I’ve been out of circulation from the various the Disneyland collectors groups for a few years, but I recognize Alex George as a kindred spirit. George has put together the following video of his project to make the Main Street Electrical Parade run down the miniature Main Street USA as recreated by artist Robert Olszewski.
First, I’m just impressed that George has the complete set of Main Street Disneyland miniatures from Olszewski. But to then take it to the next step and bring the MSEP to life is awe inspiring.
Below the cut is the actual parade running, in miniature, through the Olszewski version of Disneyland’s Main Street:
While looking for that last Videopolis featuring Fantasmic from a Marching Band, I was reminded of all those Orange Bowl halftime shows that Disney used to put on back in the day. Searching for some of those I stumbled upon this bit of Disney weirdness.… Read More »Main Street Electrical Parade Halftime Show, 1978
While the Main Street Electrical Parade officially returns to the Magic Kingdom as part of Summer Nightastic! tomorrow, there is a preview tonight. The new fireworks show will also preview tonight. Whether you like MSEP depends if tonight will feel like greeting an old friend… Read More »Main Street Electrical Parade – Video from Cast Member Preview
I’ve been a Disney theme park fan pretty much my whole life and as long as I can remember the Main Street Electrical Parade has been my favorite night time parade. It was a bitter-sweet parting back in 1996 when the MSEP supposedly glowed away… Read More »Behind the Scenes – Main Street Electrical Parade
Today Walt Disney World arranged a special preview of the Main Street Electrical Parade as it prepares for a return to the Magic Kingdom for Summer Nightastic! starting June 6th. We were taken backstage to the special warehouse where the talented crew at Disney is putting the final touches on the floats.
The MSEP was my Disney parade growing up. Every summer it was there at Disneyland like an old friend. You might say farewell for a while, but you never really said goodbye.
Below the jump are a few photos to whet your appetite. I’ll have much more later
It’s hard to review Pete’s Dragon without conflating it with my youthful memories of being a Disney fan. I was 7 or 8 and remember wishing that I too had a dragon like Elliot. Somewhere along the way the film became closely tied to my feelings about Disney as an adult too. “Candle on the Water” has always been one of my favorite Disney songs. Plus, seeing the the Elliot float in Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade always elicits a feeling of joy, because it’s such an amazing float (makes me want to shout “Brazzle Dazzle!” right now), and sadness because seeing Elliot always the parade was nearly over.
It goes without saying that Pete’s Dragon is a family friendly film everyone can enjoy. I watched it with my son and found him humming along to the songs even though he’d never seen the move before. For a film made in 1976 the effects are remarkably advanced, you’ll want to check out the special feature narrated by Pete (Sean Marshall) as he explains the history of Disney’s technical film wizardly that allows animation and live action to mix. This goes all the way back to Walt Disney’s first “Alice” shorts featuring Virginia Davis, who just passed away.
The combination of animation and live-action bring the magical friendship between Pete, a young orphan, and his unusual best friend to life in Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition, now out on DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Adventure, comedy and soaring musical numbers will charmed children and adults alike. And there is nearly an hour of brand-new bonus features, including a look at Disney’s live action/animation legacy, alternate versions of some of the film’s most beloved songs and much more.
Pete’s Dragon was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Score). The film boasts an extraordinary cast that includes Sean Marshall (“To Race the Wind”), Helen Reddy (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band), Mickey Rooney (Night at the Museum), Jeff Conaway (Grease), Shelley Winters (The Poseidon Adventure), Jim Dale (“Pushing Daisies”) and Red Buttons (“ER”), with Charlie Callas as the voice of Elliot the Dragon.
Also among the features is a classic Donald Duck short called “Lighthouse Keeping.” It features Donald, a crafty seagull, and a light house light that just won’t stay lit. I also really enjoyed the two excepts “Disney Family Album” and “The Plausible Impossible.” Always nice to see Walt Disney in his element entertaining the audience.
Follow below the jump for a complete list of features.
