Hidden Treasure

Disney has made many rightfully acclaimed movies, but some of their movies have been overlooked. There’s enough of them that I suppose it makes sense that a few are going to end undervalued and disappointingly forgotten. In my opinion, of these forgotten movies, Treasure Planet has neglected worst of all.

Treasure Planet’s movie poster. Image found https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Treasure_Planet

Treasure Planet was released in 2002, and was a fantasy-sci-fi remix of Treasure Island. It is a masterpiece of world design and complex characters. The backgrounds and settings of the story are breathtaking from the start. The canyons filled with machinery are ripe for exploration and the taste we get in the chase scene only makes me wonder what all that machinery is for and what is hidden in that labyrinth of rock and metal. The Benbow Inn, perched on the cliff, piers jutting out into the air is both charming and intriguingly alien. When our protagonist, Jim Hawkins, does leave his home planet and seeks Treasure Planet, we get to see the stunning moon shaped city, gorgeous space-scapes, and wondrous other worlds.

And this beautiful universe is filled with unique technology I have always longed to get my hands on. Who doesn’t want a holographic storybook filled with the adventures of treasure seeking pirates who sail ships through space? Or a window that changes its view? Or a hoverboard that rockets through the air powered by a glimmering sail? Treasure Planet has technology that hovers on the line between magic and science. All of it feels machine-like, metal and constructed, but has a glow-y, beyond understanding aspect that they never try to explain away with faux science. The design of the technology makes the setting all the more wondrous.

The characters that inhabit this world are also endearing. The various alien species are diverse but fit in the same universe in a coherent manner. The creators walk the fine line of making it clear that theses creatures are not all the same without letting that world building take over the plot. The personalities and motivations of the cast of characters are believable and engaging. From minor pirates to our honorable captain to the adorable blob-like sidekick, all of the characters are memorable.

I’ve kept my discussion vague here intentionally. I don’t want to give so much of the details away that a first watch loses its magic. I can rave about Treasure Planet endlessly, but that will never express every wonderful detail. Do yourself a favor and go watch this under appreciated yourself. I promise you won’t regret it.