Many big studios, including Disney, closed their 2D animation divisions in the late 90s, early 2000s mainly due to the success of 3D animation and audiences no found interest in it. This decisive move was finalized with the success Pixar’s Toy Story in 1995 which was the first fully 3D animated full-length feature film. It’s commercial success along with others that followed showed film companies how much more profiable these films were on a global scale over 2D animation while also being cost-efficient. Personally, I do not believe it was a good decision long term. To have such big studios with the resources to keep expanding and improving the medium, not use it beyond the pre-production stage feels like a huge loss in the variety of visual storytelling that we could’ve gotten. Especially when there has been a greater demand for 2D animation mainstream.
Of course, the use of 2D animation did not end with the closure of these departments and in fact, the styles and techniques have involved in such visually stunning ways that 3D animation cannot replicate. Japanese anime for example, has become the leading industry in 2D animation, pushing the limitations of it again and again, experimenting with techniques, angles, and effects that challenge the dynamics and composition within film. It’s unique and expressive approach to 2D animation had garnered popularity on a global scale since the 20th century. It is one of my favorite genres of film as well.
