Mouse Under Glass : Secrets of Disney Animation and Theme Parks

Rating:
Summary: Good- but nothing special
Review: This book was a bit of a let down, I was looking forward to a bit of "inside" information, but what was between the covers held no details of great interest.Info regarding Disney's animated features and parks did not reveal anything new that most people with an interest in this subject wont already know

Rating:
Summary: Very inciteful.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!!
Review: This was an excellent break-down of the Disney animted feature films. I would consider it a required addition to any Disneyana library.

Rating:
Summary: A good book overall, but I was a bit disappointed
Review: While I was REALLY excited about this book, especially after reading MouseTales-a behind the Ears look at Disneyland <G>, I am only so-so on it now. Don't get me wrong; on a scale of 1-10 it would still be a 7.5 and is a good read, but I was a bit disappointed. The book is well laid out and set-up to follow a familiar pattern. First comes the ACTUAL story that the Disney movies were based on. This is really interesting, especially to see how far some of the "Classics" have actually gone away from the real story line. Then comes a couple of pages write-up on the Disney story including some background information into how the story evolved, who was involved, and how it got from here to there-all good stuff. Then he talks about Bloopers, Hiddens, and Theme Park Attractions. And he does this for almost all 34 animated features plus Song of the South, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. So the book really is quite comprehensive. I loved the Actual Story and the Disney Story parts of the book, but the information on Bloopers, Hiddens and Theme Park Attractions was not particularly extensive and in a few parts-especially on the harder to find films like Sleeping Beauty and Song of the South outright wrong. (I have both.) While my opinion might be somewhat tainted by my own knowledge (I am one of THOSE fans<G> and can from memory list a good number more than is in the books), this brush treatment of these subjects is enough to cast aspersions over the other parts of the book and make you wonder how much of it may or may not be accurate

Rating:
Summary: A good book overall, but I was a bit disappointed
Review: While I was REALLY excited about this book, especially after reading MouseTales-a behind the Ears look at Disneyland , I am only so-so on it now. Don't get me wrong; on a scale of 1-10 it would still be a 7.5 and is a good read, but I was a bit disappointed. The book is well laid out and set-up to follow a familiar pattern. First comes the ACTUAL story that the Disney movies were based on. This is really interesting, especially to see how far some of the "Classics" have actually gone away from the real story line. Then comes a couple of pages write-up on the Disney story including some background information into how the story evolved, who was involved, and how it got from here to there-all good stuff. Then he talks about Bloopers, Hiddens, and Theme Park Attractions. And he does this for almost all 34 animated features plus Song of the South, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. So the book really is quite comprehensive. I loved the Actual Story and the Disney Story parts of the book, but the information on Bloopers, Hiddens and Theme Park Attractions was not particularly extensive and in a few parts-especially on the harder to find films like Sleeping Beauty and Song of the South outright wrong. (I have both.) While my opinion might be somewhat tainted by my own knowledge (I am one of THOSE fans and can from memory list a good number more than is in the books), this brush treatment of these subjects is enough to cast aspersions over the other parts of the book and make you wonder how much of it may or may not be accurate

Rating:
Summary: Unofficial, unabashed, but not unfair
Review: 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.

<< 1 2 >>