Before computer graphics, special effects wizardry, and out-of-this world technology, the magic of animation flowed from the pencils of two of the greatest animators The Walt Disney Company ever produced -- Frank Thomas an... more »d Ollie Johnston. Frank and Ollie, the talent behind BAMBI, PINOCCHIO, LADY AND THE TRAMP, THE JUNGLE BOOK, and others, set the standard for such modern-day hits as THE LION KING. It was their creative genius that helped make Disney synonymous with brilliant animation, magnificent music, and emotional storytelling. Take a journey with these extraordinary artists as they share secrets, insights, and the inspiration behind some of the greatest animated movies the world has ever known!« less
Lyn O. (LynzieLouToo) from FORESTON, MN Reviewed on 2/21/2023...
Wonderfully warm and enjoyable! Great information on these two men and how they contributed to the success of Disney Studios. Funny, insightful, and quality production directed by Franks son who had firsthand knowledge of these two men's lives!
Movie Reviews
A wonderful look into the lives of Frank and Ollie
R. M. Ballier | Southern California | 07/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful tale of 2 of Walt Disney's "nine old men". I had no idea that the two of them were as close as they were. Shot in a documentary-style, so the viewer has a sense of being their houseguest. Lifelong friends, who shared the same career, and very similar, and disimilar life experiences. This film is for anyone who truly appreciates classic animation. By the end of the film, I understood their artistic motivations, as well as their struggles and triumphs. I also got some insight into their relationship with Walt(Disney), and how his death affected them. A truly wonderful film. I own a copy, and highly recommend it."
For animation buffs, it doesn't get any better than this!
Stewart | Raleigh, N.C. | 11/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Frank and Ollie" is the most fasinating documentary I've ever seen. It takes a look at two of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men," Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, from their early years at Disney in the 1930s to their everlasting friendship today. I am amazed at how they were able to get the expressions, emotions, and feelings on the characters they animated. They made faces to get the expressions of the characters, acted them out, and asked what the characters were thinking, and why were they feeling that way. This documentary kept a big smile on my face right from the beginning. I love documentaries about movies of all genres, and about the people who make them. This is no exception. It is very informative, affectionate, and heart-warming. This is a real and rare treat for serious animation buffs, or fans of Disney in general."
The Original Odd Couple of Animation!
Steve Panozzo (nozint@ozemail.com.a | Sydney, Australia | 05/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Without sounding hackneyed, this cute little story about The Odd Couple of feature animation is at once uplifting, charming and heartwarming. As a cartoonist I found myself inspired, informed and - most importantly - appreciative of Frank Thomas' and Ollie Johnson's places in our hearts and memories. Much, much better than a home movie by Frank Thomas' son, Frank & Ollie is guaranteed to leave you reaching for your pencil with a huge smile on your face."
Animation gold
B. Sueyoshi | Monterey Park, CA United States | 02/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had only seen the vhs version before and I really enjoyed it. Watching the DVD extras...Wow! There are some amazing pencil tests of classic Disney scenes, interviews with animators Glen Keane and Andreas Dejas on Frank and Ollie and some great old home movies of them during the Golden Age of Animation. Fantastic DVD!"