Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Disney Animation and Theme Parks

THIS SHOW IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOOL YOU HAVE NO IDEA PLEASE BUY IT AND SUPPORT THE MICE WHO SLAVED OVER THE FILMING PROCESS PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE OKAY IM DONE BYE!

I liked David Koenig's "Mouse Tales," so I bought this 1997 book as soon as I learned of its existence. "Mouse Under Glass" is subtitled "Secrets of Disney Animation and Theme Parks" and covers 30 Disney animated features in detail. I quibble-5 of those movies covered are mixtures of animation and live action. "Mouse Under Glass" is divided into ten chapters and examines the Disney movie formula using this outline: Original Tale Disney Version Plot Holes Attraction Offspring Bloopers Cutting Room Floor Hidden Images Strange Reactions The Original Tale and the Disney Version barely resemble each other. This isn't unusual in Hollywood-take a look at "The Ten Commandments" or "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Even the Disney Version mutated from initial treatment to finished product. I found out about this first-hand in 1983 when I made a movie. I planned for a 45 minute mix of live actors and animated special effects and wound up with 7 minutes of stop-action animation and cheesy narration. Walt Disney sought the best possible story within the limits imposed by economics and technology-then expanded the technology envelope to make the story better. Art isn't rocket science-and look at all the mishaps in rocketry! Koenig wrote "...the most logical attraction (for a Bambi Ride) would be the shooting gallery." How about combining elements from other existing Disneyland rides to replicate Bambi's experience? There's the change of the seasons. Yes, a "shooting gallery" would be part of the ride-just like the shooting gallery in the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, with us guests as the target. Don't forget the forest fire-if Mr. Toad winds up in Hell and the Pirates of the Caribbean light up the town, a forest fire should be easy! End with the Great Prince of the Forest leaving Bambi as us guests exit. Child's play! Not to be, of course-"Bambi" is over 60 years old-not fresh enough! Hidden Images and Strange Reactions were two of the most enjoyable parts of the book. One of the many sidebars explains the Hidden Mickeys. A Disney Treasures DVD shows a Hidden Mickey in the Enchanted Tiki Room about the year 1964-the practice of inserting images in Disney movies is as old as Mickey Mouse. Animators are a bunch of overage kids, fun loving kids. Strange Reactions begins with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," but the public went ga-ga over a talking mouse and three pigs. The movie, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," kicked off a series of anti-Disney boycotts by organizations concerned that the Disney Company was following an agenda to corrupt America's children-and Roger Rabbit popularized looking for hidden images in Disney movies and theme parks. It is almost like looking for Alfred in Hitchcock movies. Throughout "Mouse Under Glass" Koenig sprinkles sidebars such as Disney Tragedy Trivia Quiz, Top 10 Disney Oddities, and Orphan-O-Meter. Peter Pan got no sympathy! Crisis has always faced the Disney Animated Features de

You could say that David Koenig's tone is unvarnished and unsympathetic, or you could say it's cranky and cynical. Either way, Mouse Under Glass proves undeniably refreshing, full of compelling information and insights--provided in part by Disney animators, writers, composers, and Imagineers. It's an instant trivia treasure trove from a man who has watched Disney movies far, far too many times. Whereas most Disney authors salivate all over themselves attempting to convey the pure genius of Walt's legacy, Koenig discusses each film's flaws, often-convoluted origins, behind-the-scenes battles, and just plain bad habits with a much more dry sensibility. Yes, Disney makes magic, but they also make movies, and the book analyzes each film on its cinematic and storytelling merits. Each story is researched to compare its original form to the "Disneyfied" version, often with enlightening and surprising results; tales and insights from the folks who helped make the features and related theme-park rides merge with Koenig's own tight prose for an air of authority. Amusing and educational sidebars (such as a Disney Tragedy Trivia Quiz) and a few illustrations help break up what could have been a very long list of factoids. Koenig's platform is that "Disney has the recipe for success," but the use of cooking quotes and analogies before each chapter comes off as an awkward, out-of-context device. Also, the book is marred by a few typos--nearly hypocritical considering the attention paid to Disney's own minor mistakes. And while Koenig clearly respects the work he's discussing, his tone is one of tough love--from urging to prodding to nearly provoking and harassing the studio to do things better. He rather enjoys sticking it to the House of Mouse when the chips (and presumably dales) are down, which will likely alienate some hardcore, soft-hearted Disneyphiles. But this book is not written for those who live in a fantasy world, only those who appreciate a good one when they see it. With excellent, relevant research and precise, entertaining writing, Mouse Under Glass is as fresh and fair an analysis of Disney magic as you're likely to find.

This is what those people whom like to know /everything/ about the movies should buy. I love to, so, of course, I loved this book. However, the title is rather misleading. There isn't much on the theme parks in here... Just a few rides that originated from a movie. Not much on them, unfortunately.

This book presents a fascinating glimpse at the making of Disney's animated features,including story changes, bloopers, and theme park attraction tie-ins. My fiance and I are having a grand time looking for the bloopers cited for the various films (e.g., Gaston's disappearing and reappearing musket in "Beauty and the Beast"). I especially enjoyed seeing what original story lines were planned for each feature, and learning what scenes were removed because they didn't work. If you are a fan of Disney's work, you will doubtless enjoy learning how the films might have been different. Even some of the rides at Disneyland have changed in concept from their initial development due to changes in films. A very entertaining read indeed.