Subliminal Messages In Movies

The potential to embed subliminal messages in movies is obvious. The original experiment with subliminal messages was to flash Coca Cola and Popcorn images whilst people watch a movie. Therefore it is an easy extension to show various other subliminal messages in other movies.

Although there are many instances of subliminal messages in movies most people have concentrated on examining Disney movies as these seem to consistently offer examples of such subliminal messages being embedded either mistakenly or otherwise in many of their films

In fact, there seems to be a bit of a tradition at the studio.

Often when new Disney films come out people race to discover and find first such hidden messages.

The reason perhaps that subliminal messages are found so frequently in Disney movies is because cartoons are by there very nature made up of very short still pictures that when shown at a fast enough speed become animated due to the small changes made in each slide.

This is the perfect environment for someone to implant a subliminal message or to go further and actually incorporate a message into the very fabric of the cartoon.

Which Disney films contain subliminal messages?

It is also widely believed that the tradition was started by disgruntled animators. who were unhappy

In a sort of underground protest, they hid messages in the movies.

An early example of this can be seen in Goofy 'Sports' series of shorts, where many of the characters names are actually Disney animator and artist names.

Below you will find some examples of the various Disney films that people assert contain hidden subliminal messages.

The Rescuers
Contains two frames of a topless model in the scene where Bernard and Bianca fly down through the city on the albatross.

The Little Mermaid
Some suggest that in the scene where Eric and Ursula are about to get married, the priest has an erection although others believe this is only the priest's knee.

The actual cover art for The Little Mermaid contains a tower that looks rather phallic!

The artist apparently fully intended for the tower to look like a penis and although sent for approval and possible correction no request was received and therefore the original phallus shaped tower was released.

The Lion King
In the scene where Simba watches his father die, the word 'SEX' is briefly formed in the clouds above his head. Some observers think that the hidden word is actually the letters 'SFX', referring to Disney's Special Effects department. Perhaps those artists where still having their underground revolution.

Aladdin
Some people believe you can hear Aladdin say 'Good teenagers take off your clothes' in one scene. However. it is difficult to fully make out what is being said.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
A distinctly 'Basic Instinct' type shot happens when Jessica Rabbit bounces out a Taxi - it only lasts for two frames. Also the Disney Chief Executive Michael Eisner's home telephone number appears plastered on a Toon Town wall - perhaps more resentment!

Sometimes when you check your version of the movie you may not be able to find such message - this is because on some releases such as video or DVD the films have been doctored.

In the end wether such messages appear accidently or even maliciously the very fact that they do has enhanced the interest in Disney movies and therefore has increased their popularity.

That is always good for business.