About Dinosaur

Released in 2000, Disney's Dinosaur is a unique blend of live-action environments with computer-generated characters. The film tells the story of Aladar, an Iguanodon dinosaur raised by a family of lemurs. Their island home is destroyed by a meteor, leading them to a journey towards safety. On the way, they encounter several other dinosaurs looking for a safe haven, adding dramatic tension and friendship into the mix.

Making / Production

Production of Dinosaur began in 1988, where it was intended to be a dark, naturalistic film with no dialogue. Over time the film evolved to become more child-friendly and include talking characters. The cinematography included both computer-generated animation, combined with live-action footage shot in Venezuela and Australia.

Actors

• D.B. Sweeney voiced Aladar, the likable and heroic Iguanodon who carries the film. He gave a memorable performance, ensuring Aladar was sympathetic and believable.
• Alfre Woodard provided the voice for Plio, the caring lemur mother who raises Aladar.
• Ossie Davis voiced Yar, the lemur patriarch and father figure to Aladar.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was the first to be released on DVD in both widescreen and fullscreen format.
• Despite its scientific inaccuracies, the movie was praised by paleontologists for portraying dinosaurs as social animals.
• It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time of its release, with a reported budget of $127.5 million.

Awards

The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 73rd Academy Awards, but lost to Shrek. Additionally, it received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Fantasy Film.

Quotes

• "Some things start out big, and some things start out small, very small. But sometimes the smallest thing can make the biggest changes of all."
• "If you're hungry, chow down."
• "We're here together. That's all that matters."

• The original score for Dinosaur was composed by James Newton Howard, best known for scoring The Dark Knight trilogy and King Kong.
• The score blends synthetic elements with traditional orchestral music, creating a unique soundscape fitting for a prehistoric setting.
• There are several standout tracks such as 'The Egg Travels', 'The End of our Island' and 'Stand together' which convey the dramatic, emotional journey.