The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic

The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic is an enthralling one-hour television special that ventures behind the scenes to bring viewers on a magical journey into the genesis and evolution of the captivating, Academy-award-winning animated film "Frozen" from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Produced by ABC and first aired on September 2, 2014, this captivating documentary-style show offers an unprecedented look into the rigorous development process of one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time.

Giving a unique perspective about the intricate parts of animated movie-making, this special is more than just 'behind the scenes'—it delves into the brilliant collective minds of the directors, writers, producers, artists, and composers who teamed up to breathe life into the frosty fairytale of Elsa and Anna, and their companions.

Utilizing in-depth interviews, exclusive footages, and fascinating clips from the film, The Story of Frozen reveals a kaleidoscope of information that uncovers the hidden layers of creativity, artistry, and engineering that went into making the film. At the heart of this television gem is the well-tuned narration that seamlessly weaves together all the elements.

Viewers get to peek behind the proverbial curtain into the various development stages of the movie, from conceptualization to final execution. Heartwarming and exhilarating, the story unfolds bit by bit. It explores how the original fairy-tale 'The Snow Queen' by Hans Christian Andersen was transformed into an innovative and aesthetically appealing animated feature filled with memorable music, lovable characters, and a compelling storyline.

The animators' and artists’ discussions about character evolution provide intriguing insights. The process of shaping Elsa from being a villain to a misunderstood queen with magical powers is an example of how dynamic and fluid the animation creation process can be. Equally engaging is the creation of Anna, Elsa's lovable sister, and how her, Olaf the Snowman’s, and Sven the Reindeer’s characters were designed to add texture and charm to the storyline.

The storytelling process is examined through revealing interviews with directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. They discuss the challenges they encountered and the inspirations they found along the way, including a trip to Norway, where they immersed themselves in the culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes that became inspiration to the kingdom of Arendelle.

A significant part of the special is dedicated to the music that underpins "Frozen". The riveting songs, penned by the husband-and-wife team of Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, became anthems for a generation. An insightful discussion about how songs like "Let It Go" and "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" were intricately woven into the script reveals the integral role of music in animated storytelling.

Voice actors including Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff share interesting anecdotes about the process of giving life to their animated counterparts. They provide compelling insights about the voice-over sessions, how they prepared for their roles, and how they made the characters their own.

The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Classic not only showcases the intricate process that goes into the making of an animated feature, but it also demonstrates the passion, dedication, and team effort involved in making cinematic magic.

To top it all, for the enthusiasts who can’t get enough of Frozen, the special provides a sneak-peek into the creation of 'Frozen Fever', the popular short sequel, and a preview of the character introductions of Elsa and Anna to the ABC Television Network's hit series 'Once Upon A Time'.

In essence, The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic is a must-watch for Frozen fans and for anyone intrigued by the creative process of animation. This gleaming tribute to Disney's timeless animation craftsmanship is informative, entertaining, and irresistibly magical. It serves as a testament to the efforts and talent behind a film that has become a cultural phenomenon, and endeavors to whet the appetite of viewers for the next chapter in the Frozen saga.