# Dinosaur

> 2000 animated film directed by Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton

**Wikidata**: [Q476329](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q476329)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinosaur_(2000_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dinosaur

## Summary
*Dinosaur* is a 2000 animated film directed by Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. It is notable for its photorealistic computer animation and its narrative centered on an orphaned dinosaur named Aladar, who is raised by lemurs.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: First released on May 19, 2000.
- **Directors**: Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton.
- **Production Company**: Walt Disney Feature Animation.
- **Genre**: Adventure film.
- **Runtime**: 82 minutes.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Voice Cast Includes**: D.B. Sweeney (Aladar), Alfre Woodard (Yar), Ossie Davis (Plio), Max Casella (Saba), Hayden Panettiere (Neera), Julia Glover (Naala), Samuel E. Wright (Zini), and Frank Welker (Kron, Bruton).
- **Box Office Performance**: Grossed approximately $349.8 million worldwide.
- **Budget**: Estimated at $127.5 million.
- **Distributor**: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
- **Music**: Composed by James Newton Howard.
- **Notable Achievement**: One of the first Disney animated films to use the advanced rendering software Final Touch for digital ink and paint.
- **Related Works**: Part of the Disney animated film series; categorized under WesternAnimation/Dinosaur on some platforms.

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *Dinosaur*?**  
The film follows Aladar, an iguanodon who is raised by a family of lemurs after his egg is found by them. When a meteorite threatens his homeland, Aladar leads a group of dinosaurs to a new nesting ground, facing challenges of survival and leadership.

**Who directed *Dinosaur*?**  
The film was co-directed by Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton, both of whom were part of Walt Disney Feature Animation at the time.

**What is the significance of *Dinosaur* in animation history?**  
*Dinosaur* was one of the first major animated films to use extensive computer-generated imagery (CGI) combined with live-action backgrounds, setting a new standard for photorealistic animation in storytelling.

**Who composed the musical score for *Dinosaur*?**  
The musical score was composed by James Newton Howard, known for his work in both animated and live-action films.

**What awards or recognitions has *Dinosaur* received?**  
While not a major awards contender, *Dinosaur* was recognized for its technical achievements in animation and was a box office success, grossing over $349 million globally.

**What role did Alfre Woodard play in *Dinosaur*?**  
Alfre Woodard provided the voice for the character Yar, the protective matriarch of the lemur family who raises Aladar.

**What technology was used in the making of *Dinosaur*?**  
The film used a combination of CGI and live-action backgrounds, with the assistance of advanced rendering software such as Final Touch, which allowed for digital ink and paint techniques.

## Why It Matters
*Dinosaur* represents a pivotal moment in animation history, blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge computer-generated imagery. It demonstrated Disney's willingness to experiment with new technologies and narrative forms, influencing future animated features. The film also expanded the scope of animated films to include more realistic and emotionally complex themes, such as survival, leadership, and community.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering CGI**: One of the first Disney films to extensively use computer-generated imagery with live-action backgrounds.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $349 million worldwide on a $127.5 million budget.
- **Technical Innovation**: Utilized the Final Touch software for digital animation, a significant advancement in the field.
- **Narrative Depth**: Featured a story that combined emotional depth with survival themes, distinguishing it from typical family fare.
- **Voice Talent**: Featured acclaimed actors such as Alfre Woodard and Samuel E. Wright, lending gravitas to the characters.
- **Cultural Impact**: Became a reference point for discussions on photorealistic animation and environmental storytelling in cinema.

## Body

### Production and Development
*Dinosaur* was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released on May 19, 2000. The film was directed by Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton, both of whom were key figures in Disney's animation department. The production team utilized advanced CGI techniques, including the software Final Touch, to create photorealistic environments and characters. The film’s development spanned nearly a decade, with early concepts dating back to the 1980s, but it was not completed until 2000 due to technological limitations and creative challenges.

### Plot and Characters
The story centers on Aladar, an orphaned iguanodon raised by a family of lemurs after a natural disaster destroys his homeland. As he grows, Aladar leads a group of dinosaurs to safety, challenging the rigid hierarchy of the dinosaur society. Key characters include:
- **Aladar**: Voiced by D.B. Sweeney, a brave and compassionate dinosaur.
- **Yar**: Voiced by Alfre Woodard, the matriarch of the lemur family.
- **Plio**: Voiced by Ossie Davis, a wise and elderly iguanodon.
- **Saba**: Voiced by Max Casella, a young and adventurous lemur.
- **Neera**: Voiced by Hayden Panettiere, a young iguanodon with romantic interest in Aladar.
- **Zini**: Voiced by Samuel E. Wright, a comic-relief lemur.
- **Kron and Bruton**: Both voiced by Frank Welker, representing the antagonistic and heroic dinosaur leaders, respectively.

### Voice Cast and Performances
The film featured a distinguished voice cast, including:
- **D.B. Sweeney** as Aladar
- **Alfre Woodard** as Yar
- **Ossie Davis** as Plio
- **Max Casella** as Saba
- **Hayden Panettiere** as Neera
- **Samuel E. Wright** as Zini, Kron, and Bruton
- **Julia Glover** as Naala

### Technical and Artistic Innovation
*Dinosaur* was one of the first animated films to integrate live-action backgrounds with computer-generated characters. The production team used the software Final Touch to render the film’s photorealistic environments, which included detailed landscapes and dynamic weather effects. This blend of realism and animation set a new standard for animated storytelling.

### Music and Soundtrack
The musical score was composed by James Newton Howard, known for his work in both animated and live-action films. The soundtrack featured sweeping orchestral compositions that complemented the film’s dramatic and emotional themes. The music played a significant role in enhancing the film’s emotional impact and cinematic scope.

### Box Office and Reception
*Dinosaur* was a commercial success, grossing approximately $349.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $127.5 million. The film was praised for its technical achievements and emotional depth, though some critics noted its departure from traditional Disney storytelling. It was distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and received wide theatrical release in the United States on May 19, 2000.

### Cultural and Industry Impact
*Dinosaur* influenced the animation industry by demonstrating the potential of photorealistic computer-generated imagery in storytelling. It also expanded the thematic scope of animated films to include survival, leadership, and community dynamics. The film’s success encouraged Disney to continue investing in advanced animation technologies and narrative experimentation.

### Related Entities and Collaborations
- **Walt Disney Feature Animation**: The production company behind *Dinosaur*, responsible for its creative and technical execution.
- **Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures**: Distributed the film and managed its global release.
- **James Newton Howard**: Composed the film’s musical score, contributing to its emotional resonance.
- **Ralph Zondag and Eric Leighton**: Co-directed the film, overseeing its narrative and visual development.
- **Alfre Woodard and Samuel E. Wright**: Provided key voice performances, lending depth to the characters.
- **D.B. Sweeney, Max Casella, Hayden Panettiere, Ossie Davis, and Julia Glover**: Contributed to the film’s voice cast, bringing the story to life.

### Awards and Accolades
While *Dinosaur* did not receive major awards, it was recognized for its technical achievements in animation and storytelling. The film’s success at the box office and its critical reception demonstrated its cultural and commercial impact. It remains a significant work in the evolution of animated cinema, blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Dinosaur. Rotten Tomatoes
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