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Walt Disneys Bambi. The story and the film.
Text and artwork from the animated film "Bambi" unfold the story of the deer who grows up to be King of the Forest and reveal the creative struggles and victories behind the making of the movie.
- GenresArtNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1990
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About the author
Ollie Johnston
11 books15 followersOliver Martin Johnston, Jr. (October 31, 1912 – April 14, 2008) was an American motion picture animator. He was one of Disney's Nine Old Men, and the last surviving at the time of his death from natural causes. He was recognized by The Walt Disney Company with its Disney Legend Award in 1989. His work was recognized with the National Medal of Arts in 2005.
He was an animator at Walt Disney Studios from 1935 to 1978, and became a directing animator beginning with Pinocchio , released in 1940. He contributed to most Disney animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , Fantasia and Bambi . His last full work for Disney came with The Rescuers , in which he was caricatured as one of the film's characters, the cat Rufus.
He was an animator at Walt Disney Studios from 1935 to 1978, and became a directing animator beginning with Pinocchio , released in 1940. He contributed to most Disney animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , Fantasia and Bambi . His last full work for Disney came with The Rescuers , in which he was caricatured as one of the film's characters, the cat Rufus.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 10, 2020
Another very good book giving insight into the production of a classic Disney animated film. What makes this one particularly insightful is that the text was written by two of the key animators on Bambi (Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas). It is fascinating reading about the trials and tribulations which came with making the film and how they flushed out issues with plot and animation. Although lost to the past, I am now very curious to see how the originally-intended cut of close to 2 hours would have looked. Eliminating a third of the film clearly made economic sense at the time seeing the company’s financial situation but one can now only wonder what it would have added to the film. I presume it would have bored children but also added some poetic scenes and majestic landscapes from Ty Wong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2016
This is definitely one of the best 'making of' books I've read, and a must-have for anyone interested not only in the film, but also in just how Disney functioned as a studio when it was first starting out. "Bambi" was in production for a long seven years, and each one is documented here. The art and explanations for many of the techniques are quite incredible, and the interviews with Walt himself really showcase his talents as a natural storyteller and businessman.
My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that I wish that the third section (with the concept art) had been longer.
My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that I wish that the third section (with the concept art) had been longer.
August 17, 2025
Walt Disney's Bambi, brought to life by the visionary work of Walt Disney himself and two of his "Nine Old Men," animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, is a masterpiece of animation and storytelling that has captivated audiences for generations. Published as a book in 1942, coinciding with the release of the animated film, Bambi is more than just a children's story; it's a poignant exploration of life, loss, and the cyclical nature of the natural world.
The book, with its elegant prose and deep connection to the source material—Felix Salten's 1923 novel, *Bambi, a Life in the Woods*—offers a rich and nuanced narrative. It follows the life of a young fawn named Bambi, from his timid first steps to his eventual ascension as the Great Prince of the Forest. The story is a series of vignettes that beautifully illustrate the challenges and triumphs of growing up in the wilderness. It introduces us to iconic characters like the carefree Thumper and the shy Flower, but it's the underlying themes of survival and the harsh realities of the natural world that truly set it apart.
The film, however, elevates the story to an entirely different level. As one of Disney's early feature-length animated films, it showcases a revolutionary approach to animation. Thomas and Johnston, along with the rest of the animation team, created a world that felt alive. The forest itself is a character, with its lush backgrounds and intricate details, bringing a sense of place and atmosphere that is simply breathtaking. The animators studied real deer and other animals to create movements that were not only realistic but also imbued with a powerful emotional depth. The characters, from the curious and innocent Bambi to the wise and majestic Great Prince, are incredibly expressive, conveying a wide range of emotions without the need for extensive dialogue.
The film's most powerful moments are also its most heartbreaking. The famous scene of Bambi's mother's death is a landmark moment in cinematic history, a profound and devastating depiction of loss that has left an indelible mark on audiences. This scene, and others that follow, deal with themes of grief and mortality in a way that is both honest and sensitive, a testament to Disney's willingness to explore complex emotions in a medium often reserved for lighthearted fare.
While the film is celebrated for its artistic and emotional depth, it has not been without its critics. Some have found its pace slow and its structure episodic, lacking a clear villain or conflict in the traditional sense. However, this is precisely what makes Bambi so unique. The "villain" is not a single character, but rather the ever-present and unseen threat of man, a force that both shapes and destroys the lives of the forest creatures. This gives the film a sense of real-world tension that resonates deeply with its audience.
In conclusion, both the book and the film of Bambi are essential works of art. The book offers a deeper dive into the philosophical and literary aspects of the story, while the film is an unparalleled achievement in animation and emotional storytelling. The collaborative genius of Walt Disney, Frank Thomas, and Ollie Johnston created a timeless classic that continues to resonate today. Bambi is a beautiful and poignant reminder of the fragility of nature, the resilience of life, and the enduring power of family and friendship. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the art of animation and a timeless tale of growing up.
The book, with its elegant prose and deep connection to the source material—Felix Salten's 1923 novel, *Bambi, a Life in the Woods*—offers a rich and nuanced narrative. It follows the life of a young fawn named Bambi, from his timid first steps to his eventual ascension as the Great Prince of the Forest. The story is a series of vignettes that beautifully illustrate the challenges and triumphs of growing up in the wilderness. It introduces us to iconic characters like the carefree Thumper and the shy Flower, but it's the underlying themes of survival and the harsh realities of the natural world that truly set it apart.
The film, however, elevates the story to an entirely different level. As one of Disney's early feature-length animated films, it showcases a revolutionary approach to animation. Thomas and Johnston, along with the rest of the animation team, created a world that felt alive. The forest itself is a character, with its lush backgrounds and intricate details, bringing a sense of place and atmosphere that is simply breathtaking. The animators studied real deer and other animals to create movements that were not only realistic but also imbued with a powerful emotional depth. The characters, from the curious and innocent Bambi to the wise and majestic Great Prince, are incredibly expressive, conveying a wide range of emotions without the need for extensive dialogue.
The film's most powerful moments are also its most heartbreaking. The famous scene of Bambi's mother's death is a landmark moment in cinematic history, a profound and devastating depiction of loss that has left an indelible mark on audiences. This scene, and others that follow, deal with themes of grief and mortality in a way that is both honest and sensitive, a testament to Disney's willingness to explore complex emotions in a medium often reserved for lighthearted fare.
While the film is celebrated for its artistic and emotional depth, it has not been without its critics. Some have found its pace slow and its structure episodic, lacking a clear villain or conflict in the traditional sense. However, this is precisely what makes Bambi so unique. The "villain" is not a single character, but rather the ever-present and unseen threat of man, a force that both shapes and destroys the lives of the forest creatures. This gives the film a sense of real-world tension that resonates deeply with its audience.
In conclusion, both the book and the film of Bambi are essential works of art. The book offers a deeper dive into the philosophical and literary aspects of the story, while the film is an unparalleled achievement in animation and emotional storytelling. The collaborative genius of Walt Disney, Frank Thomas, and Ollie Johnston created a timeless classic that continues to resonate today. Bambi is a beautiful and poignant reminder of the fragility of nature, the resilience of life, and the enduring power of family and friendship. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the art of animation and a timeless tale of growing up.
April 4, 2022
I've always been fascinated by early Disney films and the achievements of so many people. This book by two of "The Nine Old Men" of the Disney Studios is a wonderful insight into the making of the film, Bambi.
1) The first section outlines the story of Bambi to show sketches, themed paintings and inspirations for bits of the narrative from start to finish. At first I thought this a bit of a waste but thinking about it, what would I have done? I have to admit, exactly the same. This way you see what led to the finished story and the many ways, twists and turns to get there
2) The second half tells of the progress of the film from it's rough beginnings to the polished end product and unforgettable film. Because Thomas and Johnston were there they add anecdotes and behind the scenes stories as well as using minutes from meetings. It's amazing to hear of artists and see their works which were never used. I've discovered a few I musty now explore further.
3) There's a flipbook enclosed with this book which has four parts of the Bambi tale in black and white and which show brilliant characterisation and action in still images!
1) The first section outlines the story of Bambi to show sketches, themed paintings and inspirations for bits of the narrative from start to finish. At first I thought this a bit of a waste but thinking about it, what would I have done? I have to admit, exactly the same. This way you see what led to the finished story and the many ways, twists and turns to get there
2) The second half tells of the progress of the film from it's rough beginnings to the polished end product and unforgettable film. Because Thomas and Johnston were there they add anecdotes and behind the scenes stories as well as using minutes from meetings. It's amazing to hear of artists and see their works which were never used. I've discovered a few I musty now explore further.
3) There's a flipbook enclosed with this book which has four parts of the Bambi tale in black and white and which show brilliant characterisation and action in still images!
July 21, 2023
This is another book I looked at a bunch as a kid, but only read now as an adult. It's a strange book - the first half is a novelized version of the film Bambi (it would have made more sense to me to include the actual screenplay, or the complete storyboards, or the original novel by Felix Salten) supplemented with lots of concept art from the film. The second half is Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas's recollections of working on Bambi - a sort of oral history of the seven-year process of making the film, again supplemented with concept art and the occasional animation drawing. It's a miracle this film was ever created.
June 6, 2025
Love the book! Bambi is my favourite Disney film!
November 3, 2013
This book is for you if:
1. You love Disney
2. You love art, paintings, drawings, sketches, etc
3. You love movie making and the process of creating something from nothing
4. You love Bambi
This book enters the creators' minds at the time that they made Bambi. Giving insights into the story line, explaining characters and gaps in the movie, this book is awesome for any fan of Bambi. But this book also goes into character creation, concept development, and includes a ton of art that either inspired or was created for the movie. Definitely one of my favorites, because I fall under all 4 of the above categories.
1. You love Disney
2. You love art, paintings, drawings, sketches, etc
3. You love movie making and the process of creating something from nothing
4. You love Bambi
This book enters the creators' minds at the time that they made Bambi. Giving insights into the story line, explaining characters and gaps in the movie, this book is awesome for any fan of Bambi. But this book also goes into character creation, concept development, and includes a ton of art that either inspired or was created for the movie. Definitely one of my favorites, because I fall under all 4 of the above categories.
April 28, 2015
This was fantastic! I learned so much from this book about the film that I didn't know already, and the fect that it was written by two of my favourite animators was just a big bonus :) I loved getting further back story on the strike, the art direction and how the artists overcame the difficulties of drawing these anatomically/beautifully done animals.
September 6, 2013
A wonderful book for a wonderful classic and piece of art film, I really enjoy the book fully.
لم ينتهِ السحر بانتهاء الكتاب، فلازالت تحفة ديزني "بامبي" خالدة حتى الآن..
أحببت الكتاب كثيرا.
لم ينتهِ السحر بانتهاء الكتاب، فلازالت تحفة ديزني "بامبي" خالدة حتى الآن..
أحببت الكتاب كثيرا.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews