By Melissa Pankuch, Walt Disney Archives Originally conceived to be an episode of the Disneyland television series, Pete’s Dragon tells the story of a young orphan named Pete and a mischievous dragon, Elliott, which takes place in the quaint town of Passamaquoddy, Maine. On the anniversary of its general release in 1977, let’s take a …
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By Katie Strobel, Walt Disney Archives We’re continuing our Fantasia (1940) composer series by exploring the life and music of Franz Schubert. Ave Maria (1825), streaming now on Disney+ Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Fantasia: 01:58:22-02:04:15 Franz Schubert may not be a household name like Beethoven, but he too was an important figure in bringing about the …
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By Katie Strobel, Walt Disney Archives We’re continuing our Fantasia (1940) composer series by exploring the life and music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”) (1808), streaming now on Disney+ Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Fantasia: 01:12:14-01:36:09 Ludwig van Beethoven is one of those historical figures who is often used to show the bridging …
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By Katie Strobel, Walt Disney Archives We’re kicking off our Fantasia (1940) composer series by exploring the life and music of the earliest composer in the group, J.S. Bach. The film is streaming now on Disney+. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 (between 1703 and 1707) J.S. Bach (1685–1750) Fantasia: 00:02:52-00:13:38 Johann Sebastian …
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By Holly Brobst, Walt Disney Archives This December we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the release of one of my favorite Disney films, That Darn Cat! A 1965 “cops and robber” comedy from Walt Disney Productions, the film was produced by the inimitable trio of Walt Disney, Bill Walsh, and Ron Miller. Studio stalwart Robert …
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By Francesca Scrimgeour, Walt Disney Archives Infinite Mystery! Unearthly Beauty! Fathomless Oceans! Claimed as “the mightiest motion picture of them all,” 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) is one of the most ambitious films ever created at The Walt Disney Studios. Both challenging to produce and legendary in its creative legacy, the movie is replete …
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By Melissa Pankuch, Walt Disney Archives Adapted from the 1962 novel written by Madeleine L’Engle, Disney’s 2018 film A Wrinkle in Time takes teenager Meg Murry, her little brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin to fantastical worlds in search for Meg’s missing father. Led by a trio known as the Mrs.’s – Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. …
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By Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives Inspired by the Mickey Mouse compilation film Mickey’s Birthday Party, which was itself released to celebrate Mickey’s 25th anniversary in 1953, Walt Disney Productions released this fun pamphlet for families. This vintage publication, sponsored by Weather-Bird Shoes, is full of ideas, games, and directions for a birthday party, …
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By Katie Strobel, Walt Disney Archives Fantasia (1940) celebrates its 80th anniversary on November 13, 2020, and is remembered to this day for its beautiful marriage of images to music. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences even honored conductor Leopold Stokowski and his associates with a Special Award for creating this new form …
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By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives Today marks the 80th anniversary of the 20th Century Fox film The Mark of Zorro (1940), directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Tyrone Power as Don Diego Vega and his masked alter ego, El Zorro! Set during the days of Spanish California, The Mark of Zorro tells the story …
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