Disney's "African Cats" Is True Adventure

For the 3rd year in a row the Disney Nature division of the Walt Disney movie studios has released its latest animal documentary on Earth Day. This year's film is titled: African Cats.

As with "Oceans", Disney Nature's release for 2010, I went to the very first screening on Earth Day, Friday April 22. There were about a dozen other people in the theater so it wasn't very crowded. There were several young children as well. I enjoyed hearing them ask questions to their parents about what they were seeing on screen as the movie ran. 

The projector was misframed for about the first 3 minutes of the film. We could only see the bottom half of the frame. I went out to the concession stand and alerted the staff to the problem.

Unlike the previous pair of Disney Nature movies, which moved from a variety of locations to tell their stories, "African Cats" focuses on one place; a savanna in Kenya's stunning Masai Mara National Reserve. The savanna is divided into bisected by a crocodile infested river.

Likewise the story is divided in two. One of them is about a pride of lions ruled by an aging battle scared male named "Fang". There's also an aging lioness named, Layla, who is taking care of her female cub, Mara. The mother lioness is getting older and her demise is immanent. Her focus is to make sure Mara is accepted by the pride before she is not around to protect her.

This pride resides in the "northern kingdom" of the savanna and is threatened by the ruler of the southern kingdom, a rival named, Kali. Kali along with his 3 large and powerful sons are driven to take over the northern pride. The lion's story follows this battle between the two prides.

The 2nd plot of the film is about a mother Cheetah and her effort to raise her 5 cubs. Her struggle includes finding food, protecting them from hyenas and other predators including trio of male cheetahs. Her efforts are difficult but successful for the most part.

Although I've only described them briefly these two story lines along with the beauty of the savanna and its many animal inhabitants keep "African Cats" moving along at an exciting and enjoyable pace. I loved this movie.

The film does include some harsh glimpses of the realities of the animal kingdom. Death is a key element. There are no on screen killings or deaths but they are directly and clearly referenced as key plot points. I would not recommend it for children under 8 years old. For children under that age and those who are sensitive to such things, this film could be very confusing and possibly create some emotional reactions.

But for those who are old enough and mature enough to handle the seeing the reality of life on the savanna I highly recommend this film. "African Cats" is a return for Disney films to the quality "true life adventures" of the 1950's and 60's.

Much to my delight this movie does not have any hidden agenda or between-the-lines environmentalist messages. It just shows life on the savanna as it really is.

The trailer for next year's Earth Day release titled, "Chimpanzees" is similar in style to the one I saw last year for "African Cats." It previews a specific story about an orphan chimp who is adopted by a lone male chimp, which raises the youngster as his own. It looks very promising.

In conclusion I want to restate how much I enjoyed "African Cats." It is very well done and includes a strong mix of education, adventure, natural beauty, and humor. The closing credits are especially humorous in regard to matching savanna animals with the creative aspects of its production.

Since my wife didn't go with me to see this movie I may convince her to go with me as a means of getting to see it a 2nd time. If she agrees that will be great. If she doesn't, I'll begin to look for the announcement of a DVD release date. I'll mark it on my calendar to make sure that on the day comes out I'll be able to once again enjoy "African Cats."

Planning, Saving, & Booking

This past week I received information for the Disney Cruise Lane dates that we're looking at for our 10 anniversary trip in December 2012.

The information was sent to me by Stephanie from Mouse Fan travel. She's the agent who booked our Disney World vacation for my birthday last September. I highly recommend the use of Mouse Fan Travel for all your Disney booking needs. There's no fee for any of their services. They earn their money from Disney.

After getting this information I've caught Disney Cruise fever. I've started researching and reading all I can about taking a Disney Cruise.

The cruise we'd be booking would be a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas. We'd leave on Sunday December 9 and return on Thursday the 13th. The 2 ports of call for the voyage would be Nassau in the Bahamas and Disney's own Castaway Cay.

Now most of the Disney Cruises that leave from Port Canaveral stop at Castaway Cay. What I like about the itinerary for this cruise is Nassau. The Atlantis resort is on that island and you can book an excursion to that resort for the day the ship docks at Nassau. I've always wanted to go to Atlantis because its theme is based on the legendary Lost City of Atlantis; something Paula has always been interested in.

From what I've seen on the Disney Cruise website we will probably want to book a stateroom with a veranda. The price is a bit above the basic rate but is still within our budget.  From what I've read and heard that an ocean view is worth it. A picture  of the room and veranda from the website is at the top of this post.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on booking this trip right now. The advantage of booking so far in advance is that the price is as low as it will ever be. From what Stephanie wrote to me the price goes up as the ship's rooms are booked. So now would be the best time to book. But that means a down payment of 20% of the total price. That's a rather large investment for a trip so far away.

But first thing's first. My wife wants to take an early birthday trip in late May (her 50th birthday is July 1). She's said that before we think about our anniversary trip we have to plan and pay for her birthday trip.

But I know from past experience that it's better to start saving sooner than later. So I've planned out an estimated budget to estimate the cost of the trip. In addition to the cost for the cruise we will have to have transportation. We could drive to Florida like we did last September but it would be nice to fly. In addition you have to pay for any excursions you decide to take at the ports of call.

As I explained in one of my previous posts the one thing that sold Paula on a cruise on the Disney Dream was the opportunity to go to the spa. The cost of those visits will be extra as well. Then there's souvenirs and any other extras we would want on or off the boat.

So in preparation for making it a bit easier on us I've devised a savings plan that includes daily and weekly savings amounts. If I follow the plan by the time our cruise comes around we will have the money we need to pay for it saved.

So the way it looks for now I'm going to be able to do plenty of planning, some saving, but the actual booking and commitment to the cruise will have to wait. I look forward to the day I can post the fact that we've made our deposit and booked our reservation for our 10th Anniversary cruise on the Disney Dream.

"Rescuers" Sequel Leads To Digital Success

Last month Disney’s latest animated feature based on a fairy tale, Tangled, was released on DVD. During its time in the theaters, the film made close to $500 million at the box office worldwide. By standards set by the film industry that makes it a “blockbuster” .

The popularity of Tangled  is for Disney animation a return to credible status in Hollywood.  That’s something that hasn’t been acclaimed to this part of Disney since, what’s often referred to as, the 2^nd golden age of Disney animation. The time period between 1989 and 1995 when Disney released the animated hits: The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and The Lion King.  

Tonight I watched a documentary called “Waking Sleeping Beauty”. Produced by former Disney animators Peter Schneider and Don Hahn (who also directed) this film tells the story of the Disney animation studio between the years 1985 & 1995. It’s done with archival footage actually shot within that timeframe.  There are no “talking head” shots in this film only narration by Hahn and voiceovers by people who worked for Disney throughout those years.

I highly recommend this documentary to anyone who is interested in learning the story behind some of the most recent classic Disney animation features. But this post is not intended as a review of “Waking Sleeping Beauty.”

What I want to write about is a conclusion I’ve developed based on a statement made in “Waking Sleeping Beauty” and fleshed out using facts I’ve collected along the way.

The blockbuster animated feature that launched Disney’s success in the late 80’s/early 90’s was “Little Mermaid”. It was released in 1989. The following year Disney released a sequel to the successful 1977 animated film, "The Rescuers". The film made $48 million at the box office in the USA alone. The 1990 sequel was set in Austrialia and entitled “Rescuers Down Under.” Not familiar with this movie? Not surprising.

This movie holds the record for the lowest opening weekend box office take in the history of Disney Animation. In its first weekend it only made $5 million dollars. After that poor performance Disney animation president, Jeffery Katzenberg, pulled all the company advertising for the film. It quickly faded away into Disney animation history. But failing miserably at the box office is not the “Rescuers” sequel's true legacy. This dark cloud in Disney film history has a very important silver lining.

According to “Waking Sleeping Beauty,” “Rescuers Down Under” was the first digitally animated film ever created. It was made using a specially built and very expensive computer developed by a then fledgling animation company known as Pixar.

As “Waking Sleeping Beauty” director, Hahn, states if it hadn’t been for the digital technology developed for “Rescuers Down Under” none of the other mega hits that followed would have been possible.

So a bit of a hindsight life lesson learned courtesy of Disney animation. Despite it being the greatest failure in the 74 years of Disney animated features most of Disney’s successful films during its 2^nd Golden Age of animation were built on the shoulders of “The Rescuers Down Under".

I was a little disappointed to learn about the film's financial failure. I have fond memories of it from when it was playing in the movie theater where I was working at the time of its release. I've always liked the movie but its not on the list of favorites for many other Disney fans. But now that I've learned of its place and importance in Disney animation history. I feel like my enjoyment and adimration for it is validated.

The lesson here is: don’t be afraid of failure. Just as Walt Disney used to say keep moving forward and learn from your mistakes and use it to build success for the future. That’s something we all need to remember.

Joining The Club

As a consistently active reader I am always finding new and interesting books to read; but especially if it's a book about Disney. I just finished reading the biography of Roy O. Disney in March.

Having finished that book I was looking for my next Disney book.  I had downloaded samples of a couple of titles on my Kindle but hadn’t decided.

A couple of weeks ago, Lou Mongello, author of the Walt Disney World Trivia books and the man behind the WDW Radio podcast and website, announced the formation of the WDW Radio book club.

Each month Lou will announce a Disney book of the month and anyone who wants to participate in the club should read the book and then participate in an online discussion.

This book club is right up my alley. Because with all the Disney books I read I’ve always wanted to have someone to discuss them with. But very rarely have I ever found someone who has read the same book. I have encouraged other people who are Disney fans to read the books so we could discuss them but no one has ever taken me up on the challenge.

The first book selected by the WDW Radio Book Club is one that I’ve been waiting to read for quite some time. It’s “Kingdom Keepers 4: Powerplay” by Ridley Pierson.

I’ve already listened to the audio versions of the first 3 Kingdom Keepers books. I had decided that when the fourth book was released I would buy it for my Kindle and actually read it this time.

So last week I began reading Kingdom Keepers 4. I am really enjoying it. So far I’m about 1/3 of the way through it. I’m way ahead of the reading schedule set up by the WDW Radio Book Club.

Still I look forward to participating in the online discussion of the book once it starts. I encourage anyone who likes to read Disney books to join Lou’s book club. To find out more information just log onto http://www.wdwradio.com/ and click on the blog section. Look for the posts that have “Book Club” in the title.

Next Disney Trip Will Be A "Dream" Or A "Fantasy"

With the launch of the "Dream" in January and the "Fantasy" scheduled to sail early next year the Disney Cruise Line will have expanded by 2 ships by the time our 10th anniversary comes around in December 2012.

I'm always willing and even anxious to find any excuse to go back to Walt Disney World. After our trip for my birthday last September my wife is willing to consider another trip to the parks in the future...the "distant" future. In Paula's mind that means no earlier than 2014 or 2015.

But, as I mentioned earlier, we have a special anniversary coming up in less than 2 years. We have always talked about doing something special for our 10th anniversary. We have talked about going to Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon or maybe an Alaskan cruise.

Something happened this past January that may have very well settled the question of the destination of the 10th anniversary trip. As part of the media blitz of publicity that accompanied the launch of the Disney Dream Paula saw a TV special about Disney's latest and greatest cruise liner. Her eyes glazed over when they focused on the ship's spa.

Paula loves to go to the spa and be pampered. What woman doesn't? When she told me about how great she thought the spa on the Dream looked I asked her if she would like to go on a cruise on the Dream for our 10 anniversary. She asked me when we could book it.

So it looks like I'm going to have to start planning a Disney vacation that's going to take place a bit earlier than I had anticipated. Just to let you know I was smiling as I typed that last sentence.

A 10th anniversary cruise on the Disney Dream or the Disney Fantasy is now on the radar. Now Lou Mongello of the WDW Radio Podcast has made an initial announcement that there is going to be a WDW Radio Cruise in the fall of 2012. But he has yet to announce the specific dates. If it happens on dates that will work for us perhaps we'll be a part of that trip.

But its still to soon to know. The last time I looked on the Disney website it was only offering information for cruises as far out as August 2012. That's a little soon for us. I'll have to keep checking for later in the year.

But it looks like we'll be going back to a Disney venue in 2012. It's going to be a "Dream" or a "Fantasy" come true.

Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament Round 6: The Final Match Up

It started out with 64 teams and now only two remain. It has come down to “new school” vs “old school” for my choice for the best Disney song ever. Over the last 5 rounds I’ve discussed and elaborated on the significance and quality of these two finalists. But now I’ve got to decide which one I consider the best. As a production number “Just Can’t Wait To Be King” is the best of them. For conveying the essence of Disney and connecting with Walt, “When You Wish Upon A Star” is top dog. But there can only be one winner and I must make that choice. Here we go.

Round 6: The Finals

“Just Can’t Wait To Be King” VS “When You Wish Upon A Star”

Back in the mid 90’s when “The Lion King” came out on video it was my nephew Bobby’s favorite movie. His favorite song was “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.” He used to sing it to me all the time. Although he didn’t know all the words, especially the dialogue in between the singing, he would bluff his way through it by quickly mumbling his way past the places he got stuck.

One of the things that makes a Disney song great is the memories that an individual associates with it. I can’t think of this tournament finalist without being taken back to the time when my nephew was the apple of my eye. That’s what makes it a strong contender for the title of Best Disney Song.

There’s not much more to be said about “When You Wish Upon A Star”. As I listened to this words a few more times while trying to pick a Finals winner I realized that not only does this song explain the quintessential and foundational Disney philosophy it states the most basic of human instincts. Each and every person is endowed by our creator with the need to obtain our desires. “When You Wish Upon A Star” encourages a person to believe that if they’re virtuous and sincere their dreams can come true. The song makes believers out of all of us.

So with “no time left on the clock” let’s look at the “scoreboard” and see who the tournament winner is.

The winner of the first ever Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament is…

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR

Thank you for following my Disney Music Tournament. I hope you have enjoyed my process of choosing the greatest Disney Song of All Time. If you have any comments or questions please email me at Rewindguy909@aol.com. I’d be happy to continue the conversation about this tournament and its participants

Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament Round 5: The Final Four

And then there were 2. Today is the day that I decide who will compete for in the first ever championship round of the Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament. These are the Semi-Finals.

It’s the final four and comes down to a pair songs from “The Lion King” and a pair of songs that were written while Walt Disney was alive. Let’s get to the match ups.

Round 5 Semi-Finals

Game 1

“Circle Of Life” VS “Just Can’t Wait To Be King”

For 4 rounds I’ve been expounding on the majestic nature (no pun intended) and universal appeal of “Circle of Life”. The ceremony for which this song serves as the anthem is part of the acknowledgement of that “bigger thing” I mentioned previously.

All the animals, from the large elephants to the tiny ants, are gathering to honor their future king. Using this song at the beginning of “The Lion King” draws the audience into the story right away. It gives the nonverbal message that sets the bar for this movie high from the start. The viewer is told by the director that this may be a Disney movie but it’s going to be much more than a fun adventure with interesting character. It’s going to teach us about life outside the "pride lands."

“Just Can’t Wait To Be King” is a song that involves animals as well. But it’s a song with choreography that’s both “amazing” and has an agenda. Simba, like all youngsters, is frustrated by having to follow the rules. He knows that his future includes an ascent to the throne and becoming king of "all that the light touches." With his limited vision can only see his future reign as a means of gaining freedom from what he sees as the bounds of authority.

The animals are singing and dancing in anticipation of the hope that usually accompanies the promise of a young new ruler. They optimistically look forward to when the cub becomes ruler. It’s a fun celebratory song about the hopes for the future.

Having made these points about both of these songs my choice in this half of the final four match ups comes down to this. What is my favorite song from “The Lion King?”  The answer that question is a difficult to answer but I must choose.

The first tournament finalist is…”Just Can’t Wait To Be King”.

Game 2

“When You Wish Upon A Star” VS “Feed The Birds”

This is yet another “old school” match up. Walt Disney personally decided that these songs would be part of his movies. They both communicate an aspect of the  Disney Company's original philosophy. This is a tough decision.

“When You Wish Upon  A Star”: All someone has to do is hear the melody of this song and the wonderful world of Disney comes to mind. The day after the Superbowl, in one of the most successful continuing commercial  campaigns ever, images of the winning team scroll across the TV screen before that ubiquitous question  is asked: “What are you going to do now?”  When its first 6 notes are play at the start of a video the viewer knows it’s going to be a Disney production. This song is Disney.

“Feed The Birds” was the 2^nd choice for the marquee song for Mary Poppins. Her original romantic ballad was “The Eyes Of Love.” Julie Andrews didn’t like “The Eyes Of Love.” She went directly to Walt Disney to protest that she found it “inappropriate” for her character. The Sherman Brothers then wrote “Feed The Birds.”

As I’ve stated in previous rounds it was a song that consistently brought a tear to Walt Disney’s eye. Richard Sherman still plays it during his public performances as a tribute to “the boss.”

These songs are so closely identified with Disney the difference in their values is microscopic. So I’m going to have to use my personal experience to determine which of them is a finalist.

Mary Poppins was the first Disney movie I can remember going to see at the theater. My Uncle Gene took me to the State Theater when I was 5. “Feed The Birds” was a song that was included on a Disney album I owned when I was about the same age. It was one of my favorite songs almost from the first time I heard it. I loved that album so much, and as such “Feed the Birds," that last year I found a copy and bought it.  

I can play “When You Wish Upon A Star” on my melodica. I used to listen to it over and over as I planned for and dreamed of the day I would step off a plane and into the Magic Kingdom for the first time. It was the soundtrack of my dream to go to Walt Disney World as it has been for the millions who have been there over these past 40 years.

So even my personal experiences with these two songs are equally meaningful. But a decision has to be made.

The second tournament finalist is…”When You Wish Upon A Star”.

That makes the final match up in this first ever Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament

“Just Can’t Wait To Be King” from The Lion King 
                               VS

“When You Wish Upon A Star” from “Pinocchio”

Which one will win the title of “Goofy Guy’s Best Disney Song Of All Time” The finals are next.

Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament Round 4: The Elite Eight

It’s the Elite Eight aka the tournament quarter-finals today. The 8 bracket champions include 3 songs from “The Lion King”, 2 from “Beauty and The Beast, and one song each from Pinocchio, Mary Poppins and the Magic Kingdom theme park.  At the pace the tournament is unfolding the winner should be announced in a couple of days. Make sure you come back for the exciting conclusion. But before that on to the quarter-finals. The match ups are strategically important so let me announce my choices for the Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament’s Final Four

Round 4 Match Up 1

“Circle of Life” VS “Be Our Guest”

I Love both of these songs. They are both great compositions from Disney’s 2^nd golden age in the early 90’s. A couple of great song writing teams are going head to head as well. It’s Tim Rice and Elton John going up against Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Inherent in every person is the need to connect with something that’s “bigger” than themselves. “Circle of Life” explains that each creature is part of a larger dependent community and process. Although I don’t totally agree with this specific philosophy I do like the concept. As I stated in previous rounds this song has universal appeal and it validates everyone.

“Be Our Guest” is a fun song that features one of my favorite things in life, a wonderful multi-course meal. It’s about good food and good service. In spite of the fact that the meal is being served by enchanted flatware and a singing candle stick it’s about eating till you’re full. That’s a great song in my book.

Having made legitimate arguments for each of these songs it’s time to choose a winner.

Advancing to the Final Four is…”Circle Of Life”

Round 4 Match Up 2

“Just Can’t Wait To Be King” VS “Be Prepared”

This is the ultimate match up of good versus evil. Hero against Villain. But for the songs in this bracket this is not the first time this battle has played out. It just so happens that this quarter finals match up has 2 songs from “The Lion King”. It’s a musical rematch of Simba vs Scar.

This decision stays true to the unspoken Disney principal: good always triumphs over evil.

Advancing to the Final Four is…”Just Can’t Wait To Be King”


Round 4 Match Up 3

“When You Wish Upon A Star” VS “It’s A Small World”

This match up is “old school” Disney. Both songs have ties to Walt Disney, the man. “It’s A Small World” is the song that proved to be the most successful of his 1964 World’s Fair exhibits which he transferred to Disneyland and then Walt Disney World.

“When You Wish Upon A Star” has claimed title as champion of the strongest bracket in this tournament.

Advancing to the Final Four is…”When You Wish Upon A Star”


Round 4 Match Up 4

“Beauty And The Beast” VS “Feed The Birds”

“Beauty And The Beast” tells the story of how a person can be influenced and changed by someone else and end up caring more for that person than they do themselves. It’s the ultimate tale of romantic love.

“Feed The Birds” is a musical reminder of our moral obligation to look beyond ourselves and reach out to the least of those in the world.

Advancing to the Final Four is…”Feed The Birds”

The Disney Music tournament is now in its home stretch. After starting out with a 1.56% chance of winning a Final Four song it now has 25% chance.  The next round will give us our final match up.

Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament Round 3

It is time for Round 3 of the Goofy Guy Disney Music Tournament. In this round I will pick the winner of each category. This is the last time the songs will be judged by their specific categorical standards. The winners in this round will from here on out be judged on their quality and value as songs. Here we go.

Opening Songs

 “Arabian Nights” VS “Circle Of Life”

While “Arabian Nights” does set the scene and introduce the mystery of the land of Agraba it doesn’t come close to the universal appeal of the opening song from The Lion King.

Bracket Champion: “Circle Of Life”

Production Numbers

“Be Our Guest” VS “Kiss The Girl”

This category final would have been extremely difficult if it included “Under The Sea”; instead it has the  the other production number from “The Little Mermaid”. “Kiss The Girl” advances the films plot but is has a slow romantic pace. This bracket should be represented by an “over the top” up tempo song. That means….

Bracket Champion: “Be Our Guest”

Hero Songs

“Just Can’t Wait To Be King” VS “Belle”

This is most difficult of all the bracket finals. Both of these songs are sung by their respective heroes about their dreams for the future. Later they discover that to get what they will take courage and determination. So they are on equal ground. It comes down to my personal choice.

Bracket Champion: “Just Can’t Wait To Be King”

Villain Songs

“Be Prepared” VS “Mother Knows Best”

I know it seems a bit obvious how much I like the music from The Lion King. I’ve already chosen 2 of its songs as bracket champions. This will be the 3^rd. But this winner really is my favorite Disney villain song of all time.

Bracket Champion: “Be Prepared”.

Academy Award Winners

“Zip A Dee Doo Da” VS “When You Wish Upon A Star”

Once again it’s an upbeat happy song against a slow optimistic ballad. Both of these Oscar winners are iconic Disney songs. But when I was dreaming of going to Disney World there was only one song that fueled my anticipation.

Bracket Champion: “When You Wish Upon A Star”

Theme Songs

“Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me) VS “It’s A Small World”

These two theme songs are for attractions that directly connect to Walt Disney himself. But the one that’s the most universal is…

Bracket Champion: “It’s A Small World”

Love Songs

“Belle Notte” VS “Beauty & The Beast”

A song that’s part of the “spaghetti kiss” is always a good choice except when it’s going up against the title song from the first animated feature ever nominated for the “Best Picture.”

Bracket Champion: “Beauty & The Beast”

Miscellaneous

“Heigh Ho” VS “Feed The Birds”

Once again, these two songs both have direct links to Walt Disney. “Heigh Ho” is part of Walt’s original full length masterpiece. As I’ve already mentioned in previous rounds “Feed The Birds” was his favorite. For the second time in this tournament I’m going with Walt.

Bracket Champion: “Feed The Birds”

I’m down to the “Elite Eight” and now the judging standards change. It’s every song for itself by its own merits. Next time I choose the “Final Four”