The Black Cauldron (1985)

About The Black Cauldron

Released in 1985, "The Black Cauldron" is an American animated fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. Set in a mythical land known as Prydain during the Dark Ages, the plot follows a young pig keeper named Taran who dreams of becoming a knight. As destiny would have it, Taran embarks on an adventure of a lifetime when his pig, Hen Wen, reveals the location of the mystical Black Cauldron. This cauldron holds the spirit of a deceased demonic being capable of producing an army of invincible soldiers. As the film unfolds, Taran, together with a team of unlikely heroes, sets out to prevent the wicked Horned King from obtaining the cauldron and conquering the world.

Making / Production

The Black Cauldron took nearly twelve years to produce at an unprecedented cost, making it the most expensive animated film at the time. While it is the first Disney animated feature film to utilize the new CAPS process (a digital post-production system that allows for more complex special effects), it almost marks a departure from the traditional Disney style in its more mature and sinister themes.

Actors

• Grant Bardsley as Taran: The young pig keeper who yearns to be a knight. Bardsley convincingly voiced the coming-of-age character with an exceptional mix of innocence, determination, and courage.
• Susan Sheridan as Eilonwy: A young and brave princess. Sheridan brought life to the character using her unique voice, making Eilonwy stand out as a defiant and kind-hearted heroine.
• John Hurt as the Horned King: The film's main antagonist. Hurt used his powerful and threatening voice to create a truly unforgettable villain.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Black Cauldron is Disney's first animated feature film to receive a PG rating.
• This film marked the last time Disney would use hand-painted cels and the first time it would use the new CAPS process.
• The character of Horse, Taran's faithful sidekick, was not in the original book series.

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack was composed by Elmer Bernstein and incorporated dark and atmospheric elements to enhance the film's gothic undertones.
• Although Disney films are known for their iconic musical numbers, The Black Cauldron features no songs at all.

Quotes

• "I'm not a warrior, I'm a pig boy!" - Taran
• "Legend has it, in the mystic land of Prydain, there was once a king so cruel and so evil, that even the Gods feared him." - Narrator
• "You're charming the pants off me. What's next, my shirt?" - Eilonwy