Robo
1971 Castle in the Hub: Your lights are on!
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2001
- Messages
- 106,997
If you have not seen this Fantasyland attraction, you might want to skip this post as it contains-
-- SPOILERS --
One of the biggest surprises when an "unknowing" guest sees this attraction is that it is always billed as "MICKEY'S Philharmagic." There is no indication before the show that it will really be virtually ALL DONALD'S production!
It is so beautifully crafted!
From the moment you enter the movie theater, the audio "pre-show" sets a "Goofy mood" but its still about getting MICKEY ready for the show.
When the curtain is finally (accidentally?) raised and you get your first glimpse (still shown in flat 2D at this point) of Mr. D. Duck in a "low-key" position... it is hysterical!
And the film just gets better as it unreels.
This is the classic Donald we know from his "Bee Pictures" and his time-honored sparring with Chip 'n Dale.
He is our old befuddled buddy who "digs" HIMSELF deeper and deeper into trouble.
But still can't help but be a LOVABLE "little-kid" (duckling?) when he receives a bit of kind attention from other characters in the film (some NICE moments, here.)
And let's not forget the EFFECTS themselves.
In scenes above and IN the city of Agrabah, the "camera" and audience are "flown" on a trip unprecedented in prior 3D entertainment films (think Disney Quest carpets.)
It is BREATH-TAKING in the truest sense of the word. I gasp each time I experience it.
There were actually several times during the film where the audiences (at least the ones I happened to be with) broke into spontaneous applause (DURING a MOVIE!)
This film should be the new STANDARD of 3D (4D?) films at Disney... technically- advanced, and yet completely-satisfying in script and character-behavior.
It does Disney proud, and it does DONALD proud!
The true character of the "classic" Donald Duck is fully realized in the film.
He is exactly the flappable guy we grew to love in the early days of Uncle Walt's reign.
And the way that the other film characters relate to Donald (Princess Jasmine is so sweet to him) is a joy to behold!
In nearly ALL 3D films, the "camera" is locked and things happen in front of it.
But at one point in this show, the "camera" flies from high above... down and THROUGH a certain desert city (along WITH Donald).
This time WE get to "fly along" in 3d MOTION (with other sensual effects) and it is simply one of the most exciting film experiences I can recall.
I actually get a lump in my throat in anticipation as we reach that point in the film.
Many in the audience emit happy little screams as things whiz by (one of them is li'l ol' ME.)
Even the Theatre gets special treatment as at one point the actual FRONT WALL (stage proscenium and all) "disappear" and the screen opens to its widest aspect ever.
What a fine DISNEY EXPERIENCE is this whole presentation!
p.s. I'd LOVE to see a film like this shown in the "Soarin'" attraction. It would be a phenomenal experience.
-- SPOILERS --
One of the biggest surprises when an "unknowing" guest sees this attraction is that it is always billed as "MICKEY'S Philharmagic." There is no indication before the show that it will really be virtually ALL DONALD'S production!
It is so beautifully crafted!
From the moment you enter the movie theater, the audio "pre-show" sets a "Goofy mood" but its still about getting MICKEY ready for the show.
When the curtain is finally (accidentally?) raised and you get your first glimpse (still shown in flat 2D at this point) of Mr. D. Duck in a "low-key" position... it is hysterical!
And the film just gets better as it unreels.
This is the classic Donald we know from his "Bee Pictures" and his time-honored sparring with Chip 'n Dale.
He is our old befuddled buddy who "digs" HIMSELF deeper and deeper into trouble.
But still can't help but be a LOVABLE "little-kid" (duckling?) when he receives a bit of kind attention from other characters in the film (some NICE moments, here.)
And let's not forget the EFFECTS themselves.
In scenes above and IN the city of Agrabah, the "camera" and audience are "flown" on a trip unprecedented in prior 3D entertainment films (think Disney Quest carpets.)
It is BREATH-TAKING in the truest sense of the word. I gasp each time I experience it.
There were actually several times during the film where the audiences (at least the ones I happened to be with) broke into spontaneous applause (DURING a MOVIE!)
This film should be the new STANDARD of 3D (4D?) films at Disney... technically- advanced, and yet completely-satisfying in script and character-behavior.
It does Disney proud, and it does DONALD proud!
The true character of the "classic" Donald Duck is fully realized in the film.
He is exactly the flappable guy we grew to love in the early days of Uncle Walt's reign.
And the way that the other film characters relate to Donald (Princess Jasmine is so sweet to him) is a joy to behold!
In nearly ALL 3D films, the "camera" is locked and things happen in front of it.
But at one point in this show, the "camera" flies from high above... down and THROUGH a certain desert city (along WITH Donald).
This time WE get to "fly along" in 3d MOTION (with other sensual effects) and it is simply one of the most exciting film experiences I can recall.
I actually get a lump in my throat in anticipation as we reach that point in the film.
Many in the audience emit happy little screams as things whiz by (one of them is li'l ol' ME.)
Even the Theatre gets special treatment as at one point the actual FRONT WALL (stage proscenium and all) "disappear" and the screen opens to its widest aspect ever.
What a fine DISNEY EXPERIENCE is this whole presentation!
p.s. I'd LOVE to see a film like this shown in the "Soarin'" attraction. It would be a phenomenal experience.
and cannot see 3-D so I guess I'll be seeing it alone a lot next January.
It is a special memory for us. 
