Jules Engel

Jules Engel, a talented animator who worked on the classic Disney films " Fantasia " and " Bambi " and helped found two animation studios, has died at age 94.

Mr. Engel, who died Sept. 6 in Simi Valley, was perhaps best known for choreographing the dance sequences in " Fantasia, " the revolutionary 1940 film that set the actions of animated characters, including Mickey Mouse, to classical music.

His work included the over-the-top sequence featuring tutu-clad hippos dancing to Ponchielli ' s " Dance of the Hours. "

The Hungarian-born Mr. Engel credited his fascination with animation choreography to his early love of the Ballet Russe.

His radical approach to color can also be seen in the 1942 hit " Bambi. "

Mr. Engel helped found two animation studios, United Productions of America, where he helped develop the cantankerous but lovable Mr. Magoo, and Format Films, where he helped give life to Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Over the years, he collaborated with such talents as Dr. Seuss author Ted Geisel, film-title artist Saul Bass and science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury.

He also taught at the California Institute of the Arts, where he founded the school ' s experimental animation program. His students have gone on to work on such films as " Finding Nemo, " " Toy Story " and " The Lion King. "

Mr. Engel also painted, and his works have been exhibited in the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.