I know I am behind the times but I only just watched the original live-action black and white Tim Burton production of Frankenweenie from 1984 and I absolutely LOVED it! It’s available on your “Nightmare Before Christmas” DVD, if you own it.
If not, check it out below! It is seriously one of his best films and really shows his love of monster movies of the 30s and 40s as well as his potential as a blossoming director. Unfortunately, he was fired from Disney soon after this film in an almost Ed-Wood-ian fashion for wasting the studio’s time and resources. For a long time, it had only been screened in the UK before “The Neverending Story” as both films starred Barret Oliver. It was later released in a re-edited and censored form to try to recoup some money most likely. Then, after being shelved for a long time and Tim Burton’s enormous success, it was released in its original uncensored form with the “Nightmare…” DVD.
After seeing the extended preview now playing at DCA, I can say that the new film seems to stay pretty true to the original down to the tiniest details! So, if you have not seen this original masterpiece and want to be surprised by the 2012 feature-length remake, I would suggest steering clear. I cannot confirm that the ending is in any way similar in the 2012 version but I want to give fair warning that this version has an ending that I was very happy with and would be excited to see in a stop-motion remake.
And now, sit back, grab some cocoa and enjoy Frankenweenie (1984):
What did you think of the film?! Leave your impressions below or, obviously, in the YouTube comments page! I would have to say that this film has shot up into my top 5 of Burton’s films.
It looks as though Tim Burton has written a love letter to his fans. Considered by many to bo one of the greatest living film makers today, “Frankenweenie” seems as if he has returned to a form we haven’t seen in many years. His signature style shines bright in the film and Disney park guests are treated to a peek at the film’s stop-motion characters and props.
Tim Burton’s Introduction
When touring the Art of Animation gallery, which is currently outfitted with an Art of Frankenweenie exhibit, one can’t help but realize that Burton is a man with a very clear and signature vision. The story, as well as the art direction, has the signature Burton / German impressionistic qualities. Noticeable throughout the gallery (and sneak preview at the Muppet Vision 3D theatre) are nods to past works which made looking at every little detail so much more exciting!
The workbench
The painstakingly difficult task of animating a feature-length stop-motion animated film is chronicled well in pictures and production diary videos which play throughout the gallery in sporadic intervals. There are three distinct and very detailed sets complete with props, characters, and lighting of which guests are encouraged to peruse and snap photos. Each kiosk is equipped with a video which plays with information about the depicted scenes. We were unable to hear any of the audio from the videos as the exhibit seems very popular among guests but the screens seem equipped with speakers. Perhaps heading over first thing in the morning to catch these shorts is the way to go.
ClassmatesA boy and his dogThe breakfast club
The attic scene where the re-animation takes place is also interactive. Kids and families seemed to really enjoy re-lighting the scene with the series of switches below the display case. It is truly an amazing feat of lighting, art direction, and set design, that scene. Every detail is perfectly executed and ready to be scrutinized by any and all that wish to delve into the darkest corners of the room to try to catch a piece of wasted space or thematic vacuum. Not the case in my experience. Parts of the scene with no light still had an old newspaper complete with headlines, articles, dust, etc. It’s really an inspiring to see these scenes in person.
The Family
This exhibit is a true treat. Really take a moment to take in each and every scene, workstation, video, and article there is to see because there’s so much detail and it’s really fun to play cinematographer and take up-close pictures of these masterful creations. Take a look below at some of the photos we were able to take while viewing the exhibit. And then, if you haven’t already, head down to Disney California Adventure park to experience it for yourself and to shoot the scenes with your artistic eye. I can only imagine this exhibit taking up most of your afternoon while you escape those remaining hot summer days! And be sure to catch the 4D preview across Hollywood Blvd. as the experience is thrilling and touching all at the same time.
Well it has officially begun: the holiday season at the DLR! While weather-wise, Anaheim is still scorching, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Ghost Galaxy, the Halloween Tree and the giant pumpkin on Main Street have returned. New this year are the Halloween Carnival at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and the Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition over at DCA.
The Partners among the happiest pumpkin patch! (2011)A Ghostly Mickey (2011)Ghost Galaxy: easily one of the most thrilling experiences all year at Disneyland! (2010)HMH — the main event for the holidays!
Also new Halloween merchandise has arrived and we always get giddy about this stuff! Tombstones and mummies are among the many offerings!
These are almost too awesome!One of those things that makes you re-evaluate your current shelving situation at home!
Along with the special events that are for the public, there’s also Mickey’s Halloween Party (a separate ticketed event) and the Happiest Haunts tour which, while open to the public, fills up quickly. We hear nothing but amazing things about that tour and hope to take it some day soon — maybe this year! Be sure to contact guest services to reserve a spot!
What are your favorite aspects of the holiday season at Disneyland?
The Disney Parks Blog has a wonderful post today about Disney animator and imagineer, Marc Davis. Marc is responsible for many of the wonderful characters found in Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, The Jungle Cruise, and the Country Bear Jamboree. Here is a really great picture of Marc creating some of the famous gags in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Soon, we will have an article featuring Marc Davis’ art of Pirates of the Caribbean. He created some really great things.
I can’t believe we never posted this video on our site! Perhaps it was our excitement over the new DCA with Buena Vista St., Carthay Circle, and Cars Land but I seriously forgot (unless I am just missing it completely) to post this.
Here’s our video compilation we threw together for the World of Color premiere of Glow With the Show this past June. This will whet your pallette for what’s to come with our epic Fantasmic! Glow With the Show video coverage. Be sure to check out my review of the show here!
Wow — just wow. This show’s dramatic soundtrack mixed with the Glow With the Show ears is mind-blowing.
We got to the park, checked in, and got a spot along the Rivers of America by 8:15 pm. The park was delightfully empty for a summer evening and we landed an incredible spot front and center. Thinking back on it now, I suppose we got there pretty early but considering the check-in started at noon and I am not typically off work until 7, I figured we would get a good spot near the back which would offer an incredible perspective of the Glow With the Show experience.
Anyway, we took turns leaving the spot to run some errands — picking up Halloween stuff for our new home, replacing some defective first-run GWTS ears (the first batch were rushed and are inherently defective. You can get a voucher to replace them from City Hall and take it to any GWTS ear outlet for a replacement — FREE!*), and getting some Pumpkin Fritters which are getting justifiable internet buzz.
Pinocchio merchandise voucher!Pumpkin. Fritters. — Better than you’re imagining if you can believe that.
New ears in-hand, epic spot secured, we were then met with some of TDA’s inhospitable customer service follies: everyone on the Rivers of America were required, when the park closed, to clear the area and reenter to ensure no one was getting into the show that was not an AP that had RSVP’d and wearing a wristband. Even more ridiculous, I had my wristband checked every time I would leave and reenter the area. It was severely unorganized and not a single person was ok with the decision. We even witnessed a cast member forcing someone in a wheelchair to walk up the steps to wait with the rest of the crowd and everyone in the area was utterly confused as to how this made any sense. I understand the idea of checking wristbands but the person that cleared us out could have, instead, just checked the wristbands one by one. It was not overly crowded and it did not seem that anyone was outnumbered or overwhelmed. It seemed like a gross exercise of power and mismanagement. One may never understand their rationale once something that seemed like a good idea on paper in-turn becomes a terrible idea in practice. It seems that reason goes out the door and people will only do what they’re told as opposed to stepping back and finding an alternative. We need, and frankly expect, more improvisation from our TDA leaders with the ability to adapt at a moment’s notice. Anyway, everyone got back to their original spots so all-in-all it worked out in their favor but my wife said that while she offered her wristband upon reentering the area, not a single cast member checked it or lit it up with a flashlight.
Once back in the area, I was worried about the quality of the show. While it appeared everyone in the area had their ears out and on, it was not as impressive as the WoC display. Was the area not large enough? Had people not brought or bought ears?
While not a bad image, it was not nearly as impressive as one may have expected.
That is, of course, until the show started. Just — wow. Everyone had their ears on and synced up with the show. Every music cue was accented by the GWTS ears and the vocal response from the AP’s solidified, we were a part of something so special. I’ll follow this review up this weekend with video coverage of the show to hopefully drive the point home that this was an incredible experience and should not be missed! I can’t help but think GWTS will be added to “Wishes…” this holiday season and how incredible that’s going to look!
Fantasmic! GWTS
* I did not pay for my original ears — they came from the GWTS premiere with World of Color at DCA. I was never asked for proof of purchase but cannot guarantee everyone’s experience will be the same.
