Showing posts with label Disney+. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney+. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

OMD -

Well, there's no excuse for me not to have a full written out blog each week anymore.

Hurrah for Quarantine.

While trying to find a film to cover this week's Obscure Movie Day, I realized the past few times I've been centered around Disney films.

I know - there are tons to choose from, but Disney seems to be the brand I've been sticking with. (Likely due to having worked there for abuot eight months and missing it horribly.)

A quickie about a favorite film of mine.

Well, two really. I'm sure I'm discussed them before, but I lagged on time today.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet

Based on myth and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson respectively, these are two of my all time favorite films.

They capture the era in which they accounted for, the early 1900's and a futurisitc setting.

They both are heavily influenced by the Steampunk genrea, which I find absolutely amazing and underused.

They are both Disney films, though I'm certain there are many adaptations of both these in various formats.

Check them out today!



Any films you'd like me to watch and discuss? Leave a comment below and I'll see you next week!

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

O.M.D. Bedknobs And -

This is my third Tuesday down in Florida. It's been a blast so far, working in Hollywood Studios!

Throughout these past few weeks, I've come to the realization that there are a lot of films Disney made that people don't know about.

One of my personal favorites, and one that I've been talking about a lot to guests recently is one that I grew up watching.

The Setting: England, on the cusp of World War II. A small countryside town. Children are being evacuated here from London to keep them safe. We see a group of three waiting to be placed.

A loud boom resounds and a plume of yellow smoke comes around the corner. We see one Miss Eglantine Price (portrayed by the exquisite Angela Lansbury), ride up on a motorcycle. While picking up parcels she is also given the three children, Carrie, Paul, and Charlie to look after.

That night, as the children are sleeping, Eglantine hurries downstairs to a locked room off the kitchen. The parcel she has received is a broom. We learn she has been taking part of a correspondence course for witchcraft. While the broom riding isn't the best, we learn she is quite apt at the spells that come through the mail. The children witness this moonlight ride while trying to sneak back to London. Instead they divert their plans to try and blackmail Eglantine.

When a letter arrives informing her that the course has been cancelled due to the war she decides to go to London to confront the headmaster of the school.

In order to travel, and to appease the children who now know of her unique talent, she gives them a give of a magical bedknob. It can take them, via the bed, anywhere they want to go.

Arriving in London, the children find Professor Emelius Brown - and find him to be a fraud.

They stay the night at an abandoned mansion with a bomb in the front yard. Here we learn that the book Emelius used for the course was torn in half and he discontinued the course because he didn'
t have the rest of the book.

The following scene takes place on Portobello Road. It's a crowded street market where people gather to sell things old, borrowed, new.

Eglantine and Emelius encounter someone who knows where the other half of the book is. We head down to meet the bookseller, who is close to killing them for the sake of the book.

They vanish, via the bed, to the Isle of Naboombu.

Landing in the bay, they float along with the fish until being caught by a fishing bear.

These animated sequences combined with the live actors makes for a pleasant visual aid. While on the Isle they attempt to get the Star of Astaroth from the King, a formidable lion. They assist in a game of football, where Emelius is the referee. At the end of the game, they make a switch and gain the star before quickly heading back to Eglantine's home.

Because the Isle was a magical place, the star has disappeared with it. While trying to recall the words, Paul reads them out loud from his book - which happens to have the whole thing.

Eglantine performs the song for Substitutiary Locomotion, bringing inanimate objects to life. This was the reason she took the course for magic, to help aid in the coming war. The spell works, but backfires when the objects garner a life of their own.

That evening, Emelius heads back to London. While waiting for a train he sees someone cutting the telephone wires and we learn that a platoon of Nazi's have invaded.

Eglantine's cottage is the first landing spot, and we see the family being escorted to the museum in town when they try and get her spell book.

Emelius joins them there and she once again recites the chant for Substitutiary Locomotion. In a final burst of magic, she helps in sending the Nazi's running for the water, believing that she is a hexen (a witch).


I highly recommend watching this film. At only 139 minutes, the restored version is the best adaptation.

Starring the following:

Angelia Lansbury - Miss Eglantine Price
David Tomlinson - Emelius Brown
Roddy McDowall - Mr. Jelk



With a G rating, animated sequences, and a list of catchy songs, this is a film for any family looking for a fun time.










Which film would you like to see on Obscure Movie Day? Got anything nobody's probably heard of? Leave a comment below and I'll catch you next week!

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

O.M.D. Dive into Adventure!







20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
      127 minutes
     Director: Richard Fleischer
     Stars: Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas, Peter Lorre

I may have done this film before (if I have please forgive me, it's been a weird month).

This film is based on the Jules Verne novel of the same title. It follows the exploits of Professor Pierre Aronnax and his assistant, Conseil, as they try to make a conference in Asia.

While they are trying to book passage out of San Francisco, we learn there have been rumors of a sea monster which has been attacking ships.

Ned Land, portrayed by Kirk Douglas, is hired on a by the same steamer the professor is on. The steamer is searching for the monster in order to destroy it. After several weeks they come across a ship that is immediately destroyed. While searching the wreckage they stumble across the monster.

During the ensuing moments, the professor and his assistant are thrown overboard. Ned, on a rowboat, is cast adrift. The steamer drifts off, in dire conditions and unable to help the three men who were cast adrift.

The following morning they come across something floating in the water. Believing it to be the monster they follow Ned, who rows up, into the bowels of the beast.

It's a submarine.

While exploring it they witness a burial at sea - completely underwater. As the funeral procession spies them on board there is a rush for the surface and the rowboat, but they are captured!

Thus begins their adventures aboard the Nautilus.

They meet Captain Nemo and his crew, explore new islands with them, and discover why these men have chosen to live under the sea.

Without giving too much more away, go check out the film! While it was created back in the 1950s, it still holds up today. With amazing effects of the time and a timeless story, this is Jules Verne at it's greatest!

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

June 2019 - Oy!

There is so much to get done in the next two months it's ridiculous!

Well, other than that particular stage of change coming into life, I think I'll keep it toned down this month.

Have fun this month guys and gals.


I'm keeping it short because I was lazy and now have to leave!



For the information, while I'm at Disney I may do a few giveaways as well. Bye!

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

OMD: Treasure of the Skies

With school finally over with, I have the time to get things done again. However, that doesn't mean I'm still on top of things. With that in mind, there is a film that is considered to be rather obscure by tons of people.


It came out in 2002 and is only an hour and a half long.

Based on a beloved novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, this film immediately captured a place in my heart.


Treasure Planet is based on the novel Treasure Island (see what they did there? Awesome!).

Right, so because this came out in 2002... Spoilers.... obviously.


We start out with the story of Captain Nathaniel Flint, a ruthless space pirate who would attack the merchant vessels, stealing all the treasure aboard and then vanishing without a trace.

Flashforward about 10 years or so and we meet up with Jim Hawkins. He's a rebel who works at the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother. When a ship crashes onto the docks, Jim helps in Billy Bones who informs him not to trust the cyborg.

The Benbow is attacked and set aflame. With the help of Doctor Doppler, they escape with the map to Flint's trove of a thousand planets.

Jim and Doctor Doppler set out on a voyage to reach the treasure, hiring the vessel R.L.S. Legacy (named for the author), captained by Amelia.

When Jim is placed as Cabin Boy he is sent to work in the kitchen with Long John Silver; a cyborg.

Through the journey to Treasure Planet, they encounter a star going supernova, which is then swallowed by a Black Hole. During this crucial moment, Jim is tasked with ensuring everyone is secures to the ship. One of the crew, Scroop takes this chance to cut the line on Mr. Arrow the second mate, dooming him to the Black Hole.

We see the character development of Jim as he tries to become someone better than he was, watching this play out as he takes responsibility.

Upon reaching the Planet with the loot of a thousand worlds, the villainous Silver and his men fly their true colors. Jim, Captain Amelia, and Doctor Doppler escape with the map to the planet. It's revealed the map is still on the ship and they have to go back up and get it.

While looking for a place to lie low Jim encounters B.E.N. short for Bio-Electronic Navigator. A robot missing his memory chip.

While hiding Silver comes down to bargain, and Jim realizes they don't have the map either.

Later that night he sneaks back aboard the Legacy with Ben to find the map. The encounter Scroop which ends with him being sent off into space with the pirate flag.

Back on the ground, they find Silver has taken over and captured the doctor and the captain. Working together they find the entrance to the treasure hold - the center of the planet.

Walking in they find the remains of Captain Flint, who holds the missing memory chip of Ben. When Jim reinserts it, Ben remembers the booby trap Flint sent for anyone who entered the treasure room. On cue, the room begins to fall apart, bursting into flame.

To find out what happens next go pick up a copy of "Treasure Planet".


(Photo found here, credit to the author: https://thenovelsmithy.com/treasure-planet-2002-msa/ )







What film would you like to see me review? Leave a comment below.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

A New Year Already

This new month has begun on such a high note.

About a month ago I applied for the Disney College Program down in Orlando Florida. I kept it all highly under wraps, not wanting to jinx the process.

Well, yesterday while at school I tried checking up on my application. Because they told us to continually check back for messages and what not. Though during the phone interview last week I was informed decisions sometimes wouldn't be until the end of March.

Well, last night I was finally able to check my dashboard and -

I WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM!

It was the best news I've had in a long time.

This will be a great step forward.


For those who may not know about it: the Disney College Program is for students currently attending an accredited college/university. You can take a few courses, or simply take the intern. A six month internship at Disney World.

The fun thing is it's all going to be work.

Sure, I'm at Disney, but I am mainly there to work. It's not a glorified vacation.

It's a job.

I'm afraid that's something most people who apply don't fully understand. This program is for learning, and working. Learning how to work in most cases.


But that being said, I will try and post pictures (when it's allowed and I have access to a phone).




Wow. I will be living and working in Orlando ......










This is going to be a fantastic year!




Any tips you'd want to give someone moving out on their own? What is your favorite piece of advice to give?

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Fifth Tuesday! - Random Land!

Right, there are such things as 5th Tuesdays.

As the title suggests I am going to name them Random Land!

(Not to be confused with the YouTuber Justin Scarred, who does a series on theme parks and Disney. If he somehow reads this (which would be awesome and terrifying): I am sorry for any confusion. But it seemed to fit. Also, I love your channel. #disneynerd)

Okay, now that that's out of the way. *coughgowatchhisvideoscough*


For Random Land I will find any weird and random topic to chatter about for a little. Or I'll post a bunch of random images that I've been working on. These will be pencil/pen/marker sets, so don't get too hyped. I'm not a professional artist. I am an amateur who merely loves doing it for fun.

Over the past couple of weeks I've been working at drawing again. Mainly I've taken images and tried to recreate them. The end results are not the same, but they look well enough, to my own eye at least.

Obviously: If you recognize someone/thing I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS. And if you want to sue me, remember: I have nothing. I do this strictly for fun. And practice. (Also, free publicity for you.)


(NOTE: The original images were way too big to post, so I cut them to the "Medium" setting they had. Now they look squat. .... Enjoy regardless.)














Have a fantastic week and see you next month!

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

OMD: The Rescuers Down Under

I was going to do a different film, then decided that film would be best suited for Halloween.

Hence, the rather abrupt change to one of my all time favorites (probably because of the cool accents and amazing scenery) from the obscure Disney film files.


"The Rescuers Down Under" was the long-awaited sequel to "The Rescuers", a film about a society of mice who help those in need. The Rescue Aid Society.

In this film they travel to the Land Down Under!

While in Australia they set out to find a boy who went missing. Through the network of other mice and animals, they set out to rescue Toby.


This was one of the first films where they used a new style of animation. I highly recommend checking it out.


Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Fifth - Random Land!

The topic this week is Disney on Broadway.

In recent years (well, decades), the Walt Disney company has begun slowly taking over the world.

Well, at least the Great White Way.

What began with "The Lion King", turned into "Aladdin", which led to my personal favorite, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (which, sadly never fully made it to Broadway because of the cash cow called Frozen. I hate that movie.)


Now - with those few in mind, it makes sense that my ultimate favorite is "Beauty and the Beast".

There's a local production that I'm able to be a part of. Working as part of the ensemble is a wonderful opportunity; amazing cast members, great musical score, and a great chance to learn something new about the show.

Coming in late from a rehearsal I'm cutting this one off - sorry about anything extravagant you expected to see.


What's your favorite Disney production?

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The Little Mermaid

Last Saturday I was able to usher a show that I've been waiting to see for a few years. Literally. Each year it came I was out of the state, so I was already hyped up when I heard it was coming. I will do my best to find some decent pictures from online (no photography at live productions!), and a few videos from the Broadway production.

"The Little Mermaid."



When the movie came out in 1989 it sent a wave through all little girls. The music was sung often, the lines were quoted often.

18 years later it would open on Broadway, featuring stunning sets, costumes, and new musical numbers.



Though it has been reworked since it's opening, some new songs added others taken away, it has seen a while new touring company. Reaching various fans around the world.



With innovating new designs, see that ship! It's amazing!! It easily managed to capture the magic of the movie in a whole new prospective.


Not to mention the wigs that must be used to make a wonderful sea witch. (And the actress playing her always manages to nail it!)


Oh - and have I mentioned how amazing Chef Louis is? This entire scene takes the hidden crab to a whole new level.


Oh - and Prince Eric? He has not one but TWO! That's right, TWO solo numbers all to himself. When I first heard the soundtrack I was floored. It finally gave some depth and added more character to the sea-faring prince. (And makes you love him just a lot more.)


Though it has been reworked (no more wheelie shoes!) to a final story, the stage version of this movie still manages to capture the essence of the Disney Movie.

Go take a swim and find a local production near you!


As a bonus, here are some of my favorite songs from the show (in English and Dutch!).



And Eric's other song - complete with visuals!



(I do not own any copyright, nor is infringement intended. Honestly Disney, I just love the musical more than the movie and want to help promote it .... for free.....)