Us Again - A Musical Disney Short Masterpiece

Us Again - Image from Walt Disney Animation Studios

I'm not often much of a short film fanatic, but I had to take a few minutes to pay tribute to the beauty of the latest short film from Walt Disney Animation Studios.  Us Again was released with Raya and the Last Dragon on March 5, 2021.  I had the chance to see this as part of the 2021 New York International Children's Film Festival Closing Spotlight event with Raya and the Last Dragon.  

Without uttering a single word, the artistry and music of this short film brings to life a beautiful tale of love and remembering our youth.  At the beginning of the short, we meet an older couple.  The man is perfectly content to sit in his chair, but his wife still yearns for adventure and a life beyond their city apartment.  When she leaves for the evening, he steps out on the balcony and is magically transformed by a light rain into a younger version of himself.  

Feeling alive once again, he finds his wife on the city streets and they enjoy an evening dancing around town.  As the rain starts to pass, they are transformed back to their present day selves.  He runs through the streets trying to keep up with the rain and hold onto his past self.  But when it finally heads out to sea, he sees his wife and is reminded that being young and being young-at-heart are equally as powerful.  The two end the evening dancing under a street light.  

Take a look at this clip from Us Again that's now available!

I loved every second experiencing this short film and look forward to having the chance to watch it again and again!!!

About Us Again (From Walt Disney Animation Studios)

“Us Again,” a vibrant and original new theatrical animated short from director Zach Parrish that brings together dance, music, emotional storytelling and inspired animation, is set to debut exclusively in theaters worldwide beginning on March 5, playing on the same bill as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ (WDAS) newest animated feature, “Raya and the Last Dragon.”  The film is Disney Animation’s first new theatrical short since the 2016 release of “Inner Workings,” which accompanied “Moana” on the big screen.  “Us Again” is scheduled to make its streaming debut in June on Disney+.

 

Parrish is an eleven-year veteran of Disney Animation who served as head of animation on “Big Hero 6” and director of the Short Circuit film, “Puddles,” in addition to his numerous animation credits on features for the Studio.  Award-winning choreographers/dancers Keoneand Mari (featured performers on “World of Dance,” and renowned for their collaborations with such top talents as Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish), and acclaimed composer Pinar Toprak(“Captain Marvel”) brought their unique talents to this experimental and musical fantasy. The film is produced by Brad Simonsen (associate producer on “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet”), and executive produced by Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS).