Hanna-Barbera Golden Cartoons in Song Volume 3 LP

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Dis-LEE

Hanna-Barbera Productions was founded on July 7, 1957. The world’s children would have to wait until 1966 to hear the Hanna-Barbera Singers warble their favorite little ditty’s on the Golden Cartoons in Song Volume 3 long-play record. Would it prove to be worth the wait?

No.

Have a look at the cover of the LP and then I’ll explain:

You’ve heard these old chestnuts numerous times. If you’ve been a parent for any length of time, you’ve heard these old chestnuts too many times! Perhaps by buying a record called Golden Cartoons in Song you were hoping for some fun variations on the familiar. Perhaps Yogi Bear singing ‘Alouette’ to Boo-Boo or Granny Sweet crooning ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’. Would such hopes by realized?

No.

Have a look at the labels and then I’ll explain:

The only singing you get on this record is by the Hanna-Barbera singers, or as I like to call them, ‘whatever studio singers were in or around the studio on recording day’. There isn’t even one guest performance by a Hanna-Barbera cartoon character! Apparently the voice artists had the day off. So this record sounds like the hundreds of other records that have covered these same songs before. All they did was slap a Hanna-Barbera cover on it to sell units.

But let’s talk about the cover for a moment. It is fun! Designed and rendered by H. C. Pennington, it constitutes the only cartoon character fix you’re going to get with this product. Unless you turn the cover over and look on the back, were Yogi Bear makes an obligatory appearance:

Back Cover

Several things are happening back here. First, we have the entire technical process of record making explained to us, as if we really care how well recorded 12 children’s song are. Next, we have the track list. Then a picture list of all the other Hanna-Barbera LP releases. Can’t wait to collect all of them! Lastly, and finally best, we have a blurb about the men who created the cartoons. Yes kids, history is fun!

It appears that many of the other releases do contain voice-overs by cartoon characters. But again, not this one. And being as this is the one I have… that sucks!

FUN FACTS: The cover features Secret Squirrel, Squiddly Diddly, Granny Sweets, and Precious Pup. It’s a pity that Secret Squirrel wasn’t able to infiltrate the recording and sneak in a warble or two!

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The Legacy Collection Mary Poppins CD Set

Posted on February 13, 2022 by Dis-LEE

Not long ago I shared the LC Pinocchio CD Set and it had some wonderful concept artwork within its pages. But the Legacy Collection Mary Poppins CD Set doesn’t come in second place by any means. And how could it? It’s practically perfect in every way!

In fact, the entire series of The Legacy Collection is simply perfect. Let’s have a look at one of the rare 3-disc editions of these sets:

Mary Poppins is the second film to be featured and was released on August 26, 2014, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins. The first disc contains the film’s complete original soundtrack, the second disc contains fifteen demo recordings by the Sherman Brothers and seven Lost Chords recordings. The third disc consists entirely of archival recordings of story meetings held at the Walt Disney Studios between P. L. Travers, Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, and Don DaGradi, as well as press interviews with Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Irwin Kostal, and the Shermans.

Disc 3 is obviously the standout of this set!

The enclosed/attached booklet starts with Production Notes:

Next we have information about the Lost Chords by Russell Schroeder:

This would be a good place to include one of the unused songs from the production. It’s entitled ‘The Chimpanzoo’. I’ve heard the demo for this one before as sung by Richard Sherman, but never the polished version. So for your enjoyment and mine:

The Chimpanzoo – Bob Joyce, Jeff Gunn, Randy Crenshaw, and Dennis Kyle

And finally we are treated to a few images from the Concept Art gallery of the film:

As already stated, this set has three discs, which is quite appropriate for such a landmark film! More jolly for the holly… day.

The concept art that these sets share has been nothing short of amazing! It captures the magic and whimsy of the characters and the overall spirit of the films in question. The back cover of the packaging contains one of the most beautiful renderings I’ve seen so far:

So thanks for jumping into another look at The Legacy Collection sets of CDs. We have one more to go as we conclude this series of posts with The Legacy Collection Sleeping Beauty CD Set.

I wonder if it’s too late to go fly a kite?

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Book Review: Great Moments from the films of Walt Disney

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Dis-LEE

Publisher: The Rutledge Press

Year: 1981

Pages: 94

Type: Softcover

ISBN: 0-8173-3975-4

“Each minute of Disney animation requires 1,440 drawings.”

This is a huge publication, which is perfect considering that it is basically a poster book. You could take it apart and frame the beautiful prints within. They measure 10″ x 15″, including a white border.

The book starts with text dedicated to each of the films featured, giving production information, details on the music, voices, and character development. Full credits are given for each film as well, along with the source, for example, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is adapted from Grimm’s Fairy Tales while Bambi is from the story by Felix Salten, etc.

Let’s have a look at two poster prints for each of the six movies included:

Bambi and Snow White start us off with some heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. Bambi’s mother makes an appearance before tragedy strikes but later the little dear deer finds friendship. Meanwhile, Ms. White faces hardship and jubilation as well!

Dumbo too had a hardship to triumph story arc in his movie debut, from being snubbed by his fellow pachyderms to flying high!

Joy and adventure come to us through these images from Sleeping Beauty. Aurora dances with her animal friends while her Prince gallops to the rescue!

Does your conscience bother you or is it just an annoying chirp in the background? Pinocchio and you may have the same condition! But at least you aren’t a captive in a sideshow! But don’t worry, our little wooden protagonist won’t be for much longer either!

Are you on Team Pink or Team Blue? What’s a girl to do when she has such an important decision to make just before her first Royal Ball? Apparently, always go with the blue!

Back Cover

I would give this book a 5 Out of 5 Stars for it delivers exactly what it promises. It is a great big poster book and it contains great big posters. And they are breathtaking!

It’s nice that the publisher contracted artist Liney Li to create an original cover image. It combined the characters in familiar poses but in a new configuration (see opening image).

Posted in Animation, Artwork, Books, Characters, Movies, Princesses | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Photo Spot: Foodie Friday – Disneyland Treats from 2013

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Dis-LEE

Everyone knows that Theme Park food doesn’t have any calories. Well, at least less calories than regular food. Okay. Calories that don’t count because no one counts calories while on vacation? That’s probably more like it!

What’s a Foodie Friday without some Disneyland treats? While you peruse the selection below, see if you can guess the two reasons that your mouth is watering. And… go!

Nom Nom Nummy!

REASON ONE: The display case if filled with decadent desserts and treats!

REASON TWO: You can get them for almost ten year old prices!

Chocolate and Carmel Dipped Marshmallow Wand. Seriously?!? I think I hear my treadmill begging me to reconsider.

Posted in Disneyland, Food, Foodie Friday, Photo Spot, Photography, Restaurants, Theme Parks | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Legacy Collection Pinocchio CD Set

Posted on February 10, 2022 by Dis-LEE

This sixth volume of The Legacy Collection was released on February 10, 2015, to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Pinocchio. The album includes the film’s complete soundtrack, three Lost Chords recordings, and five bonus tracks from The Mickey Mouse Club.

As I’ve said, if you liked the last set (featuring Cinderella), you’ll love this one featuring everyone’s favorite wooden boy, Pinocchio!

The artwork for this set looks extra magical due to the subject matter! Pinocchio just lends himself to the ethereal style of the concept artwork.

Opening Image
Closing Image

As always, the booklet starts with Production Notes:

The history and gestation of the movie is given with interesting side notes about the character development, musical journey, and how the little cricket named Jiminy grew beyond the feature to co-star on The Mickey Mouse Club.

We are treated to three Lost Chords on this set. The first one I am sharing below is an unused introduction song for Pinocchio by his fellow marionettes in Stromboli’s show:

No Strings – Ensemble Singers

The next clip is shorter. It’s an excerpt from a song that would have played on the 1950s Mickey Mouse Club program as part of the ‘I’m No Fool’ series of educational songs. I include it because you can hear Annette in the background:

I’m No Fool – Cliff Richards & The Mouseketeers

The last pages of the booklet contains many wonderful Concept Art images:

This is a 2-disc set (some have 3 discs). But as is common with this Legacy Collection series, there is so much more content than with any other soundtrack release of the movie.

The back cover gives us one more amazing and beautiful image from the concept art for Pinocchio. I thought I’d better mention that the image of the Blue Fairy was beautiful so that she wouldn’t turn me into a wooden man!

I highly recommend these CD sets! They are readily available on most selling sites for a reasonable price.

Be sure to check back soon for my next post featuring The Legacy Collection Sleeping Beauty CD Set. You’ll be glad you did!

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Hallmark Cubeez Muppets Box Stackables

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Dis-LEE

Are these still a thing? Hallmark Cubeez came out a few years ago and featured many of the most popular Disney characters, like the Muppets. I didn’t see the point but (obviously) bought a selection to add to my collection.

And what are they? The tagline states that you should Fill’em, Stack’em, Collect’em. Well, alright then! So they are basically empty metal boxes for the low, low price of $7.95 CAN. And you can put stuff in them. And you can stack them. Like this:

I have to admit that I do find these tiny bins hilarious! Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker from the Muppet Labs are two of my favorite Muppets, so picking them up was a no-brainer. But I also had to add the Swedish Chef as well, because: Bork Bork Bork! Just click the link for a closer look at him and the paperwork that comes with each tin.

Each box measures 3″ cubed. To open, you simply pull up on the sides and the top will separate from the base.

Looks like just another day at Muppets Labs, doesn’t it?

with sticker label
without sticker label

I find the Hallmark stores tend to carry some amazing Disney merchandise. This is now especially important as the official Disney Store has closed. They also sell great stuff featuring other popular IPs.

Each box has a sticker label affixed to the bottom with the IP designation, in this case, The Muppets. It also contains the price. When you peel the sticker label off, you find the name of the character being depicted.

You know the only problem with being immortalized with one of these Cubeez boxes? People can then truthfully call you a ‘Blockhead’. Good Grief!

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FORD TIMES Monthly Souvenir Promotional Booklet

Posted on February 8, 2022 by Dis-LEE

Now we go back in time to July of 1953. The place is Detroit, MI. The mode of conveyance is not a fine FORD automobile, but a souvenir promotional booklet that was published monthly and given away to the best customers of your local FORD dealer. Was that you? If so, you may remember the FORD TIMES and the wonderful articles it contained!

Chuck full of beautiful paintings and illustrations, and a few photographs, this was a feast for the eyes and stimulation for the mind!

Measuring approximately 5″ x 7″ and containing 66 pages it packed a lot into a little package. Let’s have a look at the theme for this issue and its contents:

This issue was printed to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the FORD Motor Company. It was published in Dearborn, MI.

I was attracted to this book/booklet/magazine because it had a picture of Greenfield Village on the cover. This is a town that Henry Ford built as a historical Theme Park of sorts. The three pages below contain an article expressing Mr. Ford’s love for this place:

Mr. Ford’s Favorite Town – Article

I thought I’d include a short article about an actual car. It seems appropriate given the Publisher:

The Gardner Special – Article

The next article (below) gives a brief explanation of the Institute of the Arts and its Young People’s Workshops:

Mural of the Rouge – Article

Although this publication is interesting and informative, it does read like an advertisement for the FORD Motor Company, which is not surprising.

The FORD TIMES also included some fun things for the family to do. For example, you could try your hand at cooking up some recipes made famous at various Taverns around the US:

Tavern Recipes

Not into the culinary arts? How about a challenging guessing game instead? Try to answer the question ‘What is it?’ after looking at the images below:

Did you cheat?

This particular copy of the FORD TIMES was sent out to a Mr. Edward J. Adamczyk of Detroit from his local FORD Dealer, Lewis F. Brown, in July of 1953. But at sometime in 1956, Mr. Adamczyk changed his dealer to an Al Long. Then, sometime between 1960 and 1961, he changed dealerships again to Downtown Sales, but still in Detroit. The saga continues as between February and March of 1963, he changed back to Al Long. But it wasn’t to last, as in May of that same year, it was back to Downtown Sales. Man, how many cars did this guy buy?!? Time would pass but another change was inevitable as Mr. Adamczyk changed back Al Long somewhere between June and November of 1971.The last FORD TIMES I have is from August of 1972 and our fickle car buyer was still with Al Long.

I think there may be the workings of a good Soap Opera here! “Tune in next week: Will Edward stay with his current dealership? Or will he change yet again? Will he ever shop out of State? Don’t miss a single moment of this spell-binding saga!”

Back Cover

I’m not sure if this dealership is still in business but I did find this vintage license plate cover on eBay. For just a little over $200.00, it can be yours:

It looks like it was built FORD tough!

I bought this booklet along with over 50 others that range in years from 1947 to 1972. Many issues are missing, being released with a full 12 per year over that time, I’m sure it was inevitable that he’d lose some of them. But I’m missing entire years! Oh well, I have a lot of reading to do anyway:

For the box: $30.00 CAN

They were given away for free when printed, the seller wanted $3.00 CAN a piece originally, as the store was closing, he dropped his price to $1.50 CAN, I asked for his best price. It became $1.00 CAN each. In the end, I paid 50 cents each.

I’ll conclude with the tagline for this publication: “The FORD TIMES comes to you through the courtesy of your local dealer to add to your motoring pleasure and information.” I can attest that this little gem would have done just that!

EDITORIAL UPDATE: July 5, 2022 – I just recently visited The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI. We also entered Greenfield Village to ride an actual Model T Ford. It was fun! But while waiting in line, I saw this:

Yes, that’s an image of the Ford Times from 1915. It was part of a sign board that contained vintage testimonials from the first Model T drivers. Too cool! My earliest copy is from 1947, so seeing that this publication went back that far was exciting! I have so many other copies to find. Just kidding. I have no intention of taking on that challenge!

Posted in Advertising, Attractions, Books, Ephemera, History, Magazines, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Legacy Collection Cinderella CD Set

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Dis-LEE

If you enjoyed the previous entry in this series of posts, the LC Lady and the Tramp CD Set, then you’ll love The Legacy Collection Cinderella CD Set!

It follows the same format as every other entry in the series. So let’s just get to it:

This was the ninth release and it came out on June 16, 2015, to coincide with the 65th anniversary of Cinderella. The album includes the film’s original soundtrack, seven demo recordings, seven “Lost Chords” recordings, and nine bonus tracks.

The Production Notes contain some wonderful insights, such as: “A dream is a wish your heart makes when you’re fast asleep.” Okay, but what I want to know then, is just what is a nightmare?!?

“I cannot think about the pictorial story without thinking about the complementary music which will fulfill it.” – Walt Disney

The Lost Chords section of the booklet is perhaps my favorite. Each song is reviewed and many of the lyrics are given. Unused songs are also highlighted.

Below is a sampling of one of the unused songs from Cinderella. First is a demo recording of a very fun song that was meant to be sung by Cinderella herself:

I’m in the Middle of a Muddle – Demo

Now let’s hear a more polished version:

I’m in the Middle of a Muddle – Kate Higgins

Another fun song was for Jacques and Gus Gus entitled simply ‘The Mouse Song’ and it regaled us with how the mice felt about being dressed in their spiffy clothes. Spoiler Alert: They loved it!

A close second for my favorite section of the booklet is the Concept Art. In each release these beautiful sketches are given the most space. And it’s easy to see why!

This edition has only two discs (some have three) but they are packed with content:

Each edition in this series came with an Internet link that is now inactive. You can still insert Disc 2 into your computer and it will open a browser. But the site it activates is basically disneymusic.disney.com with a further extension highlighting the particular film in question, in this case, Cinderella. But the extension is greyed out and it caused my laptop to freeze. I had to press ‘Esc’ to return control and then it gave me a ‘404’ error message with an animated Wreck it Ralph animatic. Long story short: Don’t try to access the bonus content!

Even without the Internet content (although I can’t say I’m not disappointed that Disney is not maintaining the links!) these CD sets are awesome! They go way beyond any soundtrack version ever released for these movies.

I have three more to share, starting with the LC Pinocchio CD Set, so watch for them in the near future.

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Photo Spot: EPCOTs ‘Maelstrom’ Ride Vehicle Masthead

Posted on February 6, 2022 by Dis-LEE

A maelstrom is defined as a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river or a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil. The word comes from an early Dutch proper noun that is a combination of the verb malen (“to grind”) and the noun stroom (“stream”). Did you know that the now-defunct attraction Maelstrom in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT had a double meaning?

The waters of Norway are indeed turbulent and the guests who rode Maelstrom the attraction… backwards, were certainly confused by the turmoil!

c. 2014

Whether you’re a Maelstrom fan or prefer the new Frozen overlay of the attraction (2016 onward), one thing we can all agree on is just how awesome the boat-shaped ride vehicles were/are!

Posted in Attractions, Photo Spot, Photography, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty 1958 Stamp Book

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Dis-LEE

The Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Stamp Book is actually a combination colouring book and sticker album. But that would have made for a long title on the cover so… Stamp Book it is!

I usually won’t buy a colouring book that has been coloured in as I’ve yet to find a budding child Picasso who has stayed within the lines. And if a sticker book has the stickers already affixed, I also usually take a pass. But this example is from 1958 and that dating trumped those two strikes.

On the positive side, the stickers depict artistic renderings of key scenes from the 1959 movie which are beautifully (and thus, appropriately) rendered. All 48 stickers are included, with none missing.

To begin, the reader is asked to separate the gummed stamps and affix them where they belong throughout the storybook. In the image on the right, above, you can just barely see the perforations where the sticker pages were in the spine of the book.

Annie North Bedford was primarily responsible to adapt the original story from the movie into a more condensed version for the book. Four other persons assisted.

The images above and below show sample pages with excerpts from the text and displays of some of the stickers.

Many of the images on the stickers seem to depict exact scenes from the movie but are done in an art style more reminiscent of the concept sketches that would have been used to explore the final look of the production. They are not ‘screen captures’, so to speak.

Back Cover

This Stamp Book was released a full year before the movie to drum up interest in the release. Disneyland already had the Sleeping Beauty Castle as its centerpiece in the Magic Kingdom since 1955. But the more Walt could promote an up-coming project the better!

For more fun with stickers, check out Mickey Mouse on a Scooter, featuring the Vespa from Luca.

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