet Christmas episode, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers present a festive bonus class – tackling the ultimate Dickens adaptation, 1992’s The Muppet Christmas Carol. Except, neither of them know very much about puppetry. Enter super-special guest Brian Herring – a professional puppeteer whose credits include BB-8 in Star Wars Episodes VII-IX, work on Prometheus, Hellboy II, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy – oh, and Muppet Treasure Island and Muppets Most Wanted. Bringing fuzzy-felt insights and stories galore, consider Brian the third ghost guiding you through...
2022-12-231h 26Disniversity PodcastBONUS: A Goofy Movie (w/ Griffin Newman)After a brief wedding-induced hiatus, we’re once again back! But before returning to the Disney Renaissance, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are taking another stop on the long, winding Disniversity road trip – picking up hitchhiker Griffin Newman to talk 1995 cult favourite, A Goofy Movie! Film podcast aficionados will know Griffin from the Blank Check podcast – but he also recently lent his voice-acting chops to the role of chipmunk Pip in Disney princess-satire sequel Disenchanted. So, in this special bonus episode, Ben and Sam talk to Griffin about entering the Disney kingdom, Zooming with Amy Adams, singin...
2022-12-081h 47Disniversity Podcast127 – Beauty And The BeastWith Toontown (and the London Podcast Festival) in the rear-view mirror, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers get back to the main curriculum to tackle a tale as old as time, and songs as old as rhyme in 1991’s Beauty And The Beast. In another bumper-sized episode befitting the might of the Disney Renaissance era, we discuss the film’s credentials as a true Gothic Romance, break down the battle of problematic masculinity between Gaston and the Beast, get seriously confused by the actual nature of the curse, and talk about the tragic loss of the legendary Howa...
2022-10-132h 09Disniversity PodcastLIVE: Who Framed Roger Rabbit“Is this thing on?” Taking a brief pause in the Renaissance Era, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers come to you LIVE from the London Podcast Festival 2022 to present a special live-action (in more ways than one) class on 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Not only did it give Ben an excuse to finally watch the film for the first time, but it brought us face-to-face with Disniversity students at last – talking through Robert Zemeckis’ mind-blowing, medium-blending favourite. Get ready for a deep-dive into all the Disney cameos, explorations of the film’s cartoonish reality, the adorable wounded hear...
2022-09-211h 30
Not Just For Kids PodcastAardman - Chicken Run"I told you they was organised." For those who cherish Disney, worship at the altar of Spielberg, love nothing more than immersing themselves into the world of Aardman, let us introduce you to Not Just For Kids. This is the podcast that revisits the films we cherished growing up, be they family films or something we maybe shouldn’t have been watching. Host Russell Bailey kicks off our latest series, charting the last two decades of Western animation. Sam Summers (https://twitter.com/samsummers0), academic and co-host of the Disniversity Podcast (https://twitter.com/Disniversity), jo...
2022-09-071h 26Disniversity Podcast126 – The Rescuers Down Under (w/ Beth Webb)Following their deep-dive under the sea, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back on dry land to explore the very first canonical Walt Disney Animation Studios sequel: 1990’s The Rescuers Down Under. In this episode, we’re joined by Empire Magazine’s news editor – and huge Down Under fan – Beth Webb as we dig into Bianca and Bernard’s long-awaited second adventure, talking the film’s environmental themes, exhilarating opening sequence, the revolutionary CAPS system that catapulted the studio into a 3D future, and why it’s a vital puzzle piece in the Renaissance era. Plus, Sam takes a spec...
2022-09-061h 34Disniversity Podcast125 – The Little MermaidAfter a longer break than anticipated, Disniversity is back with the Renaissance era – bigger, better, and in this episode, wetter. Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are here to take you under the sea in 1989’s The Little Mermaid. In a bumper-sized episode, we explain where we’ve been for the last few months, before getting stuck into a Walt Disney Animation Studios classic that takes Hans Christian Andersen’s weirdly foam-centric fairytale and stuffs it with calypso bops. We dispute the studio’s worries about the film being ‘just for girls’, explore its queer themes and legacy, and th...
2022-08-232h 07Disniversity PodcastBONUS: Chip 'N Dale: Rescue RangersOkie dokie, Artichokies! There’s not long to go until Disniversity returns for more regular classes – but first, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers have a little extra treat for you. Having just discussed Chip ’N Dale: Rescue Rangers in The Rescuers and The Great Mouse Detective episodes of this very pod, the good folk at Disney saw fit to drop brand new original meta-reboot movie Chip ’N Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+, stacked with cameos, in-jokes, and all kinds of deep-cut animation references. Dig into it with the Disniversity duo, talking the delights of Captain Putty, Pooj the...
2022-06-0854 minDisniversity PodcastSTUDY GROUP: Out Of The Dark AgeClass is back in session! But in true nearly-the-summer-holidays style, you’re not expected to do any work this week. Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back to banish The Dark Age once and for all with another Study Group episode, capping off the era of Walt Disney Animation Studios films we most recently explored. Rankings are updated, the best characters, songs and sequences are discussed, and the stage is set for the Disney Renaissance. All that, and there’s plenty to get caught up on: the Oscars performance of ‘Bruno’, the arrival of Pixar’s Turning Re...
2022-05-241h 30
Well Good MoviesA Town Called Panic (2009) with Sam Summers and Niall GlynnIn this very fun episode, we're joined once again by Dr Sam Summers, lecturer and host on the Disniversity Podcast, as well as friend of the show, writer and director Niall Glynn. We deep dive into the beauty of animation by asking why it works so well for storytelling, and why it's not taken more seriously, especially when looking at our chosen film this week, the crazy french stop motion classic- A Town Called Panic!Craig also puts our guests through their paces as he asks them to make their own animated movies based on our...
2022-04-051h 53
Role CallingAnastasia: Meg Ryan, Part 4Once upon a December, Caroline and Ned were strangers, starting out on a journey, never dreaming how their dreams would come true. Now here they are, podcasting about Meg Ryan's voice performance in the much-loved (non-Disney) princess animated fairy tale, Anastasia.
To help them take this journey to the past, they enlist the expertise of Dr. Sam Summers (@samsummers0), animation academic and co-host of the excellent podcast Disniversity. The trio chat about the wild, weird career of director Don Bluth; the unique animation style of Anastasia; and, of course, the "cultural semiotics" of Meg Ryan's casting!
2022-03-251h 51Disniversity Podcast124 – Oliver & CompanyWith the smell of hotdogs and sound of honking horns in the air, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are ending the Dark Age era on a high – and they’re absitively posolutely thrilled to be delving into 1988’s Oliver & Company. Prepare for Billy Joel bangers and Dickensian delights aplenty in a (very) loose adaptation of Oliver Twist, relocated to contemporary NYC – a film that flings the Walt Disney Animation Studio into the angular modernity of the late 1980s. This episode takes in Sam’s enduring love of Billy Joel, Disney’s mythologised uber-‘80s New York, archetypal ‘Di...
2022-03-011h 55Disniversity Podcast123 – The Great Mouse Detective (w/ Nick de Semlyen)What’s that? You wanted more Disney mice adventures? Then you’re in luck! Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers return with a discussion of 1986’s The Great Mouse Detective (hold the Basil) – and they’ve recruited Empire magazine editor and Wild And Crazy Guys author Nick de Semlyen to help crack the case of why Baker Street’s greatest detective never got his own franchise. Get ready for stories including a controversial name change, Nick’s mysterious bat trauma, and how some pioneering 3D animation came to be – plus, discussions of Ratigan’s incredible villainous flair, theories of the Bi...
2022-02-161h 40Disniversity Podcast122 – The Black CauldronWith their friendship still mercifully intact (unlike Tod and Copper’s), film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers team up to tackle Disney’s darkest work of horror-fantasy – 1985’s The Black Cauldron. With its devilish horned villain, spooky sequences, and array of freakish figures, this episode delves into the land of Prydain to talk swords, sorcery, and seriously cute psychic pigs. From its obvious Lord Of The Rings parallels, to some of the most ambitious Disney animation in decades, to a behind-the-scenes coup at the studio, listen along to dive into the film that had kids screaming for the exit...
2022-02-011h 35Disniversity Podcast121 – The Fox And The HoundSeeing as we’re in the bleak midwinter, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic are back to take on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most deeply upsetting Dark Age movie yet: 1981’s The Fox And The Hound. This time, we’re delving into the devastating story of friends-turned-enemies Tod and Copper – exploring why the narrative cuts so deep, how it compares to Bambi, and discovering what happens in the even more horrifying source material. Plus, we dig into an especially turbulent time at the studio, as Don Bluth leads a mass Disney exodus, a whole host of major new names enter the...
2022-01-181h 32Disniversity PodcastBONUS: Mickey's Christmas CarolMerry Christmas! Or, bah humbug! Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are here with a little festive bonus episode – putting a pause in the regular schedule to talk 1983’s theatrically-released short Mickey’s Christmas Carol. In this mini-episode, the duo explore how Dickens got Disneyfied in a brief but essentially faithful retelling of the ghostly Christmas fable – this time starring Scrooge McDuck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse (obviously), and a host of familiar faces from films past. As well as digging into all the cameos, we find out Sam’s Scroogiest habit, learn the history of Duck Tales, and meet every...
2021-12-2145 minDisniversity Podcast120 – The RescuersAfter their emotional trip to the Hundred Acre Wood, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back – and they’re on a mission to find out what the hell happened to 1977’s mouse-based action-adventure tale The Rescuers. In this episode, the pair tackle the first Dark Age movie proper – talking its bleak plot points, eerie visuals, and downright nasty villain; unpacking why the film is merely ‘suggested by’ Margery Sharp’s novels; exploring its place in the burgeoning blockbuster scene alongside Jaws, Bond, and Star Wars; uncovering a surprising connection to 101 Dalmatians; and discussing how a smash-hit movie with rav...
2021-12-141h 21
Very Amusing with Carlye Wisel - A Theme Park PodcastA PhD from Shrek UniversityWe're getting academic this week, baby!! Please welcome Dr. Sam Summers, PhD, animation expert, lecturer at Middlesex University, and self-proclaimed Shrekspert (!!!) Sam's here to tell us all about the deeper meanings behind the films, the academic community's view on it and, of course, a professional's opinion on if Shrek would play dreidel. (The answer may surprise you!!)RELEVANT LINKS:Sam Summers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samsummers0Disniversity Podcast: https://linktr.ee/disniversityLemonhearted website: https://www.lemonhearted.comLemonhearted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonhearted/
2021-12-0851 min
Disniversity Podcast119 – The Many Adventures Of Winnie The PoohHaving settled their tax-based disputes in Nottingham, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers venture to the Hundred Acre Wood for an especially emotional episode exploring 1977’s The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh. This time around, they’re tucking into an unexpected extra package feature presenting three tales from AA Milne’s beloved books – discussing how Pooh became a Disney mainstay, uncovering the Disney actor with the most animated voice cast credits, comparing the honey-loving hero to the T-1000 Terminator, and digging into the political campaign nobody saw coming: Pooh For President. All that, and expect plenty of tears...
2021-11-231h 50Disniversity Podcast118 – Robin Hood (w/ Sam Clements)Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a pod… Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers leave the jazzy neighbourhoods of Paris for the over-taxed streets on Nottingham in 1973’s Robin Hood – and they’re joined by the 90 Minutes Or Less Film Fest podcast’s Sam Clements to talk a beloved adventure which clocks in at just 83 mins. Along the way, the trio dig into the French folktale responsible for this foxy take on a British legend, Sam tries to coin himself a new nickname and waxes lyrical on the many talents of Peter Ustinov, and they discover the true meaning of ‘Robin...
2021-11-091h 47Disniversity Podcast117 – The AristocatsDing ding ding! The summer break is over, and class is back in session. After The Bangers Era™ ended with the death of Walt Disney, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers are hurtling headfirst into The Dark Age (or, for now, The Bangover) with 1970’s The Aristocats. This time, it’s off to Paris for a jazz-cat adventure riffing on various hits from Disney’s past – with the duo discussing new enemy-of-the-show Card Walker, chugging down a nice warm bowl of ‘Crème de la Crème à la Edgar’, falling under the influence of O’Malley the alley cat, and...
2021-10-191h 17
Fantasy/AnimationShrek 2 (2004) (with Sam Summers)Episode 84 takes a trip for the first time to the computer-animated efforts of the DreamWorks Animation studio, often viewed as Disney and Pixar’s commercial rival but whose features frequently offer a biting satirical revision of the narrative and stylistic formulae of these renowned animation heavyweights. For this latest episode on Shrek 2 (Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury & Conrad Vernon, 2004), Chris and Alex’s special guest is Dr Sam Summers, Associate Lecturer at Middlesex University and author of the recent DreamWorks Animation: Intertextuality and Aesthetics in Shrek and Beyond (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2020). Sam is also the co-editor of a collection Toy Stor...
2021-10-111h 00
Disniversity PodcastDISNIOTHEQUE: Disniversity x Ghibliotheque SpecialBefore a new era – The Dark Age – begins, our short break continues with a different kind of bonus episode. In the most ambitious (animated film podcast) crossover event of all time, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic (or should that be ‘addict’?) Sam Summers are joined by Jake Cunningham and Michael Leader, aka the Ghibliotheque podcast team, to celebrate the launch of their brand new Ghibliotheque book. The pair enter Disniversity’s halls of learning to discuss their journey through the films of the legendary Japanese animation house, talk their favourite Disney flicks, ask Ben and Sam about their favourite...
2021-09-2154 min
Disniversity PodcastSTUDY GROUP: The Death Of Walt DisneyPencils down, pupils – after a bucketload of Bangers, we interrupt our short break with a third Study Group episode. This time, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers look back over the Bangers Era of the Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue – from Cinderella to The Jungle Book – discussing their favourite sequences and characters, updating their rankings, and discussing the biggest shift in the studio’s history so far: the sudden passing of figurehead Walt Disney. Plus, Sam springs a quiz on Ben, the pair discuss their real-life Jungle Cruise moment, and we tease the next era: who’s ready for...
2021-09-1458 minDisniversity Podcast116 – The Jungle Book (w/ John Nugent)After a glorious run of all-out megahits (er, and The Sword In The Stone), the Bangers Era™ comes to an end. Film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a leisurely stroll through the jungles of India in 1967’s The Jungle Book – a journey for which they’re joined by Empire Magazine journalist (and Mowgli mega-fan) John Nugent, talking the film’s loveable characters and songs, its thwarted Beatles cameo, the re-use of previous bits of Disney animation, and its place as the final movie of Walt Disney’s lifetime. Get ready, everyone: the Dark Age is coming…
Content warnin...
2021-07-281h 47Disniversity Podcast115 – The Sword In The Stone (w/ Helen O'Hara)Following their swinging ‘60s adventure, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are blasted back to the dark ages in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ young Arthurian adventure, 1963’s The Sword In The Stone. And this time, they’re joined by a special guest who knows her stuff when it comes to swords, sorcery, and silliness – film journalist and professional Geek Queen, Helen O’Hara! Together, the intrepid trio discuss the annals of Arthuriana, outdated cultural depictions of women, and posit a more accurate title for the film: The Sword In The Anvil On The Stone. Not as catchy though, is i...
2021-07-061h 49Disniversity Podcast114 – One Hundred And One Dalmatians (w/ Mike Rianda)In a very special episode of Disniversity, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are joined by Mike Rianda, writer-director of The Mitchells Vs The Machines (aka the best animated film of 2021, streaming now on Netflix) for a deep dive into Walt Disney Animation Studios’ beloved 1961 favourite, One Hundred And One Dalmatians. Together, they tackle the film’s distinctive aesthetic, the dawn of the Xerox animation process, and turning imperfection into emotion. Plus, ‘Future Sam and Future Ben’ discuss the most successful Lasting Legacy yet, and we howl at the moon over the truly insane plot of sequel novel Th...
2021-06-221h 48Disniversity Podcast113 – Sleeping BeautyAfter getting their fill of spaghetti and meatballs, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are entranced by the lavish fantasy fairytale romance of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ stunning 1959 princess movie, Sleeping Beauty. Dive in for a discussion of Disney’s most visually distinctive film yet, talking the Tchaikovsky score, the magnificent Mistress Of All Evil, how much is too much to pay for a DVD, and the ultimate debate: pink dress or blue dress? Oh, and Sam channels his inner Maleficent to deliver a truly brutal diss. RIP Ben’s self-esteem.
Next up: One Hundred And One Dalmat...
2021-06-081h 31Disniversity Podcast112 – Lady And The Tramp (w/ Ali Plumb)Leaving the problematic adventures of Peter Pan behind them, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers tuck into a delicious meatball feast of a movie in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ adorable 1955 heartwarmer, Lady And The Tramp. And for this episode they’re joined by Radio 1’s Ali Plumb – a guy who knows as much about dogs as he does about movies, here to impart all kinds of canine wisdom across a discussion that takes in doggy dates, the threat of the A-bomb, and the art of howl-singing. Dig in.
Next up: Sleeping Beauty
Disniversity is brought to you by Ben T...
2021-05-251h 34Disniversity Podcast111 – Peter PanFollowing a short break, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers are back – and this time they’re stumbling out of Wonderland and flying headfirst for Neverland in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ adolescent adventure, 1953’s Peter Pan. As the Bangers Era™ continues, we discuss the film’s iconic flight sequences, problematic colonialist narratives, the complex pixie lore of the Tinkerbell movies, and the most horrifying Dis-carded yet. Oh, and get ready for Sam’s delectable pronunciation of ‘Hook’.
Content warning: contains discussion of racist depictions and stereotypes in Peter Pan between 43:25 and 50:56.
Next up: Lady And The Tramp
Disniversity is br...
2021-05-111h 24Disniversity Podcast110 – Alice In Wonderland (w/ Clarisse Loughrey)After finding their happily-ever-after at the royal ball, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers head further into the Bangers Era™ of the Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue by taking a trip into 1951’s Alice In Wonderland. And this time, they’re joined by Lewis Carroll stan Clarisse Loughrey – a very special guest to guide them through a dizzying psychedelic dreamscape of Mome Raths, reality-altering mushrooms, smoke-spewing caterpillars and one very Mad Hatter. Be warned: this episode includes many, many impressions.
Next up: Peter Pan
Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art...
2021-04-131h 43
nerdfest Podcast: Movies, TV, Trivia and Fun!82: Zack Snyder's NerdfestIn our latest review-packed episode we watch Oscar contender "Judas & The Black Messiah", wrap our big mouse ears around podcast "Disniversity", welcome Marvel's "Falcon & The Winter Soldier", investigate "Big Sky" and slog our way through Zack Snyder's cut of "Justice League"
Oh, and Jon TRIES to give "Hellraiser" the review it deserves.
2021-04-041h 02Disniversity Podcast109 – CinderellaThe time of hastily-assembled package movies is over – and now film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers begin the unofficially-titled Bangers Era™ of the Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, with 1950’s Cinderella. It’s a new era, a new decade, and a renewed sense of confidence and quality for the studio, which starts with Disney refining the princess fairytale archetype it originated way back in Snow White. Join us as we venture to the ball, talking bibbidi-bobiddi-bangers, Walt’s favourite ever piece of Disney animation, and the truly insane Nolan-esque timelines established in the straight-to-video sequels.
Next up: Alice In W...
2021-03-301h 35Disniversity PodcastSTUDY GROUP: The Package Era EndsNotepads away, Disniversity students – after a stack of hefty double-features, it’s time for our second Study Group bonus episode. This time, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers stop to look back on the Package Era of the Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue – that’s Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, Make Mine Music, Fun & Fancy Free, Melody Time, and The Adventures Of Ichabod & Mr. Toad – to discuss our favourite sequences and characters, talk how it changed perceptions around the Disney brand, and reveal our rankings the six movies. Plus, we share our thoughts on Disney’s latest animated ori...
2021-03-2357 minDisniversity Podcast108 – Melody Time + The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr ToadWith their ventriloquist dummy nightmares now behind them, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers reach the end of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Package Films era, watching 1948’s Melody Time, and 1949’s The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad. In the former, they encounter more Mary Blair magic, Disney’s continued attempts at drawing colonialist American myths, and delight in the (murderous) mischief of Little Toot. Then, they discuss Disney’s adaptations of The Wind In The Willows and The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow – bringing all-out Headless Horseman horror to the Disneyverse, at long last.
Next up: Cinderella...
2021-03-092h 00Disniversity Podcast107 – Make Mine Music + Fun And Fancy FreeFresh from Disney’s double-whammy of Latin American adventures, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers delve further into the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Package Films era, with 1946’s Make Mine Music and 1947’s Fun And Fancy Free. Across a selection of stories, they meet jazzy hepcats, lost Disney protagonist Bongo the Bear, and encounter the studio’s most surprisingly violent tale. And – at last – Mickey, Goofy and Donald unite for a mainline Disney movie. Warning: contains opera singing and ventriloquist dummies.
Next week’s films: Melody Time / The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad
Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Tr...
2021-02-231h 43Disniversity Podcast106 – Saludos Amigos + The Three CaballerosFollowing a special bonus Study Group episode, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers dive head-first into a whole new era of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ output: the Package Features. First up, they tackle a double bill of 1942’s Saludos Amigos and 1944’s The Three Caballeros – getting caught up in the sumptuous sights and sounds of Latin America, meeting Jose Carioca, Disney’s coolest character yet, and having to reconcile with Donald Duck’s terrifying, explosive horniness.
Next week’s films: Make Mine Music (not on Disney+, but available on DVD) / Fun And Fancy Free
Disniversity is brought to you...
2021-02-091h 13Disniversity PodcastSTUDY GROUP: The First Five FeaturesPens down, everyone – there’s no lecture this week, and no required viewing. In our first bonus Study Group episode, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a pause to look back on the Walt Disney Animation Studio’s legendary golden run of first five features – Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Bambi. This week, we discuss our favourite sequences, songs, and characters so far, offer our personal rankings of the five movies, and tee up the historical context behind where Disney goes next in a very different era for the studio.
Next week: Saludos Amigos / The Three Ca...
2021-02-0255 minDisniversity Podcast105 – BambiSoaring away from their night at the circus, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers venture deep into the forest with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ heartbreaking natural fable: 1942’s Bambi. In class 105, we talk the cyclicality of nature, Disney’s most ambitious technical shots yet, the events of home video sequel Bambi II, and discover the live-action Bambi Cinematic Universe (BCU).
Next week’s films: Saludos Amigos / The Three Caballeros. Plus, bonus episode coming soon!
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 Tw...
2021-01-191h 17Disniversity Podcast104 – DumboReturning from the realm of classical collaborations, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a trip to the circus with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ big-eared elephant classic: 1941’s Dumbo. In class 104, we talk the film’s ‘fast and cheap’ approach, trip out on the legendary Pink Elephants sequence, discuss how it improved the studio’s fortunes, and attempt to reclaim our hero’s rightful name: Jumbo Jr.
Content warning: contains discussion of racist depictions and stereotypes in Dumbo between 14:35 and 27:12.
Next week’s film: Bambi.
Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), wi...
2021-01-051h 17Disniversity Podcast103 – FantasiaWith the trauma of Monstro and Pleasure Island behind them, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers head into trippier territory with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ audio-visual extravaganza: 1940’s Fantasia. In class 103, we talk about the genesis of Disney’s audacious animated experiment, why it riled classical music heads, how it might have inspired Jurassic Park, and the hard-as-nails Sega Genesis video game of the movie. Sadly, we were unable to present this episode in Fantasound.
Next week’s film: Dumbo.
Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs an...
2020-12-221h 12Disniversity Podcast102 – PinocchioAfter surviving their encounter with the Seven Dwarfs, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers revisit Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hugely ambitious second feature: 1940’s Pinocchio. In class 102, we talk about the visceral terror of Monstro the whale, the major technological leaps in Disney’s animation style, and are forever changed by our trip to ‘Pleasure Island’. No lies, we promise.
Next week’s film: Fantasia.
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 n...
2020-12-081h 08Disniversity Podcast101 – Snow White And The Seven DwarfsWelcome 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 Frozen II. 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.
In class 101, we begin with the feature film that started it all, 1937’s Snow White And The Seven...
2020-10-201h 10