Who Cannot Say They Are A Disney Expert?

By Katina Brady


Throughout the world Disney has been a fundamental part of childhood memories, with programmes on television, movies released regularly, and the ever-popular merchandising often creating demand that out-strips supply. This means there is a Disney expert in each town, maybe in each street with viewpoints, knowledge and reminisces about the Disney of their childhood and if they are being honest their adulthood as well.

Disney is a super-brand reaching all corners of the earth. They have their fingers in many pies including TV and movie production, merchandising and retail, entertainment and amusement parks. It would be an unusual person indeed who had not come across Disney at least once in their lives.

Since 2000 the Disney brand has expanded even further buying out the Muppets, Pixar Animation Studios, Club Penguin and Lucas Film Ltd who were the production company responsible for the Stars Wars Franchise. They also launched cruise boat company; with two boats the Disney Dream whose maiden voyage was in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy, which made its maiden voyage in 2012.

The original studio was called the Disney Brothers and they signed their initial contract in 1923. It was not until 1928 that Mortimer Mouse, soon to be Mickey along with Minnie appeared in Steamboat Willie, which was in black and white. He became the poster boy for the company, even though there seems very few cartoons starring him regularly aired. He was also the first cartoon character to have his very own star on the Walk of Fame, Hollywood.

It was not until 1934 that Donald Duck, another favourite character was introduced to the family, with the first colour Mickey cartoon appearing the following year. At this time Disney held the patent on Technicolor meaning he was the only animator making colour films. Mickey was also the first cartoon character to talk, saying the profound words 'Hot Dog!', in 1929 in The Karnival Kid.

Such classic and popular characters as Mickey and Donald have also found themselves in cameo roles in later movies. For example for those experts with a keen eye watching the Little Mermaid you may spot Goofy, Mickey and Donald in the background of the introductory scenes. Don't worry, you have time to go and check.

In the background of The Rescuers (released 1977) in an original copy there was an image of a naked woman. 3.5 million copies were very quickly withdrawn from sale and it was removed from the scene. In the movie 101 Dalmatians(1996) there are a number of characters from Lady and the Tramp (1955) in the pet shop window.

Walt E. Disney, the founder of the studio and all round fun guy also makes celebrity appearances in some of the films. Just a little more subtly. The sorcerer in the 1940s classic, Fantasia was named Yen Sid. If you have the inclination read it backwards. In 2008, an entire movie was named after the big boss albeit in the disguise of an adorable garbage collector, Wall-E.

Walt Disney received twenty six Academy Awards, which is the record for the most awards in history. He also won three Golden Globes and he was also presented with an honorary Oscar and seven tiny Oscars for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1938). In total in his lifetime he was awarded with over 50 awards for his animation contributions. The awards and recognition are likely to continue as the company goes from strength to strength.




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