By Kevin Kern, Walt Disney Archives Freedom. Beauty. Truth. Love. All maxims that drive and guide the protagonists at the heart of director Baz Luhrmann’s splashy movie musical, Moulin Rouge (2001). Set amidst a bustling and bohemian Paris circa 1900, the film boasts a gorgeous design sense that helps to contextualize its characters while also …
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While Tyrus “Ty” Wong worked at The Walt Disney Studios for only three years, between 1938 and 1941, his impact on the animated classic Bambi endures. As legendary animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston point out in their book about the making of the motion picture, “He set the color schemes along with the appearance …
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In the field of musical theatre, Lea Salonga has been honored with the Olivier, Tony®, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World awards. In addition, she holds the distinction of having performed the vocal roles of two Disney leading ladies—the spectacular singing voices of Princess Jasmine and Mulan. Lea’s breakthrough came on the West …
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By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives A long time ago…in a galaxy not so far away…Star Wars: A New Hope debuted in theaters on May 25, 1977, and became the surprise smash hit of the summer. The success of Star Wars resulted in a string of beloved blockbuster films and so much more! The impact …
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For 37 years at Disney, Wing T. Chao played a vital role in designing and developing exceptional and inspiring projects at Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide. Wing served as Vice Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development, as well as Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master …
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“Life is a journey, not a destination,” said Hideo Amemiya, a 30-year cast member and one of Disneyland’s most distinguished senior leaders. Born in Tokyo on September 4, 1944, Hideo graduated from Rikkyo University in Tokyo with a bachelor’s degree in social science, and from the University of Massachusetts, with a bachelor’s degree in hotel …
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By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives Did you know that on this day 16 years ago, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith debuted in theaters? The final installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, audiences were enthralled to finally see Anakin Skywalker’s tragic transformation into the villainous Darth Vader amidst the collapse of the Galactic …
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In 2018, when Mulan celebrated its 20th anniversary, Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen, voice of Mulan, reflected on the film’s impact: “I am ecstatic to have played a character with such long-lasting influence. Mulan is a role model not just for little girls but little boys, too. And for adults! I love it when the moms …
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By Francesca Scrimgeour, Walt Disney Archives Hold on to your potatoes, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom released this month on May 23, 1984! Inspired by the adventurous Republic Pictures film serials of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas brought their dynamic filmmaking minds together to create …
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By Christina Pappous Walt Disney Archives As the 93rd Academy Awards® ceremony approaches, we’re taking a look at some of Walt Disney’s Oscar winners. In the spirit of Earth Day, let’s shine a light on the flora and fauna of The Living Desert (1953)! Though not the first of the True-Life Adventure films to be …
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