Melody Time

[DodgerGirl]

I was searching Disney+ and found Melody Time and from what I saw of it it's wonderful. Was this the beginning of a series of Disney musical films that were released in the 50's? I know that there is also Make Mine Music and Fun And Fancy Free and did Walt originally create these films as a faster way to make fans wait until the next big Disney movie came out? My favorite short in Melody Time is Once Upon A Wintertime because it's so romantic and I would like to go on a romantic sleigh ride with my crush just like the couple in the film

 

[BrianL]

I was searching Disney+ and found Melody Time and from what I saw of it it's wonderful. Was this the beginning of a series of Disney musical films that were released in the 50's? I know that there is also Make Mine Music and Fun And Fancy Free and did Walt originally create these films as a faster way to make fans wait until the next big Disney movie came out? My favorite short in Melody Time is Once Upon A Wintertime because it's so romantic and I would like to go on a romantic sleigh ride with my crush just like the couple in the film

The reason for the "package pictures" was because of the war. Manpower was reduced and a lot of resources went to making war propoganda cartoons anyway. They are a mixed bag, though some segments are really good. Many were released seperately much later, or shown on their own, like Mickey and the Beanstalk. Interestingly, Make Mine Music is not on Disney+ though I am not sure why. It's the only Walt Disney Animatiooon Studio picture that is not available.

 

[DodgerGirl]

Oh. what an interesting piece of history Brian. I was impressed with Melody Time and thought it was nice and so very well done. You should be a Disney historian and work in a museum because you really know your Disney knowledge well Brian

 

[BrianL]

Oh. what an interesting piece of history Brian. I was impressed with Melody Time and thought it was nice and so very well done. You should be a Disney historian and work in a museum because you really know your Disney knowledge well Brian

Thanks. I'm just an average Disney nerd though.

The package pictures don't get a lot of love outside of some specific shorts, so they fly under the radar. There was also Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros that were package pictures that came beforehand and have a higher profile because4 of Donald Duck, plus the final one, The Adventures of Icabod and Mr. Toad, probably the best known one of all, though when I was little the two parts were often shown seperately.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I still have Melody Time and Fun & Fancy Free on old VHS tapes! My DS loved them when he was little.

The reason for the "package pictures" was because of the war...

I think I remember hearing that too, and also that it helped showcase ideas that were too long to be "shorts" but too short to be full-length animated films.

I got intrigued by the thread and searched for more to read:

Seven Ages

Forgotten Era