Disney+ streams animated film
Disney+ is currently streaming Merlin the Enchanter, an animated film produced by Wolfgang Reitherman that was released in 1964. The film follows 12-year-old Moustique and his mentor, Merlin the Enchanter, as they travel to London to compete in a prestigious jousting tournament.Plot centers on Arthurian legend
The winner of the tournament is to be proclaimed king of England, unless someone can pull a sword from an anvil, an ancient relic tied to the legend of King Arthur. The film is described by AlloCiné viewers as "fun, amusing, full of joy, liveliness, and warmth of life," with some noting the presence of "a lot of humor, charm, and magic," as well as the film's "colors, songs, story, and emotion."High rating from viewers
The film has received a 4 out of 5 rating from AlloCiné viewers based on 20,179 ratings and 188 reviews. Despite its critical reception, Merlin the Enchanter is often considered an underrated Disney production. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for its music in 1964, though it did not win.Box office success and context
At the time, Disney was focusing a significant portion of its budget on its theme parks in California and Florida. However, the film still performed well at the American box office, reaching fifth place with $10 million in revenue in 1964.Reinterpretation of King Arthur myth
The film is described as a reinterpretation of the King Arthur myth, with a focus on the childhood of the king and comedic elements brought by the character of Merlin. This approach has resonated with viewers, as noted by AlloCiné user chrischambers86, who wrote: "Discoveries, dialogues, gags, music... All of these are friendly nods to fairy tales and the legend of the Round Table, rendered impactful by a joyful, typically Disney humor to which nothing is resistant."Currently available on Disney+
Merlin the Enchanter is currently available on Disney+.
