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Deconstructing "Pocahontas" 30 Years Later with Dr. Michelle Anya Anjirbag-Reeve and Dr. Peter Kunze
Three decades later and Disney’s 33rd animated feature remains one of its most controversial for its historical inaccuracies and racial depictions. Yet Pocahontas also remains a celebrated film for its score and songs, garnering Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz a pair of Academy Awards. On this episode of Notably Disney, host Brett Nachman leads a discussion of Pocahontas. Joining Brett are two guests who have examined Disney work from a scholarly sense: Dr. Peter Kunze, Assistant Professor of Communication at Tulane University, who was on the podcast a couple of years ago to discuss his book Staging a Comeback, as well as Dr. Michelle Anya Anjirbag-Reeve, Affiliated Researcher at the University of Antwerp. Michelle and Pete examine the roles of race, culture, language, and more in this thoughtful dialogue about how Pocahontas fits within the Disney Renaissance period and in the company more broadly. Email Pete at [email protected] and check out his book about Disney musicals - Staging a Comeback - on the Rugters University Press website. Learn more about Michelle's work by checking out her website: MichelleAnjirbag.com Feel free to reach out to Brett via Bluesky @drnachman and Instagram @drnachman, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to [email protected] New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
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1:30:43
A Salute to All 3D Shows, But Mostly Muppet*Vision 3D
June 7 marks the end of an era, one that lasted 34 years to be precise. The closing of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios signifies not only a farewell to one of the oldest and most beloved attractions in the park, but also to one of the cleverest shows that has ever existed in a Disney theme park. As the last production that Jim Henson worked on, Muppet*Vision 3D is filled with laughs, heart, and ingenuity. To honor this magnificent attraction, author Aaron Wallace joins host Brett Nachman to share our memories, favorite show elements, including its brilliant writing, and they think represent the show’s legacy, among other topics. This episode is a salute to all 3D shows, but mostly Muppet*Vision 3D. If you know, you know! Check out what Aaron Wallace has been up to by following him on Instagram (@aaronhwallace) and find out more about his books on AaronWallaceOnline.com. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Bluesky @drnachman and Instagram @drnachman, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to [email protected] New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
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54:50
Bob Weis (Former President, Walt Disney Imagineering) Engages in "Dream Chasing" in New Book
For more than 70 years Walt Disney Imagineering has been at the forefront of creating unforgettable experiences for theme park guests around the world, and one individual has played a crucial role in spearheading a vision filled with ingenuity and experimentation. Bob Weis, who presided over WDI from 2016-2012, chronicles four decades of self-described success and failure in Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering, a fantastic autobiography recently published by Disney Editions. In this episode of Notably Disney, Bob speaks with host Brett Nachman about a range of topics, from dealing with tight budgets for park attractions to bringing new lands to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Throughout Bob explains the commitment that Disney Imagineers have in developing rich experiences based on classic storytelling. Bob also shares a bit about his new fiction title entitled Ghost Dog. Follow Bob on Instagram @bobweis! Learn more about Dream Chasing on Disney Books and Ghost Dog: A Novel from Old Mill Press. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Bluesky @drnachman and Instagram @drnachman, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to [email protected] New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
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1:04:45
Book Review of "Dream Chasing" by Disney Imagineer Bob Weis (with Book of the Mouse Club)
Last fall saw the release of a massive new autobiography from legendary Disney Imagineer Bob Weis, who ultimately led Walt Disney Imagineering as its president toward the end of his career with the company. Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering recounts Bob’s amazing time with Disney Imagineering, working on new theme parks like the Disney-MGM Studios and Tokyo DisneySea to conceptualizing projects that never materialized. It’s a wonderful look at not only one person’s career, but also the major endeavors that they contributed to. Joining host Brett Nachman to review this title are Emily McDermott and Courtney Guth from the Book the Mouse Club podcast. Be sure to check out the Book of the Mouse Club podcast on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. Their email is [email protected] Also make sure you follow Book of the Mouse Club on Instagram (@bookofthemouse), along with each of the hosts: Courtney (@greatguthsby) and Emily (@emily_mickde). Feel free to reach out to Brett via Bluesky @drnachman and Instagram @drnachman, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to [email protected] New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
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1:01:32
Dr. Gregory Camp Examines Disney Theme Park Music
Notably Disney commonly features conversations with composers and musicians responsible for developing many of the scores we love, including those in the theme parks. Rarely, however, has host Brett Nachman had the opportunity to speak with a musicologist who disentangles such tunes. Joining Brett on this episode is Dr. Gregory Camp, a senior lecturer of music at the University of Auckland School of Music. Later this year, Camp's new book, Music in the Disney Theme Parks, will be published through Routledge. Gregory discusses with Brett what’s in store in this academic title that peers into the music that completely envelops us when visiting a Disney destination. Learn more about Dr. Camp's work by visiting his faculty profile page on the University of Auckland website. Feel free to reach out to Brett via Bluesky @drnachman and Instagram @drnachman, subscribe to the podcast, and send your feedback to [email protected] New episodes of Notably Disney debut on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
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