About Anastasia

Anastasia is an American animated musical drama produced by Fox Animation Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The story revolves around the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who, according to the story, has amnesia and has forgotten her identity. With the help of two con men, Dimitri and Vladimir, she attempts to travel to Paris to reunite with her grandmother, the Dowager Empress Marie, who offers a reward for Anastasia’s return.

Making/Production

Production of Anastasia commenced in 1994 as a collaboration between Fox Animation Studios and 20th Century Fox. The film was directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman and was an ambitious project featuring a blend of traditional animation and computer-generated imagery. Anastasia was the first feature-length film from Fox Animation Studios and was praised for its ambitious and unique art direction.

Actors

• Meg Ryan: Voiced Anastasia, the mysterious woman who doesn’t recall her royal lineage. Ryan’s performance stands-out as she perfectly captures the essence of a determined and independent, yet vulnerable character.
• John Cusack: Voiced Dimitri, the con artist who educates Anastasia about her past. Cusack brings charisma to the role.
• Christopher Lloyd: Voiced Rasputin, the villain of the film. Lloyd’s voice work adds a layer of creepiness and charm to the character.
• Angela Lansbury: Voiced Dowager Empress Marie, Anastasia’s caring grandmother. Lansbury's seasoned acting lends a strong emotional touch to the character.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• Anastasia was Fox Animation Studios’ first animated feature film.
• At the time of its release, the film was the most expensive animated film ever produced.
• Anastasia was one of the few non-Disney films that was able to hold its own against Disney's box office dominance during the 1990s.

Awards

Anastasia was nominated at the 70th Academy Awards for Best Original Song (“Journey to the Past”) and Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.

Quotes

• “Men are such babies.” - Anastasia
• “Trust me, your highness, I prefer a mature woman.” - Dimitri
• “What family doesn’t have its ups and downs?” - Dowager Empress Marie

Music, Soundtrack

• "Once Upon a December" - Alix Korey
• "A Rumor in St. Petersburg" - Kelsey Grammer
• "Journey to the Past" - Liz Callaway
• "Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart)" - Jonathan Dokuchitz & Bernadette Peters
• "At the Beginning" - Richard Marx and Donna Lewis