The Rescuers vs. The Rescuers Down Under

Attribute	The Rescuers	The Rescuers Down Under
Release Year	1977	1990
Directors	Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery, Art Stevens	Hendel Butoy, Mike Gabriel
Setting	United States	Australia
Main Characters	Bernard, Bianca, Madame Medusa	Bernard, Bianca, Jake, McLeach

Plot

The Rescuers, released in 1977, follows the story of two mice, Bernard and Miss Bianca, who are members of the Rescue Aid Society, an international mouse organization. They embark on a mission to rescue a young orphan girl named Penny from the clutches of the evil Madame Medusa. The Rescuers Down Under, released in 1990, sees Bernard and Miss Bianca traveling to the Australian Outback to rescue a boy named Cody from the poacher McLeach. While both films involve daring rescue missions, The Rescuers focuses on a human child, while The Rescuers Down Under centers around a human boy.

Setting

The Rescuers is set in the swamps of Louisiana, where Bernard and Miss Bianca meet and begin their adventure. The film captures the essence of the bayou with its lush greenery and murky waters. In contrast, The Rescuers Down Under takes place in the vast and rugged Australian Outback, showcasing the beauty of the desert landscape and the unique wildlife that inhabits it. The change in setting between the two films provides a fresh and exciting backdrop for the characters' adventures.

Animation

One of the most noticeable differences between The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under is the animation style. The Rescuers features traditional hand-drawn animation, which was common in animated films of the 1970s. The characters are charmingly depicted with expressive faces and fluid movements. In contrast, The Rescuers Down Under utilizes more advanced animation techniques, including computer-generated imagery (CGI) for certain scenes. The animation in the sequel is more detailed and dynamic, particularly in the action sequences.

Characters

Bernard and Miss Bianca are the heart of both films, providing a mix of humor, bravery, and heart. In The Rescuers, Bernard is portrayed as a timid yet determined mouse, while Miss Bianca is elegant and fearless. The dynamic between the two characters drives the plot forward and endears them to the audience. In The Rescuers Down Under, Bernard and Miss Bianca's relationship is further developed, with Bernard overcoming his insecurities to prove himself as a hero. Additionally, new characters such as the adventurous Jake and the wise Wilbur add depth to the sequel.

Music

The music in both The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under plays a significant role in setting the tone for the films. The Rescuers features memorable songs such as "Someone's Waiting for You" and "The Journey," which evoke a sense of hope and adventure. The musical score by composer Artie Butler complements the emotional moments in the film. In contrast, The Rescuers Down Under features a more epic and sweeping score by composer Bruce Broughton, which enhances the action-packed sequences and the grandeur of the Australian landscape.

Reception

Upon its release, The Rescuers was well-received by audiences and critics alike, praised for its engaging story and lovable characters. The film's success led to the production of The Rescuers Down Under, which was also met with positive reviews for its animation and action sequences. However, The Rescuers Down Under did not perform as well at the box office as its predecessor, leading to a hiatus in the franchise. Despite this, both films have garnered a dedicated fan base over the years and are considered classics in the Disney animated canon.