The word cartoon has different meanings depending on the context. Initially this term was used for the indication of an image drawn in special fashion. Such cartoons were generally placed in newspapers at comic strips. Now the meaning of the term cartoon is different. It stands for the animated cartoon films. The animation is a procedure of creating the illusion of movement using immovable objects. With the creation of motion pictures the popularity of animated cartoon films has increased because they became available to a wide audience.
The birthday of animated cartoon films is considered to be the 30th of August, 1877, when Mr. Emile Reynaud patented his invention. It was a gadget called praxinoscope that allowed to create a performance out of a tape with images. At that time not only animated cartoon films were silent, but all the video films as well. Amongst the most widespread animation characters of that year was Felix the Cat.
The creation of cartoons videos with the synchronized sound was an essential step in the development of animated cartoon films industry. From this on the cartoons were for the most part targeted at children. The first animated cartoon film with synchronized sound was produced by Walt Disney. The name of the cartoon film was “Steamboat Willie”. The main personage of the film was Mickey Mouse who is one of the most widespread and favorite personages these days.
The Walt Disney is still a top organization in the animation industry. They have won countless number of awards for their endowment to the development of animated cartoons. Apart from the Walt Disney organization there are lots of cartoonists that have also played a significant role in the history of cartoons. These are such well-known video production companies like Warner Brothers, Walter Lantz and Hanna-Barbara.
Cartoons were produced in the form of short motion pictures, full-length movies and serials. They are distributed both on television and in cinemas. What is more, you have an opportunity to buy a disc with your favorite animated cartoons in the nearest video store. A great idea is to download cartoon films from the World Wide Web.
Cartoon films reminds us about the childhood. They always bring positive emotions both to the children and adults.