Discovering the Magic of Disney’s Multiplane Camera at the Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum, located in the Presidio of San Francisco, is a treasure trove for animation enthusiasts, showcasing rare artifacts and memorabilia from the life and career of Walt Disney. One of the museum’s most prized possessions is the Multiplane Camera, a revolutionary piece of film technology that played a crucial role in the history of animation.

Developed by Disney’s Bill Garity in 1937, the Multiplane Camera allowed for the separation of different elements in a scene, creating depth and dimension in animation. This technology was used in every Disney feature film up until “The Little Mermaid” in 1989, making it the industry standard for over 50 years. The camera’s most elaborate shot was undoubtedly the opening sequence of Pinocchio in 1940.

Operating this massive camera required multiple people, with one person scaling a ladder attached to the rig to operate it from above. The sheer size of the camera posed a challenge when it came to fitting it into the museum space, necessitating a complete reorientation of everything within it.

If you have an interest in exploring Walt Disney’s innovations behind his animated films, live-action movies, nature documentaries and theme parks then The Walt Disney Family Museum is definitely worth your time. With its unique insight into Walt Disney’s groundbreaking contributions to entertainment industry, this museum is sure to leave you amazed!