- Change in artistic vision: In the 1960s and 1970s, Disney's animation studio began to move away from the traditional hand-drawn animation style that had characterized its earlier films. This shift was due in part to the rise of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and the increasing cost of traditional animation. As a result, many of Disney's classic characters and stories were reimagined in a more modern style, which alienated some fans.
- Focus on sequels and remakes: In an effort to capitalize on the success of its classic films, Disney began to produce sequels and remakes of these films. While some of these sequels and remakes were successful, others were met with critical and commercial failure. This trend led some critics to accuse Disney of being more interested in making money than in creating quality films.
- Competition from other studios: Disney no longer had a monopoly on the animation market. Other studios, such as Pixar, DreamWorks, and Studio Ghibli, began to produce high-quality animated films that rivaled Disney's films. This competition forced Disney to step up its game and create more innovative and entertaining films.
- Changing tastes of audiences: The tastes of audiences have changed over the years. Today's audiences are more sophisticated and demanding than audiences in the past. They are less likely to be impressed by simple stories and characters and more likely to seek out films that are complex and challenging. Disney has struggled to keep up with these changing tastes, and some of its recent films have been met with criticism for being too formulaic and predictable.
Despite these challenges, classic Disney films continue to be popular with audiences around the world. They are a reminder of a time when animation was a simpler art form and when stories were told with a focus on imagination and creativity.