Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 22)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 22 (Wednesday)


Brave, 2012
Concept art, Steve Pilcher, acrylic

Merida has given her mother, Queen Elinor, a cake that transforms her into a big black bear. Since the queen is quite naturally confused at her transformation, Elinor-Bear turns to Merida for guidance. To survive, mother and daughter will need each other as never before.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: Gala Day at Disneyland (1960)

Gala Day at Disneyland, a documentary, was released on January 21, 1960. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by Buena Vista Film Distribution. 

Gala Day at Disneyland is a short documentary filmed in the summer of 1959. It highlights the dedication ceremonies of three new major attractions at Disneyland, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Submarine Voyage and the Monorail. Also included was a parade down Main Street, U.S.A. with appearances by Walt and Roy Disney, along with Vice President Richard Nixon and family, and numerous film and television stars. The night with a fireworks display. 

Cast and Crew

Associate Producer: Hamilton Luske. Narration Written By: Larry Clemons. Cast: Wally Boag, Henry Calvin, Robert Cummings, Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney, Firehouse Five Plus Two, Annette Funicello, June Haver, Art Linkletter, Fred MacMurray, Julie Nixon, Pat Nixon, Richard Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Ronnie Robertson, Roberta Shore, Guy Williams, Roy Williams. 

Technical Specifications

Runtime: 27 minutes. Sound Mix: Mono (RCA Sound Recording). Color: Color (Technicolor). 

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 21)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 21 (Tuesday)


Strange World, 2022

Ethan Clade is the grandson of a famous explorer. His father is a farmer. By following his dad on a mission to an underground world, Ethan suddenly gets a taste of adventure and loves it, just like his legendary grandpa.

Monday, January 20, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: Lion Around (1950)

Lion Around, a Walt Disney Donald Duck cartoon short, was released in theaters on January 20, 1950. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Inc. Loosely based on "The Mountain Lion" by Robert William Murphy.

Donald Duck is tricked by his nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louis, who disguise themselves as a mountain lion to scare their uncle. Their prank goes awry when a real mountain lion shows up but Donald still thinks they are still playing a prank. 

The short was released on December 11, 2007, on Walt Disney Treasures: The Chronological Donald, Volume Three: 1947-1950. 

Cast and Crew


Director: Jack Hannah. Writer(s): Bill Berg, Nick George. Producer: Walt Disney (uncredited). Animator(s): Bob Carlson (Animator), Joyce Carlson (Ink and Paint Artist, uncredited), Yale Gracey (Layout Artist), Ollie Johnston (Animator, uncredited), Volus Jones (Animator), Bill Justice (Animator), George Rowley (Effects Animator), Judge Whitaker (Animator), Thelma Witmer (Background Artist), Jean Young (Painter, uncredited). Cast: James MacDonald (voice of Mountain Lion, uncredited), Clarence Nash (voice of Donald Duck/Huey/Dewey/Louie, uncredited). Music Composer: Oliver Wallace. Sound Department: George Lowerre (Sound Engineer, uncredited).


Technical Specifications

Runtime: 6:40 minutes. Animation Type: Standard. Sound Mix: Mono (RCA Sound Recording). Color: Color (Technicolor). Aspect Ratio: 1:37.1.

Have you seen Lion Around? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 20)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 20 (Monday)


The Princess and the Frog, 2009

Young Tiana loves to ride the trolley across New Orleans with her mother, Eudora. Tiana relishes the beauty of the night and getting closer to home, where her daddy waits.

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: Mickey's Man Friday (1935)

Mickey's Man Friday
, a Walt Disney Mickey Mouse cartoon short, was released on January 19, 1935. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by United Artists. Loosely based on "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe.

Mickey Mouse is shipwrecked on an island where he discovers a tribe of cannibals. He scares them away and rescues one of the tribesmen that about to be cooked. Mickey names him "Friday", and together they build a fort rigged with booby traps. The tribe returns and attacks the fort with Mickey and Friday escaping the island on a boat. 

The short was released on December 7, 2004, on Walt Disney Treasures: Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Volume 2

Cast and Crew

Director: Dave Hand (uncredited). Producer: Walt Disney. Animator(s): Johnny Cannon (uncredited), Clyde Geronimo (uncredited). Cast: Billy Bletcher (voice of Friday/Mickey's Mask Voice, uncredited), Pinto Colvig (voice of Mask Screams, uncredited), Walt Disney (Mickey Mouse, uncredited). 
Music: Frank Churchill (uncredited), Bert Lewis (uncredited). Sound Department: George Lowerre (Sound Engineer, uncredited).

Technical Specifications

Runtime: 8 minutes (approx.). Animation Type: Standard Animation. Sound Mix: Mono. Color: Black and White. Aspect Ratio: 1:37.1.

Have you seen Mickery's Man Friday? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 18/19)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 18/19 (Saturday/Sunday)


WALL-E, 2008

WALL-E is a Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class robot. His job is to pick up mountains of trash that made Earth uninhabitable and compact the trash into cubes. WALL-E is lonely, but he keeps working and hoping that someone, or something, will come along to keep him company. 

Friday, January 17, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 17)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 


"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 17 (Friday)


Moana, 2016

Maui the demigod and Moana the brave voyager begin at odds but end up as friends. “Go save the world,” she tells him, and he tries, but eventually they realize there’s only one way to save the world: together. 

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: Summer (1930)

Summer
, a Walt Disney Silly Symphony cartoon short, was released on January 16, 1930. Played at the Globe Theatre in Manhattan, New York from February 14, 1930, through March 7, 1930. Played at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, California from February 19, 1930, through March 4, 1930. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by Columbia Pictures.

The film showcases various woodland creatures enjoying the summer season.

The short was released on December 19, 2006, on Walt Disney Treasures: More Silly Symphonies, 1928-1938.

Cast and Crew

Director: Ub Iwerks (uncredited). Producer: Walt Disney. Animator(s): Johnny Cannon (uncredited), Les Clark (uncredited), Jack Curring (uncredited), Floyd Gottfredson (uncredited), Ub Iwerks (uncredited), Wilfred Jackson (uncredited), Carlos Manriquez (Background Artist, uncredited). Music: Carl Stalling (uncredited).

Technical Specifications 

Runtime: 5:51. Animation Type: Standard Animation. Sound Mix: Mono. Color: Black and White. Aspect Ration: 1:37.1. 

Have you seen Summer? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 16)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 


"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 16 (Thursday)


Toy Story, 1995

Did you know Woody is 15.18 inches tall without his hat and 15.93 inches tall with his hat on? Meanwhile, Buzz is 11.43 inches tall without his helmet and 11.80 inches tall with it on.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: Alice the Toreador (1925)

Alice the Toreador
, an Alice Comedy, was released on January 15, 1925. Produced by the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. Distributed by M.J. Winkler Productions.

Alice (Virginia Davis) and Julius the Cat enter a bull fighting competition after finding a lazy, docile, broken steer. A rival competitor, a cat named Terrible Tom swaps out Alice’s docile bull for a mean bull. But when Terrible Tom fights the docile bull, but he becomes mean after a run in with a cactus. The mean bull that was swapped in to fight Alice is lured out of the ring by Julius, who then returns disguised as a bull to help Alice win.

Cast and Crew

Director: Walt Disney. Producer: Walt Disney (uncredited). Writer: Walt Disney (uncredited). Editor: George Winkler (uncredited). Visual Effects: George Lowerre (Cameraman, uncredited). Camera and Electrical Department: Mike Marcus (Camera Operator, uncredited). Animation Department: Lillian Bounds (Ink and Paint, uncredited), Kathleen Dollard (Ink and Paint, uncredited), Rollin Hamilton (Animator, uncredited), Thurston Harper (Animator, uncredited), Ub Iwerks (Animator, uncredited). Cast: Virginia Davis (Alice).

Technical Specifications

Running Time: 7:32. Animation Type: Combination live-action and standard animation. Sound Mix: Silent. Color: Black and White. Aspect Ratio: 1.33.1.

Have you seen Alice and Toreador? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 15)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 


"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 15 (Wednesday)


The Lion King, 1994
Story sketch, Mel Shaw, pastel

Should Simba have whiskers? This was a big question for Disney animators because whiskers can be a challenge to animate. In the end, they compromised and put whiskers on the adult male lions and no whiskers on cubs and female adult lions. Sorry, no whiskers for young Simba. He'll have to wait a bit for his!

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: No Hunting (1955)

No Hunting, a Walt Disney Donald Duck cartoon short, was released in theaters on January 14, 1955. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Inc.

Donald Duck is inspired by his Grandpa’s hunting skills and heads out on a modern-day hunt. When he arrives at the hunting grounds, he finds it overcrowded with hunters. The next day, the hunting season begins, chaos ensues and the forest looks like a war zone. Donald leaves the next day without any game but a cow with the word "cow" painted on the side. Bambi and his mother make a cameo but runaway when seeing loads of litter floating downstream. 

At the 28th Academy Awards on March 21, 1956, was nominated for Best Short Subject (Cartoon). The short was released on November 11, 2008, on Walt Disney Treasures: The Chronological Donald, Volume 4: 1951-1961.

Cast and Crew

Director: Jack Hannah. Writer(s): Dick Shaw, Bill Berg, and Milt Schaffer (uncredited). Producer: Walt Disney (uncredited). Animator(s): Bob Carlson (Animator, uncredited), Eve Fletcher (Painter, uncredited), Robert Givens (Layout Artist, uncredited), Yale Gracey (Layout Artist), Ray Huffine (Background Artist), Roy Jenkins (Animator, uncredited), Hal King (Animator, uncredited), Les Kline (Animator, uncredited), Dan MacManus (Effects Animator), Alan Maley (Background Artist, uncredited), Cliff Nordberg (Animator, uncredited), Joe Ruby (Inbetween Artist, uncredited), Al Setter (Animator, uncredited), John Sibley (Animator), Marion Smith (Painter, uncredited), Bill Southwood (Animator, uncredited). Cast: Robert Bruce (Narrator, uncredited), Peggy Connelly (voice of Bambi's Mother, uncredited), Jack Hannah (voice of Moose, uncredited), James MacDonald (Bull, uncredited), Clarence Nash (voice of Donald Duck, uncredited), Milt Schaffer (voice of Usher, uncredited), Bill Thompson (voice of Donald's Grandpa / Ranger, uncredited). Composer: Oliver Wallace. Sound Department: George Lowerre (uncredited).

Technical Specifications

Runtime: 6:10. Animation Type: Standard Animation. Sound Mix: Mono (RCA Sound Recording). Color: Color (Technicolor). Aspect Ratio: 2:35.1 (CinemaScope). 

Have you seen No Hunting? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 14)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 14 (Tuesday)


Soul, 2020

Walking in New York City is intense, but even more so when you're trapped inside a cat's body. That's the dilemma facing Joe Gardner, whose soul is trapped inside Mr. Mittens the cat. Meanwhile, 22, a soul from The Great Before, is stuck inside Joe. What a mix-up!

Monday, January 13, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 13)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

Each day I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

January 13 (Monday)


The Princess and the Frog
, 2009

Ray the firefly charms Tiana and Naveen, who come to rely on hum as their bayou guide. Ray is madly in love with Evangeline, who shimmers in the night sky. Ray is surely the world's most romantic firefly.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 10/11)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 11/12 (Saturday/Sunday)


All in a Nutshell, 1949

Meet Donald Duck: sweetheart to Daisy Duck; uncle to Huey, Dewey, and Louie; nemesis of Chip and Dale; and friend and comic foil to Mickey Mouse. Donald made his screen debut in 1937 with Don Donald. He’s been a beloved star ever since.

Note: I copied this directly from the calendar page but it is technically incorrect. Donald Duck actually made his screen debut in 1934 in The Wise Little Hen. Don Donald was the first in the Donald Duck cartoon short series, his previous appearances before that were in Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. 

Friday, January 10, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: Underwater (2020)

Underwater was released in theaters on January 10, 2020. Produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The last film to be released under the 20th Century Fox name before the studio was rebranded as 20th Century Studios by The Walt Disney Company. They acquired 20th Century Fox on March 19, 2019.

The film is set in the year 2050 and follows a group of workers at a deep-sea drilling facility in the Marina Trench. When an earthquake strikes, the facility is damaged, and the survivors must navigate the dark depths of the ocean floor to reach another facility. Along the way they encounter trouble, including hostile creatures from the deep sea. 

Songs from the movie included "SpongeBob SquarePants Theme" (Performed by Avril Lavigne) and "The Unknown" (Performed by Bonnie X Clyde). 

The movie had an estimated budget of $80 million and a worldwide gross of $40.8 million, making it a box office flop.  It was released on home media on DVD and Blu-ray on April 14, 2020.

Cast and Crew

Director: Willaim Eubank. Writer(s): Brian Duffield (Screenplay and Story) and Adam Cozad (Screenplay). Producer(s): Peter Chernin, Tonia Davis, and Jenno Topping. Executive Producer: Kevin Halloran. Cast: Kristen Stewart (Norah Price), Vincent Cassel (Captain Lucien), Mamoudou Athie (Rodrigo Nagenda), T.J. Miller (Paul Abel), John Gallagher Jr. (Liam Smith), Jessica Henwick (Emily Haversham), Gunner Wright (Lee Miller), Fiona Rene (Godmother), and Amanda Troop (Poseidon Patty). Cinematographer: Bojan Bazelli. Production Designer: Naaman Marshall. Editor(s): Brian Burden, William Hoy, and Todd E. Miller. Associate Producer: Jared Purrington. Costume Designer: Dorotka Wapinska. Music Composer(s): Marco Beltrami and Brandon Roberts. Casting Director: Angelo Demo.

Technical Specifications

MPAA Rating: PG-13. Runtime: 95 minutes. Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos. Color: Color. Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1.

Ratings
Disney Movie and Film Encyclopedia: 48.6 (out of 100)
IMDb: 5.9/10
Metacritic (Metascore): 48
Metacritic (User Score): 6.1
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer): 48%
Rotten Tomatoes (Popcornmeter): 60%

Have you seen Underwater? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 10)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 10 (Friday)


Monsters, Inc., 2001

Each morning, Mike Waxowski wakes his roommate, Sulley, and puts him through a grueling exercise routine to prepare him for the day’s work ahead. Sulley is Monsters, Inc.’s top Scarer, and Mike is his assistant, a role he takes very seriously. “Feel the burn,” Mike exclaims. “You call yourself a monster?”

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 9)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 9 (Thursday)


Frozen, 2013

As kids, Elsa and Anna sneak into the Great Hall to play in the winter wonderland that Elsa creates. Frozen filmmakers held a “Sister Summit” in which women from across the studio were invited to share stories of their own sisterly bonds. Their stories helped inspire Elsa and Anna’s. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 8)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 8 (Wednesday)


Cars, 2006
Concept art, Steven Purcell, acrylic

Doc Hudson is a Radiator Springs’ doctor and town judge. Doc was voiced by actor Paul Newman, a film legend who was also a race car driver. 

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 7)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 7 (Tuesday)


Beauty and the Beast, 1991

Belle refuses Gaston's offer of marriage. She's not in love with him, but Gaston loves Gaston enough for two. The great hunter can't resist admiring his reflection at every opportunity. He's a catch - he'll be the first one to tell you!

Monday, January 6, 2025

Encyclopedia Entry: Houseguest (1995)

Houseguest was released in theaters on January 6, 1995. Produced by Hollywood Pictures in association with Caravan Pictures and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

The story centers around Kevin Franklin (Sinbad), a con artist who finds himself in trouble with loan sharks. To escape, Kevin assumes the identity of Derek Bond (Ron Glass), a successful dentist whom he overhears is being expected at the airport. Gary Young (Phil Hartman), a lawyer who hasn't seen Derek in 25 years assumes it’s his old friend when Kevin says he is Derek. Gary and his family welcome Kevin, believing him to be Derek. The film follows Kevin's humorous attempts to keep up the charade while inadvertently helping the Young family with their personal issues. Through his interactions, Kevin finds himself growing closer to the family and reevaluating his own life choices.

Songs from the movie included “Green Onions” (Performed by Booker T. & the M.G.s as Booker T. & the MGs), “Brick House” (Performed by The Commodores), “Michelle” (Performed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney), “Goodnight Irene,” “You Deserve a Break Today,” “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, ““Danny Boy” (Performed by Rick Riso); “Lovin’ Life” (Performed by Siedah Garrett); “Heroic Sentiment,” “Dramatic Event,” “Escape,” “Feel the Pain” (Performed by Dinosaur Jr.); “Tap the Bottle” (Performed by Young Black Teenagers); “People in the Middle” (Performed by Spearhead); “Work That Body” (Performed by David Morales); “Gangsta Glide” (Performed by Kinfolk); “Ha Ha in the House,” “Whoa Whoa Hey,” “Christmas/Burger Medley,” “Pennsylvania Lottery Song,” “Kill Your Parents,” “Funky Dog Rap,” “Camp Mapleridge Song,” “Jingle Bell Day” (Performed by Carman Twillie), “Christmas Nights” (Performed by Louis Price), “Speed Golf” (Performed by Louis Price), “Coconut,” “Back Off Santa” (Performed by Louie Price). 

The movie had an estimated budget of $10.5 million with a worldwide gross of $26.3 million. First released on home media on LaserDisc on July 26, 1995. Released on VHS on September 12, 1995 (Full Screen) and March 6, 1996. Released on DVD (Widescreen) on October 8, 2002. 

Cast and Crew

Director: Randall Miller. Writer(s): Michael J. Di Gaetano and Lawrence Gay. Producer(s): Joe Roth and Roger Birnbaun. Executive Producer: Dennis Bishop. Cast: Sinbad (Kevin Franklin), Phil Hartman (Gary Young), Jeffrey Jones (Ron Timmerman), Kim Greist (Emily Young), Stan Shaw (Larry), Tony Longo (Joey Gasperini), Paul Ben-Victor (Pauly Gasperini), Mason Adams (Mr. Pike), Chauncey Leopardi (Jason Young), Tallia Seider (Sarah Young), Kim Murphy (Brooke Young), Ron Glass (Dr. Derek Bond), Kevin West (Vincent Montgomery), Kevin Jordan (Steve ‘ST-3’). Director of Photography: Jerzy Zielinski. Production Designer: Paul Peters. Editor: Eric Sears, A.C.E. Co-Producer: Riley Kathryn Ellis and Jody Savin. Costume Designer: Jyl Moder. Music: John Debney. Casting: Rick Montgomery and Dan Parada.

Technical Specifications

MPAA Rating: PG. Running Time: 109 minutes. Sound Mix: Dolby Digital / Dolby SR. Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1. 

Ratings

Disney Movie and Film Encyclopedia: 57.1 (out of 100)
IMDb: 5.9/10
Metacritic (Metascore): N/A
Metacritic (Userscore): N/A
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer): 18%
Rotten Tomatoes (Popcornmeter): 55%


Have you seen Houseguest? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

Encyclopedia Entry: Pluto's Heart Throb (1950)

Pluto's Heart Throb
, a Walt Disney Pluto cartoon short, was released on January 6, 1950. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Inc.

Pluto and Butch the Bulldog are competing for the love of Dinah the Dachshund. Pluto earns her admiration after he rescues her from a swimming pool.

The short was released on December 16, 2009, Walt Disney Treasures: The Complete Pluto, Volume 2

Cast and Crew

Director: Charles Nichols. Writer: Roy Williams. Producer: Walt Disney. Animator(s): Jack Boyd (Effects Animation, uncredited), Phil Duncan (Animator), Hugh Fraser (Animator), Karl Karpe (Background Artist), George Kreisler (Animator), Art Landy (Layout Artist), George Nicholas (Animator). Cast: James MacDonald (Pluto/Butch/Dinah voices, uncredited). Music: Oliver Wallace. Sound Department: George Lowerre.

Technical Specifications

Runtime: 6:50 minutes. Animation Type: Standard Animation. Sound Mix: RCA Sound Recording. Color: Color (Technicolor). Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1

Have you seen Pluto’s Heart Throb? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 6)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 6 (Monday)


Steamboat Willie, 1928

While piloting a steamboat, Mickey Mouse whistles a happy tune, amazing audiences when the cartoon premiered in 1928. For the first time, an animated character's actions were perfectly synced to the film's soundtrack. Mickey's whistle made movie history. 

Sunday, January 5, 2025

2025 Upcoming Disney Films

Here is the latest list of movies and films being released by Disney in 2025. Some movies are coming that I really want to see, and others I do not really care to see, but I will for the sake of the blog. I am including all movies and films that fall under The Walt Disney Studios banner, including Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and 20th Century Studios. 

Captain America: Brave New World (February 14)

Marvel Studios

Directed by Julius Onah

Screenplay by Julius Onah, Peter Glanz, and Matthew Orton

Story by Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Rob Edwards

Based on Captain America by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and Sam Wilson by Stan Lee and Gene Colan

Produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore

Starring Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson and Harrison Ford 

Encyclopedia Entry: Tiger Trouble (1945)

Tiger Trouble, Walt Disney Goofy cartoon short, was released on January 5, 1945. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Inc.

Goofy is on Safari, and he and his elephant get in all sorts of trouble.

The short was released on December 3, 2002, on Walt Disney Treasures: The Complete Goofy. 

Cast and Crew

 Director: Jack Kinney. Writer: Bill Peet. Producer: Walt Disney. Animator(s): Al Bertino (Animator, uncredited), Jack Boyd (Animator), Claude Coats (Background Artist), Marc Davis (Animator, uncredited), Helen Jordan (Animator, uncredited), Milt Kahl (Animator), Katherine Kerwin (Ink and Paint Artist, uncredited), Hal King (Animator, uncredited), Eric Larson (Animator), Lance Nolley (Layout Artist), Cliff Nordberg (Animator, uncredited), John Sibley (Animator), Margaret Trinidade (Ink and Paint Artist, uncredited). Cast: Pinto Colvig (Goofy/Elephant/Tiger voices, uncredited), Milt Kahl (Vocal Effects, uncredited), James MacDonald (Tiger / Elephant voices, uncredited), Fred Shields (Narrator, uncredited). Music: Paul J. Smith. Sound Department: George Lowerre (uncredited). Camera Operator: Dick Grills (uncredited).

Technical Specifications

Runtime: 7:44 minutes. Animation Type: Standard Animation. Sound Mix:  RCA Sound Recording. Color: Color (Technicolor). Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1.

Have you seen Tiger Trouble? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Encyclopedia Entry: The Tortoise and the Hare (1935)

The Tortoise and the Harea Walt Disney Silly Symphony cartoon short, premiered on December 31, 1934, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. Generally released in theaters on January 5, 1935. Produced by Walt Disney Productions and distributed by United Artists. Based on the Aesop's Fable of the same name.

The over-confident Max Hare races against Toby Tortoise. Max doesn't take the race seriously and at one point stops to show off for bunnies from Miss Cottontails Girls' School. Toby comes from behind to beat Max and is carried away by the spectators.

At the 7th Academy Awards on February 27, 1935, won the Oscar for Best Short Subject (Cartoon). The short was released on December 4, 2001, on Walt Disney Treasures: Silly Symphonies - The Historic Musical Animated Classics. The Tortoise and the Hare can be found on Disney+.

Cast and Crew

Director: Wilfred Jackson. Writer: Larry Clemmons. Producer: Walt Disney. Animator(s): Les Clark, Larry Clemmons, Dick Huemer, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, Dick Lundy, Hamilton Luske, Hawley Pratt, Milt Schaffer, Louie Schmitt, Frenchy de Tremaudan. Cast: Pinto Colvig (Starter voice, uncredited), Dorothy Compton (Girl Bunny voice, uncredited), Marcellite Garner (Miss Cottontail Girl voice, uncredited), Beatrice Hagan (Girl Bunny voice, uncredited), Eddie Holden (Toby Tortoise voice, uncredited), Toblin Jaues (Narrator, uncredited), Mary Moder (Girl Bunny voice, uncredited), Ned Horton (Max Hare voice, uncredited). Music: Frank Churchill. Editor: Antonio Pierce. Sound Department: George Lowerre. 

Technical Specifications 

Runtime: 8:17 minutes. Animation Type: Standard Animation. Sound Mix: Mono (RCA Victor High Fidelity Sound System). Color: Color (Technicolor). Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1.

Have you seen The Tortoise and the Hare? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 4/5)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 4/5 (Saturday/Sunday)


Luca, 2021

Sea monsters Luca and Alberto have never eaten pasta before. They are astonished. It is delicious!

Friday, January 3, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 3)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 3 (Friday)


Encanto, 2021

Mirabel has been trying to avoid telling the village children that, unlike everyone else in her family, she does not possess a magical power. But the flower-delivery guy reveals her truth. "Gift or no gift," Mirabel declares, "I am just as special as the rest of my family."

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Disney: A Year of Animation (January 2)

I received the Disney: A Year of Animation 2025 Daily Calendar this past Christmas. Each day, I will share the daily page from the calendar. 

"Celebrate the magic of Disney every day of the year with this delightful daily calendar. Each page features a colorful film still or rare piece of production art alongside memorable dialogue, behind-the-scene quotes, or little-known trivia. Join classic characters from all your favorite films, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Wish, for a year of Disney and Pixar moments to treasure." - from the back of the box.

January 2 (Thursday)


Ratatouille, 2007

Remy can't talk to humans, so Linguini can't understand Remy's cooking instructions. But Remi discovers that pulling on Linguini's hair gives the rat control of Linguii's arms. Here they are practicing their technique, and then the two get the same far-fetched idea at once: Remy will guide Linguini via his hair. This will take some practice!