Mickey Mouse: Get a Horse!
Overview
Get a Horse! is a 2013 American animated comedy short film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by Lauren MacMullan. This short film is a unique blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and modern computer-generated imagery (CGI), celebrating the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse.
Storyline
The story begins with Mickey Mouse walking out of his house and spotting Horace Horsecollar pulling a hay wagon filled with his friends, including Minnie Mouse and Clarabelle Cow. Mickey joins the group, and they embark on a musical wagon ride. However, their fun is disrupted by Peg-Leg Pete, who appears in his jalopy and kidnaps Minnie. This leads to a series of chaotic events as Mickey and his friends try to rescue Minnie from Pete’s clutches.
The short film takes a creative turn when Mickey and Horace are flung through the screen into the modern movie theater, where they find themselves in a 3D world filled with color and modern elements like iPhones and fire extinguishers. The characters use these elements to their advantage in their pursuit of Pete, who is still trapped in the 2D black-and-white world.
The film’s climax features a series of hilarious and action-packed sequences, including Mickey using Horace as a biplane to fly around the theater and fire Milk Duds at Pete like bullets. The characters also engage in a circular chase through the screen and back onto the stage, transforming between their 3D color models and 2D black-and-white designs.
Ultimately, the characters manage to outsmart Pete and rescue Minnie, returning to their own world. The film ends with Pete trying to get back into the screen but getting stuck, with the phrase THE END appearing on his posterior.
Cast and Crew
Director: Lauren MacMullan
Producers: Dorothy McKim
Story by: Paul Briggs, Nancy Kruse, Lauren MacMullan, Raymond S. Persi
Starring:
Mickey Mouse: Voiced by archival recordings of Walt Disney (1928-1947)
Minnie Mouse: Voiced by Russi Taylor
Horace Horsecollar: Voiced by archival recordings of Walt Disney (1928-1947)
Clarabelle Cow: Voiced by archival recordings of Walt Disney (1928-1947)
Peg-Leg Pete: Voiced by archival recordings of Walt Disney (1928-1947)
Music by: Mark Watters
Animation by: Eric Goldberg (lead), Adam Green (lead)
Layouts by: Alfred Tops Cruz, Jean-Christophe Poulan
Animation Techniques
Get a Horse! is notable for its innovative use of both traditional hand-drawn animation and modern CGI. The film starts in black-and-white 2D animation, mimicking the style of Mickey Mouse’s original shorts from the 1920s. This section features the rubber hose style of bendy animation popularized by Ub Iwerks.
As the story progresses, the characters transition into a 3D world filled with color and modern elements. The film’s blend of 2D and 3D animation creates a visually stunning and imaginative sequence where characters move seamlessly between different dimensions.
Reception
Get a Horse! received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its creative storyline, witty humor, and innovative animation techniques. The short film was nominated for an Academy Award and has been celebrated as a turning point in Mickey Mouse’s evolution, bringing the beloved character into the 21st century.
Movie Poster
The movie poster for Get a Horse! features a colorful and dynamic design that captures the essence of the film. The poster includes iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Peg-Leg Pete in various action-packed poses. The background is filled with elements from both the 2D and 3D worlds, showcasing the film’s unique blend of animation styles.
The poster is designed to appeal to both nostalgic fans of classic Disney cartoons and new audiences who appreciate innovative storytelling and animation techniques. It is available in various formats, including framed prints and canvas prints, making it a great addition to any Disney fan’s collection.
Availability
Get a Horse! is available to stream on Disney+ and can be watched as part of the Disney collection. The short film is a must-watch for anyone interested in animation history, innovative storytelling, and the evolution of beloved characters like Mickey Mouse.
Conclusion
Get a Horse! is a groundbreaking short film that celebrates the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse while pushing the boundaries of animation techniques. With its unique blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and modern CGI, the film offers a visually stunning and imaginative experience that appeals to both old and new fans of Disney. Whether you’re watching it on a big screen or streaming it on Disney+, Get a Horse! is a delightful and hilarious addition to the Disney collection.
Keywords: Hand-drawn animation CGI Mickey Mouse Walt Disney Animation Studios Lauren MacMullan Dorothy McKim Paul Briggs Nancy Kruse Raymond S. Persi Mark Watters Eric Goldberg Adam Green Alfred Tops Cruz Jean-Christophe Poulan Framed print Canvas print Film poster Movie poster Disney collection Disney+ Animation history Innovative storytelling Animation techniques