Summer Magic

Summer Magic: Saving a Cinematic Relic on the Disney Backlot

By Rick Lorentz, Walt Disney Archives Acquiring objects for the multiple collections of the Walt Disney Archives may take one of many routes. Typically, television and film productions will offer props and costumes to the Archives once a production has wrapped. If an attraction undergoes refurbishment or permanently closes, Disney Parks and Resorts will receive …

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love simon

With PRIDE: The Props of Love, Simon

By Jennifer Vanoni, Walt Disney Archives Love, Simon is a charming adaptation, notable as the first film by a major Hollywood studio to focus on a gay teenage romance. The film features a diverse cast and fun, everyday film props. Nerdy side-note: Alexandra Shipp plays Abby, one of Simon’s best friends in the film and …

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Donald Duck

Donald Duck, Model Citizen

By Becky Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives Universally acclaimed and internationally adored for his often-explosive qualities, Donald Duck is one of the world’s most famous and beloved personalities. He is also a model United States citizen! A star was hatched with the June 9, 1934, release of Walt Disney’s Silly Symphony The Wise Little Hen, …

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walt disney

Walt’s Woking Way

By Mike Buckhoff, Walt Disney Archives In perhaps the most iconic photo of Walt Disney, Walt stands with a serious gaze out of a doorway as the shadow of his most famous creation reflects off the wall. For many years, the most puzzling aspect of this photo was… where was this taken? Of course, those …

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the greatest showman

The Greatest Showman Concept Art

By Jennifer Vanoni, Walt Disney Archives Rarely does the Archives receive original, hand-drawn art concepts from today’s feature films. The majority of concept art, construction, design and storyboard materials are now created digitally and delivered via download link, hard drive or server. It’s a rare exception that we have the opportunity to unroll full size …

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finding nemo

Finding Nemo Poster Development Art

By Julia Vargas, Walt Disney Archives Pixar’s Finding Nemo was released in 2003, a time when most animated films were being produced digitally. Advertising and marketing development art, like this example from the studio’s Creative Print Services team, is important for the Walt Disney Archives to save because it serves as an original, physical piece …

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swiss family robinson

What the Walt Disney Archives Staff is Watching on Disney+, Part Three

By The Walt Disney Archives For the last two weeks (part 1 and part 2), we’ve been sharing what’s on the Disney+ watchlists of the Walt Disney Archives staff. Looking for your next Disney+ movie night selection? Check out the suggestions below, and be sure to look for the summer 2020 issue of Disney twenty-three, the …

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archives coloring books

Coloring Books from the Walt Disney Archives

By Matt Moryc, Walt Disney Archives Few activities are as affordable, expressive, and engaging as coloring books. Each page offers the chance to become your own personal art director, encouraging on-the-spot creative decisions such as: Will you stay within the lines? Will you use colors that accurately reflect the scene? Will you add embellishments to …

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Fess Parker

Legendary Handprints – Fess Parker

By Julia Vargas, Walt Disney Archives To those who grew up in the 1950s, he was known as the “King of the Wild Frontier.” While not initially considered for the role, Fess Parker was handpicked by Walt Disney to play Davy Crockett in the new Disneyland television series after spotting him in the 1954 sci–fi …

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