Wes Watches

       Today, January 1, 2024, one of the most iconic animated shorts in American history officially entered the public domain. "Steamboat Willie", which was originally produced and released by Walt Disney Animation Studios on November 18, 1928, has entered the public domain after its 95 year copyright finally expired. The copyright expiration means that Disney no longer has the exclusive rights to the versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse that appear in the short, although they will continue to hold the copyright to versions of Mickey and Minnie from shorts released after "Steamboat Willie".     The entire "Steamboat Willie" short can be seen below. When will other Mickey Mouse animated shorts enter the public domain? Based on current U.S. copyright law, which states that a work enters the public domain on January 1st 95 years after a work is first released, the following Mickey Mouse animated shorts will enter the public domain in the following years

Today, November 18, marks 95 years since the first Mickey Mouse animated short, "Steamboat Willie", was released in theaters. (Author's Note: It was actually the third short made, following "Plane Crazy" and "The Galloping Gaucho", but the first one to be released to the public). To celebrate the milestone, I have decided to post the top ten Mickey Mouse cartoons that I have seen based on their ratings on the Internet Movie Database, or IMDB. Author's Note: The premiere date refers to the short's release date to the general American public. 1. Once Upon A Studio Premiere Date: October 15, 2023 IMDB Rating: 8.6 IMDB Summary: "An all-star ensemble of Disney Animation characters come together for a group photo celebrating Disney's 100th anniversary." 2. Mickey's Christmas Carol Premiere Date: December 16, 1983 IMDB Rating: 8.0 IMDB Summary: "The classic Disney animated characters play the roles in this animated retelling