Animation
The film was made in CGI although Tangled was modeled on the traditional look of oil paintings on canvas.
Because (former) director Glen Keane wanted this to be an animated movie that looked and felt like a traditional hand-drawn Disney Classic in 3D, he first had a seminar called "The Best of Both Worlds", where he, with 50 Disney animators (CGI artists and traditional artists), focused on the pros and cons of each style. Due to limitations in computer technology, many basic principles of animation used in traditionally animated movies have been absent in CGI films; but because of recent advancements, it is now becoming possible to blend the two, utilizing the strengths of each. Keane has stated numerous times that he is trying to make the computer "bend its knee to the artist" instead of having the computer dictate the artistic style and look of the film. By making the computer become as "pliable as the pencil," Keane's vision of a "three dimensional drawing" seems within reach, with the artist controlling the technology. Because many of the techniques and tools that were required to give the film the quality Keane demanded of it didn't exist when the project was started, WDFA had to make them on their own. Keane said, "There’s no photoreal hair. I want luscious hair, and we are inventing new ways of doing that. I want to bring the warmth and intuitive feel of hand-drawn to CGI."
One of the main goals of the animators was to create movement that mimicked the soft fluidity of the hand-drawn art found in older Disney animated classics. Keane credited Disney 3D animator Kyle Strawitz with helping to combine CGI with the traditional hand-drawn style.
The CGI rperesented some difficulties. Especially the hair turned out to be a challange. As late as in January 2010, the directors were still not sure if it was going to work with a hair that long. The problems were finally solved in March.
Take a trip with Tangled as the filmmakers introduce you to the intricately animated world of Rapunzel and Flynn! Featuring production design by Doug Rogers, art direction by Dave Goetz, and visual development by Victoria Ying.
Related posts:
Rapunzel - original fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm
Rapunzel: name and story origins
Tangled - Official Trailers