Treasure Planet, 2002
A great collection of original production animation drawings for sale from the Walt Disney feature film.
Original production animation drawing of John Silver in graphite, blue, and red pencils from "Treasure Planet," 2002, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered JS51 in graphite pencil lower right; Animation ladder upper right; Size - John Silver: 6 x 11", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original production animation drawing of Billy Bones in graphite and red pencils from "Treasure Planet," 2002, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered BB45 in graphite pencil lower right; Animation ladder upper right; Size - Billy Bones: 5 1/4 x 11", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original production animation drawing of John Silver in graphite, blue, and red pencils from "Treasure Planet," 2002, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered JS51 in graphite pencil lower right; Animation ladder upper right; Size - John Silver: 6 x 11", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed.​
Disney’s Treasure Planet (2002) is one of the studio’s most ambitious and visually innovative animated films. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the creative duo behind The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, the film reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island as a science fiction adventure set in outer space. Blending elements of 18th-century seafaring lore with futuristic technology, Treasure Planet creates a distinctive “retro-futuristic” world where sailing ships glide among the stars. A fantastic reinterpretation of a classic American story.
The story follows Jim Hawkins, a rebellious but gifted teenager who discovers a map leading to the legendary Treasure Planet, said to contain the riches of a thousand worlds. He joins the crew of the space galleon R.L.S. Legacy under the command of Captain Amelia, where he meets the ship’s cyborg cook, John Silver. Over the course of their journey, Jim and Silver develop a complex father-son bond that forms the emotional heart of the film. Their relationship—rooted in trust, betrayal, and mutual respect—helps Jim mature into a confident young man. Through this central connection, Treasure Planet explores themes of identity, mentorship, and personal growth, setting it apart from more conventional animated adventures.
Visually, Treasure Planet was groundbreaking in its use of animation technology. The filmmakers combined traditional hand-drawn characters with 3D computer-generated environments using a method they called the “70/30 rule,” resulting in a seamless and dynamic visual experience. Disney also employed its Deep Canvas technology, previously developed for Tarzan (1999), to allow 2D characters to move fluidly through three-dimensional spaces. The film’s imaginative world design—mixing old-fashioned pirate ships with alien planets and glowing nebulae—made it one of the most visually stunning animated features of its time.
The film’s music, composed by James Newton Howard, complements the sense of adventure with sweeping orchestral themes, while rock songs by John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, including “I’m Still Here,” give voice to Jim’s emotional struggles and youthful spirit. Together, the visuals and music create a tone that is both epic and deeply personal.
Despite its artistic achievements, Treasure Planet was a commercial disappointment upon release. Its high production costs, limited marketing, and the rise of computer-animated films from studios like Pixar and DreamWorks contributed to its poor box office performance. However, over the years, the film has gained recognition as an underrated masterpiece. Critics and fans alike have come to appreciate its innovative design, heartfelt storytelling, and emotional resonance, elevating it to cult classic status within the Disney canon.
Ultimately, Treasure Planet stands as a bold experiment that pushed the boundaries of traditional animation. By merging a timeless adventure story with visionary science fiction imagery, Disney created a film that remains both technically remarkable and emotionally rich. Though overlooked in its time, it endures as a testament to the studio’s creativity and willingness to take risks—a visually dazzling and deeply human story about growing up, finding one’s place, and charting one’s own course among the stars.
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