There are great films and then there are masterpieces. And when it comes to animated feature films, Pinocchio is widely considered to be the Mona Lisa of the genre. Words like “breathtaking” and “spellbinding” are often thrown around with ease in Hollywood, but they should probably be reserved for films of this caliber, a film that is both touching and terrifying, aesthetically beautiful and technically brilliant. Some would argue that it is the finest animated feature film ever produced, a lofty title when you consider some of the other Disney competition.

The 1940 film, based upon a fable written by Carlo “Collodi” Lorenzini in 1883, is narrated by a Mr. Jiminy Cricket, who begins the story by introducing Geppetto, a lonely woodcarver who longs for a child of his own. He creates a puppet named Pinocchio and wishes that it might become a real live boy. Enter the Blue Fairy, who shows up to grant Geppetto his wish with the simple wave of her hand, bringing the puppet to life. Should Pinocchio prove to be “good, honest and noble” she tells Geppetto, he will eventually turn into a real boy. To keep tabs on the wooden lad, she appoints Jiminy Cricket to be the boy’s conscience. His wish finally granted, Geppetto is understandably overjoyed.

Being the responsible parent, Geppetto sends Pinocchio out to get an education. While he is a good kid, he is just a tad too gullible for the world that surrounds him. When he encounters a sly fox named “Honest John” (otherwise known as J. Worthington Foulfellow,) and his cohort, Gideon, a not-so-bright cat, the two persuade Pinocchio to put his education on the back burner and give show business a try – all thanks to a catchy little ditty called “An Actor’s Life For Me.” Easily convinced, the boy is soon sold to puppet show proprietor Stromboli, an evil man who enslaves Pinocchio. The Blue Fairy shows up to try and save Pinocchio, but when asked how he got himself into this predicament, the boy isn’t truthful. Unfortunately, his nose acts as a sort of lie detector, growing longer with every fib. Finally, he comes clean and the Blue Fairy gives him a magical rhinoplasty, restoring his beak to normal proportions.

For most folks, that little incident might teach them a valuable lesson, but Pinocchio hasn’t quite learned from his mistakes. In no time, he is again being lured by Honest John to a place called Pleasure Island, a wonderful (and politically incorrect) world where boys can drink, smoke and play pool to their heart’s content. Pinocchio and his pal Lampwick are having the time of their lives until they start morphing into donkeys. Within minutes, Lampwick is a full-fledged jackass and the two are sent to work in the salt mines. Pinocchio manages to escape, thanks to his trusty pal, Jiminy, but when the two return home, they find that Geppetto is nowhere to be found. The worried father, it turns out, has set sea on a raft in search for his carved child and managed to become a snack for Monstro, a great whale. Pinocchio and his insect pal manage to locate the whale, thanks to some help from some fish friends, but they soon become desert for the whale and are reunited with Geppetto in the belly of the beast. Only Pinocchio’s ingenuity can save the trio from certain digestion.

Pinocchio was a major technological achievement for Disney, including numerous innovations that are used to this day in the craft. But Pinocchio was much more than just an advance in animated filmmaking. It featured a remarkable score of catchy songs including the beloved “When You Wish Upon a Star,” Disney’s unofficial theme song to this day, as well as “Give a Little Whistle” and “I’ve Got No Strings.”  And it managed to also launched the career of a whole host of memorable Disney characters, especially Jiminy Cricket, who would go on to become a sort of spokesman for all things Disney, including a regular spot on The Mickey Mouse Club.

Over the years, Disney has put out numerous animated classics, from Snow White to The Lion King, but Pinocchio will always have a special place in their vast collection. It is simply a masterpiece that has never gone out of style, and one that continues to be enjoyed with as much enthusiasm today as when it was first released.