Disney reaches retro's limit, folds classic-tunes CD burner

[crazy4wdw]

Disney reaches retro's limit, folds classic-tunes CD burner

Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted October 14, 2006

Tucked away in a couple of corners of Walt Disney World, Burl Ives, Annette Funicello, Mary Martin and Fess Parker still belted them out. But no more.

Walt Disney World has closed a small, obscure, yet unique attraction: two consumer CD-burners loaded with old Disney music.

The "Wonderland" machines were set in back corners of the Once Upon a Toy store in Downtown Disney and the Virtual Magic Kingdom store in the Magic Kingdom. For $15.99, customers could burn copies of albums not elsewhere available for generations.

Dozens of offerings included Burl Ives -- Chim Chim Cheree, Annette -- Volume 1 and it's a small world 1964 World's Fair.

But the machines simply weren't very popular, a Disney spokesman said.

In their place are shelves of Disney CDs, including a few, such as Mickey's Top 40 Tunes, that feature repackaged, select oldies.

Disney observer Nathan Rose, creator of the ******************** Web site, said few people knew about the CD burners because Disney did almost no promotion. He called their albums "lost music."

Rose said Disney insiders told him the company pulled the machines after deciding to sell all the music on the iTunes Internet music service run by Disney's business ally, Apple.

"When I heard it was going to iTunes, I was a little upset," Rose said.

A Disney spokesman disputed that report, saying the issue was Wonderland sales.

"During this trial period the guest response was not strong," Jacob DiPietre said.

 

[vonpluto]

For you Disney audiophiles out there, this was posted by WDR producer Randy Thornton on the Magical Music of the Mouse site back in June:

"Hiya, Y'all!

It is true that The Wonderland Music System will be closing within the next few months. But that does not, in any way, mean that we have stopped the reissue of our old albums. Quite the contrary!!! We are continuing the digital migration and restoration of these ‘old friends’ even as I write this. Soon, we will be able to offer you loyal folks these and many, many more titles in a way that everyone everywhere will have easy access to them.


November 2006 (and the weeks pervious) will be quite significant. I’ll be posting updates as the time draws near.

Randy Thornton"

 

[jdg345]

So is this listed on an iTunes Catalog somewhere ?

 

[vonpluto]

So is this listed on an iTunes Catalog somewhere ?

Found this on Laughing Place:

Walt Disney Records' 50th Anniversary is One for the Record Books

Walt Disney Records:

Label Launches Preservation Process for its Earliest Classic Recordings and Announces the Release of a Commemorative Edition Two-Disc Set
First-ever Museum Exhibit at Seattle's Experience Music Project Opens in November
"Some people will tell you that music was a key ingredient of Walt Disney's success. Don't you believe it. Music was the foundation of Walt Disney's success." - Leonard Maltin
Fifty days and counting! Walt Disney Records, the leader in family audio entertainment, celebrates its remarkable 50-year history with a celebration of its unique musical heritage, the preservation of its catalog, a commemorative CD and a landmark, first-ever exhibition.

The music of Disney has been enchanting and entertaining audiences for generations, from the first time Mickey Mouse whistled a tune in Steamboat Willie to the modern day phenomenon of High School Musical. Since its launch as Disneyland Records by Walt and Roy Disney in 1956, the label has earned more than 275 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards from the R.I.A.A., 22 Grammys® and 18 Academy Awards®. The label started as an extension of The Walt Disney Company's film, television and theme park projects, in addition to being a springboard for emerging talent. Well-known offerings such as High School Musical (3x platinum), the Disneymania franchise (3 million units), The Lion King franchise (15+ million units) and Mary Poppins (3x platinum) showcase the enduring popularity of WDR's catalog, with several releases ranking among the top-selling singles and soundtracks of all time.

In addition to producing music for the entire family including infants/toddlers, kids, tweens/teens and adults, Walt Disney Records preserves Disney's rich musical history by re-mastering many of its classic soundtracks and original productions. In celebration of the 50th anniversary, a massive preservation and restoration process is underway for the label's earliest classic recordings.

This fall, the label will begin releasing these restored titles and will be available through digital outlets, including iTunes, marking the triumphant release of the great Disneyland and Buena Vista records millions of Americans grew up with. The vast quantity of archive song material consists of classic Disney songs, original material performed by popular artists of the day and movie soundtracks. These vintage treasures will be digitally restored beyond the sonic brilliance of the original masters, allowing them to sound better than they did when they were first issued nearly 50 years ago.

Walt Disney Records' The Archive Collection is a special iTunes digital-only release featuring 50 unique WDR recordings from a wide range of artists including, Cliff Edwards (voice of Jiminy Cricket), Mary Martin, Hayley Mills, Burl Ives, Louis Prima, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Armstrong, Little Richard, Peter Frampton, They Might Be Giants, The Cheetah Girls and many more. The Archive Collection will be available on iTunes beginning November 7.

In addition to the digital releases, on November 7 the label will bring favorite Disney musical moments to fans from all generations with a special 2-disc commemorative edition, Disney's The Music Behind the Magic. The collection highlights 50 of the most beloved musical classics of all time from movies, television shows, theme parks, Broadway musicals and unique WDR recordings. These carefully selected tracks represent numerous milestones for the label and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) -- for example, "Some Day My Prince Will Come" from Snow White (first soundtrack), "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio (theme song for TWDC), "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" (first single from a television show), "Tall Paul" by Annette Funicello (the label's first teen sensation), tracks from Mary Poppins (album held the #1 position on Billboard's Top 200 Chart for 14 weeks) and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King (soundtrack earned WDR its first Diamond Award from the RIAA, certifying sales of 10 million units).

The 50th anniversary celebration continues as Walt Disney Records' and The Walt Disney Company's legacy is brought to life with a one-of-a-kind exhibit, Disney: The Music Behind the Magic. Opening November 5th, the exhibit will be housed at Seattle's Experience Music Project (EMP) for one year before traveling to cities across the U.S. and around the world. Disney: The Music Behind the Magic is the first comprehensive exhibit devoted to exploring and examining the role music has played in The Walt Disney Company's phenomenal successes and its cultural impact over the past 80 years. Walt Disney Records provided unprecedented access into its archives and talent pool expressly for this exhibition.

Details of the label's contribution to the music industry and The Walt Disney Company for its 50th celebration will be featured in the forthcoming Billboard Magazine Tribute issue, on sale November 4.

"There is no other record label in the history of the industry with as diverse and eclectic a catalog as Walt Disney Records," said Robert Marick, Sr. Vice President/General Manager, Walt Disney Records. "Our catalog is comprised of 15,000 recordings including releases from a variety of superstars from every era -- from Louis Armstrong to Peggy Lee to Annette Funicello and Christina Aguilera." Marick adds, "Music has always played an integral role in the success of all facets of The Walt Disney Company. The Experience Music Project exhibit captures, for the very first time, the lasting legacy and impact Disney has made in the music industry and pop culture around the world. The exhibit, along with our catalog preservation efforts, Commemorative Edition two-disc release and Billboard Tribute Issue are terrific ways to celebrate the label's 50th Anniversary."

Walt Disney Records and its imprints Buena Vista Records and Disney Sound are part of The Buena Vista Music Group. The Buena Vista Music Group encompasses all of the Walt Disney Company's recorded music and music publishing operations.

For tickets to Disney: The Music Behind the Magic and addition information on EMP, please visit www.emplive.org or phone 206-770-2700.

--Posted September 15, 2006
Source: Walt Disney Records

 

[jdg345]

Thanks! It's a shame it's going to be iTunes only though ... would like to have physical media of this stuff ...

 

[Belle1997]

Well maybe it is disney's shame for not promoting these areas. I have been to disney numerous times and was never aware of this unique feature for burning CD's. I think I might have actually bought one. So how many never knew it existed or never knew where to find them.

 

[Disneybag]

That's a real shame it's a digital-only release. While it's very convenient for we ipod users, it'd be nice to have some packaging. They did a very impressive job with The Musical History of Disneyland for the 50th. It had a great book, album, and a great package. It's not just the music we're after...damned technology.