Waking Sleeping Beauty is a documentary that delves into the tumultuous period of Walt Disney's animation studios during the 1980s, a time when the company's creative spark seemed to be dwindling. The film, directed by Don Hahn, offers a candid and introspective look at the struggles and triumphs of the Disney team as they navigated the challenges of creating innovative and engaging animated films. Through a mix of interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes stories, Hahn sheds light on the power struggles, creative differences, and personal conflicts that threatened to derail the studio's chances of producing another classic.

The documentary is at its strongest when it explores the tensions between the old guard and the new wave of animators, who were eager to push the boundaries of storytelling and animation techniques. The film features interviews with key figures such as Roy E. Disney, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Tim Burton, among others, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights into the era. The documentary also touches on the impact of technological advancements, changes in audience preferences, and the rise of competing studios, all of which contributed to the sense of uncertainty and upheaval at Disney. By examining these factors, Waking Sleeping Beauty provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities and challenges that the studio faced during this pivotal period.

Despite its engaging narrative and wealth of information, the documentary sometimes feels a bit disjointed, with some sections feeling like a series of loosely connected vignettes rather than a cohesive whole. Additionally, the film's relatively short runtime means that some topics and themes are not explored as deeply as they could be. Nevertheless, Waking Sleeping Beauty remains a fascinating and informative documentary that will appeal to animation enthusiasts, Disney fans, and anyone interested in the history of the film industry. The documentary's thoughtful and balanced approach makes it a compelling watch, offering a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in Disney's history and the creative process that ultimately led to the studio's resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s.