Tarzan 1999 Archive __top__ -
To allow Tarzan to "surf" through the jungle at high speeds, Disney developed a revolutionary software called Deep Canvas
Tarzan 1999 Archive represents a collection of the history, technical breakthroughs, and creative assets behind Walt Disney Feature Animation's 37th animated classic
Tarzan (1999) Original Movie Posters - Posteritati Movie Poster Gallery Posteritati Tarzan - 1999 - Original Movie Poster – Art of the Movies Art of the Movies Art of Tarzan Character Design References
: Kala (the mother) survives in the film but dies in the book; the antagonist was changed from a lion to a leopard for biological accuracy. tarzan 1999 archive
One of the most striking aspects of the film was its innovative animation style, which blended traditional techniques with cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI). The animation team spent years developing new software to create the lush jungle environments and realistic character movements.
Have a lead on a lost Tarzan cel? Contact the author at archive@animationhistory.org.
: A deleted ending featured a high-stakes battle on a riverboat involving gunfire and explosions. Filmmakers cut it because they wanted the jungle itself, rather than human machinery, to be the cause of the villain Clayton’s demise. To allow Tarzan to "surf" through the jungle
Through the combination of corporate preservation and grassroots fan archivism, the technical triumphs and artistic beauty of Tarzan remain accessible to new generations of filmmakers and animation enthusiasts. Share public link
The physical archive of Tarzan is also defined by the sketches of legendary animator Glen Keane, who served as the supervising animator for the title character. Keane, famous for animating Ariel, the Beast, and Aladdin, wanted to reinvent how Tarzan moved.
Would you like a more detailed deep-dive on any of: production history, animation techniques (Deep Canvas), soundtrack and Phil Collins’ role, box-office breakdown, or comparisons to Burroughs’ original novels? Have a lead on a lost Tarzan cel
The Tarzan (1999) archive highlights the collaborative effort of a massive creative team: Kevin Lima and Chris Buck. Screenplay: Tab Murphy, Bob Tzudiker, and Noni White.
Before 1999, 3D backgrounds in traditional 2D animation were difficult to execute. Animators were largely restricted to flat, two-dimensional painted backgrounds that moved past the camera on a single plane. For Tarzan , directors wanted the camera to swoop, dive, and fly through the jungle alongside the protagonist as he "surfed" through the trees.
Early storyboards show different placements for Phil Collins' tracks, including versions where characters sang the lyrics traditionally, rather than having Collins serve as the external narrator.
Decades later, the physical VHS tapes and DVDs have largely vanished from living rooms, replaced by streaming algorithms. Yet, a passionate community of animation historians, cinephiles, and nostalgic millennials keep the film's legacy alive through digital preservation. A simple search for the opens a portal into a treasure trove of film history, showcasing how early internet culture and cutting-edge animation technology intersected at the turn of the millennium. 1. The Technological Milestone: Deep Canvas
Archival recordings found in London’s AIR Studios vaults include: