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informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Having saved up for months to purchase the 1995 edition as a child, I was excited to buy the latest edition: a reissue of the final 2011 version that coincided with the studio’s 100 year anniversary.
This is a fine book, though more of an overview of the company rather than an in-depth look at Disney’s many films, shows and theme parks.
It’s definitely Walt Disney through the eyes of one person, with their own niche interests within the subject matter. For example, Sleeping Beauty (regarded by many as one of Disney’s most stunning artistic achievements) is only given three paragraphs in an overstuffed chapter that spans from the “Package Era” to The Jungle Book. The contributions and artwork of Mary Blair are not discussed at all.
Still, I’m sorry that a more up-to-date version wasn’t possible (the author passed away on 2022). Hoping another writer will take up the mantle of Disney chronicler and tell the studio’s story post-Tangled and Toy Story 3.
This is a fine book, though more of an overview of the company rather than an in-depth look at Disney’s many films, shows and theme parks.
It’s definitely Walt Disney through the eyes of one person, with their own niche interests within the subject matter. For example, Sleeping Beauty (regarded by many as one of Disney’s most stunning artistic achievements) is only given three paragraphs in an overstuffed chapter that spans from the “Package Era” to The Jungle Book. The contributions and artwork of Mary Blair are not discussed at all.
Still, I’m sorry that a more up-to-date version wasn’t possible (the author passed away on 2022). Hoping another writer will take up the mantle of Disney chronicler and tell the studio’s story post-Tangled and Toy Story 3.
informative
fast-paced
While it’s hardly the book’s fault, this having been written 70 years ago, before half of Disney’s history had been made, is INCREDIBLY jarring. Walt had very recently died, Robin Hood was the most recent animated movie, and Disney World wasn’t even fucking open yet. I do wish I owned the normal non-concise edition though, because this flies through everything.
Minor: Racism
Mentions Song of the South a couple of times, but doesn’t dwell on it for very long at all.
This huge book (500 pages, coffee table size, $85.00) is revised for 2011 to include Pixar, and would be a great gift for any Disney (or art) fan. I especially love to see attention given to the lighting, color palette, story boards, art direction, and the great work of the artists who work on concept, development, backgrounds, and everything else that gives an animated movie its mood and feel. And though I love the Pixar movies too, there is something much less compelling about a series of stills that are CGI as compared to hand-drawn work.
I also liked reading about Mary Poppins: "Julie Andrews offered a more youthful and glamorous Mary Poppins than the one found on the printed page, but she also brought a charm and spark of her own, and her vocal and dance talents -- matched to memorable songs -- proved great assets. In the end, though, the key to her performance was her ability to seem prim and proper yet perpetually on the verge of some kind of marvelous insanity."
"Walt Disney picked Julie Andrews to play Mary Poppins in part because he was impressed by her whistling ability."
I also liked reading about Mary Poppins: "Julie Andrews offered a more youthful and glamorous Mary Poppins than the one found on the printed page, but she also brought a charm and spark of her own, and her vocal and dance talents -- matched to memorable songs -- proved great assets. In the end, though, the key to her performance was her ability to seem prim and proper yet perpetually on the verge of some kind of marvelous insanity."
"Walt Disney picked Julie Andrews to play Mary Poppins in part because he was impressed by her whistling ability."
I'll admit, I didn't get to finish reading all of the text before returning it to the library. However, the artwork in this work is incredible. It allows you to really get a feel for the process of developing an animated feature, Disney style. The accompanying text is clear and concise, providing just the right amount of background for you to appreciate the artwork. I would definitely get this again to finish up the chapters on the live action and theme parks. I just ran out of time and someone else wants it...
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
nice book about the various styles that people have used to protray disney.
This was a great read. Anyone interested in the history of the Walt Disney company, the Disney movies or the history of animation will enjoy it.
informative
informative
medium-paced