Atlantis: The Lost Empire

About Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Released in 2001, "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" is an animated action-adventure film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. This film follows the thrilling voyage of a daring cartographer named Milo Thatch as he embarks on an expedition to the underwater city of Atlantis. Guided by an ancient Shepherd's Journal, him, along with a varied group of explorers, traverse through labyrinthine tunnels and battle strange creatures, ultimately discovering a city filled with unimaginable riches and a culture that has survived for thousands of years.

Making / Production

"Atlantis: The Lost Empire" was directed by Don Hahn and produced by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. With an estimated budget of $120 million, this film was one of the costliest projects undertaken by Disney at the time. The production created a unique aesthetic, combining the traditional animation of a Disney film with a digital, comic book-influenced style.

Actors

• Michael J. Fox voiced the young adventurer Milo Thatch. Fox's sense of enthusiasm and naiveté made him the perfect fit for Milo, who matures throughout his journey.
• James Garner portrayed Commander Rourke, the expedition leader with deceptive motives. Garner’s rich, authoritative voice added depth to the cunning character.
• Cree Summer played Princess Kida, the princess of Atlantis. Summer brought a commanding yet gentle voice that perfectly matched Kida’s character. She gave life to the wise yet innocent princess.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The production was so secretive that it was referred to as "Project Atlantis" to avoid any leaks about the project.
• The filmmakers used the linguist Marc Okrand to invent an entire language for the Atlantean culture.
• The movie did not receive a sequel but an animated series, "Team Atlantis," was planned. Although it never aired, some of the completed episodes were released on DVD.

Awards

The movie received a number of nominations and won ‘Best Sound Editing’ at the 2002 Golden Reel Awards.

Quotes

• "I will find Atlantis on my own. If I have to rent a rowboat!" - Milo Thatch
• "You have a nice swim?" - Commander Rourke
• "We are like a stone that the ocean beats against. With each passing year a little more of us is worn away." - Princess Kida

Music, Soundtrack

• "Where the Dream Takes You" – Performed by Mya
• "The Secret Swim" – James Newton Howard
• "The Crystal Chamber" - James Newton Howard