saturdaystoys's profile

One of Our Top 10 Books on the Walt Disney Studio

While created as a companion text to the 1997 exhibition hosted by the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA), this remarkable record is as fascinating to Disney fans and collectors as it is valuable to researchers and scholars. One feast at this banquet table will never be enough. Readers will be returning to this masterwork for decades to come. From the project's genesis in meetings between Nicholas Osberg (Chief Curator, CCA) and Marty Sklar (Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering), an agreement was reached whereby every historic file and document at The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Attractions, and Walt Disney Imagineering was made available to the exhibition's research team. Together, they met the awesome challenge of providing an in-depth analysis of the cultural phenomenon that began with Walt Disney's original theme park known as Disneyland in Anaheim, California. As the project's director of research and curator of the exhibition, Karal Ann Marling has assembled a text that not only details the architectural elements of creation and design, but integrates the historic backstory and visual wonderland that led to the creation of the Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo, and Paris. Reviewed by Dave Mason for SaturdaysToys.com - eBay's exclusive shop for vintage Walt Disney and Disneyland collectibles.

And the Pulitzer Prize Goes to... "Mouse Tracks"!

What an absolute treasure! Most Disney historians have learned long ago that the most important element of entertainment is: The Story; The Story; The Story! Tim Hollis and Greg Ehrbar have demonstrated their commitment to following Walt's mantra, and in the process have created a spectacular book that goes right to the heart of Disney's success: PEOPLE. Here, scores of artists, producers, songwriters, executives and more are honored in retelling the story of Walt Disney Records. In recent years, many authors have faithfully retold the story of the more familiar Disney Studio names (Ward Kimball, Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston & Frank Thomas, Joe Grant, et al.), but for the first time, "Mouse Tracks" gives us the unsung heroes of an historic music publishing company that is without rival in popular entertainment. As Walt Disne himself once said, "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." Hollis & Ehrbar's "Mouse Tracks - The Story of Walt Disney Records" is filled with stories of the behind-the-scenes players who created some of the 20th century's most beloved recordings. The book is creatively designed and holds the interest of the reader throughout. We have been specializing in vintage Disneyana for the past quarter-century, and we've never seen such an assembly of fascinating stories that have been waiting to be retold. Everyone's favorite Disney record will likely be referenced, and the reader will uncover a treasure chest of new stories about the men and women who made it all happen. Without a doubt, Tim Hollis and Greg Ehrbar richly deserve the accolades that this book is receiving. In addition to those who have already sung their praises, Saturday's Toys is pleased to present our highest recommendation for this essential celebration of the Disney legacy. Dave Mason for Saturday's Toys www.SaturdaysToys.com

A Mixed Bag - at "Best"...

As a clear sign that DisneyDVD management had no idea what they're doing, they proudly proclaimed that these "classic episodes" include the following: "Fun With Music Day" - September 30, 1957 "Talent Roundup Day" - October 25, 1957 "Guest Star Day" - August 28, 1962 "Circus Day" - October 11, 1962 "Anything Can Happen Day" - November 12, 1964 Though the episodes may have been repackaged, syndicated and rebroadcast on the stated dates, absolutely NOTHING on these episodes was produced after 1957. In fact, co-host Bob Amsbury appears in an episode supposedly from 1962. Unfortunately, Mr. Amsbury died in an automobile accident in 1957. On that same episode, DisneyDVD has decided to include a black & white cartoon of "Ferdinand the Bull" as part of the "Best of..." package. While this cartoon was a technicolor marvel in 1938 (winning the Academy Award for Best Cartoon), it is completely out of place and a black & white waste of time on this DVD presentation. The bright spot on this DVD is found on "Anything Can Happen Day." The episode features the Mouseketeers as America first knew them in 1955. The segment with the Firehouse 5 plus 2 (with Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ward Kimball), along with Cubby O'Brian on drums is among the most wonderful ever presented for home viewing. The "Mousekartoon" of the day was "Mickey's Nightmare"... one of the best ever produced. Watching Mickey turn out the lights at bedtime is funny every time it's shown. Great gags throughout. Unfortuately, even this classic episode has already been issued in VHS format several times. If you like Darlene Gillespie, there is more of her singing on this compliation that we've seen anywhere else. Though prominently featured on the packaging, our favorite Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello, is rarely featured. Jimmie Dodd and his Mousegetar closes every episode. Let's just say that Jimmie Dodd is still our hero. As much as Walt Disney (if not more so), Jimmie Dodd WAS the Mickey Mouse Club. Even so... if you can only buy one MMC DVD, get the Walt Disney Treasures boxed set. If you can't afford that one... then this one will still bring back many great Mouseka-memories. Reviewed by Dave Mason for SaturdaysToys.com - eBay's premier shop for vintage Walt Disney and Disneyland collectibles.