Since this blog has an Alice in Wonderland theme (consider its title and the general madness you will find herein) I thought I would start with a Wonderland post. Here’s one of my favorite posters, and its backstory is almost more interesting than the poster itself. When Alice in Wonderland was originally released in 1951, the animated feature was not exactly a runaway hit, and instead of being re-released, it was shown on Walt Disney’s television hour (edited to fit the time slot) several times. Then a “curiouser” thing happened. In 1971 the film became quite popular as a 16mm rental film (remember, kids, this was before home video). In fact, Alice was the most rented film in college towns throughout the country where many students enjoyed watching Alice in Wonderland’s vivid “visual euphoria” while they were, shall we say, chemically enhanced. Finally, in response to renewed interest in the film among both students and Disney aficionados who longed to see this neglected classic on the big screen, Disney decided to reissue Alice in the Spring of 1974. This psychedelic poster was designed to tie-in with the film's newfound far-out reputation, and it remains a mesmerizing Wonderland-worthy delight.
3 comments:
Very interesting! So the point your making here is that drugs actually helped Disney. Great! Just kidding man...I dig the poster though! Did Disney actually think it would be a huge hit with young kids back in 1951? Ok, off to my dealer. :-)
Far out man. I love that story. I laugh my ass off. Wasn't that the same case with Fantasia?
Chemically enhanced LOL love this first post of yours Jim! I am excited to discover loads of fun things here in the archives of your blog... the blog I discovered years ago that helped me come to know you better :)
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