In the bleakness of a cold February, it's difficult not to look inward or to look back. Sometimes, this reminiscing brings us back to our roots and the experiences that formed us. My Disney roots—like most Disney fans—can be found in the films of Walt Disney. One winter tradition, that has sadly ceased in recent years, is my family's enjoyment of the latest release from the Disney Treasures DVD series. These wonderful DVD sets, hosted by film critic Leonard Maltin, provided a rare glimpse into the filmed product of the Walt Disney Studios through the years. For younger Disney fans who did not grow up with the original Disneyland television series or the original Mickey Mouse Club, these tin sets of DVDs were precious time capsules providing a connection between Disney's past and its present. We are still disappointed that Disney discontinued this wonderful series.
This year, however, Santa brought a wonderful surprise: a Blu-ray set of three classic Walt Disney films complete with extensive bonuses and newly re-mastered films. This delightful collection of vintage Disney provides some interesting and unexpected inspiration for experiences at the Vacation Kingdom of the World. In many ways, it is just like one of those wonderful Disney Treasures collection of days gone by. Let's take a look at this charming collection title by title.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
After Word War II, the Walt Disney Studios, like so much of the world, was in a rebuilding phase. “Package” films, like this one, provided the Disney artists with opportunities to hone their craft and prepare for Walt's impending re-entry into feature-film production.
The first portion of the film is a charming retelling of the classic Kenneth Grahame book The Wind in the Willows. Narrated by Basil Rathbone, this very British story is lushly animated in the classic Disney style. The story follows the misadventures of one J. Thaddeus Toad, an irresponsible young toad prone to wild manias.
As the story begins, Toad and his horse are rampaging through the countryside pulling a canary yellow gypsy cart. Soon, however, Toad's mania takes an expected turn: he becomes obsessed with motorcars. The rest of the story follows Toad's trusted friends, Mole, Badger, and Rat, as they attempt to put Toad on the straight and narrow path and save his beloved Toad Hall.
When Disneyland opened in 1955, one of the original Fantasyland dark rides was based on this film: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Another incarnation of this attraction appeared at the Magic Kingdom in 1971, located where The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh now resides. This madcap ride took guests “merrily, merrily on the way to nowhere, in particular” through the English countryside, past speeding trains, past a traffic cop, and ended, oddly enough, in hell—a tableau complete with little red-horned devils. Guests rode vintage cars, inspired by Toad's own vehicle, on their way through the attraction's many scenes.
While Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a memory now for Magic Kingdom guests, the original lives on at Disneyland, complete with a striking Toad Hall façade that seems to leap straight from the screen into Fantasyland. There is also a wonderfully detailed miniature Toad Hall along the riverbank of the Storybook Land Canal Boats.
The next story in the set, based on American author Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is a Halloween tradition in my family. Its decidedly different visual look is inspired in part by the color styling of Disney artist Mary Blair, whose work can be seen in the Contemporary Resort's Grand Canyon Concourse as well as in “it's a small world.”
This featurette retells the famous Headless Horseman story with humor and scares aplenty. Bing Crosby narrates and sings the memorable songs of this story of Ichabod Crane, Katrina van Tassel, and Brom Bones.
While no attraction was ever built featuring this well-loved story, there is a quick service restaurant in Liberty Square named Sleepy Hollow in honor of this classic tale. This charming little spot serves waffles, funnel cakes, ice cream and more. For guests who attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Headless Horseman himself appears at the beginning of the Boo to You parade to the delight of fans old and new.
Fun and Fancy Free (1947)
Another package film, Fun and Fancy Free, contains two stories loosely strung together with animated/live-action scenes with Jiminy Cricket, Disney actress Luana Patton (of Song of the South and So Dear to my Heart fame), and ventriloquist Edgar Bergen.
Jiminy Cricket sings the delightful “I'm a Happy Go Lucky Fellow,” which was originally written for Pinocchio, before he listens to a record that tells the story of Bongo, the circus bear who longs for freedom in the great outdoors. This charmer, based on a story by Sinclair Lewis, is animated in the full, pastoral tradition of Disney's greatest films. Dinah Shore sings and tells Bongo's story.
While the circus scenes are brief, they recall the look and feel of Dumbo. Here's hoping that Bongo's presence in the new Storybook Circus area of the Magic Kingdom expands in future years in the form of signage or merchandise.
The second part of the film takes place during a party at Edgar Bergen's house. Mr. Bergen's famous characters, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, join Luana Patten for cake and story time. Jiminy joins them and enjoys Mr. Bergen's unique retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk story, this time starring Mickey, Donald, and Goofy sharing the role of Jack. With wonderful songs, “Oh What a Happy Day” and “In My Favorite Dream,” this story features Mickey and his friends at their very best.
Fans of the SpectroMagic parade that premiered during the Magic Kingdom's 20th anniversary celebration in 1991 might remember the singing harp featured in the scene with Goofy, Chip, and Dale. This parade character was inspired by the singing harp first featured in this animated gem.
Visitors to the Magic Kingdom today who shop at Sir Mickey's in Fantasyland can catch a glimpse of Mickey himself in his Mickey and the Beanstalk costume behind one of the cash register wraps. Sharp-eyed guests might also notice the huge beanstalk that winds its way around, over, and through this charming shop. Willie the Giant peeks into the store's interior, his humongous hands and grin bringing smiles to guests of all ages.
The Reluctant Dragon (1941)
The bonus features in this collection include several rarities, including the feature film The Reluctant Dragon. The story within the film is humorist Robert Benchley's desire to suggest a book to Walt Disney and his artists to adapt as an animated film. The film, which a title card warns bears little resemblance to a real motion picture, follows Mr. Benchley on a tour of the newly built Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
The original Magic of Disney Animation tour at the then Disney's Hollywood Studios owed much of its look and feel to this intriguing little film. The animation buildings that still grace Disney's Hollywood Studios are inspired by the original Kem Weber buildings of the Burbank studio. Fans of animation, old Hollywood, Disney animation, or Walt Disney history are sure to enjoy this film.
Also included as a bonus feature is the classic Mickey Mouse short Lonesome Ghosts (1937), a film that according to legend, inspired Ghostbusters. Whether this is true or simply Hollywood lore doesn't really matter, because this short features the trio of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy at the height of their popularity and artistic design.
Final Thoughts
These beautifully restored films are sure to please Disney fans. At an attractive price point, they are also a rare value from the Disney vaults. This set is highly recommended for its historical value, its entertainments value, and its subtle links to the Vacation Kingdom of the World.
