Universal Studios: Feature Films: Xanadu

Xanadu Production Information

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Production Notes:

About 3,000 images were used in the brief animation sequence, which accompanied the song "Don't Walk Away."

This was the first work contracted to Don Bluth after he left Disney to found his own animation studio. The segment, which normally would take 16 to 20 weeks to do, was completed in 11.

The sequence was produced in Bluth's house and garage. Bluth brought FX animation supervisor Dorse Lanpher and FX character animator Bruce Heller to the project. However, Bluth designed and animated all the characters himself, with the assistance of Heidi Guedel. Several outside animation artists were hired to work on cleanup. Backgrounds were designed by Bluth and painted by Don Moore in Studio City.

"Xanadu" was a remake of the 1947 Rita Hayworth film vehicle "Down to Earth." It proved a major flop, grossing only $11 million in comparison with its $70 million cost.