The Secret of NIMH

The Secret of NIMH (alternatively spelled "The Secret of N.I.M.H.") is an 1982 animated film adaptation of the Newbery-winning book Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, written by American author Robert C. O'Brien. The title of the movie was later used for newer editions of the book. It was directed by Don Bluth, produced by Aurora Pictures, and released by United Artists. It had the tagline: Right before your eyes and beyond your wildest dreams.

Comments and criticisms on the film

The film garnered critical acclaim for being one of the most vibrantly animated films ever made. This is surprising considering a handful of independent animators led by Don Bluth animated the entire film in a garage over the course of two years. The film was Bluth's answer to the growing lack of quality in feature animation predominantly released by Disney. Bluth believed the old techniques were being abandoned in favor of cheaper ones, and the only way animation could survive was to redeploy traditional production methods. Bluth and a few other animators left Disney to prove this. Bluth subsequently deployed many techniques used by Disney in legendary feature animations such as Sleeping Beauty, and experimented with several new techniques.

Related Topics:
Garage - Disney - Sleeping Beauty

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Despite good reviews, the film only did moderately well in the box office. The film was released at about the same time as the Steven Spielberg blockbuster E.T.. A major dispute between Aurora Productions, the studio which financed NIMH, and United Artists which had bought Aurora prior to the film's release and added scheduling and marketing difficulties, may also have affected NIMH's commercial success.

Related Topics:
Box office - Steven Spielberg - E.T. - United Artists

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Nevertheless, the movie garnered a passionate cult following that arouse from its successful home video release and also made quite an impact to the animation world in general. Steven Spielberg loved the film so much that he insisted he work with Don Bluth to create An American Tail . Despite An American Tails greater financial success, many consider The Secret of NIMH Bluth's best work.

Related Topics:
Cult following - Home video - An American Tail

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