Further romantic chapters in Disney's well-worn, singing storybook of familiar fairy tales. This one arrives late in the studio's golden period, as the creative staff is beginning to fragment, but the holdovers still know how to tap into the same old magic. Walt Disney was personally adamant that this film be wholly distinct from 1937's Snow White - with good reason, as the two share several crucial story elements - but I don't think it got there. It's a more proficient film, smoother and lovelier, better balanced, with a far more memorable foil, but in theme and appearance, there's just no escaping those similarities. That isn't a terrible thing, though; it's not like the Brothers Grimm never revisited the same fertile ground.

Creative direction is where Sleeping Beauty really distinguishes itself, anyway, with a unified art deco flourish flooding the scenery and an awesomely sinister edge to anything even remotely menacing. They really outdid themselves with the evil castle/sorcerer/stormclouds stuff this time around. Maleficent alone is a stunning figure, simple and refined, elegantly evil, instantly recognizable and believably intimidating despite her slight frame.

Excellent fantasy material with a touch of the whimsical, still beautiful after all this time, and the last chapter of an important era in animation history. A fond, carefully-orchestrated farewell.