Disney Animator Mark Henn Interview and Drawing Class

I am going to admit that I have had the chance to do some true bucket list adventures in my life. One of those adventures that I honestly still can't believe happened was taking a drawing class with legendary Disney Animator Mark Henn. I get chills just typing this and not just because my drawing skills are non-existent.

Mark Henn was the directing animator and supervising animator of “Ariel” from The Little Mermaid!!!! But that is not all he has done! His work includes Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, Young Simba in The Lion King and the title character in Mulan and that is just a few of the projects. I looked up Mark's IMDb page and it is pretty much a giant list of all of my favorite Disney Movies. IMBd shows 35 animation credits for major Disney Movies!

Sitting down with Mark was one of those life moments you really can't believe is happening. He was so sweet, real and honest about what it has been like to work as a Disney animator for over 38 years. He has been at the heart of the industry changing from 2-D drawings to computer animation. He has seen how the industry has shifted from pencil and paper to mouse and computer and been able to adapt along the way. As I sat listening to Mark talk about continuing to live his passion I was so inspired as our own industry continues to change and shift quickly.

Instead of getting frustrated and quitting when the industry changed quickly Mark has been able to adapt and change with it. He now helps supervise Disney animators and carry the knowledge he learned from some of the old school Disney animators forward. He helps continue the Disney legacy and make sure that the characters continue to be amazing.

The Little Mermaid Walt Disney Signature Collection has officially released on digital TODAY – February 12, 2019

Mark your calendars.and is due to release on Blu-Ray/DVD February 26, 2019.

In honor of its 30^th anniversary, two-time Academy Award®-winner (Best Original Score and Best Original Song “Under the Sea,” 1989) “The Little Mermaid,” dives into the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection with all-new bonus features and a sing-along mode.

The Signature Edition of “The Little Mermaid” showcases its award-winning musical score and iconic songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” with a sing-along mode allowing you to accompany this beloved cast of characters on their journey.

Never-before-seen bonus features bring legendary composer Alan Menken and some of Disney’s most recognizable leading ladies together around a piano to reminisce, sing and celebrate “The Little Mermaid.”

The latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office” compares Walt and Ariel’s love of collecting treasures. Viewers will also receive an inside look at the “The Little Mermaid” cast in their original recording sessions, explore hidden treasures and fun facts from the film, and enjoy a special performance of “Part of Your World” by a cappella singing sensation DCapella.

Plus, fans will have access to hours of additional classic bonus features!

ALL-NEW BONUS FEATURES: *

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL

Sing-Along Mode – Sing along to the movie in this sing-along version of the film.

Alan Menken & the Leading Ladies Song – From the voice of a mermaid to the tunes of a muse, the music of Alan Menken has scored the soundtrack for some of Disney’s most iconic leading ladies. Join Alan, Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas Singing Voice), Lillias White (Calliope) and Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel)as we celebrate the music of their films in honor of the one that started it all … “The Little Mermaid.”  In this discussion, the ladies will share their memories of musically creating their characters with Alan, discuss what it means to be part of the Disney Princess/leading lady legacy and create new memories as they sing with Alan around a baby grand piano.

“What I Want From You…Is YOUR VOICE” – Enter the recording studio and get an inside look at the cast of “The Little Mermaid” in their original recording sessions.

Stories From Walt’s Office – Gadgets & Gizmos – Like Ariel, Walt Disney was a collector of many different things from miniatures to early mechanical characters that inspired the invention of audio-animatronics. We take a look at some the collections that Walt kept in his office in the third episode of this series.

#TreasuresUntold – Join Ruby Rose Turner and Olivia Sanabia from the Disney Channel Original Series “Coop and Cami Ask the World” as they take a deep dive to explore some hidden treasures and fun facts about Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

DCapella “Part of Your World” Music Video

Classic Bonus Features – revisit four exciting bonus features from previous releases including:

Deleted Character: Harold The Merman

Under The Scene: The Art Of Live Action Reference

Howard’s Lecture

Audio Commentary With Ron Clements, John Musker and Alan Menken

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVES

“Part of Your World” - A 30-Year Retrospective – Songwriter Alan Menken and Jodi Benson, the acting and singing voice of Ariel, sing the epitome of Disney “I Want” songs “Part of Your World” and discuss its impact since it was first heard 30 years ago.

Classic Bonus Features – Over 3 additional hours of previously released classic bonus features including Deleted Scenes, Easter Eggs, Music Videos and more!

*Bonus features may vary by retailer

Disney paid for my travel expenses to attend the press event in Los Angeles, CA for Ralph Breaks the Internet. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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