Walt Disney and the 1964 World's Fair Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Collectors will enjoy this set of 5 CDs (clocking in at over 3 hours) covering the contributions of Disney to the 1964/65 World's Fair in New York. Disney was anxious to interest the East Coast in his theme park in Anaheim, California, and the World's Fair was the perfect vehicle to showcase what Disneyland was about. Many on the East Coast had difficulty understanding what Disneyland was, thinking it was not much more than a run-of-the-mill amusement park. Ambitiously, Disney put together no fewer than 4 major exhibits, including it's a small world, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Carousel of Progress, and The Magic Skyway. In one form or another, each one of these attractions were eventually installed at Disneyland and then in Orlando at Disney World. How successful was Disney's ambitious gamble? 90% of Fair guests attended the Disney exhibits, and these were the ones that people mainly remembered and raved about, especially the Mr. Lincoln exhibit.
This set contains 4 CD's plus a bonus one:
1. Progressland: A total of 17 tracks covering the Carousel of Progress and the famous Sherman Brothers song, "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow."
Bonus Disc: Progressland--Carousel of Progress (Alternate Universe Version): Discover this fully-scored, full-length performance of the Carousel as you've never heard it before. An alternate script is used here.
2. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln: 7 tracks featuring the memorable exhibit that is about to return to Disneyland at the Main Street Opera House. Includes Royal Dano's dialog recording session and interpretation of the 16th American President. Includes the dramatic "Battle Hymn of the Republic" finale from the show.
3. it's a small world: If the song drives you crazy, you may want to skip this disc, containing 10 tracks from the exhibit originally sponsored by Pepsi. Hear demo recording's, Walt's original welcome speak, isolated vocal tracks, and more.
4. Magic Skyway: 14 tracks covering the Ford Exhibit which allowed guests to board Ford automobiles and experience a 12-minute journey into the past (complete with Dinosaurs and Caveman) and the future. Tracks include the recording session of Walt's narration and 9 tracks of the atmosphere music for the International Gardens.
This set also includes a well-designed 24-page booklet, beautifully illustrated with full-color photos and concept art, as well as informative notes on each attraction. My one beef here is that the booklet is heavy on the concept art, but light on photos from the actual Fair. I would have been interesting to see how these exhibits actually looked in vintage photos.
Overall, huge thumbs up to this set! The quality of the recordings is truly amazing, especially considering the rarity and age; over 40 years! I highly recommend this one to Disney, Disneyland, and World's Fair afficionados.

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Disneyland Goes To the World's Fair is a rare behind the scenes look at Walt Disney's contribution to the 1964 World's Fair. It was here where Walt unveiled several unique attractions and exhibits that would forever change not only Disneyland, but greatly influence the future of Disney Theme Parks yet to be imagined. This 5-CD Set includes a 24-page full color booklet and more than three hours of recordings from the classic attractions and exhibits Walt Disney and his team of artists created for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Progressland: Behind-the original World's Fair scenes recordings and original music from the Progressland Exhibit, featuring a never-before released production of Carousel of Progress. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln: Experience the sounds of the original Illinois Pavilion. As a special treat, you'll hear the original recording sessions of the man who gave Mr. Lincoln his voice (Royal Dano) and listen to the lavish original score by Disney legend Buddy Baker also presented as individual tracks. "It's A Small World": Includes the original demo recording of the legendary song as well as isolated vocals and a grand master mix of the varied international interpretations of the famous tune directly from the attraction soundtrack. Also included is a tour of this charming "little boat ride" with Walt Disney as your guide. Magic Skyway: Takes you on a time-traveling "road trip" with Walt Disney as he personally escorts you hrough the Age of Dinosaurs, the ascent of man, and to the distant future. BONUS DISC: Carousel of Progress - Alternate Universe Version

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