Key Takeaways:
– Disney experimented with adult-oriented content using its subsidiary, Touchstone Pictures.
– Iconic movies like ‘Splash,’ ‘The Color of Money,’ and ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ were produced by Touchstone Pictures.
– With the increasing success of adult and PG-13 rated movies under Disney’s banner, Touchstone was dissolved.
– This article revisits ten underrated yet noteworthy movies released under Touchstone Pictures.
Everybody recalls the unforgettable magical rides on Aladdin’s carpet or the enchanting melodies of Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Such family-friendly Disney creations have stayed in our hearts. However, did you know that Disney once dabbled in adult content with a subsidiary named Touchstone Pictures?
Although unknown to some, Touchstone Pictures was formed in 1984 as Disney’s attempt to create more mature content without damaging their family-friendly brand image. Their first release, ‘Splash,’ was a big success, leading to the launch of renowned stars like Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, and the director, Ron Howard.
Early Days of Touchstone
The initial years for Touchstone Pictures were challenging, with underwhelming releases like ‘Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend’ and ‘My Science Project.’ However, the tide turned in their favor when they produced lower-budget R-rated comedies featuring stars like Richard Dreyfuss and Bette Midler. The success of films like ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills’, ‘Ruthless People’, and ‘Stakeout’ gave the brand new energy.
Golden Age of Touchstone
Touchstone Pictures enjoyed a spell of brilliance, producing classics like ‘The Color of Money’, ‘Good Morning Vietnam’, ‘Cocktail’, and ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’, to name a few. As Disney became open to releasing PG-13 rated movies like the Pirates of the Caribbean series under its name, Touchstone was eventually absorbed.
Rediscovering the Touchstone Treasures
As Disney celebrates its 100th anniversary, let’s delve into the archives and unveil ten underappreciated movies worth revisiting from the Touchstone Pictures era.
1. Ruthless People
A comedic thrill ride featuring Danny DeVito and Bette Midler, serving up heaps of laughter and twists.
2. Stakeout
This action-comedy skillfully blends humor and adrenaline-pumping sequences starring Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez.
3. An Innocent Man
A compelling hard-edged drama, Tom Selleck wonderfully portrays a man wronged and seeking justice.
4. Captain Ron
With Kurt Russel and Martin Short sharing screen space, this movie guarantees a hearty laugh.
5. Alive
A gripping survival tale based on real-life events, starring Ethan Hawke.
6. The Program
An intense examination of college football pressures, guaranteed to be a thriller.
7. Summer of Sam
Directed by Spike Lee, it’s a deep dive into the notorious Son of Sam murders that rattled New York City in 1977.
8. Enemy of the State
A box office hit featuring the combined talents of Tony Scott, Will Smith, and Jerry Bruckheimer.
9. The Count of Monte Cristo
An intriguing tale of revenge, led by the gripping performance of Jim Caviezel.
10. Reign of Fire
An underrated post-apocalyptic thrill ride with the ensemble cast of Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, and Gerard Butler.
Delving into Touchstone Pictures provides a fresh perspective on Disney’s creative journeys and their successful experiment in adult content. Even if the subsidiary is no longer active, the Touchstone Pictures era has left a significant mark on Hollywood’s landscape, and its contributions are worth celebrating.
