Sorcerer's Hat v. Grauman's Chinese Theatre Face-off

[WDWFigment]

I like the hat, just wish they'd move somewhere else, like over the ticket area by the entrance or something.

Love the creative image though WDWFigment! I love HDR images, I wish I had the equipment, talent and wherewithall to do them.

Thanks! It's actually not HDR--single shot taken with the Nikon D90 and fisheye lens.

 

[d1gitman]

...As I have read in the past the Sorcerer's Hat is now there specifically to MASK the Theater facade, due to certain "ownership/copyright" issues.

Maybe. Maybe not.
.

I can't see how if there are copyright issues with the facade of the theater, that the hat would be any kind of resolution. That makes absolutely no sense to me, but maybe that's just me. The hat in no way alters the facade to change the look of it. It only shields the view of the theater if you are standing on the other side of the hat. One can still see the theater in all it's glory, thus i don't buy it being a copyright issue. If that were the case, the face would have been renovated to have a unique look.

 

[Missus Toad]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: The hat is an eyesore on par with the SSE wand. Both diminish the scale, theming, aesthetics and grandeur of their respective parks. Move the hat for cryin' out loud.

 

[WDWFigment]

I can't see how if there are copyright issues with the facade of the theater, that the hat would be any kind of resolution. That makes absolutely no sense to me, but maybe that's just me. The hat in no way alters the facade to change the look of it. It only shields the view of the theater if you are standing on the other side of the hat. One can still see the theater in all it's glory, thus i don't buy it being a copyright issue. If that were the case, the face would have been renovated to have a unique look.

The copyright explanation I've heard is with regard to PhotoPass images taken with the Theatre in the background. If Grauman's isn't in the background, it's not an issue. Like I said before, I think it's more internet legend than anything.

 

[ilovejsparrow]

Not a fan of the hat, definitely prefer the theatre. Awesome pic by the way OP

 

[TerrytownGrl]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: The hat is an eyesore on par with the SSE wand. Both diminish the scale, theming, aesthetics and grandeur of their respective parks. Move the hat for cryin' out loud.

Agree. I would much prefer to see the Theater when walking down Hollywood Blvd. I've said it before, I think the BAH should be moved.

Just my .02.

 

[PatriciaH]

Agree-please move the BAH!

 

[squee!! disney!!]

i don't care for the hat but i don't see them moving it at any point.

 

[Yubbie]

I think they should add the mickey hand and wand to the side of the Chinese Theater or maybe replace the hat with a giant Lotso Bear Statue or maybe decorate the Chinese Theater to look like a giant birthday cake.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm another who thinks that the hat is out of place and needs to be somewhere else. It completely messes up the theming IMO.

 

[jamstew]

I got to speak with an Imagineer on the topic earlier this year and he said that the hat has nothing to do with any copyright issues with the theater. I think some executives tried to fit more characters in where ever they could and since the theater never really established itself as the icon for the park (having to compete with the Earful Tower and being the smallest primary icon out of the four parks - compared to Cinderella's Castle, Spaceship Earth, and the Tree of Life) they thought it would be a good idea to squeeze more Mickey in. Now that the arm is off of Spaceship Earth, the hat is the worst architecture on Disney controlled property. (The worst in the result is the giant fish and birds looming over the Eiffel Tower in Epcot courtesy of the Swan and Dolphin.) It will be a great day for the park when they get rid of the hat and let you walk down an old Hollywood street with a theater at the end instead of a cartoon's giant accessory.

 

[cglaura]

Thanks! It's actually not HDR--single shot taken with the Nikon D90 and fisheye lens.

Oh, cool. I always get that stuff confused. I guess that would fall into the "not having the talent or wherewithall" portion of my photographic experience Very beautiful pictures though (I clicked to your photopages..nice!)

 

[Missus Toad]

I love that in the pic, the theater looks like a giant robot reaching out to crush the hat while shooting lasers at it. But maybe it's just my wishful eyes seeing that...

 

[Luvchefmic]

I love that in the pic, the theater looks like a giant robot reaching out to crush the hat while shooting lasers at it. But maybe it's just my wishful eyes seeing that...

Oh that's funny I went back to look at OP pic and you're right! Beautiful picture by the way. Having been there opening day I'm of the group that feels get rid of the hat. It's one of my favorite movies BUT so ruined MGM and the whole feel of the park I can't get DHS in my head

 

[joshsmom]

I like the hat, but not where its at. I think it ruins the whole scene. Having a shot of the Theater all the way down the Blvd takes me straight back to Hollywood. I know DHS is supposed to be the "Hollywood that never was", but the Theater has so much nostalgia!! The hat is just . . .a BAH. It would be better somewhere else.

And, as for the pp who said something about the water towers on the lots, etc, I TOTALLY agree!! I STILL take pictures of the Earful Tower every time. Brings back great feelings!!!

 

[MYD714]

I think they should add the mickey hand and wand to the side of the Chinese Theater or maybe replace the hat with a giant Lotso Bear Statue or maybe decorate the Chinese Theater to look like a giant birthday cake.

The hat needs to go!

 

[ambertides]

I hate the hat. I just want to kick it. The theater was so impressive to me the first time I walked in the park. The hat... is just not the same. Toss it in the lake with the S.S. Down the Hatch and Gertie.

 

[Quartermistress]

Mr. Iger, tear down this hat!

 

[TheBacklot]

Mr. Iger, tear down this hat!

This woman knows what she's talking about!

 

[Michelle and crew]

Oh that's funny I went back to look at OP pic and you're right! Beautiful picture by the way. Having been there opening day I'm of the group that feels get rid of the hat. It's one of my favorite movies BUT so ruined MGM and the whole feel of the park I can't get DHS in my head

We weren't there the first day, but that first season. I loved the park so much. The hat changed the feel of it, and I prefer the older water tower and theater feel.