When the comic book adaptation of Walt Disney’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Four Color 1103) was published in 1961, the inside back cover consisted of a feature of special interest to animation aficionados. Drawn by Al Hubbard (who also drew the book-length comic adaptation of the then-new animated film), “Dalmatian Animation” is a simplified explanation of the very complicated animation process. In eight illustrations the page attempts to explain animation production to its audience (mostly children, no doubt) and does a credible job. A few misrepresentations creep in, including one endemic to general “how do they make cartoons” elucidations: the impression that the voice artists record their performances after the animation is completed. And sadly no mention is made of the fact that the “idea” for this particular animated feature came from a book, The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (although Ms. Smith’s book is dutifully credited in the comic book’s indicia on page one of the story). But let’s not belittle this fun attempt to remind readers young and old that talented people made (literally hand-made) the film on which the comic is based.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Disney Animation 101
When the comic book adaptation of Walt Disney’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Four Color 1103) was published in 1961, the inside back cover consisted of a feature of special interest to animation aficionados. Drawn by Al Hubbard (who also drew the book-length comic adaptation of the then-new animated film), “Dalmatian Animation” is a simplified explanation of the very complicated animation process. In eight illustrations the page attempts to explain animation production to its audience (mostly children, no doubt) and does a credible job. A few misrepresentations creep in, including one endemic to general “how do they make cartoons” elucidations: the impression that the voice artists record their performances after the animation is completed. And sadly no mention is made of the fact that the “idea” for this particular animated feature came from a book, The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (although Ms. Smith’s book is dutifully credited in the comic book’s indicia on page one of the story). But let’s not belittle this fun attempt to remind readers young and old that talented people made (literally hand-made) the film on which the comic is based.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Before Cinderella Glows Away Forever (or something like that)
I’m sure you’ve seen the TV commercials ominously informing one and all that “Cinderella is going back into the Disney Vault on January 31.” This could be a good time to check out the Cinderella Platinum Edition Collector’s DVD Gift Set. In addition to the 2 Disc DVD of the animated feature and accompanying bonus features and a set of lithographs, the Deluxe DVD also includes a book written by me. Walt Disney’s Masterpiece Cinderella: A Dream Come True was first published as part of the deluxe VHS and laser disc (sounds primitive, doesn’t it?) video release in 1995. The current volume is much smaller than the original version but it retains much of the art and all of my text: both the retelling of the film’s story and the historical creation-of-the-film account. Displayed here are the original cover, title page and some of the text, covering a few behind-the-scenes tidbits on Cinderella’s mouse friends, Gus and Jaq. Remember, just because the Cinderella DVD is “going back into the Disney vault” it's still available here
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sleeping Beauty Awakens
On January 29, 1959, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty was released. The most expensive (six million dollars) animated film ever made up until that time, Sleeping Beauty was a roadshow release—the film was exclusively showcased in one theater in each metropolitan area, with guests buying tickets for reserved seating showings, much as a stage spectacular might be. Walt wanted his 16th animated feature to be the ultimate in animation and to be so strikingly beautiful that each frame could stand on its own as "beautiful picture." Much of the film’s striking styling came from production designer Eyvind Earle, who designed the film in what the artist termed “stylized, simplified Gothic,” which actually ended up becoming extremely intricate, at least in the backgrounds. Because of its intricate design (it took at least a week to paint each of the elaborate backgrounds) Sleeping Beauty was in production for six years. When Disneyland opened in 1955 its signature fairy-tale castle was dubbed Sleeping Beauty Castle, in honor of the soon-to-be-released (or so it was hoped) animated feature, but Sleeping Beauty would not be released for close to four years.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Who, What, When, Where, Why, How…Gallegher Gets the News
Another Kiss for Dopey
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Wonderful World of Color Kid
Today, January 16, is the birthday of Roger Mobley. During the 1960s, Roger (a child actor who was already known for co-starring in the TV series, Fury) became one of the most popular stars to regularly appear on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. In 1964, Roger made his World of Color debut in For The Love of Willadean, a two-part comedy about a group of kids and their countryside misadventures. (Roger is seen in the still above [a black-and-white photo, unfortunately] on the far right, with his Willadean co-stars, including Lost in Space’s Billy Mumy on the left and Disney favorite Ed Wynn in the center.) That same year Roger starred as Gustav in the theatrical release Emil and the Detectives (below), which was telecast on World of Color in 1966. Later in the decade, Roger was the hero of the action-adventure The Treasure of San Bosco Reef, which debuted in 1968. But the young star’s biggest Disney TV success was as Gallegher, the clever, ever resourceful “boy reporter” who outwitted not only criminals and cheats but also his adult betters at the newspaper where he works. Debuting in 1965, Gallegher ran for eleven episodes, climaxing in 1968 with The Mystery of Edward Sims. So Happy Birthday to my friend Roger, the Wonderful World of Color Kid... and to everyone else, watch this blog for news on an upcoming, in-depth article all about that “sharp as a thorn, natural-born newspaperman,” Walt Disney’s Gallegher.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Glories of Gottfredson, the Wonders of Walsh
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
A Winter Wonderland of Golden Art
A Kiss For Dopey
Good News from Tom Hanks
Monday, January 7, 2008
More Hans, More Hallmark
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Anno Domini 2008
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