Disney Guy Review - The Sword in the Stone

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Awesome analysis. Love how much detail you put into your reviews.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Micah Buzan Thank you! It takes a lot of time and research, but its the details that help make the videos what they are, glad you like em!

[@CaitCher]

I love how the lesser known Disney films made it into the Kingdom Hearts video games. It's such nostalgia. Also, they still do the sword thing in Magic Kingdom in Florida. I've seen it.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

Agreed! I really wish KH3 had included, Sword in the Stone world!

[@leannezezeski-sass2773]

Yeah I remember doing the sword thing when I was a kid at Disney world, I didn't pull it out though, I remember it being really hard to get out

[@CaitCher]

@@leannezezeski-sass2773 isn't it at random?

[@LoverofLiszt]

So the story of Chanteclair the rooster were put away for the Sword in the Stone? I guess a certain Don Bluth, brought to Disney in 1957 to work on Sleeping beauty, found the story good enough since he made Rock-A-Doodle in 1991.

[@MrGabeanator]

Haha

[@MrGabeanator]

rockadoodle was crap though or so they say

[@princealarming85]

This is an interesting example of a Disney film which personally I don't find to be their best work, yet in spite of that I do enjoy this film more than a handful of others that are more widely known. Jungle Book and Dumbo for example aren't exactly among my favorite films and only get a watch from me when I watch all of the Disney films I grew up with in the order that they were made. Sword in the Stone however I enjoy more than those films I think largely because of the characters; especially Merlin, Madame Mim, and Archimedes. The scene where Archimedes is laughing hysterically at the model plane crashing into the moat makes me laugh just as hard from his voice alone. When I was younger it used to annoy me so much that Arthur's voice was constantly changing throughout the film, that is until I hit puberty myself and my voice would crack mercilessly for the next 2 or 3 years. Since then that's how I viewed Arthur going through just that, making his ever changing voice more sympathetic and relate-able from my perspective.

[@NoOne00]

Your reviews are the best, it's so well thought out and I can tell that you've put a lot of effort into it. I also love your delivery, it makes it feel like a story!

[@Lioness006]

I LOVE The Sword in the Stone! It's one of my fave Disney Classics!

[@DiegoDiaz-rs4ej]

Full Voice Actor List Ricky Sorensen: Teenage Arthur? - Richard Reitherman: Big Kid Arthur? - Robert Reitherman: Cute Kid Arthur? - Carl Swenson: Merlin - Junius Matthews: Archimedes - Sebastian Cabot: Sir Ector - Norman Alden: Kay the Meanie Brother - Martha Wentworth: Madame Mim, A Female Squirrel - Barbara Jo Allen: A Maid - Alan Napier: Sir Pelinore - Thurl Ravenscroft: Black Bart - Jimmy McDonald: A Wolf - Ginny Tyler: A Female Squirrel

[@35183116]

This is such a underrated film. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@dustingriffith7399]

Here's a history fact, between both November 1963 and January 1964 when Walt Disney's THE SWORD AND THE STONE (1963) premiered on Christmas 1963, it was sad times in the early 1960s for the lost of two men, first was President John F. Kennedy for his assassination and second the original author T.H. White died from heart failure while being on a ship that was hitting for Greece, but he did see Walt Disney's animated film before his life was over.

[@dustingriffith7399]

So when I was a child, I enjoyed this animated classic and sometimes I said to himself the Disney studio could have made THE SWORD AND THE STONE as an animated film trilogy just to see how King Arthur rules his country and see what happens to him when he still wants Merlin by his side, but let's hope THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING can come true from the Disney Studios. Also I read the original book by T.H. White THE SWORD IN THE STONE (1938) it was so peaceful and full of fun excitement, believe me the book is great, it's the best book I ever read!

[@dustingriffith7399]

Also Disney's THE BLACK CAULDRON (1985) did borrow a few animated elements from THE SWORD AND THE STONE (1963) to be incorporated in the final film. Also ARTHUR (WART) and TARAN make a great friendship! 😆😂👌

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

Yay, I'm the first one here! And as always, great to see another video from you. I've never seen "The Sword in the Stone" and as a kid wasn't very interested because I was more use to the Golden age and Renaissance type Disney films, except for a few transvertional era ones. I have tried the sword thing as a kid at Disneyland, with little luck, I hope I'll find it if I ever visit again.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Isaiah Williams Yeah, honestly, this one missed my radar as a kid too, and I never tried pulling the sword, but it seems like the show was a good time

[@richardranke7878]

My favorite part of The Sword in the Stone was Merlin vs. Madam Mim in the wizards' duel.:-) I have since read T.H. White's original book and found it to have much more depth and character. However,if movies like many of Disney's films can inspire children like me to read the original books they are worthwhile in their way.

[@lovinglypromise]

I would like to hear a review about the Aristocats! Thats one of my favorites! But the one im looking forward to hear your review about is The Little Mermaid!!! You're so awesome and i wish you could be more popular! You deserve it!

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

+Corgi Bootie Thanks! And give it time, we'll get to all of them!

[@akaredrobranger]

M thoughts on the Sword in the Stone are highly recommended because it is a tale of King Arthur claim Excalibur out of it's resting place, songs are catchy and finally I love how Merlin is represented as Walt Disney because of his nose.

[@leighrmifan]

Wow. I'm almost a month late to the punch. This came out the exact day I left the country to go to Disney World. But yeah, The Sword in the Stone isn't exactly one of my favourite films by Disney. I still really enjoy some scenes like the Wizard's Duel and Higgetus Figgetus, but other scenes really drag and carry some pretty mean spirited feelings about them, such as the squirrel who fell in love with Arthur being forgotten about entirely. I haven't really much else to say about this film, it left such a small impact on me. This is probably the only Disney film I'm glad they're remaking in live action, because it would work better in live action than animation and because there are more areas you can take the story. I am grateful of the film's existence though, because of such iconic scenes, like Arthur pulling out the sword and iconic characters such as Merlin. Whenever I go to Disney World I always remember to visit the sword in the stone by Prince Charming's Carousel. I think you're misinformed about the show being cancelled in Orlando; when I was there, I saw it at least 3 times.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Straight White Cis Male Oppressive Shitlord Really? Bad info then, works for me!

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

This movie left a long lasting impact on me. Arthur's struggle, from being treated like shit, to having his own family finally see their son in a positive light(figuratively and metaphorically), this film really helped me grow as a teen and learned to tough it out for myself.

[@disneydork57]

I always felt so bad for that poor little girl squirrel. I wish Merlin could have turned her human so she could have been with Arthur.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

disneydork57 Yeah, that scene is sorta messed up. She's heartbroken and they just basically play it off as "hey, that's life." A little cold for Disney

[@disneydork57]

Joe The Disney Guy I guess in that sense it's one of the more realistic love stories in a Disney film, but still sad.

[@leannezezeski-sass2773]

It took me years to find out an anvil was a real thing that actually had a purpose, when I was a little kid I always used to see them in old cartoons like the roadrunner show and I asked my dad what it was and what it was used for. He told me it's called an anvil but it what just a thing that they made up for cartoons and didn't exist in real life lmao

[@darkstarmoonshadow]

Hey, I met Merlin at Disney World.

[@moontainbew5018]

it be nice if i hear 1 person just 1 that really liked this movie like i did. THis Aladdin/ The Return of Jafar, and RObin Hood is my fav movies. Of Disney. But as many hate this movie so bad. This to me is one of my tied favs its hard to pick of the 4 my favorite 2nd etc. Their just my favs to me this movie has a beautiful learning for Arthur to learn to use his brain and nto be like other rulers or other people but be smart and using his brain will in those times make him advance on others and endup become unknownly one of the best kings ever. Hate the movie or not the sugar arthur and merlin is so awesome. I Love it even if others hate it.

[@maxmantell5009]

Pretty underrated film

[@MrGabeanator]

yep

[@maxmantell5009]

You should talk about lost/unfinished Disney movies like inferno or fraidy cat

[@leannezezeski-sass2773]

I never seen this movie as a kid, I'm going to go check it out now. I think I'll enjoy because I liked every Disney movie I watched on this list so far but I wish they made the rooster movie too, that would of been cool

[@DiegoDiaz-rs4ej]

I for one, see The Sword and the Stone as a mix-up of good and bad. wish I could like Arthur because of how cute he is, but as soon as I realized he had three voice actors, (each trading lines in the same scene nonetheless), it ended up confusing me. I'm unable to enjoy listening to his voice because I keep hearing a different version. And if I can't like the child character enough, it affects how I feel about the other characters. I wish I could sympathize with Arthur with how cruel his brother is, but that only makes me hate his brother. I guess my favorite character in this movie is Archimedes. Despite his temper, he actually shows more compassion to Arthur than any of the other characters combined! I suppose I like the dueling scene as well, enough for me to wish there could have been more animal transformations.

[@TANMAC43]

Got home from out of town for a week to find a new review! I personally always looked at The Sword in the Stone as an underrated Disney classic. I agree it's not great, but I still get a lot of laughs out of it and have loved it since I was a kid. Merlin is probably even my favorite character of this era. Great video as always! So I'm assuming the next video has something to do with the Disney parks?

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

TANMAC43 Probably a safe assumption....will just have to wait and see what exactly I have in store

[@GlenHallstrom]

Saw the Sword and The Stone presentation at Disneyland and actually got to participate in it (being a big 6-6/325 lb lummox, they tapped me to make the first try). Great memories.

[@albmartinez314]

In regards to the show, yes, its still over here in CA. At least in the past when I've gone it has been there. I think there is only one a day though.

[@1992disney]

When will you upload The Jungle Book next?

[@animationnerd2748]

Yes my all time favorite Disney movie

[@LunaticReason]

Probably isn't as a cherished Disney film for others but it was for me. Little girls had their disney princesses to look up or relate to. As a young boy it was Wart for me because he was such a poor weak little runt but had a good heart with such grand dreams, no one would expect someone like that to have such a big destiny.

[@Blueballthornton]

Personal opinion, after jungle book you should skip to the Disney Renaissance. Because everything that happened between jungle book and little mermaid was Disney's dark age.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

+brett2tt Ah, but we have to experience the low times to truly experience and appreciate the Renaissance!

[@Blueballthornton]

eh, fair enough, good point.

[@animationnerd2748]

And he’ll forget to talk about the the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh

[@thomashuffman3237]

For me, the weakest scene in this movie was the pike attack, because Arthur still had to be saved, instead of getting out of the scrape through his own merits. Obviously, the lesson is "brains overcomes brawn", but, in my opinion, Jungle Book and Aladdin taught that lesson better.

[@CCRoxtar]

1:37 Disney was producing a version of the Chanticleer tale at the same time as Sword in the Stone? Hmmmm, I wonder if that eventually inspired Don Bluth to produce his own take on it (Rock-a-Doodle).

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

+Collins Crapo I've always assumed that, yeah. I actually didn't know much about the Chanticleer project before researching it for this review and I continual kept thinking of Rock A Doodle, and seeing as Bluth worked for Disney before branching out on his own, it's not unreasonable to believe he may have seen concepts and wanted to bring his spin on the idea to life

[@SuperDisneyFan15]

What are your thoughts on "Rock a Doodle" anyway, Joe?

[@TherealRNOwwfpooh]

Most likely, since right after his working on _Bambi_ & _Fox & the Hound_ he left. Even his most successful (with 13+ sequels to its credit) franchise _The Land Before Time_ (despite the fact that Don Bluth only directed the more somber 1988 original [somber because of its tone considering Littlefoot's mother dies literally on-screen in comparison to Bambi's mother being shot off-screen, lack of songs excluding the "If We Hold On Together" ending credits by Diana Ross & of course, beyond the scope of the film, what happened to Ducky's original child actress Judith Eva Barsi, as she was unjustly murdered by her scummy father in a double-murder suicide exactly 4th months before the film hit theaters, shortly following her 10th birthday] & is far away from any connection regarding the musical sequels), had elements from those movies peppered in. For example, _Littlefoot_ - as the last Apatosaurus/Brontosaurus of his kind according to the original film (the sequels adding several new "longnecks" notwithstanding, as well as introducing fans to Littlefoot's absentee father Bron & his own herd, too) - shying away from the other prehistoric animals is mimicking _Bambi_ doing the same when all of the forest animals come to greet him (since Bambi is the crown prince of the forest, after all).

[@annnee6818]

I agree with you. I don't mind the sword in the stone but I feel it almost only consists of cute little side plots, like the animal transformations and the wizards duel, which just doesn't get me going. A lot of creativity though.

[@matthewcline2728]

Awesome review once again. I'm so glad that there wasn't a direct-to-video sequel for this one. Praise God! Anyway, I saw part of this on Netflix last year. Definitely a little better than I remembered. Well, I look forward to seeing you review more Disney animated films in the future, however soon that may be.

[@matthewcline2728]

Just curious, how soon do you plan to get to Jungle Book if you don't mind me asking?

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

+Matthew Cline Well, now that work is finally calming down a bit, I should be getting back to a more consistent schedule. I plan on doing a lot of legwork this weekend, so hopefully you'll have a new review in a week or two

[@matthewcline2728]

Awesome!

[@TheMormonSorceress]

Merlin has always been one of my favorite Disney characters due to how funny and wise he is. But what's really funny at lest for me is that every time I watch this movie I always have to make some Monty Python jokes in it.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

TheMormonSorceress He's definitely a very Monty Python-esque character so that doesn't surprise me

[@TheMormonSorceress]

It's almost impossible not to do a Monty Python joke when ever anything from the Arthur legend is mentioned.

[@geo58impala]

One of my top favorites actually.

[@andrazprelec8263]

Same

[@TheAnimationAnalyst]

This is another Disney movie I remember watching a lot as a kid, mainly since it's my older sister's favorite Disney movie. I admit, it's hard for me to really say I care that much for the main story of the movie and the characters, but the reason I remember this movie so fondly is because of how funny it is at times. Specifically, Archimedes in general. Pretty much every part with Archimedes leads to either great memorable lines, or some really funny slapstick. The only things that really bother me, even when I first watched the movie, is Arthur constantly changing voices, and the reuse of animation at times. Other than that, I can't think of much to complain about with this movie, but also not much to give praise to. Then again, it's been a few years since I watched this movie. I should probably give it a rewatch at some point.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

TheAnimationAnalyst Always good to rematch, but I agree, I think the biggest issue with the film is that there's no huge high or low points. It's just sorta...there

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

***** In terms of cost differences, the big difference seemed to have been in casting more than anything else, granted I'm almost alright with them canning Chanticleer because it seemed like such a grand scale project that it really deserved to be given the Golden Age treatment, not the Silver Age. And I'll try to post more often! I already know August is gonna be a bear for me, so hoping to get some work done in July for you all

[@ashleigh1216]

I actually really liked this one, & it's a little hard for me to pin-point why. I guess I liked the casual, relaxed feel, & the individual lessons. I liked Merlin & Archimedes. Archimedes especially I found very interesting. He seems like a really one note pessimist until he becomes the teacher. Then we see him when he's passionate. I really like that about him. Other than that, I feel like I can just ignore the flaws.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Ash Mcg Honestly, I feel pretty similarly. As I mentioned in the review, I do like the movie and have watched it many a time, so clearly they did something right

[@Ahturos]

This is a very low stakes movie. A down to earth even with the magic. Merlin dose´t want to rely on it so atleast he is consistent with brains over brawn. I like this movie but I can aknowledge it may be a bit to small for the theatre. But it is nice growing up teaching people lessons about how a King could come from a stable boy like Wart.

[@luminabalderson3315]

This is a very interesting series. Just one question: will you cover any of the mostly live-action movies like Tron or Enchanted? (I mention Tron because it's one of the first movies to use CGI for effects, which works perfectly in-context of the film.) I'm curious to learn the history of both, and the making of the former.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

In time, definitely, I'm going to try to hit up as many movies as I can, but I wanna get through the Animated Classics first!

[@devoncook553]

I am so glad you are back! I love your videos immensely. But i will admit that sword in the stone is one of those films i never got into that much. I like things about it but its merely okay at best. But i think its fascinating at how Disney chose between chantecler and this film. Awesome video!

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Devon Cook Yeah, the behind the scenes story was really interesting for this film, specifically because of the rivalry and decision that had to be made between the two films

[@andrazprelec8263]

These is legit the most funny movie I have ever seen

[@MrGabeanator]

rewatching it tonight

[@CaptainRiterraSmith]

Ah yes, of all the Disney films betwixt the golden age and the Renaissance, this one gets mentioned the least. When trying to recall the hundreds of adaptations of the Authurian legend, Monty Python seems to get more attention. But for how obscure Sword in the Stone might be, I've seen it! So happens to be recorded from a broadcast to a VHS in my home, just like Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Anyway there are most certainly changes I would have made in the interest of pacing and tightening the story. Still the beating heart of character development and a fine moral get the passing grade.

[@MrGabeanator]

the sherman brothers may they RIP

[@gstone8255]

Why did Chanticleer require the services of big name hollywood actors ?

[@Kain5th]

Pretty amazing, i learned a lot of things i never knew!

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Doug E Awesome!

[@cliftoncoles6451]

My understanding is that The Sword in the Stone was meant to lay or considered for laying the groundwork for a TV series, hence the episodic approach, the sloppy animation style, and the abrupt ending. The final film is in basically three sections (the fish sequence, the squirrel sequence, and the Madam Mim sequence) each about the length of a half hour of television. I don't know whether this is true, but my thinking is that other adventures showing various aspects of Wart's education would have made up a half-hour animated TV show. That seems logical, but true or not, I do remember reading somewhere that Sword in the Stone was seriously considered for television.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

***** I haven't seen that anywhere, but I wouldn't be too shocked by it. As I said in the review, it did feel like we stopped halfway through, so who knows

[@Confident69]

I had a question. There's a quote in this movie that Merlin says. "Don't take gravity too lightly or it'll catch up to you." Does anyone here know what that means? I like the quote and probably has a deeper meaning.

[@MrsXanatrix]

I think The Sword in the Stone has a similar problem as Sleeping Beauty. The person who is supposed to be the main character (Arthur, Aurora)is overshadowed by their supporting cast to the point where it sseems as if they were the actual main characters. The german titleof The Sword in the Stone even is "Die Hexe und der Zauberer" (The Witch and the Wizard)

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

MrsXanatrix That's interesting about the German name. Yeah, it's hard to argue that Arthur was a more interesting character than Merlin, but at least he had some screen time, as opposed to Aurora

[@CalMusicReviews]

i've seen this movie a lot, and loved it as a kid, but to be honest, it's not as good as i remember it. the characters are great and incredibly enjoyable, but the animation is okay (and very blue) and the story is awkwardly paced. we don't need setup, we need squirrels! we don't need more villain, we need fish! to be fair, i still loved this movie, it just has un-ignorable problems. 8.5/10

[@jennatomashosky8624]

Was The Sword in the Stone ever rereleased to theaters?

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Jenna Tomashosky It actually was, twice. Not sure why I blanked on that while writing the review this time, I usually mention it. It was rereleased in 1972 and then shown as a joint feature with Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore in 1983

[@richardranke7878]

Thanks for the information. I remember seeing this in the theater-on Christmas Day,1963!:-)

[@phillipvance864]

Joe, I'm guessing that you also read Andreas Deja's blog "Deja-View" he had some interesting things to say about the animation in Sword in the Stone.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Deja-View is a fantastic resource for these videos. Definitely one of my favorite modern Disney artists

[@maxsherman3366]

The sword in the. Stone. Rivals Warner brothers. The quest for Camelot

[@maxmantell5009]

You should talk about Aladdin and everything after it

[@rkproductions7180]

Oh I'm excited to see what the next video is. Is it a theme park review?

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Ryan Kmetz Guess you'll just have to wait and see!

[@DisneyBros4ever]

Excellent review. I was hoping that you could do a review on the fox and the hound movie

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Anthony Bush Oh I will, when the time comes. We're actually inching closer and closer to that time period, which is crazy to me

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

Oddly handsomely fella

[@sirenasilverstorm2177]

I noticed that you use the dutch comic pictures from the donald duck and I like it because I am from the Netherlands

[@anthonybrunotheodd]

Hang on. If The Sword in the Stone was a box office success why did Walt kick Bill Pete off the Jungle Book for 'failing'? What gives?

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

I think in this case, failure was in the eye of the beholder. Yes it made money, but it wasn't critically acclaimed, and especially in his later years, I think that Walt craved making a great movie more than making a financially successful one

[@anthonybrunotheodd]

Thanks for clarifying that for me Joe! Your the man!

[@tlf1954]

Actually, I think Mr. Peet left of his own accord, allegedly over an argument with Walt over Bagheera's vocal casting.

[@disneyreviewsbymatt7663]

Can u do the black culdron and beauty and the beast please

[@CaitCher]

+Disney Reviews By Matt He'll eventually do it because he does the films in chronological order. Black Cauldron is coming up sometime after Winnie the Pooh, I believe, but Beauty and the Beast is still way down the line.

[@somethingsomething9008]

Im starting to notice disney films really took a long time to make

[@Confident69]

I think this is an underrated film. I don't think it is the best, but it's not bad. I like Merlin and the lessons learned. My problems are the leading up. Joe you're right. There's no lead up to madam min. Also the idea of calling the movie the sword in the stone was stupid because it's not mentioned throughout the film. Also while I like the lessons, there's no using them in a way. The lessons were to help Arthur as king yet we don't see Arthur but only a few minutes of him being King

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

Andrei Marquart That's what I as saying, it feels like the movie stops just as we're getting to the good part

[@forrestdupre5812]

Joe The Disney Guy I actually read the original book and it made alot more sense to me.

[@Scsigs]

Ah, interlaced video!

[@tevezcarlos412]

There is another opening and it is a lot better

[@dudenextdoor6663]

Great film!

[@yannickwekking1000]

Hehe its fun how at 13.11min the comic is in Dutch.

[@ZecoaTheDiesel]

The Sword in the Stone IMO is one of the weakest Disney's films for me. While I enjoy the Wizards duel, and Madam Mim, the rest of the movie just felt really dull and flat to me. The main problem with the movie is the story, we really don't get to see the Sword that much, it's just glanced over and forgot about until the movie. And what does nature and love have do to with Arthur learning to become a king? I mean I get it it's to prove he has to have brain as well as brawn, but at the same time did 'we' the audiences learned anything as much as he learned something from this? Also the animation is really dull, there's something that's just missing from it, and as much I love Mary Poppins and the Sherman Brothers, the songs are really forgettable, I remember the names, but I forgot the lyrics to them. So overall it's one of the weakest Disney film IMO.

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

ZecoaTheDiesel I definitely think that the amount of work put into Mary Poppins probably was a big detriment to this film. It's hard to try and be as passionate about the B project at the studio, which The Sword in the Stone sorta was

[@xr4ti548]

They should have went on a made Chanticleer instead. I think it would have been a much stronger film, The Sword in the Stone was rather weak and unmemorable compared to others in the Disney canon.

[@Seekarr]

Jason Schwartzman?

[@blackshadow8702]

The Sword in the stone had nice characters but not a very good story. A mediocre movie. 5.5/10

[@Nay089]

Merlin is one of my favorite Disney characters! Great review

[@JoeTheDisneyGuy]

youngcream89 Thank you!

[@cedricburkhart3738]

I thought the impression it gives you of medieval combat was dum and not funny at all.