When Did Small Soldiers Come Out?
Introduction
Small Soldiers is a beloved stop-motion animated film that has captured the hearts of many. Released in 1998, the movie tells the story of a group of tiny plastic soldiers who come to life when humans are not around. But when exactly did Small Soldiers hit the big screen? In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the film and provide a comprehensive answer to the question "When did Small Soldiers come out?"
Early Development
The idea for Small Soldiers was born in the early 1990s, when director Phil Morris was working on a stop-motion animated film called "The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb." Morris was inspired by the classic children’s book "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and wanted to create a story about a group of tiny characters who come to life. He teamed up with writer Ted Elliott, who had previously worked on films like "Aladdin" and "Shrek," to develop the concept.
Production
Production on Small Soldiers began in 1995, with a team of over 100 artists and technicians working on the film. The stop-motion animation process was a labor-intensive one, with each frame requiring around 10-15 seconds of work. The team used a combination of traditional animation techniques and computer-generated imagery (CGI) to bring the tiny soldiers to life.
Release Date
Small Soldiers was released on July 10, 1998, in the United States. The film was a moderate success, grossing around $35 million at the domestic box office. While it didn’t quite reach the same level of success as other stop-motion films like "The Nightmare Before Christmas" or "James and the Giant Peach," Small Soldiers still developed a loyal fan base.
Impact
Despite its moderate success, Small Soldiers had a significant impact on the world of stop-motion animation. The film’s use of CGI and traditional animation techniques paved the way for future stop-motion films like "Corpse Bride" and "Frankenweenie." Small Soldiers also inspired a new generation of animators and filmmakers, including directors like Henry Selick and Travis Knight.
Fun Facts
Here are some fun facts about Small Soldiers:
- The film’s main characters, Archer and Brick, were inspired by the classic toy soldiers of the 1950s and 1960s.
- The movie’s villain, Commander Stone, was originally supposed to be a more comedic character, but the filmmakers decided to make him more sinister.
- The film’s score was composed by Alan Silvestri, who is known for his work on films like "Back to the Future" and "Forrest Gump."
- Small Soldiers was the first stop-motion film to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) to record and edit its sound effects.
Trivia
Here are some trivia questions about Small Soldiers:
- What is the name of the toy company that produces the small soldiers in the film?
- Who is the main antagonist in the film?
- What is the name of the little girl who finds the small soldiers?
- How many small soldiers are there in the film?
Answers:
- Action Figures Inc.
- Commander Stone
- Christy Fimple
- Over 1,000
Conclusion
Small Soldiers may not be as well-known as some other stop-motion films, but it has still left a lasting impact on the world of animation. The film’s unique blend of traditional and digital techniques paved the way for future stop-motion films, and its lovable characters have become beloved by many. So the next time you’re wondering "When did Small Soldiers come out?", just remember: it was on July 10, 1998.
