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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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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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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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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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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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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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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By Rick Lorentz, Walt Disney Archives As an Archivist at the Walt Disney Archives, I’m often asked, “What is your favorite thing in the Archives?” and “What is the oldest object in the Archives?” For me, the most interesting pieces are the assets that were once the personal property of Walt Disney. One example that …
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By Cesar Gallegos, Walt Disney Archives Wes Anderson’s Academy Award® nominated film, Fantastic Mr. Fox, follows the adventures of a clever fox and his family. The 2009 film also pays a nice homage to another film featuring an animated fox as its main character—Disney’s Robin Hood (1973). The scene in question shows Mr. Fox and …
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By The Walt Disney Archives Last week, we shared some of the Disney+ picks from the Walt Disney Archives Staff. Need more ideas for your watchlist? The Archives team has selected a few of their favorites, and the reasons behind their picks, to help you make a selection in a pinch. From vintage classics to …
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