Disney’s Tarzan swung onto screens in 1999 with a mix of striking animation, heartfelt storytelling, and a powerful soundtrack. Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel, the film reimagined the tale of a man raised by gorillas with emotional depth and visual innovation.
More than just a family favorite, Tarzan broke new ground in animation and music. From Phil Collins’ award-winning songs to cutting-edge technology behind the scenes, here’s a closer look at what made this Disney film truly unforgettable.
Fascinating Facts About Disney’s Tarzan
Disney’s “Tarzan” stands as a landmark in animation for its storytelling, technological innovation, and musical achievements. This adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic story brought new life to the tale of the boy raised by gorillas in the African jungle. Here are eleven interesting facts about Disney’s “Tarzan” that highlight the film’s unique qualities and its impact on animation:
- Innovative Animation: “Tarzan” featured groundbreaking animation techniques, particularly the use of “Deep Canvas,” a technology that allowed artists to create three-dimensional backgrounds.
- Phil Collins’ Soundtrack: The soundtrack, composed by Phil Collins, was critically acclaimed. The song “You’ll Be in My Heart” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
- Character Development: Animators studied real gorillas to create authentic movements and behaviors for the gorilla characters, particularly for Kala and Kerchak.
- Tarzan’s Movement: To animate Tarzan’s unique way of moving through the trees, animators took inspiration from skateboarders and surfers rather than traditional vine swinging.
- Voice Cast: Tony Goldwyn provided the voice for Tarzan, while Minnie Driver voiced Jane Porter. Glenn Close was the voice of Tarzan’s gorilla mother, Kala.
- Rosie O’Donnell’s Role: Comedian Rosie O’Donnell provided the voice for the character of Terk, Tarzan’s close gorilla friend.
- Critical and Commercial Success: “Tarzan” was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $400 million worldwide.
- Extensive Research: The production team went on a research trip to Africa to study landscapes and animals, which greatly influenced the film’s visual authenticity.
- No Tarzan Yell: The film is notable for not including Tarzan’s iconic yell, a staple of previous adaptations.
- Animation Firsts: “Tarzan” was the first Disney animated feature to open at number one at the box office since “Pocahontas” in 1995.
- A New Take on Jane: Jane Porter’s character was given more depth and intelligence compared to previous adaptations, making her a more integral part of the story.
These facts reflect the intricate artistry and creativity behind Disney’s “Tarzan,” showcasing how the film pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling, creating a memorable experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The Creation of Disney’s Tarzan
Disney’s Tarzan, released in 1999, stands as one of the studio’s most ambitious animated projects. It combined classic storytelling with major leaps in animation technology, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved on screen. Adapting Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic jungle hero into a Disney film was both a creative challenge and a technical milestone.
A New Direction for Disney Animation
Disney chose to adapt Tarzan to explore fresh narrative territory. The story of a boy raised by gorillas offered deep emotional themes—identity, family, and belonging—all set in a vivid jungle world. The filmmakers aimed to stay true to the spirit of the original story while bringing in Disney’s signature charm and musical storytelling.
Breaking Ground with Deep Canvas Technology
One of the biggest innovations in Tarzan was the introduction of Deep Canvas. This breakthrough allowed artists to create 3D-like backgrounds using traditional painting techniques layered in a digital space. It gave animators the ability to move the camera through scenes with depth and fluidity—perfect for Tarzan’s high-speed vine-swinging and treetop acrobatics.
This made the jungle come alive. Rather than a static background, it became an active, immersive setting that enhanced the storytelling. Few animated films at the time matched this level of visual depth and motion.
Music by Phil Collins: Emotion in Every Note
The music in Tarzan was more than just background—it helped tell the story. Disney brought in Phil Collins to write and perform original songs, adding a contemporary, heartfelt tone to the film. His tracks, like “Two Worlds,” “Son of Man,” and the Oscar-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” delivered emotional depth and broad appeal.
Unlike traditional musicals, where characters sing their emotions, Collins’ songs played as narration or underscoring, giving Tarzan a fresh musical approach that connected with both kids and adults.
Realistic Character Movement and Design
To make the characters believable, the animators did extensive research. They studied gorilla behavior to capture family dynamics, movement, and body language. Tarzan’s animation, in particular, stood out. His agile, almost parkour-like motion was inspired by real-life surfers and skateboarders.
This unique blend of animal instinct and human athleticism gave Tarzan a style all his own—fluid, expressive, and unlike any other Disney hero at the time.
A Legacy of Innovation and Heart
Tarzan was a creative triumph. It blended emotion, action, and cutting-edge visuals into a film that respected the source material while becoming something uniquely Disney. The combination of Deep Canvas animation, Phil Collins’ soundtrack, and emotionally grounded characters made it a standout hit in the late ’90s.
The film proved that Disney could continue to evolve while holding onto the values that made its classics timeless. Today, Tarzan remains a fan favorite, not just for its visuals or songs, but for how it told a deeply human story set in a wildly animated world.
Conclusion
Disney’s Tarzan stands out as more than just another animated film. With its groundbreaking animation, emotional soundtrack by Phil Collins, and heartfelt story about identity and belonging, it left a lasting mark on audiences and the animation world alike.
From the fluid character movement to the richly detailed jungle and powerful music, every element came together to create a film that still holds up today. Tarzan remains a bold and memorable chapter in Disney’s legacy.