The comparison of this concept art with the final film version illustrates this quote about how Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard changed the tone of “Tangled” when they came on board:

We went from a Rembrandt-meets-Ridley-Scott vision to something more like ‘Cinderella’ – bright, cheerful, saturated, even in its darker story moments. More indicative of a traditional Disney feel. It’s just lighter. In all senses of the word, lighter.  –DAN COOPER, CO-ART DIRECTOR

I can completely see the “Ridley Scott” comment in the left concept art. There’s something brooding and almost menacing in it – like a Renaissance “Blade Runner.” In some ways, I expect (and hope) that “Brave” will stick a toe into this territory. 

The third (and last) square we see in the island village.

The second square we see in the island village.

The first square we see in the island village.

OK, this animation is not meant to be pretty, but hopefully informative. It shows various landmarks along the High Street during the “Waiting for the Lights” pan. You can see a gallery of screenshots and concept art of all the items marked on this animation here.

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber in the German state of Bavaria was a primary inspiration for the town in “Pinocchio,” and the town in “Pinocchio” was a primary inspiration for the island village in “Tangled,” so…. You can see the echoes here pretty clearly.

Love all the little alleyways.

They’ve got a dream, they’ve got a dream…

Rapunzel in the fountain square.

Maximus is just about to enter your picture. Looking at the fountain square from this perspective in the morning light, it looks completely different from what it did when the four girls braided Rapunzel’s hair the day before.