Waking Sleeping Beauty (2011)

Among a batch of fascinating (if sycophantic) documentaries recounting the behind-the-scenes development of the Disney animation studio (see Frank and Ollie and The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story) comes this 90 minute summary of the most fascinating few decades of private enterprise which shaped the face of popular culture. Following the death of Walt Disney this film recounts the fall and rise of the studio as it passed into outsider hands, with deaths, power-struggles and politics this story is fascinating enough to fill a book (Disney War.) This film also makes a compelling prequel to the slightly more lauded The Pixar Story.

Newsies (1992)

In spite of an initial negative reception, Newsies gained a passionate following upon its home release. Newsies is 90’s Disney’s answer to the likes of Oliver!, to Mary Poppins, to West Side Story with spacious sets and huge, choreographed set pieces. It follows in grand Broadway tradition by focussing on a story of social revolution, like Les Mis and Hamilton before, but stays true to its subject matter, the young newspaper-sellers of New York, by keeping all of the dancing and singing distinctly unpolished and gritty. Starring a fresh-faced Christian Bale, the film is the directorial debut of choreographer Kenny Ortega who would go on to direct other musical hits such as the High School Musical trilogy. The care taken by Ortega to showcase the physical talents of its cast makes it stand out from other contemporary musicals who appear to go out of their way to conceal their natural talents from the audience through ADHD editing and C(ats)GI. The film also features songs by an Alan Menkin during his prime Disney years, written right after Beauty and the Beast.

Moaning Lisa (1990)

30 series of the Simpsons are available to stream on Disney+ but don’t let that put you off. If you need reminding of the show’s immense power look no further than this first series episode which showcases the Simpson’s elder daughter Lisa. The reason this episode stands out is not because of the jokes but because of the drama. The episode wistfully captures the emotional turmoil of the big fish in the small pond, the tragedy of possessing a high emotional intelligence and being surrounded by small minds. We can’t get over the moving moment when Marge and her daughter as they reconcile at the denouement of the episode. Also, the music is really good.

Gravity Falls (2012 - 2016)

As good as long-form episodic science-fiction storytelling gets. Rather like a junior version of Rick and Morty, the show hilariously explores high concept fantasy in twenty-minute, bite-sized portions all told with a distinct, manic glee and an unquenchable optimism. The show is even produced by Alex Hirsh, a close friend of R&M co-creator Justin Roiland. Gravity Falls has an edge in that it links its adventures into a complex overarching plot, the series ended at the creators’ behest despite the studio’s requests for more episodes. It also stands as a very touching testament to the value of close brother-sister bonds with the main characters being inspired by Hirsh and his relationship with his own twin sister.

Cosmetics - The World According to Jeff Goldblum (2020)

If you’ve ever lost a few hours to the YouTube rabbit hole which is Jeff Goldblum doing interviews - with puppies, with Taika Waititi, with a wide-eyed veneer of faux-ignorance - as I have, then the news that Goldblum was going to be spearheading the National Geographic’s flagship Disney+ documentary series must have been an enticing one. Goldblum is entertaining no one more than himself in his old age which makes this investigative series a rather binge-able watch. In Cosmetics, Jeff grapples with his own vanity and explores the effects of makeup on performance, self-esteem and modern art all with an offbeat peculiarity which sets his series apart from the rest.