<P> Atlantis: The Lost Empire premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on June 3, 2001, and went into general release on June 15 . Released by Walt Disney Pictures, Atlantis performed modestly at the box office . Budgeted at around $90 - 120 million, the film grossed over $186 million worldwide, $84 million of which was earned in North America . Due to the film's lackluster box office performance, Disney quietly canceled both a spin - off television series and an underwater attraction at its Disneyland theme park . Some critics praised it as a unique departure from typical Disney animated features, while others disliked it due to the unclear target audience and absence of songs . Atlantis was nominated for a number of awards, including seven Annie Awards, and won Best Sound Editing at the 2002 Golden Reel Awards . The film was released on VHS and DVD on January 29, 2002; the Blu - ray released on June 11, 2013 . Atlantis is considered to be a cult favorite, due in part to Mignola's unique artistic influence . A direct - to - video sequel, Atlantis: Milo's Return, was released in 2003 . </P> <P> Many centuries ago, a large tidal wave triggered by a distant explosion threatens to drown the island of Atlantis . In the midst of an evacuation from the capital city, the Queen of Atlantis is caught by a strange, hypnotic blue light and lifted up into the "Heart of Atlantis", a powerful crystal protecting the city . The crystal consumes her and creates a dome barrier that protects the city's innermost district . She leaves behind her young daughter, Princess Kida, as the island sinks beneath the ocean . </P> <P> In 1914, Milo Thatch, a cartographer and linguist at the Smithsonian Institution who is marginalized for his research on Atlantis, believes that he has found The Shepherd's Journal, an ancient manuscript that contains directions to the lost island . After the museum board declines his proposal to search for the journal, a mysterious woman, Helga Sinclair, introduces Milo to Preston B. Whitmore, an eccentric millionaire . Whitmore has already funded a successful effort to retrieve the journal as repayment of a debt to Milo's grandfather, recruiting Milo to lead an expedition to Atlantis, as soon as he receives it . </P> <P> The expedition departs with a team of specialists led by Commander Lyle Rourke, who also led the journal recovery expedition . The crew includes Vinny Santorini, a demolitions expert; Gaetan "Mole" Molière, a geologist; Dr. Joshua Sweet, a medical officer; Audrey Ramirez, a mechanic; Mrs. Wilhelmina Packard, a radio operator; and Cookie Farnsworth, a mess cook . They set out in the Ulysses, a massive submarine . During the journey, they are attacked by the monstrous Leviathan, a robotic lobster - like creature that guards Atlantis' entrance . The Ulysses is subsequently destroyed, but Milo, Rourke, and part of the crew escape by making their way to an underground cavern, described in the journal as the entrance to Atlantis . </P>

When does atlantis the lost empire take place