LILO & STITCH [2002]

Hello there everyone! Today we will be looking at the original ANIMATED version of the DISNEY classic “LILO & STITCH”

Did you know that the ending of the movie was going to look a little different?

In the climax of the movie, “STITCH” [VOICED by CHRIS SANDERS], “JUMBA” [DAVID ALLEN OGDEN STIERS - DAVID OGDEN STIERS as most people knew him - OCTOBER 31, 1942 – MARCH 3, 2018], “NANI” [TIA CARRERE] and “PLEAKLEY” [KEVIN McDONALD] can be seen flying around in a huge red SPACESHIP that looks very similar to an AIRPLANE. This is because in the original edit of the film, it WAS an AIRPLANE! In the original edit, the writers and animators had “STITCH” and the gang hijacking a BOEING 747 from the LīHU‘E AIRPORT [i’m sorry if I spelled that name wrong] and crashing it into buildings throughout HONOLULU. Unfortunately, the movie came out right after 9/11/2001. THE ANIMATORS felt this was much too close to the attacks that happened on SEPTEMBER 11TH, so they remodeled “JUMBA’S” SPACESHIP to look a bit different than a BOEING 747, and also changed the buildings to mountains. Can you imagine the backlash if this scene was allowed to remain in its original version? Changing it was definitely a good idea.

In the same scene: When “JUMBA’S” SPACESHIP is struck by lasers, “PLEAKLEY” can for several frames be seen arguing on the phone with someone. This is RECYCLED ANIMATION from when the characters were originally flying the BOEING 747; “PLEAKLEY” was trying and failing to order luggage sets from the AIRLINER’S catalog.

[Here is a split-screen comparison for one of the changes that were made.]

[An alternate shot from the BOEING sequence!]

Did you know that movie was originally going to be a CHILDREN’S BOOK?

Did you know that the character of “STITCH” was actually created way back in 1985? It’s true! Most people think “LILO & STITCH” was created all at one time by DISNEY, just for the 2002 film, but that’s not the case. “STITCH” was created by one of THE DIRECTORS of the film named CHRIS SANDERS for a CHILDREN’S BOOK he was writing.

The CHILDREN’S BOOK was never published, and “STITCH” was made into a movie 17 years later.

SANDERS was not only one of THE DIRECTORS of “LILO & STITCH”, but he was also a CO-SCREENWRITER, a CO-CHARACTER DESIGNER, and also provided the VOICE ACTING for “STITCH”. I think it’s amazing that a character SANDERS created in 1985 made it all the way to 2002 and had a movie made about him! It just goes to show, you should never give up on an idea [unless it’s a really really dumb one]!

[Original CONCEPT ART.]

The voice of “STITCH” was a difficult one to dub for other languages so DUTCH VOICE ARTIST BOB VANDERHOVEN [or VAN DER HOUVEN depending on who you ask.] rather than SANDERS does the voice in the DUTCH, GERMAN, FLEMISH and ITALIAN versions of the film.

[“STITCH” and SANDERS.]

[VANDERHOVEN/VAN DER HOUVEN]

Did you know that “PUDGE THE FISH” does actually appear in the film?

One funny moment in the movie is when “LILO” [DAVEIGH CHASE] is very adamant that she must feed her PET FISH “PUDGE” a PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH every THURSDAY [Because he can control the weather!]. “PUDGE” has become a fan-favorite character in the film. Most fans believe that “PUDGE” is never seen during the movie, but that's actually not the case. “PUDGE” can be seen during the opening credits of the film. “PUDGE THE FISH” can be seen when “LILO” is swimming underwater. He swims by “LILO” [and the audience] with a PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH firmly in his mouth. This is a fun little secret appearance that THE ANIMATORS put in the movie, and I'm glad they did. “PUDGE THE FISH” sure is a cute one! And he has a good taste in SANDWICHES.

[There he is!]

Did you know that “PUDGE” almost had another scene in the movie!

In early versions of the script for “LILO & STITCH”, THE WRITERS included another scene with “PUDGE THE FISH”. This scene would have had “LILO” introduce “PUDGE” to “STITCH”, and then a flock of BIRDS would come down and end “PUDGES” life! “LILO” would then call for help, but “STITCH” would just laugh and enjoy the chaos, which would cause “LILO” to see something is wrong with “STITCH”. This scene never made it into the final cut of the movie. Luckily, THE ANIMATORS and WRITERS must have realized that this scene would probably be a bit too much for little kids. Having a beloved PET’S life end is not always the best choice. This scene was drawn by THE ANIMATORS and had the dialogue completed by THE VOICE ACTORS, but it was never actually animated. Thank goodness!

[A storyboard image from the scene in question.]

“PUDGE” also appears in the NINTENDO DS video game “DISNEY FRIENDS”. If THE DS SYSTEM CLOCK is set to a THURSDAY, it would be “Sandwich Day”. “LILO” will tell the player to give “STITCH” a PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH to throw. If “PUDGE” catches it, the weather changes and the player is awarded a pin.

[“PUDGE” in the “DISNEY FRIENDS” style!]

Do you know what “LILO’S” name means in HAWAIIAN?

The term “LILO” means “GENEROUS ONE” and originates in the HAWAIIAN language. It can also be interpreted as “LOST”, which offers a loose translation for the song title “HE MELE NO LILO” as “LULLABY OF THE LOST”. Additionally, the name “NANI” translates to “BEAUTIFUL” in HAWAIIAN.

Did you know that “STITCH” had very different role in an earlier draft of the story?

Originally, “STITCH” was intended to be an intergalactic gangster. “JUMBA” was envisioned as a disgruntled member of his gang who had been left behind during a heist and sought revenge on “STITCH”. In the third act, other members of the gang were supposed to come to retrieve him. However, the FILMMAKERS decided that “STITCH” would be more sympathetic if he were portrayed as younger, leading to the change from a hardened criminal to a genetic experiment. Consequently, “JUMBA” was redefined as the scientist who created “STITCH”.

Did you know that a couple of the ACTORS helped with some details as well?

CARRERE was born and raised in HONOLULU, while JASON SCOTT LEE [The voice of “DAVID”] was raised in HAWAII and is of HAWAIIAN descent. Both helped rewrite the dialogue of the HAWAIIAN characters to ensure that they had proper dialect, and to include local HAWAIIAN slang as well.

[A location in HAWAII! Sorry I do not know the name of this particular spot.]

One of the most complex aspects of “STITCH’S” characterization is that it can be difficult to discern his emotions, primarily because his eyes lack pupils. The animators addressed this challenge by making “STITCH’S” physical expressions very pronounced.

[“STITCH” reacting to the news that he is trapped on a small island!]

Did you know that this movie was made in the same art style as another classic DISNEY film?

Although ANIMATORS tried using computer-colored (but hand-drawn) digital cells instead of traditional hand-painted ones, this was the first DISNEY ANIMATED FEATURE to incorporate watercolor-painted backgrounds since “DUMBO” [1941]. A deliberate effort was made to give the film a warmer, more nostalgic appearance than most modern DISNEY films. Unlike other recent productions, this film does not employ the “DEEP CANVAS” technique found in “TARZAN” [1999], “ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE” [2001], or “TREASURE PLANET” [2002]. Additionally, it contains only about five shots that utilize either a “MULTIPLANE CAMERA” or a “3D CAMERA” effect, and the use of tone mattes (shading and shadows on the characters) was kept to a minimum.

“DUMBO” also has a brief cameo as a stuffed toy in “LILO’S” bedroom!

[Look, he’s even been circled for you!]

Do you know the real reason for why “PLEAKLEY” uses a VIEWMASTER whenever he talks about EARTH?

It’s all part of a running gag: Every time “PLEAKLEY” looks at, or attempts to show someone information about EARTH, the device used is a “VIEWMASTER”. VIEWMASTERS create the illusion that the viewer is looking at a three-dimensional image created by each eye looking at slightly different pictures. Its basic premise is that the person looking in it has two eyes to create the effect, but “PLEAKLEY” is a one-eyed creature and, therefore, would not see the 3-D effects of the VIEWMASTER. Adding to the gag is when he hands the VIEWMASTER to “JUMBA” - a one-eyed alien handing a four-eyed alien a viewing device intended for two-eyed humans.

[There’s a VIEWMASTER even though it is called a SLIDE-MASTER here. It’s the same idea!]

[“PLEAKLEY” as everyone else sees him.]

[“PLEAKLEY” as he wants to be seen!]

One of “PLEAKLEY’S” HUMAN disguises in the film bears a striking resemblance to “FRANCESCA FIORE”, a recurring character from the show “THE KIDS IN THE HALL” [1989 to 1995], which McDONALD also starred in.

[McDONALD]

Do you know why the FILMMAKERS chose the word “OHANA” to be a central theme for the movie?

While on a tour of KAUA‘I, FILMMAKERS noticed that their HAWAIIAN TOUR GUIDE seemed to know someone everywhere they went. They were so struck by the GUIDE’S explanation of the term “OHANA” as it relates to an extended family, that they made it the central theme of the film.

[A picture of the ISLAND known as KAUA‘I.]

Until the release of “ELVIS” [2022] 20 years later, this film held the record for the most number of ELVIS PRESLEY songs in any theatrically-released movie, including those starring PRESLEY [JANUARY 8, 1935 – AUGUST 16, 1977] himself.

Like the live-action monster movie that appears briefly, photographs of ELVIS are real pictures and not animated drawings.

And for the fun of it: A shot of “STITCH” as “THE KING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” himself!

One of the final shots of the film is a photograph of “LILO”, “NANI”, “DAVID” and “STITCH” visiting the front gates of GRACELAND in MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. Almost 20 years later, the original painting of that shot was put on display as part of “THE TRAVELING WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES EXHIBITION at GRACELAND.

“LILO & STITCH” had special premieres in both HONOLULU and at GRACELAND.

Do you know how THE FILMMAKERS managed to recreate THE HULA?

To capture the traditional HAWAIIAN DANCE FORM - THE HULA - correctly, DISNEY took a CAMERA CREW to a renowned HALAU, A HULA DANCE SCHOOL. All of the introductory HULA DANCE is modeled [though not ROTOSCOPED] on sequences captured at THE HALAU.

[A couple of HULA DANCERS performing THE HULA!]

Inside the closing scenes while dancing at the “MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL”, two portraits are presented beside the stage. They are of GEORGE NA‘OPE [A.K.A. “UNCLE GEORGE” - FEBRUARY 25, 1928 – OCTOBER 26, 2009] and HELENE HALE [MARCH 23, 1918 – FEB. 1, 2013]. HALE was THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII who founded the festival in 1963 to attract tourism, and “UNCLE GEORGE” was her PROMOTER OF ACTIVITIES, who would later add THE HULA COMPETITION in 1971.

[Left-to-right: NA‘OPE, “LILO”, “STITCH”, HULA DANCERS, students, THE HULA INSTRUCTOR and HALE!]

COMPOSER ALAN SILVESTRI collaborated with HAWAIIAN HULA MASTER MARK KEALI’I HO’OMALU [again, i’m sorry if spelled that wrong.] on the score.

[SILVESTRI]

[KEALI’I HO’OMALU]

Did you know that there was a very last minute change for censorship?

In the original version of the film, “LILO” hides from “NANI” in a tumble dryer. This scene has been edited so that she is now hiding in a wooden cabinet using an open pizza box to hide behind. Many people think this change was made when the film was added to DISNEY+ but the first edition of the DVD was the last version to feature the tumble dryer scene. This edit was made to prevent children from trying to hide in actual dryers, a safety hazard that could lead to serious harm.

[Here is another split-screen comparison from the scene in question!]

While “LILO” and “STITCH” are reading “THE UGLY DUCKLING” the pictures are from the WALT DISNEY “SILLY SYMPHONY” [a.k.a. “SILLY SYMPHONIES”] [1929-1939] adaptation of the old story [1939].

[A poster for the short film.]

[“THE UGLY DUCKLING” that is seen in the film.]

This film was nominated for an “ACADEMY AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE”, but lost to “SPIRITED AWAY” [2001]. CHASE VOICED the lead character in both of these films [“LILO” in “LILO & STITCH” [2002] and “CHIHIRO”/”SEN” in the ENGLISH DUB for “SPIRITED AWAY” [JAPANESE DUB - 2001/ENGLISH DUB - 2002]].

[CHASE at the time the film was made.]

[“LILO”]

[“CHIHIRO”/“SEN”]

STIERS was also CAST as a supporting character in both films [“JUMBA” in “LILO & STITCH” and “KAMAJI” in “SPIRITED AWAY”].

[STIERS]

[“JUMBA”]

[“KAMAJI”]

In the subtitles for the CHINESE version, a line spoken by “STITCH” in his alien language is translated into CHINESE despite it having no corresponding English meaning. Stitch's line sounded like ‘Qu Ni De’ [‘Go to your place’], an offensive CHINESE phrase that told somebody to go away. The actual CHINESE translation was a lot more family-friendly. The inclusion of this line moves forward the first understandable dialogue spoken by “STITCH” from the ENGLISH version, showing, far earlier in it, that “STITCH” is intelligent.

[The CHINESE flag.]

According to Stitch's dog license at the shelter, the adoption official [Listed in the CAST credits as “RESCUE LADY” in the films end credits.] is “SUSAN HEGARTY”, the actress who voiced the character. Also, according to the license, “LILO’S” and “NANI’S” last name is “PELEKAI”. Other writing on the same license includes “as well as our partners at DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS for their participation and support during the making of LILO & STITCH”.

[Good luck trying to read all of that close-up!]

[This part is easier to read, obviously!]

[HEGARTY]

[The character she plays.]

The two small black-and-white dogs that were part of the first group of canines “STITCH” met at the pound resemble two DOGS that belong to CO-WRITER/CO-DIRECTOR DEAN DeBLOIS. One of his DOGS was recorded (breathing, grunting, etc.) and mixed in with SANDERS’ performance as Stitch.

[Here’s a picture of some dogs for you.]

[DeBLOIS [left] and SANDERS [right].]

In the hotel scene, the bit with “STITCH” carrying a rose was inspired by an ANIMATION STUDENT known to give flowers to the ANIMATORS [and other ANIMATION STUDENT] at the annual DISNEY INSTITUTE ANIMATION CLASSES.

[A collage of images from the DISNEY INSTITUTE from 1996-2000.]

[Here’s the scene in question!]

Many of the background aliens have designs based on “WINNIE THE POOH” characters. The alien who says “He's [“STITCH’] loose on deck C” appears to be modeled after “ROO”, the alien who calculates where “STITCH” will land is clearly modeled after “PIGLET”, and “TIGGER” informs “THE GRAND COUNCILWOMAN” [ZOE CALDWELL - SEPTEMBER 14, 1933-FEBRUARY 16, 2020] that most of Earth is covered in water.

[Here are a few examples for you! Sorry I couldn’t find the one who resembles “ROO”.]

[“STITCH” and “THE GRAND COUNCILWOMAN”]

[CALDWELL]

The sign on “LILO’S” bedroom door is the HAWAIIAN word “kapu”. It has cognates in other POLYNESIAN languages, including the FIJIAN word “tabu”, from which the ENGLISH word “taboo” is borrowed. In context, it could be loosely translated as “Keep Out”.