Post by Merlin on Apr 8, 2009 23:26:36 GMT -5
Warning: Spoilers are rampant here. You've been warned.
NOTE: This article was first published in Fantasmic Kingdom on March 13th, 2009. Friday the 13th, no less
Disney is known for heart-touching, wholesome entertainment for the entire family.
Disney is also known for granting many children their first scares from said entertainment!
Since today is Friday the 13th, it is fitting that I post a personal top 21 countdown. This countdown was originally a top 10 list, but it ultimately dawned on me that there were many scenes that I wanted to bring up and discuss, and so I expanded it to twenty. Please note that I don’t claim to know anything; this countdown merely consists of my own opinions. Also note that I have not included made-for-television films, TV shows, and shorts less than ten minutes; I focused on theatrical films. Therefore, I am leaving out the ever popular Mickey Mouse in “Haunted House,” the telefilm “The Child of Glass,” and “Mr. Boogedy.” The Phantom from “Haunted House” is going to haunt me and demand me to “PLLLLAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!!” a piano, but whatever. I’ll throw down.
Without further ado, here is the countdown!
21. The Villains’ Eyeballs Dissolve
This is practically a requirement for every good Disney villain: there has to be at least one shot where everything in the screen dissolves, except for the villain’s eyeballs. They are more often than not effective and sometimes genuinely eerie for children. I know they left a lasting impression in my mind. I think my personal favorite example of this trick is Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” (1989).
“Cinderella” (1950) had a variation of this. There is an unforgettable shot where Lady Tremaine literally stares the audience to death. Just look at those eyes. The woman is evil to the core!
… or maybe she’s not evil. Maybe she’s just annoying? [/inside joke]
20. Don't Let Me Down/Eglantine Reprise, “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (1971)
I highly doubt this scene was meant to be outright scary. Actually, it isn’t really that scary, but child Joseph certainly found it eerie. The scene is simple, and it’s over within seconds: conman Professor Emelius Browne is waiting for a train, and he tries to sleep on a bench. He suddenly hears the ghostly voice of the woman he loves, Eglantine Price, singing from a distance. He opens his eyes and looks at the railroad track, and finds Eglantine in a skimpy show dress, balancing on a rail and singing in a voice that echoes. The scene is over within seconds, and Eglantine vanishes as soon as she appears.
Emelius: “I won’t eat bangers and mash just before bed ever again.”
For some reason, it was just a creepy shot for me. Maybe it was Eglantine’s voice, maybe it was the transparent Eglantine, or maybe it was just seeing Grandmother Angela Lansbury in a sexy outfit—who knows?
19. Cheap Scares
Ah, yes. The cheap scare, also known as the “jump scare,” or simply the “jumper,” is a film’s attempt to scare the viewer but arguably cheap means. (For the love of God, do not think about “Jumper” the… film-wannabe). Cheap scares include but are not limited to someone suddenly jumping into the camera, screaming. There have been many cheap scares throughout Disney. One of my favorites is the opening from “The Great Mouse Detective.” It’s nice and atmospheric, but it suddenly turns chilling when Fidget barges in for a shock, and abducts Mr. Flankerhammer.
Olivia: “Flaversham!”
Whatever.
You’d think Fidget would be a scary character throughout, but after this scene he’s mostly just a goofball. Looks can be deceiving!
My favorite Disney cheap scare by far, though, is from “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983). That movie is one of the very rare Disney films that actually is classified in the horror genre. There were many cheap scares to be found in that film, but the best is when Will, one of the main protagonists, watches a guillotine decapitate a ghostly figure.
Will (pictured left) is obviously spooked, but do you know what the real kicker is? The decapitated boy is an apparition of Will!
BLARG IM DED
“Goodness!”
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" also had a particularly creepy face. I'm sure most of us agree that normally Pam Grier is hot, but... not when she's like this.
Number 19 is reserved for every cheap scare produced by Disney. We salute thee, jumpers!
18. Miss Foley, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983)
Again with “Something Wicked.” I have to admit right now that after this number the film will pop up one last time. I know three entries are a bit excessive on a top 21 countdown, but I’m telling ya, this movie is as dark as Disney gets!
There’s another great scene in the film that is tame by horror genre standards, but is unsettling by Disney standards. One of the characters is an ugly, old schoolteacher named Miss Foley. Word has it, though, that Miss Foley was once the most beautiful woman in town, many decades ago. This turns out to be true, and even Miss Foley knows it—after being enchanted by Mr. Dark’s Pandemonium Carnival, she looks into a mirror in her home and wishes to be young and beautiful again.
Still, she’s at least hotter than Goldie Hawn.
Fortunately, she gets her wish!
Unfortunately, there’s one catch.
She’s blind.
“Damn fine prints.”
She wanders around for a bit, falls over, and calls for help. What’s the point of being beautiful if you can’t see yourself? Unfortunately, she’s one of many other victims whose souls are lost to Mr. Dark, because she allowed her greatest wish to overcome her. You get an “F,” teach.
17. The Cauldron Born, “The Black Cauldron” (1985)
Although I think this film is flawed in some ways, I nevertheless like it greatly, and I find it to be sorely under appreciated. The villainous Horned King, voiced by John Hurt (already that’s badass), is creepy enough, but the climax sees an army of the undead arise. Pretty intense and gruesome for a child!
You’d be this angry, too, if you were featured in Ralph Bakshi’s “The Lord of the Rings” adaptation and looked back on it.
Fun fact: when things are in motion while a strobe light flashes, it is not a good idea to take a picture… unless you want the picture to look like this.
Skeleton 1: “We know what you’re up to, pal!”
Skeleton 2: “You’re trying to shatter our morale!”
Skeleton 3: “You’re trying to stir up discontent!”
All: “And seize the reign of government!”
Alas, it’s over all too quickly, maybe to the point of it being anticlimactic. Still, it looks awesome!
“I regret nothing!”
16. Climax, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (1983)
Although this is a lengthy featurette, it was nevertheless made for theaters, and indeed theatrically released. This is an amazing film, for many reasons. It’s funny, it’s sad… and the climax is hardcore. How hardcore? Well, take Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge (his namesake!), Pete as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, and Hell. That’s right. Hell.
In the scene, Scrooge and the Ghost (at this point not revealed to be Pete) are in the graveyard where Tiny Tim is buried. However, another grave, freshly dug, is found. Scrooge looks down and fearfully asks, “Spirit… whose lonely grave is this?” The spirit strikes a match on the tombstone which reads:
Aw, hell.
The spirit reveals himself to be Pete. He lights a cigar and answers with menace, “Why, yours, Ebenezer! The richest man in the cemetery!” He shoves Scrooge into the grave, causing the miser to tumble. Scrooge grabs onto a root and tries to pull himself out, but with no success. The situation worsens for Scrooge when the coffin opens up, and is revealed to be a gateway to Hell. Scrooge is terrified and begs for mercy, while Pete the spirit laughs evilly.
This is certainly an epic spook for children, but what fascinated me the most was Pete. Pete has always been known to be a comic villain. Sure, he was a bully and a brute, but he always induced chuckles. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” however, is the one moment where Pete isn’t funny—he’s scary. Intimidating. Wicked. Bravo!
“I love this job!”
15. Climax, “The Watcher in the Woods” (1980)
Like “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” “The Watcher in the Woods” is another Disney film that is straight-up horror. Although I personally find “Wicked” the superior film, “Watcher” does have its moments. Unfortunately, I really can’t talk about it, because of “Watcher’s” climax. The entire film is a buildup to this climax, and detailing it is pretty much a huge spoiler. Okay, I’ll give you one spoiler: Kyle Richards’s acting is so melodramatic and hammy, and the scariest thing about that is that she’s the heroine!
“The Watcher in the Woods” also has some cheap scares. This film is also notorious for alternate endings, and was pulled out of its initial theatrical run so the ending could be changed.
Still, it has some nice shots of a ghostly, blindfolded girl.
Now THAT’S creepy!
No joke, this was in some trailers for this movie. You know Disney is taking a big risk when it has to warn the viewer about what they’ll see!
14. Pink Elephants on Parade, “Dumbo” (1941)
The “Pink Elephants on Parade” sequence isn’t scary in the typical sense. It’s really eerie simply because… it is so damn bizarre. I don’t even think I can really talk about it without getting tanked for myself; just watch.
The scene pretty much speaks for itself! My favorite lyrics are as follows:
13. Snow White’s Flight in the Forest
This is probably the only time where the Snow White character is, well, especially interesting to me. After being informed by the would-be traitorous huntsman that the Evil Queen wants Snow White dead, she is encouraged to run away and never return. I think that this scene is really seen in Snow White’s point of view: the forest really isn’t scary, as she learns in due time, but she had a near-death experience, and so she should be understandably panicky, and feel that the unfamiliar forest is out to get her.
Dentist Tree 1: “Just look at those teeth! Tsk, tsk, tsk. You haven’t been flossing!”
Dentist Tree 2: “Oh, don’t cry. We were just playing!”
12. The Tarantula Invasion, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983)
To anyone who doesn’t fear spiders, this scene isn’t so bad. However, to a child who was deathly terrified of spiders, such as me, this scene induced yellow breeches!
This scene takes place after the “decapitation cheap scare.” Best friends Will and Jim have escaped from Mr. Dark’s Pandemonium Carnival, but they’ve been discovered. The Dust Witch, a sexy yet malicious sorceress wonderfully played by Pam Grier, sends a cloud of green smoke after the boys.
Actually, maybe this is the same green smoke from the Cauldron Born. Does this induce artificial highs?
The smoke generates a nightmare for the boys, and a nightmare for any audience member with arachnophobia.
“Hey. ‘Sup?”
SPIDEYS!
I first saw this movie in my fifth grade class. Literally; we watched this movie in the classroom sometime during October, with the lights out. I couldn’t believe at the time that this movie came from the Disney pipeline. What the hell? The same company that brought me the gorgeous Alice is now shoving a freakin’ tarantula in my face? Poor Little Joe couldn’t really watch this scene; he hid in the corner and shielded his eyes until it was all over. My fear of spiders has largely diminished since then, but… yuck.
We’re halfway, folks! Now we’re really gonna start getting spooked!
11. The Bear, The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Why did this nameless bear make it in the number 11 spot? Because he comes out of nowhere. Seriously; it’s the film’s climax, with Todd and Copper, who were once best friends, are now forced to be bitter opponents by nature. We focus on them so much that no first viewer expected a bloodthirsty bear to pop in out of the blue!
I had a short dilemma on whom to pick: the rat from “Lady and the Tramp” (1953) or the bear, but I ultimately decided on the latter because of his hulking appearance, and his surprise entrance. The rat is terrific atmosphere, but the bear literally mauls the audience.
There are a lot of whimsical, lovable bears in Disney, such as Winnie the Pooh, Baloo, and and Br'er Bear. However, this particular bear is no Country Bear.
10. Climax, “Bambi” (1942)
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it: “Bambi” is an amazing film. Although it is just short of seventy minutes long, it packed so much emotion and beauty into its brief running time.
The climax of this film is nothing short of thrilling. Although not scary in the same sense as, say, this countdown's #1 spot, the climax in “Bambi” is nevertheless haunting. The biggest reason for why this scene works so well is that Man, the film's true antagonist, is never seen. This film took the old saying, “the greatest fear is fear of the unknown,” and ran with it.
My favorite part of this climax is when the birds are hiding from the hunter(s), and one of the bird is so terrified that she decides to try and fly away. Unfortunately, she is promptly shot. The way the bird panics, and all of the other animals hide and then flee, is mesmerizing. It is almost as if a master of horror writing worked on this film's script.
Of course, Man's dogs are shown, and, boy, are they vicious. Just look at these demon hounds!
N-nice doggies! Sit! Stay! HELP!
And let's not forget when the forest is on fire. At this point the film is truly a rush of adrenaline.
Come to think of it, Man really sucks!
9. The Evil Queen’s Transformation, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
I admit that I’m not a huge fan of the Snow White character, but I love everything else about the film: the dwarfs, the music, the animation, and especially the villain. The Evil Queen may have a stock ‘name,’ but she continues to be one of the most evil by heart antagonists. She goes through unspeakable lengths just to ensure the death of Snow White. That takes dedication!
The creepiest scene in the film is when the Evil Queen. It has a great buildup, and a satisfying payoff. The animation in “Snow White” was Disney’s most fluid, but the nightmarish illusions and physical transformation of the character are undeniably effective.
“L’Chaim!”
Side-effects include nausea, vomit, and a grotesque transformation.
Oh, no. She’s turning into Skeletor![/b]
Shudder.
8. Maleficent, “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Maleficent is getting her own entry, although there is one scene in the film in particular that scared me as a child. Although Maleficent in general is scary for many children, whether she transforms into a dragon or hypnotizes and leads a poor girl to her demise, there is one shot that I distinctly remember scaring me while I was a wee tot. Here it is.
It’s simple, really. It’s just Maleficent faintly outlined in a dark fireplace, with the knob of her staff glowing bright green. It’s not even really animated; it’s more of a background. Yet, this shot gave me many nightmares. I remember one time when I walked into a room, saw Maleficent in the fireplace on television, and immediately bolted out of said room. I think it’s probably the eyes that frightened me the most. Let’s take a closer look…
EEK!
I’m very certain that perhaps the biggest reason I love Maleficent is that she did scare me at a young age. Even with all of my nightmares, where she tormented me and sometimes tried to kill me outright, it developed into an intense affection. To me, Maleficent is sexy. My love for her isn’t requited, but I can live with that.
7. When Characters Snap!
Okay, ladies and gents, this is the longest entry in this countdown, so let’s get started! There have been many instances where a villain, or even a character, suddenly snaps. Whether they snap into insanity, or their true colors are instantaneously revealed, many of these “oh, snap!” instances give adrenaline rushes.
Cruella DeVil from “One-Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961) is one prime example. She is borderline fetishistic over fur, and when she has difficulty getting Dalmatian skin… she snaps, and reveals her inner demons. And, let me tell you, rarely has such demons looked as frightening as this!
Holy crap, woman! You’re ballistic!
What about Ratigan? He was initially very funny and giddy, like Cruella, but he ultimately becomes frightening!
“NO U, Basil!”
And who could forget Rourke from “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2000)?
Don’t mess with James Garner!
None of these “oh, snap!” moments are as scary as Judge Doom, though. Good lord, did that freak me out. It still continues to be scary, actually!
I’ll spare you any Doc Brown jokes.
My favorite such moment, though, is Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” (1989). Throughout the movie, she is a very comical and endearing villain, as funny as she was sly. By the end of the movie, though, she is absolutely intimidating. When she possesses the power of the trident and Triton’s crown, it is spook central.
Uh... Ursula's skull is not anatomically correct!
We no longer laugh at her. We fear her. She has transformed from “har har” to “WHOA, @#$%!”
There is another “oh, snap!” moment in a movie titled “Fun and Fancy Free” (1947), specifically the “Mickey and the Beanstalk” segment. The film is largely just that: fun and fancy free. There is one scene, though, that is more sinister than playful. Donald, Mickey and Goofy are starving, and Donald eventually flips. He’s known to flip, but this time he flips; he eyes an axe on the wall, and smiles deviously.
And my axe!
Uh… that’s not creepy. Nope.
With stealth, Donald takes the axe and sneaks out of the cottage. His target: the cow. It’s obvious that he wants to kill and eat the cow. Who doesn’t?
Do I even have to comment on this one? Just look at it!
No, Donald! That night—we were just drunk—!
Donald has always been my favorite cartoon character, but this scene is just bizarre. He’s known to be malicious, but Donald holding an axe—now that’s hardcore!
Another character that deserves a mention is the Air Conditioner from “The Brave Little Toaster” (1987). This character comes out of nowhere and taunts the protagonists. The gruffest of the protagonists, Kirby the vacuum cleaner, insults the Air Conditioner right back, and this causes the Air Conditioner to deliver a bizarre yet intense monologue:
And then he explodes.
The punch line of this scene is when Kirby utters, “Eh, he was a jerk anyway.” I love Kirby.
But, surely, the Coachman from Pinocchio couldn’t possibly be frighteni—
WHAT THE HELL?!
In fact, let’s check out that transition into a demonic grin frame-by-frame!
Holy goose, is this guy creepy.
I don’t trust anyone anymore. ;_;
Regardless, #7 is a salute to any character that, at some point, snapped. Just don't trust them with any blunt objects.
6. The Headless Horseman, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (1949)
HELL, YES. This movie is awesome. The “Sleepy Hollow” segment is particularly phenomenal. It’s dark yet comical, but the comedy takes a backseat during the Headless Horseman scenario. While in the original book it was implied that the Headless Horseman was in fact Brom Bones in disguise, in this film he is more obviously a ghost than a mere mortal. This could be from scaredy-cat Ichabod’s point of view, but however you analyze it, this scene is one of Disney’s creepiest. There are some gags, sure, but the hunt is still a complete assault on the senses.
It begins with one tease after another, but out of nowhere the Headless Horseman does appear, and his loud, maniacal laughter induces chills. Even the final shot of the chase, when the Horseman throws a pumpkin at the camera (Ichabod), is unforgettably macabre.
Creeeeeepy.
5. Toaster’s Nightmare, “The Brave Little Toaster” (1987)
"The Brave Little Toaster" wasn't produced by Disney, but the film's rights have been purchased/acquired by Disney, so it is now technically a Disney film. Either way, this film absolutely deserves a mentioning in this list.
On the surface, “The Brave Little Toaster” looks like a fun and enjoyable family film. It is, in fact, a fun and enjoyable film, and one of my favorite animated films of all time, but there are actually a lot of freaky stuff going on in this movie. I already mentioned the Air Conditioner, but if you can believe it there is scene that’s even freakier.
It happens when the titular Toaster has a dream. The appliance dreams of the Master, and all is nice and rosy… that is until smoke emits from the Toaster, and said smoke grabs the Master and takes him away.
“HELP!”
What comes after that is just ridiculously creepy: a clown. I personally don’t have the common fear of clowns, but even I admit this nightmarish character is freaky as hell.
Oh, man.
OH, MAN!
The clown only says one word, in a loud whisper: “Run.” Run? NO CRAP! RUN! But even though the Toaster tries to flee, it cannot escape its own nightmare: eventually the appliance dangles above a bathtub, while the appliance is still plugged. CRUD!
Toaster falls and gets electrocuted, but that’s when the appliance wakes up, thankful that it’s a dream. Of course, it woke up at a particularly unfortunate time, so everything didn’t come up roses at the time.
This nightmare is just freaky. It’s very brief, but it sticks with the viewer long after the film is over. RUN.
4. A Night on Bald Mountain
Well, of course! I had to bring this up at some point! Chernabog is one Disney villain that has done something that many others haven’t achieved: he can strike fear into your heart without uttering a single word. I just quoted some historian, but I forgot whom. Anyway, “Fantasia” is a gorgeous and mesmerizing film enough, but “A Night on Bald Mountain” is really fascinating, as it is scary. It creeps me out to this day, and I’m sad that I have lost my own DVD copy of the film. Fortunately, many screencaps can be found here!
On top of that, here’s a YouTube video. This scene is just genius.
Ooh. Nipples.
3. “Return to Oz” (1985)
This movie is polarizing. There are many detractors and supporters. I can understand the detractors: this movie shattered some childhoods by portraying Oz as dark and melancholic, instead of mostly bright and cheery, like the 1939 MGM film, “The Wizard of Oz.” I can understand that… but in my humble opinion, “Return to Oz” is awesome. It’s shocking, but it’s actually truer to the spirit of the original books than the MGM film.
“Return to Oz” had many freaky characters and conflicts. Electroshock therapy, the Wheelers, the Nome King, the Deadly Desert, you name it.
Are you scared yet, kids?!
How about now?!
But there is one scene that immediately springs to my mind, whenever I hear “Oz” and “scary” put together. Princess Mombi. She has many heads, and collects the heads she likes. There’s a scene where Dorothy and her friends have to escape from Mombi, and so Dorothy sneaks through the hall of heads and takes the powder of life, the same powder that brought Jack Pumpkinhead to life, and needed to bring the Gump to life.
But something goes wrong.
As if these images by themselves aren’t scary enough, check out the scene in motion!
Any headless woman that gurgles deserves the number 3 spot!
2. The Banshee, “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” (1959)
This is an overlooked film. It’s a surprisingly good live-action Disney film with whimsical, clever characters and some amazing special effects for the time. However, there’s one character that I clearly remember scaring the pants off of me, besides Maleficent: the Banshee!
The Banshee first appears when Darby O’Gill searches for his daughter. He finds her unconscious with a grave fever, and that’s when Darby hears the wail of the Banshee, signaling that death is near.
Uh…
I’d rather if you didn’t.
Darby manages to shoo away the Banshee, but her wail is heard again at his home.
Darby runs to the door, opens it, and…
Aw, shucks! There she is!
Darby tries to fight her, but it’s no use; the Banshee has spoken, and the cóiste-bodhar (the death coach) descends from the sky to take Darby’s daughter away. The cóiste-bodhar is also particularly creepy.
GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY!
This is the less sinister Headless Horseman.
It was the Banshee’s second appearance (after Darby opens the door) that made me jump when I first saw it. I was truly scared. Unfortunately, I don’t have an isolated video of that scene handy, but here’s a video of the Banshee’s first appearance. Oooooh!
Well, we’ve come this far. Do you want to know what’s number one? Of course you do! Here it is, everyone! In my humble opinion, the scariest scene in Disney history is…!
HOLD ON, EVERYBODY!
HERE IT COMES!!
1. Lampwick’s Transformation, “Pinocchio” (1940)
This scene is perfect. Literally. There is simply no major change that could be done to make this scene even better. Make a more photorealistic donkey? Nah, that wouldn’t fit with film’s art style. This scene is truly frightening. There are grown adults who simply refuse to watch this scene. Absolutely terrifying. Just take a look!
First of all, it has great buildup. Lampwick gradually realizing that he’s turned into a jackass already chills the spine.
When he finally sees himself, Lampwick goes hysterical.
This is an intense moment: when Lampwick’s hands transform into donkey hooves. The animation of this transformation is phenomenal.
This is my favorite part of the scene. You only see Lampwick’s shadow while he screams, “Mama! MAAAMAAAAAA!” The way he cries before guffawing like a jackass… ugh. I still get goose bumps to this day. In fact, I got goose bumps just now as I typed this!
Give a boy enough rope…
… and he’ll soon make a jackass of himself!
Well, that’s it! Thank you very much for reading! Do you have a compliment? Do you think I overlooked a scene that didn’t make it on this list? Whatever comment you have, I really wanna know. Feel free to post in this thread!
… I can’t sleep, after watching all of this.
NOTE: This article was first published in Fantasmic Kingdom on March 13th, 2009. Friday the 13th, no less
Disney is known for heart-touching, wholesome entertainment for the entire family.
Disney is also known for granting many children their first scares from said entertainment!
Since today is Friday the 13th, it is fitting that I post a personal top 21 countdown. This countdown was originally a top 10 list, but it ultimately dawned on me that there were many scenes that I wanted to bring up and discuss, and so I expanded it to twenty. Please note that I don’t claim to know anything; this countdown merely consists of my own opinions. Also note that I have not included made-for-television films, TV shows, and shorts less than ten minutes; I focused on theatrical films. Therefore, I am leaving out the ever popular Mickey Mouse in “Haunted House,” the telefilm “The Child of Glass,” and “Mr. Boogedy.” The Phantom from “Haunted House” is going to haunt me and demand me to “PLLLLAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!!” a piano, but whatever. I’ll throw down.
Without further ado, here is the countdown!
Scary Disney: The Top 21 Scariest Scenes in Disney History
[/b][/size]21. The Villains’ Eyeballs Dissolve
This is practically a requirement for every good Disney villain: there has to be at least one shot where everything in the screen dissolves, except for the villain’s eyeballs. They are more often than not effective and sometimes genuinely eerie for children. I know they left a lasting impression in my mind. I think my personal favorite example of this trick is Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” (1989).
“Cinderella” (1950) had a variation of this. There is an unforgettable shot where Lady Tremaine literally stares the audience to death. Just look at those eyes. The woman is evil to the core!
… or maybe she’s not evil. Maybe she’s just annoying? [/inside joke]
20. Don't Let Me Down/Eglantine Reprise, “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (1971)
I highly doubt this scene was meant to be outright scary. Actually, it isn’t really that scary, but child Joseph certainly found it eerie. The scene is simple, and it’s over within seconds: conman Professor Emelius Browne is waiting for a train, and he tries to sleep on a bench. He suddenly hears the ghostly voice of the woman he loves, Eglantine Price, singing from a distance. He opens his eyes and looks at the railroad track, and finds Eglantine in a skimpy show dress, balancing on a rail and singing in a voice that echoes. The scene is over within seconds, and Eglantine vanishes as soon as she appears.
Emelius: “I won’t eat bangers and mash just before bed ever again.”
For some reason, it was just a creepy shot for me. Maybe it was Eglantine’s voice, maybe it was the transparent Eglantine, or maybe it was just seeing Grandmother Angela Lansbury in a sexy outfit—who knows?
19. Cheap Scares
Ah, yes. The cheap scare, also known as the “jump scare,” or simply the “jumper,” is a film’s attempt to scare the viewer but arguably cheap means. (For the love of God, do not think about “Jumper” the… film-wannabe). Cheap scares include but are not limited to someone suddenly jumping into the camera, screaming. There have been many cheap scares throughout Disney. One of my favorites is the opening from “The Great Mouse Detective.” It’s nice and atmospheric, but it suddenly turns chilling when Fidget barges in for a shock, and abducts Mr. Flankerhammer.
Olivia: “Flaversham!”
Whatever.
You’d think Fidget would be a scary character throughout, but after this scene he’s mostly just a goofball. Looks can be deceiving!
My favorite Disney cheap scare by far, though, is from “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983). That movie is one of the very rare Disney films that actually is classified in the horror genre. There were many cheap scares to be found in that film, but the best is when Will, one of the main protagonists, watches a guillotine decapitate a ghostly figure.
Will (pictured left) is obviously spooked, but do you know what the real kicker is? The decapitated boy is an apparition of Will!
BLARG IM DED
“Goodness!”
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" also had a particularly creepy face. I'm sure most of us agree that normally Pam Grier is hot, but... not when she's like this.
Number 19 is reserved for every cheap scare produced by Disney. We salute thee, jumpers!
18. Miss Foley, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983)
Again with “Something Wicked.” I have to admit right now that after this number the film will pop up one last time. I know three entries are a bit excessive on a top 21 countdown, but I’m telling ya, this movie is as dark as Disney gets!
There’s another great scene in the film that is tame by horror genre standards, but is unsettling by Disney standards. One of the characters is an ugly, old schoolteacher named Miss Foley. Word has it, though, that Miss Foley was once the most beautiful woman in town, many decades ago. This turns out to be true, and even Miss Foley knows it—after being enchanted by Mr. Dark’s Pandemonium Carnival, she looks into a mirror in her home and wishes to be young and beautiful again.
Still, she’s at least hotter than Goldie Hawn.
Fortunately, she gets her wish!
Unfortunately, there’s one catch.
She’s blind.
“Damn fine prints.”
She wanders around for a bit, falls over, and calls for help. What’s the point of being beautiful if you can’t see yourself? Unfortunately, she’s one of many other victims whose souls are lost to Mr. Dark, because she allowed her greatest wish to overcome her. You get an “F,” teach.
17. The Cauldron Born, “The Black Cauldron” (1985)
Although I think this film is flawed in some ways, I nevertheless like it greatly, and I find it to be sorely under appreciated. The villainous Horned King, voiced by John Hurt (already that’s badass), is creepy enough, but the climax sees an army of the undead arise. Pretty intense and gruesome for a child!
You’d be this angry, too, if you were featured in Ralph Bakshi’s “The Lord of the Rings” adaptation and looked back on it.
Fun fact: when things are in motion while a strobe light flashes, it is not a good idea to take a picture… unless you want the picture to look like this.
Skeleton 1: “We know what you’re up to, pal!”
Skeleton 2: “You’re trying to shatter our morale!”
Skeleton 3: “You’re trying to stir up discontent!”
All: “And seize the reign of government!”
Alas, it’s over all too quickly, maybe to the point of it being anticlimactic. Still, it looks awesome!
“I regret nothing!”
16. Climax, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (1983)
Although this is a lengthy featurette, it was nevertheless made for theaters, and indeed theatrically released. This is an amazing film, for many reasons. It’s funny, it’s sad… and the climax is hardcore. How hardcore? Well, take Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge (his namesake!), Pete as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, and Hell. That’s right. Hell.
In the scene, Scrooge and the Ghost (at this point not revealed to be Pete) are in the graveyard where Tiny Tim is buried. However, another grave, freshly dug, is found. Scrooge looks down and fearfully asks, “Spirit… whose lonely grave is this?” The spirit strikes a match on the tombstone which reads:
Aw, hell.
The spirit reveals himself to be Pete. He lights a cigar and answers with menace, “Why, yours, Ebenezer! The richest man in the cemetery!” He shoves Scrooge into the grave, causing the miser to tumble. Scrooge grabs onto a root and tries to pull himself out, but with no success. The situation worsens for Scrooge when the coffin opens up, and is revealed to be a gateway to Hell. Scrooge is terrified and begs for mercy, while Pete the spirit laughs evilly.
This is certainly an epic spook for children, but what fascinated me the most was Pete. Pete has always been known to be a comic villain. Sure, he was a bully and a brute, but he always induced chuckles. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” however, is the one moment where Pete isn’t funny—he’s scary. Intimidating. Wicked. Bravo!
“I love this job!”
15. Climax, “The Watcher in the Woods” (1980)
Like “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” “The Watcher in the Woods” is another Disney film that is straight-up horror. Although I personally find “Wicked” the superior film, “Watcher” does have its moments. Unfortunately, I really can’t talk about it, because of “Watcher’s” climax. The entire film is a buildup to this climax, and detailing it is pretty much a huge spoiler. Okay, I’ll give you one spoiler: Kyle Richards’s acting is so melodramatic and hammy, and the scariest thing about that is that she’s the heroine!
“The Watcher in the Woods” also has some cheap scares. This film is also notorious for alternate endings, and was pulled out of its initial theatrical run so the ending could be changed.
Still, it has some nice shots of a ghostly, blindfolded girl.
Now THAT’S creepy!
No joke, this was in some trailers for this movie. You know Disney is taking a big risk when it has to warn the viewer about what they’ll see!
14. Pink Elephants on Parade, “Dumbo” (1941)
The “Pink Elephants on Parade” sequence isn’t scary in the typical sense. It’s really eerie simply because… it is so damn bizarre. I don’t even think I can really talk about it without getting tanked for myself; just watch.
The scene pretty much speaks for itself! My favorite lyrics are as follows:
I can stand the sight of worms
And look at microscopic germs
But Technicolor pachyderms
Is really too much for me!
I am not the type to faint
When things are odd
Or things are quaint
But seeing things you know that ain’t
Can certainly give you an awful fright!
What a sight!
[/i]And look at microscopic germs
But Technicolor pachyderms
Is really too much for me!
I am not the type to faint
When things are odd
Or things are quaint
But seeing things you know that ain’t
Can certainly give you an awful fright!
What a sight!
13. Snow White’s Flight in the Forest
This is probably the only time where the Snow White character is, well, especially interesting to me. After being informed by the would-be traitorous huntsman that the Evil Queen wants Snow White dead, she is encouraged to run away and never return. I think that this scene is really seen in Snow White’s point of view: the forest really isn’t scary, as she learns in due time, but she had a near-death experience, and so she should be understandably panicky, and feel that the unfamiliar forest is out to get her.
Dentist Tree 1: “Just look at those teeth! Tsk, tsk, tsk. You haven’t been flossing!”
Dentist Tree 2: “Oh, don’t cry. We were just playing!”
12. The Tarantula Invasion, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983)
To anyone who doesn’t fear spiders, this scene isn’t so bad. However, to a child who was deathly terrified of spiders, such as me, this scene induced yellow breeches!
This scene takes place after the “decapitation cheap scare.” Best friends Will and Jim have escaped from Mr. Dark’s Pandemonium Carnival, but they’ve been discovered. The Dust Witch, a sexy yet malicious sorceress wonderfully played by Pam Grier, sends a cloud of green smoke after the boys.
Actually, maybe this is the same green smoke from the Cauldron Born. Does this induce artificial highs?
The smoke generates a nightmare for the boys, and a nightmare for any audience member with arachnophobia.
“Hey. ‘Sup?”
SPIDEYS!
I first saw this movie in my fifth grade class. Literally; we watched this movie in the classroom sometime during October, with the lights out. I couldn’t believe at the time that this movie came from the Disney pipeline. What the hell? The same company that brought me the gorgeous Alice is now shoving a freakin’ tarantula in my face? Poor Little Joe couldn’t really watch this scene; he hid in the corner and shielded his eyes until it was all over. My fear of spiders has largely diminished since then, but… yuck.
We’re halfway, folks! Now we’re really gonna start getting spooked!
11. The Bear, The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Why did this nameless bear make it in the number 11 spot? Because he comes out of nowhere. Seriously; it’s the film’s climax, with Todd and Copper, who were once best friends, are now forced to be bitter opponents by nature. We focus on them so much that no first viewer expected a bloodthirsty bear to pop in out of the blue!
I had a short dilemma on whom to pick: the rat from “Lady and the Tramp” (1953) or the bear, but I ultimately decided on the latter because of his hulking appearance, and his surprise entrance. The rat is terrific atmosphere, but the bear literally mauls the audience.
There are a lot of whimsical, lovable bears in Disney, such as Winnie the Pooh, Baloo, and and Br'er Bear. However, this particular bear is no Country Bear.
10. Climax, “Bambi” (1942)
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it: “Bambi” is an amazing film. Although it is just short of seventy minutes long, it packed so much emotion and beauty into its brief running time.
The climax of this film is nothing short of thrilling. Although not scary in the same sense as, say, this countdown's #1 spot, the climax in “Bambi” is nevertheless haunting. The biggest reason for why this scene works so well is that Man, the film's true antagonist, is never seen. This film took the old saying, “the greatest fear is fear of the unknown,” and ran with it.
My favorite part of this climax is when the birds are hiding from the hunter(s), and one of the bird is so terrified that she decides to try and fly away. Unfortunately, she is promptly shot. The way the bird panics, and all of the other animals hide and then flee, is mesmerizing. It is almost as if a master of horror writing worked on this film's script.
Of course, Man's dogs are shown, and, boy, are they vicious. Just look at these demon hounds!
N-nice doggies! Sit! Stay! HELP!
And let's not forget when the forest is on fire. At this point the film is truly a rush of adrenaline.
Come to think of it, Man really sucks!
9. The Evil Queen’s Transformation, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
I admit that I’m not a huge fan of the Snow White character, but I love everything else about the film: the dwarfs, the music, the animation, and especially the villain. The Evil Queen may have a stock ‘name,’ but she continues to be one of the most evil by heart antagonists. She goes through unspeakable lengths just to ensure the death of Snow White. That takes dedication!
The creepiest scene in the film is when the Evil Queen. It has a great buildup, and a satisfying payoff. The animation in “Snow White” was Disney’s most fluid, but the nightmarish illusions and physical transformation of the character are undeniably effective.
“L’Chaim!”
Side-effects include nausea, vomit, and a grotesque transformation.
Oh, no. She’s turning into Skeletor!
Shudder.
8. Maleficent, “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Maleficent is getting her own entry, although there is one scene in the film in particular that scared me as a child. Although Maleficent in general is scary for many children, whether she transforms into a dragon or hypnotizes and leads a poor girl to her demise, there is one shot that I distinctly remember scaring me while I was a wee tot. Here it is.
It’s simple, really. It’s just Maleficent faintly outlined in a dark fireplace, with the knob of her staff glowing bright green. It’s not even really animated; it’s more of a background. Yet, this shot gave me many nightmares. I remember one time when I walked into a room, saw Maleficent in the fireplace on television, and immediately bolted out of said room. I think it’s probably the eyes that frightened me the most. Let’s take a closer look…
EEK!
I’m very certain that perhaps the biggest reason I love Maleficent is that she did scare me at a young age. Even with all of my nightmares, where she tormented me and sometimes tried to kill me outright, it developed into an intense affection. To me, Maleficent is sexy. My love for her isn’t requited, but I can live with that.
7. When Characters Snap!
Okay, ladies and gents, this is the longest entry in this countdown, so let’s get started! There have been many instances where a villain, or even a character, suddenly snaps. Whether they snap into insanity, or their true colors are instantaneously revealed, many of these “oh, snap!” instances give adrenaline rushes.
Cruella DeVil from “One-Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961) is one prime example. She is borderline fetishistic over fur, and when she has difficulty getting Dalmatian skin… she snaps, and reveals her inner demons. And, let me tell you, rarely has such demons looked as frightening as this!
Holy crap, woman! You’re ballistic!
What about Ratigan? He was initially very funny and giddy, like Cruella, but he ultimately becomes frightening!
“NO U, Basil!”
And who could forget Rourke from “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2000)?
Don’t mess with James Garner!
None of these “oh, snap!” moments are as scary as Judge Doom, though. Good lord, did that freak me out. It still continues to be scary, actually!
I’ll spare you any Doc Brown jokes.
My favorite such moment, though, is Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” (1989). Throughout the movie, she is a very comical and endearing villain, as funny as she was sly. By the end of the movie, though, she is absolutely intimidating. When she possesses the power of the trident and Triton’s crown, it is spook central.
Uh... Ursula's skull is not anatomically correct!
We no longer laugh at her. We fear her. She has transformed from “har har” to “WHOA, @#$%!”
There is another “oh, snap!” moment in a movie titled “Fun and Fancy Free” (1947), specifically the “Mickey and the Beanstalk” segment. The film is largely just that: fun and fancy free. There is one scene, though, that is more sinister than playful. Donald, Mickey and Goofy are starving, and Donald eventually flips. He’s known to flip, but this time he flips; he eyes an axe on the wall, and smiles deviously.
And my axe!
Uh… that’s not creepy. Nope.
With stealth, Donald takes the axe and sneaks out of the cottage. His target: the cow. It’s obvious that he wants to kill and eat the cow. Who doesn’t?
Do I even have to comment on this one? Just look at it!
No, Donald! That night—we were just drunk—!
Donald has always been my favorite cartoon character, but this scene is just bizarre. He’s known to be malicious, but Donald holding an axe—now that’s hardcore!
Another character that deserves a mention is the Air Conditioner from “The Brave Little Toaster” (1987). This character comes out of nowhere and taunts the protagonists. The gruffest of the protagonists, Kirby the vacuum cleaner, insults the Air Conditioner right back, and this causes the Air Conditioner to deliver a bizarre yet intense monologue:
“So… it’s back to that stupid static again. You think I don’t know what goes on in here? I know what goes on in this cottage! It’s a conspiracy, and every one of you low-watts is in on it! Just ‘cause you can move around, you think you’re better than I am! I’m not an invalid! I was DESIGNED to stick in a wall! I LIKE BEING STUCK IN THIS STUPID WALL! I CAN’T HELP IT IF THE KID WAS TOO SHORT TO REACH MY DIALS! IT’S MY FUNCTION!!
[/size]”[/center]And then he explodes.
The punch line of this scene is when Kirby utters, “Eh, he was a jerk anyway.” I love Kirby.
But, surely, the Coachman from Pinocchio couldn’t possibly be frighteni—
WHAT THE HELL?!
In fact, let’s check out that transition into a demonic grin frame-by-frame!
Holy goose, is this guy creepy.
I don’t trust anyone anymore. ;_;
Regardless, #7 is a salute to any character that, at some point, snapped. Just don't trust them with any blunt objects.
6. The Headless Horseman, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (1949)
HELL, YES. This movie is awesome. The “Sleepy Hollow” segment is particularly phenomenal. It’s dark yet comical, but the comedy takes a backseat during the Headless Horseman scenario. While in the original book it was implied that the Headless Horseman was in fact Brom Bones in disguise, in this film he is more obviously a ghost than a mere mortal. This could be from scaredy-cat Ichabod’s point of view, but however you analyze it, this scene is one of Disney’s creepiest. There are some gags, sure, but the hunt is still a complete assault on the senses.
It begins with one tease after another, but out of nowhere the Headless Horseman does appear, and his loud, maniacal laughter induces chills. Even the final shot of the chase, when the Horseman throws a pumpkin at the camera (Ichabod), is unforgettably macabre.
Creeeeeepy.
5. Toaster’s Nightmare, “The Brave Little Toaster” (1987)
"The Brave Little Toaster" wasn't produced by Disney, but the film's rights have been purchased/acquired by Disney, so it is now technically a Disney film. Either way, this film absolutely deserves a mentioning in this list.
On the surface, “The Brave Little Toaster” looks like a fun and enjoyable family film. It is, in fact, a fun and enjoyable film, and one of my favorite animated films of all time, but there are actually a lot of freaky stuff going on in this movie. I already mentioned the Air Conditioner, but if you can believe it there is scene that’s even freakier.
It happens when the titular Toaster has a dream. The appliance dreams of the Master, and all is nice and rosy… that is until smoke emits from the Toaster, and said smoke grabs the Master and takes him away.
“HELP!”
What comes after that is just ridiculously creepy: a clown. I personally don’t have the common fear of clowns, but even I admit this nightmarish character is freaky as hell.
Oh, man.
OH, MAN!
The clown only says one word, in a loud whisper: “Run.” Run? NO CRAP! RUN! But even though the Toaster tries to flee, it cannot escape its own nightmare: eventually the appliance dangles above a bathtub, while the appliance is still plugged. CRUD!
Toaster falls and gets electrocuted, but that’s when the appliance wakes up, thankful that it’s a dream. Of course, it woke up at a particularly unfortunate time, so everything didn’t come up roses at the time.
This nightmare is just freaky. It’s very brief, but it sticks with the viewer long after the film is over. RUN.
4. A Night on Bald Mountain
Well, of course! I had to bring this up at some point! Chernabog is one Disney villain that has done something that many others haven’t achieved: he can strike fear into your heart without uttering a single word. I just quoted some historian, but I forgot whom. Anyway, “Fantasia” is a gorgeous and mesmerizing film enough, but “A Night on Bald Mountain” is really fascinating, as it is scary. It creeps me out to this day, and I’m sad that I have lost my own DVD copy of the film. Fortunately, many screencaps can be found here!
On top of that, here’s a YouTube video. This scene is just genius.
Ooh. Nipples.
3. “Return to Oz” (1985)
This movie is polarizing. There are many detractors and supporters. I can understand the detractors: this movie shattered some childhoods by portraying Oz as dark and melancholic, instead of mostly bright and cheery, like the 1939 MGM film, “The Wizard of Oz.” I can understand that… but in my humble opinion, “Return to Oz” is awesome. It’s shocking, but it’s actually truer to the spirit of the original books than the MGM film.
“Return to Oz” had many freaky characters and conflicts. Electroshock therapy, the Wheelers, the Nome King, the Deadly Desert, you name it.
Are you scared yet, kids?!
How about now?!
But there is one scene that immediately springs to my mind, whenever I hear “Oz” and “scary” put together. Princess Mombi. She has many heads, and collects the heads she likes. There’s a scene where Dorothy and her friends have to escape from Mombi, and so Dorothy sneaks through the hall of heads and takes the powder of life, the same powder that brought Jack Pumpkinhead to life, and needed to bring the Gump to life.
But something goes wrong.
As if these images by themselves aren’t scary enough, check out the scene in motion!
Any headless woman that gurgles deserves the number 3 spot!
2. The Banshee, “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” (1959)
This is an overlooked film. It’s a surprisingly good live-action Disney film with whimsical, clever characters and some amazing special effects for the time. However, there’s one character that I clearly remember scaring the pants off of me, besides Maleficent: the Banshee!
The Banshee first appears when Darby O’Gill searches for his daughter. He finds her unconscious with a grave fever, and that’s when Darby hears the wail of the Banshee, signaling that death is near.
Uh…
I’d rather if you didn’t.
Darby manages to shoo away the Banshee, but her wail is heard again at his home.
Darby runs to the door, opens it, and…
Aw, shucks! There she is!
Darby tries to fight her, but it’s no use; the Banshee has spoken, and the cóiste-bodhar (the death coach) descends from the sky to take Darby’s daughter away. The cóiste-bodhar is also particularly creepy.
GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY!
This is the less sinister Headless Horseman.
It was the Banshee’s second appearance (after Darby opens the door) that made me jump when I first saw it. I was truly scared. Unfortunately, I don’t have an isolated video of that scene handy, but here’s a video of the Banshee’s first appearance. Oooooh!
Well, we’ve come this far. Do you want to know what’s number one? Of course you do! Here it is, everyone! In my humble opinion, the scariest scene in Disney history is…!
HOLD ON, EVERYBODY!
HERE IT COMES!!
1. Lampwick’s Transformation, “Pinocchio” (1940)
This scene is perfect. Literally. There is simply no major change that could be done to make this scene even better. Make a more photorealistic donkey? Nah, that wouldn’t fit with film’s art style. This scene is truly frightening. There are grown adults who simply refuse to watch this scene. Absolutely terrifying. Just take a look!
First of all, it has great buildup. Lampwick gradually realizing that he’s turned into a jackass already chills the spine.
When he finally sees himself, Lampwick goes hysterical.
This is an intense moment: when Lampwick’s hands transform into donkey hooves. The animation of this transformation is phenomenal.
This is my favorite part of the scene. You only see Lampwick’s shadow while he screams, “Mama! MAAAMAAAAAA!” The way he cries before guffawing like a jackass… ugh. I still get goose bumps to this day. In fact, I got goose bumps just now as I typed this!
Give a boy enough rope…
… and he’ll soon make a jackass of himself!
Well, that’s it! Thank you very much for reading! Do you have a compliment? Do you think I overlooked a scene that didn’t make it on this list? Whatever comment you have, I really wanna know. Feel free to post in this thread!
… I can’t sleep, after watching all of this.
