Don Bluth

The Profile

Donald (Don) Bluth (born 1937 in El Paso) is an American animator and director who worked at Disney (including on Robin Hood and The Rescuers) before leaving in 1979 to pursue independent animated features such as The Secret of NIMH (1982) and The Land Before Time (1988).

Born 1937 in El Paso; worked as an animator at Walt Disney Productions; left Disney with a group of animators in 1979 to form independent studios; directed The Secret of NIMH (1982) and The Land Before Time (1988).

DeBaser reviews treat Don Bluth as a major post-Disney animator, praising The Secret of NIMH and The Land Before Time for emotional depth and craftsmanship. Reviewers highlight his break from Disney and his influence on 1980s animation. Overall reception in these reviews is favorable, with notes of nostalgia.