Article 7329 of rec.arts.disney: Path: ms!darwin.sura.net!seismo!esosun!esosun.css.gov From: tanida@esosun.css.gov (Tom Tanida) Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney Subject: rec.arts.disney FAQ, part 1a Message-ID: <977@esosun.UUCP> Date: 8 Jun 92 20:35:37 GMT Sender: news@esosun.UUCP Reply-To: tanida@esosun.css.gov (Tom Tanida) Lines: 842 Here is the (monthly) posting of the rec.arts.disney FAQ, part 1 (divided into two postings). Part 2, focusing on the theme parks, is still in progress (but I'll post it as soon as it's ready- there's still a lot of material to go through- hopefully sometime this month). Major changes: Added questions 19, 20, revised 4, 6 Minor changes: general spelling and grammar corrections to all questions -Tom tanida@esosun.css.gov Frequently Asked Questions List For rec.arts.disney, part 1 Version 1.0, last revised 6/6/92 This is part one of the FAQ file for rec.arts.disney. I have tried to include the questions and threads that arise most often, as well as some interesting facts. Most of the information came from articles posted to rec.arts.disney since July 1990, about the time the group was started, although I'm missing quite a few articles from early on. Other information came from various books and magazines. Your input to this list is highly appreciated. The purpose of this list is to reduce the number of redundant questions posted to rec.arts.disney. Personally, however, I would invite discussion of questions included in this list if this list is not complete enough. For example, one of the questions lists the voices of popular Disney characters and where to find more info, but if the character is not listed here, I would still encourage you to post and ask, especially if the character is more obscure. Also, I couldn't possibly write the "complete guide to taking kids to the Disney Theme Parks" because there is no truly complete guide. Although I have offered some information and advice in part two of this list (the information that is most commonly suggested), I would still welcome discussion of the topic since everybody has their own opinions about what rides to go on, what to see, when to go, what restaurants to eat at in the area, etc. Again, however, I hope that this list will reduce the amount of redundant information posted to the net. I also hope this list will provide a unified source of information about Disney related material and provide a valuable reference for all. This is part one of the list, consisting of general topics and questions, as well as some time critical information. Part two of the list, which is contained in a separate article, contains topics and questions related to the theme parks, as well as miscellaneous trivia. There are three sub-parts: 1) A list of the questions in this part 2) Answers to General Questions 3) Answers to Questions with Time-critical information Send comments, corrections, suggestions, and inside information to: tanida@esosun.css.gov. I am sure that no matter how long I work on this that it will never be perfect, but it doesn't hurt to try. :-) There is (will be) a PostScript version of this file. Both the PostScript and standard text versions of this file will be made available via anonymous FTP when I find a good site (I'm always open to suggestion). Part I- Questions General questions: 1) What are the Disney animated feature films? Which of the films have been released on videocassette? 2) Where can I get a copy of {Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, other hard to find video(s)}? 3) Where can I get Disney-related GIF pictures? 4) What are serigraph cels? Are they "real" cels? What types of cels are there? 5) What art galleries sell Disney cels? 6) To what degree are computers being used in Disney animated films today? 6b) Since computers are being used quite a bit in Disney films now, does that mean there are no "genuine" cels from the movies? 7) I heard that Walt Disney is in cryogenic suspension. Is this true? 8) Who did the voice of {Ariel, Belle, my favorite Disney character}? 9) How do I get a job working for Disney? 10) Is Goofy a dog, a horse, or what? 11) How can I get the song lyrics to {The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, etc.}? 12) What are the Magic Kingdom Club benefits? 13) What are the stockholder benefits? 14) What is Club 33? 15) What are the names of Ariel's sisters in The Little Mermaid? 16) What are the Disney Stores? 17) Who are the "nine old men"? 18) Who are the current Disney animators? 19) Where can I get the movie poster for {Beauty and the Beast, other Disney movie}? 20) Where can I find a particular Disney book/original version of a book that Disney adapted into a movie? 99) Where can I get more Disney info? - Includes books, publications, computer services, phone numbers, and addresses Timely information: 1) What Disneyana shows are coming up? 2) What are some of the upcoming movie and video releases from the Walt Disney studios? Part II - Answers to General Questions 1) What are the Disney animated feature films? Which of the films have been released on videocassette? Here is the *official* list, numbered and listed in chronological order. Other notable Disney films with Disney animation are included after the list. The factors in what constitutes an "animated feature film" are the amount of screen time with animation on it, the total length of the film, the quality of the animation, and what kind of a mood the person at the Disney studios is in when they make the decision. With each film, I have made some notes regarding video release, Academy Awards, and other trivia. 1) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (12/21/1937) - Granted a special Academy Award for screen innovation in 1938. 2) Pinocchio (11/13/1940) - Released on video and LaserDisc (US) in 1986. Won the Oscar for Best Song ("When You Wish Upon a Star"), and Best Original Score. 3) Fantasia (02/07/1940) - Released on video and LaserDisc (US) in 1991. The Academy granted a special award to Leopold Stokowski for "widening the scope of the motion picture as entertainment and as an art form" in 1941. The music was conducted by Leopold Stokowski, and the narrator was Deems Taylor. Fantasia was re-released in 1982 with an Irwin Kostal conducted soundtrack and narration by Hugh Douglas, but was subsequently restored. 4) Dumbo (10/23/1941) - Released on video and LaserDisc (US) in 1987. Won an Oscar for "Scoring of a Musical Picture" in 1941. 5) Bambi (08/13/1942) - Released on video and LaserDisc (US) in 1988. 6) Saludos Amigos (02/06/1943) 7) The Three Caballeros (02/03/1945) - Released on video (US) in 1988 (?). This is somewhat of a sequel to Saludos Amigos. 8) Make Mine Music (04/20/1946) - Almost like a second Fantasia, but featuring more popular music in 10 shorter sequences, which lack the depth that Fantasia had. The excellent 'Clair De Lune' sequence in this film was originally intended to be included in Fantasia. It also included "Casey at the Bat." Parts of this film have been released separately on video, under the titles "Willie, the Operatic Whale" and "Peter and the Wolf". This film was never reissued in its original form. 9) Fun and Fancy Free (09/27/1947) - Contained the two stories "Mickey and the Beanstalk" and "Bongo," each of which have been recently released on video. 10) Melody Time (05/27/1948) - Some miscellaneous stories, including: a story based on Johnny Appleseed; "Little Toot" (a tugboat); "Blame It On the Samba", featuring Donald Duck and Jose Carioca from The Three Caballeros; and "Bumble-Boogie," a jazz version of Flight of the Bumblebee. This film was somewhat of a sequel to Make Mine Music, and also was never re-released in its original form. 11) The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (10/05/1949) - Released on video as separate short films, under the titles "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "The Wind in the Willows." 12) Cinderella (06/22/1950) - Released on video and LaserDisc (US) in 1988. It has been said that this was Walt Disney's favorite film. 13) Alice in Wonderland (07/28/1951) - Released on video and LaserDisc (US) in 1988 (?). Also released on LD. 14) Peter Pan (02/05/1953) - Released on video and LaserDisc (US) in 1989. 15) Lady and the Tramp (06/16/1955) - Released on video (US) in 1987. 16) Sleeping Beauty (01/29/1959) - Released on video (US) in 1987. 17) 101 Dalmatians (01/25/1961) - Released on video (US) in April, 1992. 18) The Sword in the Stone (12/25/1963) - Released on video (US) in 1988 (?). 19) The Jungle Book (10/18/1967) - Released on video (US) in 1991. Also released on LD. This was the last film that Walt Disney worked on, as he died prior to its release. 20) The Aristocats (12/24/1970) 21) Robin Hood (11/08/1973) - Released on video (US) for rental in 1986; re-released on video and LD for sell-through in 1991. 22) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) - This was a compilation of the three stories "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree" (1966), "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day" (1969), and "Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too" (1974). All of these have been released on video. 23) The Rescuers (06/22/1977)- This film was very successful in Europe during it's initial release, and has been released on video there. It will be released on video in the US in September, 1992. 24) The Fox and the Hound (07/10/1981)- At one time the film was stated by Disney publicists to be the 20th, then the 25th animated feature film. The first major effort by the "new generation" of Disney artists. 25) The Black Cauldron (07/24/1985)- This was the first film to be released in 70mm since Sleeping Beauty. Roy E. Disney, Walt's nephew, returned to the studios to contribute to the screenplay. The film suffered from delays and a then record- cost of $25 million. 26) The Great Mouse Detective (07/25/1986) - Score by Henry Mancini. This will be released on video in the U.S. on July 17 (which really means July 14). 27) Oliver and Company (1988)- Made $54M in it's initial release, which at the time was the highest box-office gross of any animated film in its first theatrical run. 28) The Little Mermaid (11/22/1989) - Released on video (US) in 1990; also available on LD. Won the Academy Awards for Best Original Score, and Best Song ("Under the Sea"). Grossed $89M in its initial release. 29) The Rescuers Down Under (11/23/1990) - Released on video and LD (US) in 1991. Disney's first official animated sequel. 30) Beauty and the Beast (11/15/1991) - Was nationally released on 11/23/91. Will be released on video on October 30 (which really means October 27). Cost $30 million to produce. It won the Academy Awards for Best Original Score, and Best Song (title track), and was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture. 31) Aladdin (Nov/Dec 1992) 32) King of the Jungle (late 1993) Here are some notable films and shorts that didn't make the Disney studio's official list. Because of space constraints, many shorts have been omitted. Ferdinand the Bull (1938) - Released on video with "Willie, the Operatic Whale." The Reluctant Dragon (06/20/1941) - Released on video. Victory Through Air Power (07/17/1943) Song of the South (11/02/1946) - This has been released on video and LaserDisc in Europe and Japan. It won an Oscar for Best Song ("Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah"). In addition, a special award was given to James Baskett for his role as Uncle Remus. So Dear To My Heart (01/19/49) - Features Bobby Driscoll, who was the child actor in Song of the South, and provided the voice of Peter Pan. Set in 1903, it has much of the style of Song of the South in its mix of live-action and animation. Lambert, the Sheepish Lion (1952) - Released on video with "Willie, the Operatic Whale." Mary Poppins (08/29/64) - Nominated for Best Picture. This was Julie Andrews' first movie, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Mary Poppins also won for Best Song ("Chim-Chim-Cher-ee"), Best Score, Film Editing, and Special Visual Effects. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (10/07/71) - Won an Oscar for Special Visual Effects. This has been released on video. Pete's Dragon (11/03/77) - Released on video in 1991. The Small One (1978) - A short film directed by Don Bluth. Tron (1982)- Significant for its use of computer graphics and effects. This was released to the rental markets on video some time ago. Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983) - Available on video. Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore (1983) - Available on video. The Brave Little Toaster (1988) - Released on video in 1991. DuckTales: The Movie (1990) - Released on video. Although full length, this isn't included because it did not meet "classic" animation standards (whatever that means). The Prince and the Pauper (11/23/1990) - This was released in the theaters with The Rescuers Down Under. It was released on video in 1991. Many films have been released in Japan and elsewhere on LaserDisc, and such versions can be obtained via US dealers. Films in this category include: Lady and the Tramp, Song of the South, Dumbo, Sword in the Stone, Peter Pan, and Mary Poppins (in letterboxed format). Here are a couple of dealers who may carry these titles: Laser Land 1035 S. Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd. Campbell, CA (408)-253-3733 (San Francisco Bay Area) Laser & Video 8780 Warner Avenue #9 Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (800)-342-9715 (mention you're looking for an import disc) 2) Where can I get a copy of {Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, other hard to find video(s)}? In general, the "premium" Disney animated feature films are released for a limited time. Like The Little Mermaid, that "limited time" may be a matter of two years and 8.5 million copies, but after Disney decides to stop taking orders and all the copies are sold, they are not replenished. The only way to get the videos are: to search smaller, more obscure video stores that might have some left over; to buy from somebody who has one and is willing to sell; to buy one from a used video store where somebody, by some offbeat chance, has sold it to the store; to buy one from a place that rents videos, and has multiple copies of the video you want (you might have to negotiate with the owner); or to rent it and keep it and take the extraordinarily high charge and whatever other penalty video stores dole out for people who don't return their videos. It might be hard to find a good copy of an older film. Some of the films are available in foreign format. See the end of question #1, above. Films known to be out of print: Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, Lady and the Tramp, Cinderella, Fantasia (although this can still be easily found). I suspect that Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid will soon disappear, although these are still in somewhat plentiful supply. Will Disney re-release the movies? It's all up to speculation. Some contemplate a video re-release every 7 years or so, like the movies themselves into the theaters; I've heard "official" Disney sources say "never again," but similar sources have said that Fantasia would never be released onto video, and that became the best selling video and LaserDisc of all time. Only time will tell. 3) Where can I get Disney-related GIF pictures? This question is not as simple as it sounds. There are plenty of Disney GIFs floating around, but there isn't any official way to get them. Here are some common methods, however: Internet FTP- There isn't any "official" site for Disney GIFs. Many GIFs sites (e.g. wuarchive.wustl.edu) have some in their collection. tezuka.rest.ri.cmu.edu (128.2.209.227) has quite a few GIFs dedicated to the Disney Afternoon. Others include: garfield.catt.ncsu.edu (152.1.43.23; GIFs, Disney related text files); calvin.nmsu.edu (128.123.35.150; some questionable quality Disney Afternoon digitized music); emx.texas.edu (some GIFs). There are also a few at wuarchive.wustl.edu, although you might have to search. If you know of others, please send me their name (and IP address, if you have it), and I'll mention them here. alt.binaries.pictures - This newsgroup will carry uuencoded versions of GIFs. The biggest problem with this method is that not all news sites carry this group. CompuServe- CompuServe has several graphics forums that carry Disney GIFs. One is the FLORIDA forum, which has a couple of Disney-dedicated sections. Others include the COMART (Computer Art), QPICS (Quick Pics), and GALLERY (Graphics Gallery) forums (type GO GRAPHICS to see them all). The biggest problem with CompuServe is that connect time is $12.80/hour at 2400 baud, and $22.80/hour at 9600 baud. This can make the GIFs quite expensive. As a side note here, I'd like to mention that in early 1990, all Disney GIFs were removed by CIS (CompuServe Information Services) due to legal concerns (they removed the GIFs voluntarily- not because Disney pressured them to do so). After a period of time had gone by, Disney GIFs were allowed onto the forums again, as they had made an agreement with Disney that allowed CIS to carry GIFs of Disney characters, and gave Disney the right to disallow any given images at any time. I have yet to witness a GIF be posted then pulled by Disney, but you never know. America On-Line- AOL has quite a few GIFs that I haven't seen elsewhere, contributed by its members. This service is an "up-and-coming" alternative to Prodigy. It costs $4.95/hour (with a $5.95 monthly minimum that includes one hour of free service). The user interface is quite nice (based on the GEOS software), but the file transfer protocol looks like some kind of Kermit implementation or derivative (read: SLOW), and you don't get a choice of protocols to use (you have to run their proprietary software, like Prodigy). 4) What are serigraph cels? Are they "real" cels? What types of cels are there? Serigraph cels are not real cels. The serigraph process involves creating a master cel by hand and then using a serigraph machine, which lays down the colors, to make copies. It is a normal art process (meaning that serigraphs are "art"), but in general, I wouldn't invest in serigraphs hoping to make huge amounts of money like those who deal with real cels. The current rate for Disney serigraphs is $250 for "limited-editions" of 2500 pieces. They are generally unnumbered. Disney has also released a line of hand-painted cels and backgrounds, around the price of $2000-3000 each. These too are NOT cels- they are painted by artists in the Disney Studio Art Program. These are *numbered*- i.e. you can see a number on the cel that looks like "322/500", which means that the one you are looking at is number 322 out of an edition size of 500. Some of the releases in this program include: a scene from Fantasia (Ben Ali Gator holding the Hyacinth Hippo aloft); a excellent Lady and the Tramp (Lady and the Tramp at the spaghetti table); a scene from Pinocchio (the Blue Fairy looking at both Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio on Gepetto's bench); a scene from 101 Dalmatians (Pongo, Perdita, and puppies watching TV). I believe only the cels are hand-painted; the backgrounds are lithographed (reproduced). There are others as well. Here is a description of the different cel types sold by the Disney Art Program taken from a brochure on Disney animation art from the Disneyana store on Main Street at Disneyland: Production Cels - Original production cels are colorful paintings on acetate, created by studio artists, then photographed and actually used in a film or television program action sequence. Disney Art Editions offers these one-of-a-kind cels taken from more recent feature films and television programs. Hand-Inked-Line Limited-Edition Cels - Since few production cels from earlier animated features and shorts exist, Disney recreates cels of the most classic moments in limited editions. Hand-inked-line cels are made using traditional animation techniques, exactly as the production cels were originally made for so many classic Disney films. This includes tracing an animation drawing onto acetate by hand with different color inks and hand-painting it with gum or acrylic-based colors formulated exclusively in Disney laboratories. The work is done by a small cadre of Disney artists who have kept this almost-forgotten art alive. Some hand-inked-line cels are also combined with backgrounds. Xerographic-Line Limited-Edition Cels - Xerographic-line cels, instead of being hand-inked, are created by transferring the original animation drawing to the acetate cels by a special six-step xerographic process, a refinement pioneered by Walt Disney Studios in the late 1950s. 101 Dalmatians was the first feature film to be created entirely with this revolutionary process. Many of the cels are then enhanced with hand-inked lines before being painted with Disney colors and combined with a lithographic background. Serigraph Cels - Serigraph cels, or sericels, recreate images of Disney's famed cast of characters. To produce a sericel, Disney artists create a hand-inked, hand-colored painting or model of Disney characters, which is then transferred to the acetate cel by a silk-screen printing process known as serigraphy. Notes from the brochure glossary: Cel: An outline, or line drawing, of a character and sometimes certain special effects, either hand-inked or xerographically transferred onto a clear sheet of cellulose acetate. The image is then painted on the back side of the sheet. Cels are mostly in two standard sizes: a 12-field, about 12 by 10 inches; or 16-field, approximately 16 by 12 inches. Background: A painting of a scene to be used as a background for the animated action. Thousands of cels may be photographed over a single background to create one scene in an animated film. A production background is one actually used in a film. Cel Set-Up: One or more cels overlaid on a background. Animation Drawing: A pencil drawing on animation paper, created by the animator and used as the basis for an image on a cel. Storyboard Drawing: A drawing or story sketch made for the storyboard, which conveys visually the original plot and action. The storyboard serves as a preliminary guide for those working on the film. Publicity Cel: A cel not actually used in a film, but created instead solely for publicity or promotional purposes. Limited-Edition Cel: A cel created specifically for the collector market in a pre-determined quantity. Model Sheets: Drawings of a grouping of characters or a single character in a variety of attitudes and expressions, create as a reference guide for animators. 5) What art galleries sell Disney cels? Before I give you the list, I'll say a few words of advice about cel collecting that many people have echoed on rec.arts.disney over the years (or months): Buy only what you like. Don't get caught up in "auction fever." Many cels may not be worth close to their asking price. Make sure you check the condition of the cel closely. Cels that involve popular scenes and characters, and have good views of the characters (e.g. frontal view, both eyes showing) will be worth more. Shop around. Negotiate. If you're interested in more advice, I'd recommend getting a copy of Storyboard magazine. For info about getting this magazine, see question #99 below. There are several types of cel set-ups available (listed here in rough order of cost, from cheapest to most expensive): Full reproductions (e.g. serigraphs, or hand-painted reproductions, such as those discussed in question #3); actual movie cels with no backgrounds; actual movie cels with lithographed (reproduced backgrounds); and actual movie cels with real backgrounds. Some galleries also carry drawings, storyboards, etc. There are actually quite a few galleries. Many are owned by people who are simply interested in the field, like you and me; they're not necessarily "big time" operations. Here is a list I've drawn up (by no means complete). I've only listed phone numbers so that you can call and get information regarding addresses/catalog pricing/etc. I personally can't vouch for any of them, as I haven't ordered anything except catalogs from any of these places (you might just want to post to rec.arts.disney, and see what others who have had experience buying cels might suggest). Most of these were obtained from Storyboard magazine. I welcome additions to this list. Gallery Phone All American (800)-872-8850 (Fair Lawn, NJ) Collectibles Animation Alley (800)-772-8666, (714)-776-8666 (Anaheim, CA) The Animation (416)-928-2357 Celection Animation Source (203)-776-7111 (New Haven, CT) C.A. Brooks (516)-487-3556 (New York, NY) The Cel Block (800)-334-8799 (New Hope, PA) Circle Gallery (several branches, including the Disneyland Hotel complex) Cricket Gallery (800)-BUY-CELS (Atlanta, GA) Gallery In Motion (800)-788-0445 (Kansas City, MO) Gallery Lainsberg Howard Lowery (818)-972-9080 (Burbank, CA) Lewis Gallery (805)-584-8462 (Simi Valley, CA) Lynne Novick (609)-653-0770 (Linwood, NJ) Magic Moments (603)-883-9770, (603)-888-3457 (Nashua, NH) Mike Cluff's (805)-927-1250 (Cambria, CA) M.j.Manfred (412)-561-6665 (Pittsburgh, PA) Mostly Art (203)-348-6270 (Stamford, CT) Phillips (212)-570-4830 (New York, NY) Collectibles Russ Wolkoff (818)-752-1755 (Los Angeles, CA) San Francisco (800)-8DAFFY8, (415)-441-8900 (S.F., CA) Animated Art, Inc. Saturday Morning (518)-482-5405 Animation Scott & Leslie's (714)-538-6893 (Orange, CA) Seaside Art (919)-441-5418 (Nags Head, NC) Silver Stone (310)-598-7600 (Long Beach, CA) Gallery Stabur Corp. (800)-346-8940, (313)-425-7940 (Livonia, MI) Toys To Go (215)-649-2555, (215)-649-8444 (Ardmore, PA) Cels are also sold at the Disney theme parks. Serigraphs and cels are sold at the Disney Stores (see question #14). The Disney Store is currently selling a line of cels with reproduced backgrounds from The Little Mermaid. 6) To what degree are computers being used in Disney animated films today? There seems to be a lot of confusion on this issue, partly because Disney seems to be trying to remain at least a little secretive about the exact processes they use. But here's some information obtained and consolidated from various sources, including the periodical Computer Graphics World and some reference books on Disney animation and computer graphics Much of the computer graphics work is done by the artists at Disney's Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) department in Glendale, CA. There were 14 animators and software engineers there for the production of Beauty and the Beast (they're listed in the credits). Computers are used for several different purposes in Disney animation. One purpose is to process the colorization of the "cels" (I put that in quotes because while there still are pre-production cels, they don't look like the final product- more on this in a moment). Another purpose for computers is for the generation of backgrounds. A third purpose is for the generation of certain types of animated objects. A fourth purpose is for simple modeling. There are probably others. The colorization and compositing of the characters is the most notable use, as it represents the biggest change in the state of the art of Disney animation. In the past, the animators would draw an image on the cel, and pass the cel on to be carefully colored by hand. In general, consecutive cels would use the same colors (i.e. although a particular character wouldn't always be the same color during the entire film depending on light and shadow, or other Disney magic, the next frame of animation is often times very similar to the frame before it). This represented a lot of redundancy. With modern computer graphics, this process can be eliminated, speeding up the rate of output significantly. The title for the new system is CAPPS, which stands for "Computer Assisted Post-Production System." Animators' drawings are transferred directly to a computer, where the computer colors the image based on color models. This is not an automatic process, but a given palette can be repeatedly applied by the computer artist far more quickly than an artist can color a bunch of cels by hand. The last scene from The Little Mermaid (Ariel and Eric kissing) used the process. Most, if not all, of The Rescuers Down Under, and all of Beauty and the Beast used the process. This is *not* to say there is no coloring of cels; models are needed for the computer. In addition, there is still quite a bit of cleanup work done by hand (though most of the final cleanup in done on computer). There are other advantages of the process as well. Since the images are effectively digitized in a computer, they can be manipulated and merged at will. The impressive multiplane (3D) effect at the opening of Beauty and the Beast, where the camera travels through a forest past an animated waterfall took advantage of the CAPPS process; in the past, a multiplane effect would be difficult at best. For example, the final scene in the "Ave Maria" sequence from Fantasia, involved building a horizontal camera crane, moving the camera along a track "through" panes of glass on which the images of the forest, cathedral, and sunburst at the end, with the panes of glass being yanked out of the way when they became out of focus. Since then, multiplane techniques have improved, but none of these is as easy as simply using a computer to move and blur images in pseudo- 3D space. Other advantages of CAPPS include: the ability to easily blur images that are "out of focus" relative to the camera position; to blend (e.g. the blush on Belle's cheeks); to intricately shade the characters (e.g. Belle and the Beast dancing in the ballroom- you were watching them, not the spinning background, right? :-) ); and to combine images of different sizes seamlessely (i.e. you can draw the image at any size and enlarge/shrink to fit as necessary). Other miscellaneous benefits include access to a wider range of colors (if you've used any 24-bit color computer paint/DTP program on a Mac or PC, you can see how), and the coloring of the lines that border the characters (note the black lines that border the characters in films after Sleeping Beauty- a Xerox process was used that introduced this- it was something that annoyed Walt Disney when it was introduced, but it helped speed up the production rate). Another significant use of computers is the generation of backgrounds. Although 99% of the backgrounds are painted (and colored) by hand (and then entered into the CAPPS system), there are some exceptions. (Note that for a background, it's not necessarily better to color by computer since an artist can paint with a brush just as well, if not better, and there isn't a lot of redundancy since the same background is repeatedly used; incidentally, there were 1300 background created by 14 artists for Beauty and the Beast.) The most notable exception to date is probably the ballroom in Beauty and the Beast. The spinning ballroom sequence was first choreographed using Wavefront Technologies software on an SGI machine, then modeled in 3D using the Alias software and finally rendered frame by frame using the Renderman software (probably using some form of distributed processing, or at least rendering different images on different computers). The animators' drawings of Belle and the Beast were then merged normally using CAPPS. In addition, a computer-rendered table was used in the "Be Our Guest" sequence (the scene where Mrs. Potts is singing, with little tea-cups circling her). The staircase that Ariel runs down before first seeing Eric with Vanessa in The Little Mermaid also was generated via computer. Yet another use of computers is for certain types of 3D objects. The modeling and rendering process is similar to that of the Beauty and the Beast ballroom. Some examples include: the gears in The Great Mouse Detective during the chase scene at the climax; the carriage in The Little Mermaid, external views of the villain's vehicle, and the Sydney opera house in The Rescuers Down Under; the dancing forks on the cake chandeliers in the "Be Our Guest" sequence in Beauty and the Beast. A final, minor use of computers, would be for simple modeling. For example, the ship at the beginning of The Little Mermaid was wireframe modeled on computers, but was drawn by hand. I'm sure the Disney artists have found other ways to use computers to assist them, much in the same way they might use clay models to visualize objects such as the characters themselves. (I'd be interested in hearing about other uses, by the way. In fact, if there's a Disney artist out there reading this who has anything to add to this description in general... :-) ) 6b) Since computers are being used quite a bit in Disney films now, does that mean there are no "genuine" cels from the movies? Unfortunately, the answer is no, there are no more original, hand- painted production cels that were used directly for on-screen images in any Disney animated feature film after The Little Mermaid. Hand- inked cels are created as color models during the production process, and hand-inked cels will probably be created for the purpose of auctioning backgrounds (note: if you look closely through the Sotheby's catalogue for the recent Mermaid auction, it is advertised as a background auction, not a cel auction). See also question #4 for a discussion of cel types. 7) I heard that Walt Disney is "cryopreserved"/"in cryogenic suspension." Is this true? No, this is an "urban legend," although a joke goes "Yes- he's in suspended animation" :-). Walt Disney died at 9:35 am on December 15, 1966, of lung cancer. He was cremated (quite the opposite of being frozen, ironically) and is buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA. His parents are buried there as well. This rumor is not completely unfounded, however. Some of the reasons this rumor was started were: there was a significant time period between the time of Walt Disney's death and the public announcement of his death; Walt himself is said to have shown an interest in cryogenics in his final years (ref. the book Disney's World, see "Books" in question #99, below); and even his animators have been quoted to say that it's an interesting thought that Walt might someday return to "set things straight" in the company. 8) Who did the voice of {Ariel, Belle, my favorite Disney character}? I can't include the voice of *every* Disney character here, but here is a comprehensive list of the most popular characters. One good reference to the Disney movies is The Disney Studio Story, by Richard Holliss and Brian Sibley, Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, NY, 1988, ISBN #0-517-57078-5. (See also "Books", in question #99, below). If you're looking for the voice of a more obscure character, just post. You can also ask me (tanida@esosun.css.gov); I *might* be able to find out if it's not *too* obscure. :-) This list is in approximate chronological order (by appearance). Mickey Mouse: Walt Disney himself did the voices of both Mickey and Minnie in the early cartoons, including "Steamboat Willie." (Incidentally, "Plane Crazy" was Mickey's first cartoon, "Steamboat Willie" was the first cartoon with sound.) Donald Duck: Initially voiced by Clarence Nash. First appeared in "The Wise Little Hen." Nash also voiced Donald in Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983), so he's been around for some time. Goofy: Pinto Colving Chip and Dale: (?) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Snow White: Adriana Caselotti; Prince: Harry Stockwell; Wicked Stepmother: Lucille La Verne Pinocchio - Pinocchio: Dickie Jones; Jiminy Cricket: Cliff Edwards Dumbo - Timothy: Edward Brophy; Stork: Sterling Holloway; Jim Crow: Cliff Edwards Bambi - Thumper: Peter Behn; Bambi's Mother: Paula Winslowe Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros - Joe Carioca: Jose Oliveira Make Mine Music - Willie the Whale: Nelson Eddy Song of the South - Brer Rabbit: Johnny Lee; Brer Bear: Nicodemus Stewart; Uncle Remus/Brer Fox: James Baskett. The boy (Johnny) was played by a young Bobby Driscoll. Fun and Fancy Free - ("Mickey and the Beanstalk")- Giant: Billy Gilbert The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad - Ichabod was narrated and sung by Bing Crosby. Toad: Eric Blore; Cyril (the horse): Pat O'Malley Cinderella - Cinderella: Ilene Woods; Stepmother: Eleanor Audley; Fairy Godmother: Verna Felton. Alice in Wonderland - Alice: Kathryn Beaumont; White Rabbit: Bill Thompson; Cheshire Cat: Sterling Holloway; Queen of Hearts: Verna Felton Lambert, the Sheepish Lion (short)- Narrated by Sterling Holloway (Dumbo, Alice In Wonderland, Jungle Book). Peter Pan - Peter: Bobby Driscoll; Wendy: Kathryn Beaumont; Captain Hook/Wendy's Father: Hans Conried; Mr. Smee: Bill Thompson Lady and the Tramp - Lady: Barbara Luddy; Tramp: Larry Roberts; Peg/Darling/Siamese Cats: Peggy Lee Sleeping Beauty - Aurora: Mary Costa; Phillip: Bill Shirley; Maleficent: Eleanor Audley 101 Dalmatians - Cruella DeVille: Betty Lou Gerson; Pongo: Rod Taylor; Perdita: Cate Bauer; Roger: Ben Wright; Colonel: J.Pat O'Malley The Sword in the Stone - Wart: Ricky Sorenson; Archimedes: Junius Matthews; Merlin: Karl Swenson; Madame Mim: Martha Wentworth Winnie the Pooh: Initially voiced by Sterling Holloway (who you'll see pop up quite a bit in this list of Disney voices). The first two Pooh stories (Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree and Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day) were narrated by Sebastian Cabot (The Jungle Book). Other voices: Christopher Robin: Jon Walmsley; Tigger: Paul Winchell The Jungle Book - Mowgli: Bruce Reitherman (son of the director, Wolfgang); Baloo: Phil Harris; Bagheera: Sebastian Cabot; Kaa: Sterling Holloway; Shere Khan: George Sanders; Colonel Hathi: J. Pat O'Malley The Aristocats - Duchess: Eva Gabor; Thomas O'Malley: Phil Harris; Roquefort (mouse): Sterling Holloway: Scat Cat: Scatman Crothers; title song sung by Maurice Chevalier Robin Hood - Robin: Brian Bedford; Little John: Phil Harris (The Jungle Book, The Aristocats); Prince John: Peter Ustinov; Sir Hiss: Terry Thomas; Allan-a-Dale (rooster): Roger Miller; Maid Marian: Monica Evans: Sheriff: Pat Buttram; Friar Tuck: Andy Devine; Lady Kluck: Carole Shelley The Rescuers - Bernard: Bob Newhart; Bianca: Eva Gabor; Madame Medusa: Geraldine Page; Penny: Michelle Stacy; Mr. Snoops: Joe Flynn; Orville: Jim Jordan The Fox and the Hound - Tod: Mickey Rooney; Copper: Kurt Russell; Big Mama (owl): Pearl Bailey The Black Cauldron - Voices included: John Hurt; Freddie Jones; Nigel Hawthorne The Great Mouse Detective - Basil: Barrie Ingham; Dr. Dawson: Val Bettin; Ratigan: Vincent Price Oliver and Company - Dodger: Billy Joel; Tito (Chihuahua): Cheech Marin; Georgette (poodle): Bette Midler The Little Mermaid - Ariel: Jodi Benson; Sebastian: Samuel E. Wright; Ursula: Pat Carroll; Eric: Christopher Barnes; Scuttle: Buddy Hackett The Rescuers Down Under - Bernard: Bob Newhart; Bianca: Eva Gabor; McLeach: (the) George C. Scott; Wilbur: John Candy; Jake: Tristan Rogers; Cody: Adam Ryen Beauty and the Beast - Belle: Paige O'Hara; Beast: Robby Benson; Mrs. Potts: Angela Lansbury; Luminere: Jerry Orbach; Cogsworth: David Ogden Stiers; Gaston: Richard White; Lefou: Jesse Corti; Maurice: Rex Everhardt; Chip: Bradley Pierce; Wardrobe: JoAnne Worley Aladdin - Genie: Robin Williams; Princess Jasmine: Lea Salonga Other voices: Darkwing Duck- Jim Cummings Gosalyn (Darkwing Duck)- Christine Cavanaugh Winnie the Pooh, Tigger (New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh)- Jim Cummings Uncle Scrooge (Mickey's Christmas Carol, DuckTales): Alan Young Roger Rabbit: Charles Fleischer Theme parks: Sam the Eagle (from "America Sings"): Burl Ives Robot-Pilot from "Star Tours": Paul Reubens ("Pee-Wee Herman") Ghost Host ("Haunted Mansion"), narrator from "Adventure Through Inner Space": Paul Frees Singing Statue in Haunted Mansion Graveyard (among others at Disneyland): Thurl Ravenscroft 9) How do I get a job working for Disney? Of course, the answer to this depends on what you want to do. All Disney employees go through a training program that introduces them to the Disney philosophy and some of the history of the company. If you're looking for a summer job at Walt Disney World, consult with "Central Casting," located near the Disney Village, where you can get an application. Or you can write to "Professional Staffing", c/o WDW, at the address in question #99 below. At Disneyland, go to the customer relations desk near the fire station on Main Street. If you do get a summer job, you'll probably be making minimum wage (and shaving regularly, since facial hair is not allowed if you're in the public eye- although animators at WDW seem to be an exception). To get a job at the Disney Store, simply request a job application, preferably from the store manager. They aren't always hiring, but like most retailers, will hire more employees for the Christmas Season. When a new Disney Store is opened, a "Casting Call" advertisement is placed in the local paper, and they will interview 300-400 people for 20-25 positions. When a position becomes available, the hiring ratio is 15-20 interviews for one Cast Member. For more information on what it's like to work at the Disney Store, see question #16, below. If you're interested in animation, you need to be talented and lucky. It helps if you attended the California Institute of the Arts ("CalArts"), which Walt Disney helped found, and currently has 900 students and five schools (art, dance, music, film video, theater). I suspect Disney currently helps to fund CalArts. If you didn't attend CalArts, some other prestigious school of art with some animation training will probably do (some of the animators were hired out of the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, and the Art Center at Pasadena). If you do get a job as an animator, you'll probably start out by working on "tweening" (i.e. drawing cels that lie in sequence between the cels produced by the primary animators), so you won't have a lot of creative freedom, and you'll probably be quite busy (i.e. working longer than 8 hour days on a regular basis). Show promise, get noticed, and the sky's the limit. At the very least, you get your name in the credits. :-) An address to try writing to regarding employment opportunities with the studios would be: Walt Disney Studios 1400 Flower Street Glendale, CA 91221 10) Is Goofy a dog, a horse, or what? Goofy is a dog. He originally started life as "Dippy Dawg" early in the history of the Disney studios, in both comic strips and short films, but evolved into "Goofy" by 1934. This begs the question "well, if Pluto is a dog too, then why don't they act the same (e.g. why does Pluto not talk, why doesn't Goofy walk on all fours, etc.)?" My answer to that is because that's the way Walt wanted it. :-) Pluto is more of a pet to Mickey; Goofy is simply more individualistic and anthropomorphised. In addition, they're both different breeds of dog. :-) (I won't even get into the thread about how Goofy dated Clarabelle Cow.) 11) How can I get the song lyrics to {The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, etc}? Some of the lyrics to The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast are available via anonymous FTP at garfield.catt.ncsu.edu. If you can't FTP, send me e-mail (tanida@esosun.css.gov) and I can mail them to you. Otherwise, you can order the sheet music from the Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, 7777 West Bluemound Road, P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213. There is also The Illustrated Disney Song Book which is published by Random House, Inc., of New York, NY, with the ISBN #0-394-50745-2. It contains the lyrics (and piano music) to many of the most popular Disney songs. There is a "New" Illustrated Disney Song Book as well (bibliographical reference at the end of this question). In addition, the address to the Walt Disney Music Company is given in question #99, below. There is quite a bit of Disney music available on CD and cassette; if there is a demand for it, I'll add a list to this list. Disneyland/Buena Vista Records and Tapes (Burbank, CA 92521) is the "official" label that distributes the majority of the music. The New Illustrated Disney Songbook, introduction by Steven Spielberg Abrams, New York, 1986 ISBN 0-810-90846-8 (Abrams) ISBN 0-881-88467-7 (Hal Leonard) Notes: For voice and piano; includes chord symbols and guitar chord diagrams. Presents in sheet music format about eighty songs from such Walt Disney movies as "Cinderella," "Dumbo," and "Mary Poppins." 215 pages. Article 7330 of rec.arts.disney: Path: ms!darwin.sura.net!seismo!esosun!esosun.css.gov From: tanida@esosun.css.gov (Tom Tanida) Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney Subject: rec.arts.disney FAQ, part 1b Message-ID: <978@esosun.UUCP> Date: 8 Jun 92 20:36:35 GMT Sender: news@esosun.UUCP Reply-To: tanida@esosun.css.gov (Tom Tanida) Lines: 817 12) What are the Magic Kingdom Club benefits? As a Magic Kingdom Club (MKC) member, you receive the following benefits: - Special offers on Theme Park admission (usually 10%- there's a price guide), including EuroDisney and Tokyo Disneyland - 10-30% discount on WDW resort accommodations - Ability to take advantage of special vacation packages - 10% discount on merchandise at The Disney Stores - Reduced admission to Pleasure Island, Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, and Discovery Island (at WDW), and the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose attractions (Long Beach, CA) - Membership in Entertainment Publications' Travel America for half price - Up to 30% discounts with National Car Rental - 10% discount on Delta Air Lines tickets when traveling to the theme parks - 10% discount on Premier's Caribbean Cruise and Walt Disney World Week - 15% discount on cruises aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - 10% discount on the Norwegian Cruise Line - 20% nightly discounts at The Hotel Queen Mary - 10% discount at the Paradise Guest Ranch in Wyoming - Special Club Vacations in San Diego, CA There are a wide variety of vacation packages to choose from, with the prices depending on where you stay and for how long, and what time of year you visit the theme parks. I believe there is no charge for joining the MKC if your employer has a group number. You can also join as a MKC Gold Card member. You receive a personalized, embossed Gold Card, a two-year subscription to Disney News magazine (8 issues, worth $14.95), and a membership kit, containing a tote bag, key chain, travel video, and 5 Disney Dollars. The price for joining is $49 for two years. You also receive a list of toll free numbers to call to make travel reservations. There is also a Magic Years Club for those over 60 years of age. It costs $35 for a 5-year membership, and has the same benefits as the standard MKC, plus a few extras (an embossed card, tote bag, key chain, bumper sticker, Magic Key newsletter). The phone numbers for the MKC, MKC Gold Card, and Magic Years Club are given in question #99, below. 13) What are the stockholder benefits? Here is some information taken from CompuServe, as posted by "Mouseka- Jay", ID# 76057,703. One (1) share of stock in The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) entitles its owner to the following benefits: Stock Certificate - Beautiful art work of Walt Disney's bust surrounded by memorable animated Disney characters. Annual and Quarterly Reports - The Annual Report is always chock full of beautiful photographs, artists' renderings and models of new attractions, etc. Magic Kingdom Club Membership (see question #12, above, for a description of benefits) Exclusive Stockholder's Benefits - Including but not limited to 40% discount at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. This offer is seasonal (it is usually available late November through mid February, excluding Christmas) and it is not applicable to the Caribbean Beach Resort. (This offer is mailed to Disney stockholders and is in no way connected to the Magic Kingdom Club.) 14) What is Club 33? Club 33 is a somewhat exclusive club located in Disneyland. It's not really *exclusive* in the sense that anybody who is willing to wait 2-3 years on the waiting list and can afford the membership fee and annual dues (see below for amounts) can join. To get more information, you can write to Club 33, c/o Disneyland (Disneyland's full address is included in question #99). Club 33 is located in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. It occupies most of the upstairs of the buildings in that area. As you exit from Pirates of the Caribbean, turn left. Just beyond the Blue Bayou restaurant is a green door with the address 33. In the atrium between the One of a Kind shop and the pirate shop is a large staircase and an elevator (behind a door) which serve as alternate entrances. (These directions were taken from the Disneyland FAQ, written by Adrian McCarthy (adrian@mti.mti.com).) Here is some information from a brochure about Club 33, which was posted to rec.arts.disney by David Mikkelson (mikkelson@breakr.enet.dec.com) in mid-January, 1991: The colorful realism and the precise architectural detail of New Orleans Square in Disneyland captures the atmosphere of the nineteenth-century New Orleans French Quarter. Glancing upwards to the second story balconies and the ornate iron railings hung with flowers, one would hardly guess that they surround the little-known but quite elegant Club 33. Years ago, Walt Disney felt that a special place was needed where he could entertain visiting dignitaries and others in a quiet, serene atmosphere where superb cuisine and distinctive decor would complement one another. He asked artist Dorothea Redmond to provide watercolor renderings of what such a place might look like. Accompanied by renowned decorator Emil Kuri, Walt and his wife traveled to New Orleans to select many of the beautiful antiques that are on display. After years of planning, Club 33 became a reality in May of 1967. Sadly enough, it was never seen by its creator because of his untimely death five months earlier. Club 33, so named after its address, 33 Royal Street, is comprised of two dining rooms and several adjoining areas, all of which hold a wide array of magnificent antiques and original works of art. After ascending in the French lift to the second floor, guests enter into The Gallery. Here they find interesting items such as an oak telephone booth with beveled leaded glass panels adapted from the one used in the Disney motion picture "The Happiest Millionaire" and a rare console table which was found in the French Quarter of New Orleans. In The Gallery, as elsewhere in the Club, are many original works by Disney artists and sketches done as design studies for New Orleans Square and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The Gallery leads into Lounge Alley which serves as a vestibule and also the buffet for the Main Dining Room and Trophy Room. One wall displays several conceptual sketches of New Orleans Square, and directly across from these sketches is a custom- designed harpsichord decorated with a hand-painted scene depicting New Orleans harbor in the nineteenth century. The furnishings are a combination of antique and reproduction pieces. The Main Dining Room is decorated in First Empire, recalling the era of Napoleon and the early nineteenth century. Three glimmering chandeliers and wall sconces illuminate the entire room. Much of the framed artwork on the walls is again, the work of Disney artists. Fresh flowers, parquet floors, and antique bronzes create an atmosphere of serenity and warmth. The Trophy Room is the second dining room and offers a more informal atmosphere. The cypress-planked walls provide an excellent background for sketches done as design studies for the Jungle Cruise and Tiki Room attractions. The design of the room incorporates the use of microphones in the center of each chandelier and a vulture with the ability to speak. Walt Disney's intention for this concept was humorous in nature, as the vulture was to converse with guests during dinner. The Trophy Room also contains a number of antiques and it is usually sunlit from a long row of windows. Today, Club 33 functions as an exclusive private club where members or their guests may enjoy a gourmet meal complemented by the finest wines. Tradition, accompanied by gracious hospitality, has been the hallmark of Club 33 since its opening day . . . and will continue to be for many years to come. In a leaflet detailing the membership costs: High above the streets and courtyards of New Orleans Square, hidden from public view and the bustle of a typical day at Disneyland, is a page of old New Orleans that even the proud Creole society might have chosen and cherished as its own. Here French doors open onto balconies that overlook Disneyland's own muddy Mississippi, the Rivers of America. Here in the tradition of the good host, Walt Disney and his staff planned and executed Disneyland's most exclusive setting -- part elegant dining room, part relaxed refreshment center, part distinguished art gallery, part meeting room and part private showplace. Here, away from the general public, adult beverages are available, including the finest of wines to match the house food specialties. This was Walt Disney's concept -- an elegant, exclusive club . . . a place for conversation, and a conversation piece in its own right. Corporate Membership This membership is designed for organizations to make Club 33 available to a number of their executives, and has a membership fee of $20,000. This entitles the corporate member to designate up to nine associate members. Dues for associate members are $1,800 per member per year. All memberships are transferable to other executives in the corporation. Members no longer in the employ of the corporate member's company must surrender the membership cards to Club 33. The corporate members may then designate another member of his company. Limited Corporate Membership This membership is designed for organizations wishing to make Club 33 available to one of their executives, and has a membership fee of $10,000. This entitles the corporation to transfer the membership to another employee whenever necessary. For individual members, credit is extended based upon the membership fee initially paid if a transfer of membership is desired. Dues are $1,800 per year. Individual Membership This particular membership is for individuals and is available at $5,000 membership fee and $1,800 annual dues. These memberships are nontransferable. Members will be billed monthly for all charges. Information All members must have a valid membership card to gain entrance to Club 33. Additional utilization of the card is to spouse only, with reservations accepted only from the cardholder, the spouse or the cardholder's secretary. Use of the membership card is subject to the terms covering membership agreed to by the member in the membership application. The membership card entitles the member and a party of nine to free parking and admission through the Main Entrance of Disneyland (except when special tickets are the only admission to a special event or private party). This privilege is applicable when the members plan to dine at Club 33. If the card is used for admission but the member does not dine at the Club the member will be billed for the regular price of admission. If the member is unable to accompany the guests, the Club will arrange admission for them at no charge. Members may purchase Disneyland passports through Club 33 for pick-up at the Guest Relations Booth. The membership card authorizes the member to receive credit by signing special charge slips when presented at Club 33 and other restaurants and merchandise locations owned and operated by Disneyland park. We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any membership to assure that our high standards are maintained. To remain a member in good standing, dues must be paid annually within thirty (30) days following receipt of invoice. Usage of Club 33 is by reservation only. It is advisable to call for reservations well in advance. Private parties utilizing the entire Club facilities are available upon member's request with the required minimum number of guests. 15) What are the names of Ariel's sisters in The Little Mermaid? Ariel's sisters are: Aquata; Andrina; Arista; Atina; Adella; Allana. (Note the second sister is "Andrina," not "Adrina.") This information was verified using both the songbook lyrics and the book The Little Mermaid: Tales From Under the Sea. 16) What are the Disney Stores? The Disney Stores are stores dedicated entirely to Disney merchandise. They are located throughout the US and UK, and will soon be opening in Japan and Europe; for the location of the one nearest you, try calling the Disney Catalog at (800)-237-5751- there is a list in the Disney Catalog itself. All stores are owned by the Walt Disney Company itself; there are no franchises. The first Disney Store opened on May 28, 1987 in Glendale, CA. There are currently well over 100 stores in operation to date. I've found that the prices of certain merchandise are lower than those at the theme parks. The Disney Store model is different from an average retail store. As you enter, the Disney Store logo is large and prevalent, usually overhead. There are two glass cases to either side of the entrance with a Disney scene portrayed by plastic animated models. There are other exterior decorations, including a line of "film" which has in each frame a Disney character, being animated from one frame to the next. At the entrance of each store there is a "greeter" who stands and greets entering guests (customers), and says good-bye to departing guests. Inside the store, around the perimeter and overhead, are various scenes, which differ from store to store throughout the country. Some scenes are from the movies; most are from cartoon shorts. There are usually two cash register locations, behind which hang Disney art (cels, serigraphs, etc.). At the back of the store is a large screen for playing scenes from movies, cartoons, music videos, etc., for the purpose of entertainment (and marketing Disney videos and soundtracks). The stores are kept well stocked and well organized. The Disney Store receives new merchandise on a regular basis (on average about every two weeks). Every couple of months or so a new promotion with a different theme is emphasized, sometimes based on the season, other times based on the current movie in the theaters, etc. The employees, called "Cast Members," are intensively trained in Disney culture, and are routinely kept up to date with current activities at the theme parks, new programs on the Disney Channel, when new movies and videocassettes will become available, etc. There is an internal newsletter, called The Disney Store Scoop, and award programs for Guest Courtesy, Teamwork, etc. that are reflected in pins. One Cast Member told me that he received some rather substantial offers on his pins (which are not for sale). Cast Members also attend a fully paid Disney Store trip to see the latest animated film release twice a year. The Disney Store/Disney Catalog outfit is accessible via the online services CompuServe (GO DS) and Prodigy (JUMP DISNEY). 17) Who were the "nine old men"? The "nine old men" were the group of lead animators who worked closely with Walt Disney and the Disney studios from around the mid 1940's to the mid 1980's. The term "nine old men" was a takeoff from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's term for the U.S. Supreme Court justices. The nine old men, in alphabetical order with a fraction of some of the notable characters and movies that they contributed to, are: Les Clark - Minnie Mouse, Mickey in Fantasia Marc Davis - Bambi, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Cruella in 101 Dalmatians Ollie Johnston - Dopey in Snow White, Mowgli in The Jungle Book, Bambi, Mr. Smee from Peter Pan Milt Kahl - Pinocchio, Robin Hood, Medusa in The Rescuers Ward Kimball - The Three Caballeros, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Lucifer in Cinderella, Dwarves in Snow White Eric Larson - Figaro in Pinocchio, horses in Beethoven's 6th in Fantasia John Lounsbery - Ben Ali Gator in Fantasia, Bambi, Victory Through Air Power Wolfgang Reitherman - Goofy, Cinderella, Rite of Spring in Fantasia, The Aristocats Frank Thomas - Bambi, Sword in the Stone These nine men worked on many of the Disney classics, from Snow White to The Rescuers. Not all of the nine men worked on all of the movies (although there were some movies that all of them participated in, including Cinderella). Some of the other major animators at the Disney studios included Ub Iwerks, Norman Ferguson, Ken Anderson, Mary Blair, Bill Justice, Vladimir (Bill) Tytla, William Peet, and Wilfred Jackson (who was the first director for Walt Disney). 18) Who are the current Disney animators? The "nine young men," listed here in alphabetical order with some of the characters they have animated, are: Ruben Aquino - Ursula (The Little Mermaid); Maurice (Beauty and the Beast) James Baxter - Belle (Beauty and the Beast) Andreas Deja - Mickey Mouse (Prince and the Pauper); Triton (The Little Mermaid); Gaston (Beauty and the Beast); Jofar (Aladdin) Russ Edmonds- Max the dog (The Little Mermaid); Cody (The Rescuers Down Under); Philippe the horse (Beauty and the Beast) Will Finn- Grimsby (The Little Mermaid); Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast); Yago the Parrot (Aladdin) Glen Keane - Supervised The Fox and the Hound; characters include Ratigan (The Great Mouse Detective); Ariel (The Little Mermaid); Eagle (The Rescuers Down Under); Beast (Beauty and the Beast); Aladdin (Aladdin) Dave Pruiksma- Bernard (The Rescuers Down Under); Mrs. Potts and Chip (Beauty and the Beast); Sultan (Aladdin) Nik Ranieri- Ursula (The Little Mermaid); Wilbur (The Rescuers Down Under); Luminere (Beauty and the Beast) Chris Wahl - Lefou (Beauty and the Beast), multiple characters (Aladdin) Other animators of note are: Lorna Cook - Contributed to Belle (Beauty and the Beast) Mark Henn - Stationed in Florida. Contributed heavily to the character development of Belle and Mrs. Potts/Chip. Tom Sito - Worked on layout and animated the Gaston wrestling scene in the pub (Beauty and the Beast) Lisa Keene - Background artist/supervisor These animators led the teams that animated the characters they are credited with. Lead animators provide many of the story and character ideas, but I am sure that many other ideas (and a lot of hard work) come from the animators work for the lead animator. 19) Where can I get the movie poster for {Beauty and the Beast, other Disney movie}? You can try just about any movie poster dealer that deals in current posters. Prices will vary. Some things to know: Posters aren't easy to mail. You may need to send the seller a mailing tube in which to hold the rolled poster. The following list was obtained from the periodical Movie Collector's World, published at P.O. Box 309, Fraser, MI 48026. Phone: (313)-774-4311. You might want to get a copy (published bi-weekly at a cover price of $2.50) to see all the ads for yourself (many of the dealers who advertised in there were not included here since they mostly looked like classic posters). All of those listed here had at least one Disney title in their advertisements. Disclaimer: I can't vouch for any of these places personally, since I haven't ordered from any of them. As always, additions to this list are welcome. Comic Castle 3148 Midway Drive #113, San Diego, CA 92110 (619)-222-3302 (Tu, W, Th only, 11-6 PST) Mike Kinder P.O. Box 772198, Winter Garden, FL 34777 (904)-394-3569, after 5 pm Mark J. Myler 3300 S. Tamarac #N101, Denver, CO 80231 (303)-368-1306 The Movie Gallery 2072 Front Street, East Meadow, NY 11554 (516)-794-0294 Pamela Banner 3409 Lake Montebello Dr., Baltimore, MD 21218-3151 (410)-235-7427 (10-6 EST M-Sa) Poster Emporium P.O. Box 16681, Raytown, MO 64133-6681 (800)-877-7860 Richard Hubel 549 88th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 (813)-578-1236 Walls of Fame 2798 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229 (718)-692-3200 If you do order from any of these (or other) places, I'd like to know about your experiences (positive or negative). 20) Where can I find a particular Disney book/original version of a book that Disney adapted into a movie? One way is to consult your local big-chain bookreseller (B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, BookStop, Bookstar, Crown Books, etc.). Many have listings, although many Disney books are out of print. If the book you are looking for is indeed out of print, your best hope is to search local used book resellers in your area. A good place to get information about books of any subject without leaving the comfort of your UNIX machine is via the online Melvyl Catalog. The Melvyl Catalog, accessible via Telnet, is an online card catalog listing for every book in the vast University of California library system. To access, try the following at your favorite UNIX prompt: unix% telnet melvyl.ucop.edu If you can FTP, you should be able to telnet .If you get a "network unaccessible error", you probably don't have the proper access to the outside world. If you have trouble, feel free to send me e-mail (tanida@esosun.css.gov) and I can try to find the book you want for you. If you can telnet, you'll be prompted for a terminal type. Use "Z99" (w/o the quotes) as your terminal type. Then press return. From here, you can use the online help by typing "help ". Some commonly used commands: find su Disney = Finds "subject" Disney = any book with Disney as a subject word find pa Christopher Finch = Finds "personal author" Christopher Finch = books written by author Christopher Finch find tw Magic Kingdom = Finds "title words" Magic Kingdom = any books with the words "Magic Kingdom" Upon retrieving your results, you can use the display command: display all review = Display all in a review format display 10 long = Displays entry #10 in a long format (all the info- author, title, etc.) display 10 isbn = Displays the ISBN number for entry #10 99) Where can I get more Disney info? Books: There are many books available about topics related to Disney, from biographies of Walt himself, to books about the near takeover of the Disney company in 1984, to books about Disney animation and history. Listed here are some of the many books available related to Disney subjects, in order by author. Many are probably out of print. Your contributions to this list are appreciated. Walt Disney's World of Fantasy, by Adrian Bailey; compiled and designed by Julie & Steve Ridgeway. Everest House, New York, 1982. ISBN: 0-896-96117-6 Covers the cinematography, animation, and special effects in the films from the Disney studios. 252 pages. Walt Disney's Fantasia, by John Culhane Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, NY, 1983, reprinted in 1987 ISBN 0-8109-8078-9 A discussion of Fantasia from its inception to completion. Individual chapters deal with each of the parts of the film. 221 pages. The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms, by Christopher Finch H. N. Abrams, New York, 1975 ISBN 0-810-90321-0 160 pages. Walt Disney's America, by Christopher Finch Abbeville Press, New York, NY, 1978 ISBN 0-896-59000-3 A biography of Walt Disney, focusing on his movie making. 301 pages. Prince of the Magic Kingdom, by Joe Flower John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1991 ISBN 0-471-52465-4 History of the Walt Disney Company beginning with the appointment of Michael Eisner as CEO. Complete through 1991, the first third of the book covers the takeover attempt of 1984. The remainder of the book is a focus on Michael Eisner. 309 pages. Encyclopedia of Walt Disney's Animated Characters, by John Grant, foreword by David R. Smith Harper & Row, New York, 1987 ISBN 0-060-15777-1 A comprehensive list of Disney characters, including filmographies and a complete index. Includes a bibliography. 320 pages. The Man Behind The Magic: The Story of Walt Disney, by Katherine and Richard Greene Viking Penguin, 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014, published in 1991 ISBN 0-670-82259-0 A more sugar-coated biography of Walt Disney's life than Leonard Mosley's Disney's World; it emphasizes Walt's role as a dreamer and covers how he achieved those dreams in the face of adversity. 183 pages. The Disney Touch: How a Daring Management Team Revived an Entertainment Empire, by Ron Grover Business One Irwin, Homewood, IL 1991 ISBN 1-556-23385-X The story of how Michael Eisner took over charge of the Walt Disney Company in 1984 and turned it into the company it is today. 315 pages. The Disney Studio Story, by Richard Holliss and Brian Sibley Crown Publishers, Inc. 225 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003, published in 1988 ISBN 0-517-57078-5 Covers the history of Disney films, from the creation of Mickey Mouse through the films of 1987. Includes a synopsis of every Disney film and short on record. Also includes a list of Academy Awards and Oscar nominations. 256 pages. Walt Disney and Assorted Other Characters: An Unauthorized Account of the Early Years at Disney's, by Jack Kinney, foreword by Leonard Maltin Harmony Books, New York, 1988 ISBN 0-517-57057-2 Biography of Walt and behind the scenes look at the Walt Disney studios. 207 pages with a cover price of $17.95. The Wonderful World of Disney Animals, by William R. Koehler Howell Book House, New York, 1979 ISBN 0-876-05810-1 Notes: Presents a behind-the-scenes account of the techniques and trials of training various animals who have appeared in Disney productions. 252 pages. Walt Disney: A Guide to References and Resources, by Elizabeth Leebron and Lynn Gartley G. K. Hall, Boston, 1979 ISBN 0-816-18004-8 226 pages. The Disney Films, by Leonard Maltin ; research associate, Jerry Beck Crown, New York, 1984 (updated edition) ISBN 0-517-55407-0 (paperback) Written by Entertainment Tonight film critic and long-time Disney fan Leonard Maltin. Includes criticism and interpretation of the Disney animated films. 343 pages. The Story of Walt Disney, by Diane Disney Miller as told to Pete Martin Holt, New York, 1957 Biography of Walt from the perspective of his daughter. Note that it was published ten years prior to Walt's death. 247 pages. Walt Disney, Master of Make-believe, by Elizabeth Rider Montgomery, illustrated by Vic Mays. Garrard Pub. Co., Champaign, Ill., 1971 ISBN 0-811-64568-1 Notes: A biography of cartoonist Walt Disney stressing his professional contribution to the film industry and influence on American life. 96 pages. Disney's World, by Leonard Mosley Stein and Day, New York, NY (hardcover, 1985) Published by Scarborough House, Chelsea, MI 48118 (paperback, 1990) Distributed by Independent Publishers Group, Chicago, IL 60610 ISBN 0-8128-8514-7 (paperback) One of the better biographies on Walt Disney's life that I've seen. Mosley is a noted biographer, and he obviously put a lot of research into this one. It is not wholly positive, but is certainly not the Disney-bashing found in Richard Schickel's The Disney Version. 330 pages. The Disney Version : The Life, Times, Art, and Commerce of Walt Disney, by Richard Schickel Simon and Schuster, New York, 1985 ISBN 0-671-54714-3 A generally negatively critical book about Walt Disney and the Disney company. Walt : Backstage Adventures with Walt Disney, by Charles Shows, foreword by William D. Hanna Published by Windsong Books International, La Jolla, CA, 1980 Distributed by Communication Creativity ISBN 0-934-84601-4 Biography of Walt Disney. 212 pages. The History of Animation: Enchanted Drawings, by Charles Solomon Alfred A. Knopf, New York, NY, 1989 ISBN 0-394-54684-9 Not specific to Disney, but contains a lot of material related to the animation of the Disney studios. Oversized and full-color, I would recommended this to animation fans, although the cover price is $75.00. Published in 1989, over 300 pages, covers through the films of 1988 (e.g. Oliver and Company) ending with a discussion of computer animation. 322 pages. Storming The Magic Kingdom: Wall Street The Raiders, and The Battle For Disney, by John Taylor Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, Inc., New York, NY, 1987 ISBN 0-345-35407-9 An inside look at the famous events of 1984 surrounding the attempted hostile takeover of the Walt Disney Company by Saul Steinberg and the subsequent installation of Michael Eisner as CEO. An interesting read. 262 pages. Walt Disney: An American Original, by Bob Thomas Pocket Books, New York, 1980, c1976 ISBN 0-671-66232-5 A biography of Walt Disney. 414 pages. Walt Disney and the Art of Animation; the Story of the Disney Studio Contribution to a New Art, by Bob Thomas with the Walt Disney staff, with research by Don Graham Golden Press, Inc., New York, c1958 The original Bob Thomas book about the art of animation. Covers the making of Sleeping Beauty. Out of print, now a collector's item. 181 pages. Disney's Art of Animation, by Bob Thomas Produced by Welcome Enterprises, 164 East 95th Street, New York, NY 10128 Published by Hyperion Press, 114 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011, 1991 ISBN 1-56282-997-1 Covers Disney animation from Mickey Mouse through The Little Mermaid, with a separate section on the making of Beauty and the Beast. Very colorful, making it an excellent coffee table book, featuring a "cover that moves." Despite the fact that the inside cover reads "First Edition", Bob Thomas has written a previous edition on Disney animation (see above). 208 pages. The Walt Disney Biography, by Bob Thomas New English Library/Times Mirror, London, 1977 ISBN 4-500-32299 A biography of Walt Disney. 296 pages. Walt Disney, Magician of the Movies, by Bob Thomas Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1966 Notes: "A Rutledge book." A biography of the internationally beloved cartoonist-creator of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Disneyland. 176 pages. Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life, by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston Abbeville Press, New York, NY, 1981 ISBN 0-89659-232-4 ISBN 0-89659-232-2 (deluxe edition) Published in 1981, this book is now hard to find. It is all about Disney character animation, and goes into great detail, including a lot of technical discussion. The most authoritative book by any of the "nine old men." Not written in chronological order, it covers mostly through The Rescuers (1977), although I did see a background from The Black Cauldron (1984). 575 pages. Too Funny for Words: Disney's Greatest Sight Gags, by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston Abbeville Press, New York, 1987 ISBN 0-896-59747-4 223 pages. The Musical World of Walt Disney, by David Tietyen Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 7777 West Bluemound Road, P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213 ISBN 0-88188-476-6 Published in 1990, but covers only through the late 1970's (e.g. Pete's Dragon). Includes a forward by the Sherman brothers. A discussion of Disney music, starting with Steamboat Willie, grouped film by film in different chapters for the different eras. 158 pages. Great Moments From the Films of Walt Disney, by Walt Disney Productions Rutledge Press, New York, NY, 1981 ISBN 0-817-33975-4 Notes: "Great and memorable moments from: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty. Volume 1"--Cover. 92 pages. Treasures of Disney Animation Art, by Walt Disney Productions, preface by Robert E. Abrams, introduction by John Canemaker Abbeville Press, New York, 1982 ISBN 0-896-59315-0 Covers animation from the Disney animated films. 319 pages with an original cover price of $85.00. There are also many guide books related to maximizing your visits to the theme parks. Consult your local bookstore's Travel section- there are plenty to choose from. My personal favorites are The Unofficial Guide books written by Bob Sehlinger. Most of the guides are updated yearly. Magazines: Storyboard/The Art of Laughter - Laughter Publications, Inc., 80 Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060 (603)-883-9770 A high-quality magazine dedicated to animation art. Published by Laughter Publications on a bi-monthly basis. Subscriptions are $22.97 for one year, with a cover price of $4.95. Features articles and advertisements related to cel and merchandise collecting, the Disney motion pictures, and historical articles about the animators. Disney News - (see below for addresses) Published quarterly as the Official Magazine of Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom Club. Subscriptions are free with a Gold Card Membership, $14.95 for two years otherwise. The cover price is $2.50; the only place I've ever seen it sold off the shelf is at the Disney Store and the theme parks. This magazine mostly covers current events at the theme parks and the Disney realms, with a few behind the scene looks. Online sources: Some online sources include rec.arts.disney (of course). There is also a Disney following in the FLORIDA forum on the CompuServe Information Service. Another online source is the Disney BBS. It is primarily present for the support of the Disney software products. The phone number is: (818)-567-4027. Addresses: Here is a list of addresses and/or phone numbers: Buena Vista Home Burbank, CA 91521 Video (US) Buena Vista Home London, England W1V 6AP Video (UK) Disney Catalog P.O. Box 29144, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9144 (800)-237-5751 (orders; M-F 8a-11p ET; Sa-Su 8a-8p, ET) (913)-752-1095 (FAX) Disneyland Guest 1313 Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92802-2398 Relations (714)-999-4565 Disneyana Shop (on Main Street at Disneyland) (800)-362-4533 Disney Gallery (714)-999-7531 Disneyland Hotel (714)-956-6400 Disney News, P.O. Box 4489, Anaheim, CA 92803 correspondence Disney News, P.O. Box 3310, Anaheim, CA 92803-3310 subscription info Gladstone P.O. Box 2079, Prescott, AZ 86302 Publishing Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation (sheet music) 7777 West Bluemound Road, P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213 Magic Kingdom Club, Disneyland Travel Packages (Travel Center West) P.O. Box 4180, Anaheim, CA 92803-4180 (714)-520-5000 (for MKC members) Magic Kingdom Club, Walt Disney World Travel Center (Travel Center East) P.O. Box 10160, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0160 (407)-824-2600 (for MKC members) Magic Kingdom Club P.O. Box 3850, Anaheim, CA 92803-3850 Gold Card (800)-248-2665 Magic Years Club P.O. Box 4709, Anaheim, CA 92803-4709 (seniors) (714)-490-3250 Walt Disney Magazine Publishing Company (e.g. Disney Comics) 500 S. Buena Vista Buena Vista, CA 91521 Walt Disney Music P.O. Box 4740, Anaheim, CA 92803-4740 Company Walt Disney Studios 1400 Flower Street, Glendale, CA 91221 Walt Disney World Guest Relations P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 (note: this address is a general address, so you should specify a particular department) Part III - Timely information 1) What Disneyana shows/auctions are coming up? Here are some of the Disney-related events coming up in the future. If you know of any others and would like to have them listed here, please e-mail the appropriate info to me and I'll add it in. * 1st Disneyana Convention: The Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World, FL, September 24-27, 1992 Contact: Merchandise Special Events Office (407)-560-7232, or Disneyana Convention, P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 * The Mouse Club's 10th Anniversary Disneyana Collector's Convention: Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, CA, September 9-13, 1992 Contact: The Mouse Club, 2056 Cirone Way, San Jose, CA 95124; (408)-377-2590 2) What are some of the upcoming movie and video releases from the Walt Disney studios? Pinocchio is going to be re-released into theaters this summer. The currently anticipated new film for 1992 is Aladdin, to debut in late November of this year. There is a preview of this on the 101 Dalmatians video. The film for 1993 is tentatively titled King of the Jungle. It features a story about a lion whose power is usurped by his evil brother. In the far future, Disney is considering a project based on Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. There is reportedly a full length feature film using strictly computer generated animation that Disney is working on with Pixar, although I first heard about this about two years ago and haven't heard anything substantial since. In 1996, Disney will release Fantasia Continued, which will feature new segments mixed in with some of the old segments. It is not yet known what will remain and what will be taken out, but it is the studio's intent to release the film every seven years with modifications. The Great Mouse Detective, which was released in the theaters this past January, is being released onto video in the U.S. on July 17. The Rescuers is going to be released onto video in the U.S. in September. Beauty and the Beast is being released onto video in the U.S. on October 30.