"Sleeping Beauty" is a classic animated film by Walt Disney Productions, released in 1959, and it features the iconic song "Once Upon a Dream." Here are some interesting facts about the movie and the song:
Tchaikovsky's Influence: The film's score incorporates Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's compositions from his ballets, particularly "The Sleeping Beauty." The use of classical music in Disney films became a hallmark of the studio.
Mary Costa's Talent: Mary Costa, the voice actress for Princess Aurora, had never done voice acting before. She was an opera singer, and her singing talent greatly contributed to the film's success.
Stunning Backgrounds: The film is renowned for its stunning and detailed background art, which was inspired by medieval tapestries and European art. The backgrounds took inspiration from the works of artists like Eyvind Earle, who played a significant role in the film's visual style.
Aurora's Changing Appearance: Princess Aurora's appearance changes throughout the film. She has two different color schemes for her dress: pink and blue. This color change represents her duality as both Briar Rose and Princess Aurora.
"Once Upon a Dream" Composer: The song "Once Upon a Dream" was composed by Sammy Fain, with lyrics by Jack Lawrence. It became one of Disney's most iconic and enduring love songs.
Melodic Inspiration: The melody for "Once Upon a Dream" was inspired by Tchaikovsky's ballet "Sleeping Beauty," which was used as a foundation for much of the film's music.
Hidden Background Character: During the forest scene where Aurora sings "Once Upon a Dream," if you look closely, you can spot a hidden Mickey Mouse shape in the leaves.
Limited Dialogues: The film has relatively few spoken lines of dialogue compared to other Disney classics, with more emphasis on visual storytelling and music.
Initial Box Office Struggles: "Sleeping Beauty" faced initial box office challenges and didn't perform as well as some of Disney's earlier releases. However, it has since gained a significant following and is considered a classic.
Influence on Future Disney Films: "Sleeping Beauty" had a lasting impact on Disney's animation style and storytelling. It influenced the visual design of subsequent Disney princesses and films.
"Sleeping Beauty" and the song "Once Upon a Dream" remain beloved by Disney fans and are integral parts of the Disney legacy, known for their enchanting visuals and memorable music.