Disney’s Zenimation is what you need to calm down today
"Tune in to tune out."
Disney+ released a new series from the Walt Disney Animation Studios called Zenimation today. As the title of the project alludes to, it’s a combination of the words “animation” and “zen” which put together means that this type of animation is meant to induce a more meditative state, and therefore, a more relaxed you.
The short-form animated series was led by Disney Animation editor David Bess, but unlike the other animated shorts that Disney releases that are filled with dialogue and flashy action, these short videos are filled with landscapes and soundscapes from Disney’s animated features.
Episodes are categorized by feelings and nature-filled you’d like to retreat to: Water, Serenity, Cityscapes, and more.
Per the announcement, “Unplug, relax, and refresh your senses for a moment of mindfulness with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Zenimation’ – an animated soundscape experience. Whether it’s baby Moana being called by the ocean, Anna and Kristoff walking through an icy forest, or Baymax and Hiro Hamada flying over San Fransokyo, these iconic scenes become an aural experience like no other with the sounds of ocean waves, an icy forest and soaring flight. “Zenimation” pays tribute to both the visual and sound artists who have created Walt Disney Animation Studios’ legacy of films.”
As you’ll see, these 5-8 minute animated shorts isn’t entirely original animation, but repurposed to show montages of places and scenes taken from the studio’s animated feature films. For example, you’ll experience a flyover of San Fransokyo from “Big Hero 6” but instead of hearing Baymax, you’ll hear the wind blowing through as if you were flying over the beautiful city. Or perhaps you’ll be found in the snowscapes of Arendelle from “Frozen” and hear the howling of the icy peaks.
It’s ASMR meets the artistry of Disney Animation in a lot of ways. So while you will come away with appreciating that art more, Zenimation is a new form of entertainment perfectly positioned to calm us down during these crazy times. As you tune in, feel free to tune out.
You can watch all 10 of the short-form episodes exclusively on Disney+ right now. Enjoy and enjoy the Disney magic that is rest!
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Zenimation Episode Guide
Water
Explore the sea with Moana, Ariel and Elsa.
Cityscapes
Visit New Orleans, Mt. Olympus, San Fransokyo and Atlantis.
Discovery
Discover the world around you with Elsa, Tarzan, and Rapunzel.
Flight
Fly with Aladdin and Jasmine, Baymax and Hiro, & Cody and Marahuté.
Explore
Explore new places with Judy Hopps, baby Moana and Aurora.
Night
Gaze at the night sky with Tiana, Rapunzel, and Jim Hawkins.
Nature
Take in the beauty of nature with Simba, Pocahontas, and Tarzan.
Serenity
Have a moment of calm with Belle, Mulan and Gramma Tala.
Water Realms
Surf with Lilo, cross the Dark Sea with Elsa, & restore the heart of Te Fiti with Moana.
Levity
Have a laugh with Flash the Sloth, Stitch and Baymax.
