WEBmikey: Overdue Disney thoughts

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Overdue Disney thoughts
2.07.2006 7:15 PM \| Link	I guess my comments on the recent Disney news are really overdue, especially considering the magnitude of something as important as Disney buying Pixar! I have always been hoping that the two companies would get back together, which was one of the reasons for me to celebrate at the departure of Eisner. Iger and Jobs seemed to hit it off right away, but when the rumors of the buyout started popping up, I was concerned. Even though I love Disney, no one can argue that their focus on the bottom line has nearly destroyed Disney animation - from too many DVD sequels, to the abolishment of 2D, to the loss of so many fine animators. So, of course, I was initially worried that Disney could do this to Pixar once they got their hands on them. However, now I'm feeling great about the whole thing (and reading that the animator community does as well via Cartoon Brew certainly helps!). The key is John Lasseter, the most respected guy in animation today. He's tearing it up right away, starting with canceling the sure-to-be-mediocre Toy Story 3 and hopefully chopping out some middle management, too! John definitely has the right values - he loves stories with heart, he loves the art of animation, and he's willing to take big risks. He's going to kick off another Disney renaissance, just like The Little Mermaid! Sure, Jobs now owns more Disney stock than anyone else - how could that bother me, since I've been an Apple fan for so long? In theme park news, Expedition Everest looks totally amazing! There's lots of photos and video on the web, so when I make my next Walt Disney World trip I'm going to be unbelievably excited. I'm almost happier about the queue than the ride, just because it's so super-detailed - it really shows they were willing to focus on the story and quality of the attraction. On the other side of the coin, I'm not too psyched about the Pirates of the Caribbean news - both Disneyland and Walt Disney World will have figures from the movies (Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, and so on) put into the rides really soon. (So, the ride inspired the movie that inspired the ride!) I can get past my emotional response to preserve Pirates like a museum, since I really think if Walt were around he would be doing the same thing - think about how many times he changed the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland! However, these new figures better be the absolute best - I mean, they better really impress me if they are going in my beloved Pirates! When I make my next trip, if they are anything like that creepy Ellen figure in Universe of Energy, I'm going to have to drown my sorrows in fake mint juleps for the rest of the day. Labels: disney, life


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