Person, His Work and its Historical/Cultural Context.
Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in Chicago and passed away on December 15, 1966. He is known for his incredible animation productions for children, along with many other forms of entertainment and business, which will carry his influence forever. You can find a timeline of his creations in this link: http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/about-disney/disney-history. After partnering up with his brother in Los Angeles, and years of hard work, Disney released "Steamboat Willie" in 1928. The first cartoon to include a synchronized soundtrack. This was also the first cartoon released starring the Iconic Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This instant classic changed the entertainment business permanently. Until this, all other animations were for the most part silent. This production fit the culture at this time, because it was fast passed and fun. World War I had just ended and it was a time of American innovation and expansion in all fields from entertainment to machinery. Walt Disney was at the forefront of entertainment innovation with his inclusion of the synchronized soundtrack accompanying "Steamboat Willie". .
II. Reactions to the Work .
Walt Disney's Innovative idea to synchronize a soundtrack to his first Mickey Mouse movie "Steamboat Willie" was a huge success and loved by people of all ages. "A jubilant Walt wangled a two week engagement for the film at New York's Colony Theatre, and it was an instant hit. Audiences loved it." (Watts S. #30). Today people are still in love with Walt Disney productions. Most of all of his movies have been re-mastered for better sound quality and picture for today's audience. The fact that his work is still relevant 80 years after his first production is proof of the impact his movies had on people, they loved them. Proof of this love came immediately after the release of "Steamboat Willie".