Book Review: Twenty-Nine Years of Asking Dave Smith

I'm kinda jazzed. I made it into Dave Smith's new book.

There I am, on page 245 of Disney Trivia from the Vault, asking about how the Magic Kingdom Club publication Disney News covered Walt Disney's death in 1966 (it didn't) as well as the passing of Walt's brother Roy (there was a tribute in the spring 1972 issue).

Of course, if you ever sent in an "Ask Dave" question and Dave answered it, there's a good chance you're in the book too.

For 29 years, the legendary archivist has been answering questions from Disney enthusiasts, casual fans and armchair historians. "Ask Dave" began as a column in Disney Channel Magazine, eventually moving to Disney Magazine (my question was first answered in the winter 2004-2005 issue) and later online as part of the "Disney Insider." These days, Dave's column resides at D23, where he still answers a select group of questions each week. He stays pretty busy for a guy who retired in 2010.

Dave Smith

Disney Trivia from the Vault is a compilation of the best "Ask Dave" Q&A's over the years. They're grouped into general categories with chapters devoted to animated features, animated shorts, live-action films, television, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney publications and Walt himself. Questions range from the basic ("Who provided the original voices for Mickey and Minnie Mouse?") to the obscure ("How many triangle-shaped pieces were used to make Spaceship Earth at Epcot?"). Since the interests of Disney fans worldwide are both broad and eclectic, you're just as likely to find a question about the Haunted Mansion as you are about Pablo and the Dancing Chihuahua. It's all very random, and that's exactly what makes the book so fun. You never know what little nugget of information you'll stumble upon next.

If there's any complaint about Disney Trivia from the Vault, it's that, with the exception of a photo montage at the beginning of each chapter, there are no other pictures in the book. Considering that Disney thrives so much on its visual content, you'd think references to forgotten Disneyland attractions, animation continuity and movie poster printing errors would have photos to back them up. It's an omission that detracts from an otherwise entertaining and informative book.

Of course, page 245 is still pretty awesome, so there you have it.

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The 40th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives: Having My Cake and Name Dropping Too

"Just walk up and say hello," my friend Dana said.

"No, he's busy," I said. "I don't want to bother him."

"Come on, you know you want your picture taken with him."

"Yes I do, but not now."

"You're just being shy."

I was not.  Shy would've been getting the nerve to ask Robert Iger out on a date.  Since the president and CEO of the Walt Disney Company isn't really my type, that wasn't an issue.  Saying hello is a fairly simple process.  I could see, however, that he was busy talking business to some people outside the Walt Disney Studios Theater, just minutes away from introducing chief archivist Dave Smith to an audience ready to celebrate 40 years of the Walt Disney Archives.  Now was not the time.  I was sure I'd be able to see him at the reception after the event.  I'm very polite when I stalk well-known people.

Dave Smith has been running the show at the Archives for its entire existence.  In the late 1960s, when he was a reference librarian at UCLA, he completed an extensive bibliography on Walt Disney and was later asked by the studio to help devise a system of organizing and archiving Walt's many letters, awards and memorabilia.  So, Dave took a hiatus from his university work...and never returned.  Forty years later, he's made the Walt Disney Archives the gold standard for animation and pop culture preservation.

Although the event last Friday wasn't meant to be a farewell party--Dave isn't retiring until October--it certainly felt like one, especially when Archives manager Becky Cline fought back tears as she paid tribute to Dave and his incredible legacy at Disney.  Becky will succeed Dave as chief archivist, and it's a well-deserved promotion.  She's spent more than twenty years with Disney, most of them at the Archives.  As a child, she grew up near Burbank and was a regular visitor to Disneyland.  "Mary Poppins" was the first movie she ever saw.  By her own admission, she has the best job in the world.  She can stay.  She's one of us.

Other VIP's in attendance included film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, who did a Q&A with Dave (I have to name drop here.  I found out a few weeks ago that Mr. Maltin follows me on Twitter.  As an admirer of his work--his book "The Disney Films" is one of the reasons I've been a lifelong Disney fan--I'm genuinely flattered).  Also showing up was Karen Dotrice (little Jane Banks in "Mary Poppins") who donated her jacket from the "I Love to Laugh" scene to the Archives.  A parade of Disney execs also we're on hand to donate items.  Before the evening was over, the Archives added to its collection the Red Queen's scepter from Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," the Dead Man's Chest from "POTC 2 & 3," John Locke's knife and an Oceanic boarding pass from "Lost,"  Nicolas Cage's dragon ring from this summer's "Sorcerer's Apprentice," a lighted disc from the upcoming "Tron Legacy," a wand from "The Wizards of Waverly Place" and a jacket worn by Joe Jonas.  Consider for a moment the range of items represented here.  Now add memorabilia from 11 theme parks and a wealth of animation and film items accumulated during Walt's lifetime, and you have just a small idea of the breadth of the Archives collections.  It's truly staggering.

After the presentation, we were treated to cake and champagne outside the theater.  It was also time to troll the crowd for some more Disney celebs.

When you're a Disney geek, your idea of celebrity is different from normal people.  Others may go gaga for, well, Lady Gaga or Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt.  More conventional Disney fans may be impressed with Miley Cyrus or the JoBros.  I'm gobsmacked by the likes of Tony Baxter, X Atencio and Bob Gurr (and if I have to explain to you who these people are, be gone with you).  It was with great satisfaction, then, that I spotted next to the champagne table none other than Disney composer (and legend) Richard Sherman.  With his brother Robert, Richard Sherman composed his fair share of the Great American Songbook while at Disney.  The Sherman Brothers wrote the music for "Mary Poppins," "The Happiest Millionaire," "The Jungle Book," "The Aristocats" and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," among many others.  I had seen Richard perform a few songs at a screening of the documentary "The Boys: The Sherman Brothers" at the D23 Expo last year, but it was a treat to finally meet him in person.

The evening was ultimately about Dave Smith, though, and in anticipation of the many well-wishers at the event, a table was set up at the end of the sidewalk for a meet-and-greet with the man himself.  Dave chatted with the steady stream of attendees, posing for pictures and signing autographs.  I'm sure by the end of the evening, he was tired of hearing all the praise being heaped on him, but he accepted it humbly and with class.  

And what about Bob Iger?

Ummm, well, he left early.  I didn't see him at the reception.

Next time, I'll be more rude.

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What to See at D23 - Day Three

If armchair Imagineering is your thing, Saturday is your day at the D23 Expo, with no less than four sessions dedicated to the nuts and bolts of theme park creativity. Throw in two digitally-restored screen princesses, one brand new one, and an auction of exclusive Disney merchandise, collectibles and events, and you've got a jam-packed day from morning 'til night.

Saturday, 9/12/09

9:00 a.m. - So You Want To Be an Imagineer?, Storytellers Theater
At 47, the boat may have sailed for me to become an Imagineer, but I'm fascinated by the creative process and by people who follow their passions. This panel discussion, led by retired Imagineer Marty Sklar, takes a look at the skills and drive needed to join the ranks of many a Disney geek's dream job.

11:00 a.m. - Imagineering the Future of Disney Theme Parks, D23 Arena
This one could be interesting. For a lot of hardcore Disney fans, there's no love lost for Saturday's keynote speaker, Jay Rasulo. As chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, he's drawn plenty of fire from critics who've accused him of diluting the individual character of Disneyland and Walt Disney World by creating the homogenized "Disney Parks" brand, of lowering maintenance and aesthetic standards in the parks, and of being out of touch with consumers, Disney employees and especially the fan base. Rasulo may also have shot Bambi's mother, we're not sure. The crowd's response to him, as he reveals what's in store for the parks worldwide, will tell all.

12:00 p.m. - 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' Panel Discussion Followed by a Special Screening of the Restored Print, Walt Disney Studios Theater
Walt Disney's first feature-length animated film will be released on Blu-ray October 6th. Get an early look at the digitally-restored version and enjoy a panel discussion led by Disney producer Don Hahn ("Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King"). Is Snow White still the fairest one of all? You betcha.

12:30 p.m. - Growing Up Disney With Roy P. Disney, Stage 23
Roy Patrick Disney dishes on his grandfather Roy O. and granduncle Walt and talks about what it's like to be part of such a legendary family. There'll be lots of photos and film footage too. A great companion session to the Walt Disney Family Museum preview later in the day.

3:00 p.m. - 'The Princess and the Frog' Panel and Screening, Walt Disney Studios Theater
Something old: A princess in 2D animation. Something new: She's African-American. Fans get a sneak-peek at Disney's hugely anticipated fall release and a conversation with directors John Musker and Ron Clements and animators Andreas Deja and Eric Goldberg. This is one to be excited about.

3:30 p.m. - Sneak Preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum, Stage 23
Another one to be excited about, and of course it's running at the same time. The Walt Disney Family Museum opens October 1st in San Francisco, a labor of love spearheaded by Walt's daughter, Diane Disney Miller. Founding executive director Richard Benefield will give an early look inside the museum, paying tribute not to just a corporate icon, but a living, breathing human being who just happened to build an entertainment empire.

3:30 p.m. - The Making of the U.S. Presidents, Storytellers Theater
Tony Baxter and a group of fellow Imagineers will talk about the return of Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to Disneyland later this year, as well as the earlier addition of Barack Obama to the Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World. Missing from the proceedings will be Blaine Gibson, who sculpted the original Lincoln figure as well as 41 of the presidents at Walt Disney World (Try to catch him at the "Imagineering Legends" presentation on Thursday.).

6:30 p.m. - D23 Expo Live Auction, D23 Arena
If you've got money to burn, or just like watching people who do, then don't miss Saturday night's live auction. Up for bid are 49 lots of Disney memorabilia and special event opportunities guaranteed to make you get your geek on. Among the more impressive items are a framed personal check signed by Walt Disney, original "Jungle Book" and "Sleeping Beauty" animation cels, an original 1940 "Fantasia" souvenir program, admission to the world premiere of "The Princess and the Frog," a personal tour of the Walt Disney Studios and Archives by archivist Dave Smith, and a slightly used pirate ship ride vehicle from Peter Pan's Flight. Expo attendees may watch the auction action at no additional charge, but auction participants must purchase a $40 auctioneers package in addition to their Expo admission. Look for me. I'll be right there on the arena floor with paddle in hand. And no, I'm not telling you what I've got my eye on.

10:00 p.m. - '50 and Fabulous' Screening: 'Sleeping Beauty' Panel and Screening
The best of the "50 and Fabulous" screenings during the Expo, even if this wasn't Walt's best princess story. "Sleeping Beauty" was artistically ambitious, with stunning background visuals and some nice visual effects, but the overall animation is flat, which is disappointing for a movie meant to thrill the senses in 70mm Technirama. Except for the exciting, climactic battle between Prince Phillip and the dragon Maleficent, the story plods along and really not a whole lot happens. The fire-breathing dragon makes it worth it, though, so don't miss this opportunity to see it in its original widescreen glory.

The D23 Expo is just days away with plenty more to preview. Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter as I post live updates and photos from the Expo during all four days.

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D23: Disney for Grown-Ups

I dropped by my local Barnes & Noble last week, the day Disney launched their new, official fan community, D23. I was searching for the new "Disney twenty-three" magazine and expected to find it amongst the new arrivals at B&N. It was nowhere to be found, so I approached an information clerk, her computer at the ready, and asked about it.

"Do you have 'Disney twenty-three'?"

"'Disney twenty-three'?"

"Yes. It debuted today. Barnes & Noble is supposed to be carrying it."

Type type type. Click click. Type type. Click.

"I can't find it. Are you sure we carry it?"

"Ummm, yeah. Disney's press release said you did."

Click click. Type. Click.

"Is it a kids' magazine?"

"No. It's for fans and collectors."

Type. Click. Type type type. Click.

"We don't have it."

Point 1: This wasn't an auspicious introduction to the world of D23.

Point 2: I freaking hate it when muggles assume everything Disney is for kids. I have a limited edition scale replica of the first Monorail Red in my family room. My two-year old granddaughter is not allowed to touch it. Ever. Even after I'm dead. So there.

I digress.

A few days later, I returned to B&N and was pleased to discover that "Disney twenty-three" had found its way to the sales floor (and no, it wasn't in the kids' section). Sealed in clear plastic, it had a coffee table book look (without the weight) and a great cover photo of a young Walt Disney, wearing a newsboy cap and peering through a motion picture camera. Nice touch. Walt as the young entrepreneur, as far removed from the iconic (and more familiar) Uncle Walt television persona as you could get. Walt is a real person here, not a corporate symbol. Show me more.

Inside, stories range from a look inside the Walt Disney Archives with Dave Smith to photographer Annie Leibovitz's celebrity-strewn reinterpretation of classic Disney moments to a preview of Pixar's May release, "Up." None of the articles are particularly in-depth--no one spins and controls the release of information like Disney--but there are enough behind-the-scenes nuggets to make it worthwhile. It's also gloriously free of advertising. I know, I know. The magazine is one big ad for Disney. But considering the last issue of the now-defunct "Disney Magazine" had ads for Toyota, Kodak and Best Western, among others, it's a welcome relief.

"Disney twenty-three" does go heavy on the superlatives. Leibovitz isn't just a gifted photographer, she's an "American master" with a "singular career." Pixar isn't just a successful film studio, it tells a "stunning story of creative and technical prowess." Tim Burton? I like the guy, but I'm not ready to call him "one of contemporary cinema's greatest visionaries."

OK, maybe I do, but it's different coming from me than when it's coming from Disney to promote a new live-action version of "Alice in Wonderland" that Burton is directing.

A lifetime ago, I did some community theater and was once told by a director to never worry about whether an audience likes you. "They already do" he said. "That's why they're there." I think Disney would be smart to heed that advice. Disney says it's publishing the magazine and developing the D23 website (a phenomenal site, by the way) for fans. If that's the case, then back off on all the gushing. Absolutely, I expect you to be enthusiastic about your past and present output, but I like you already. That's why I'm here

But am I willing to shell out $75 a year for the privilege? Disney has taken a lot of grief in the blogosphere for what many consider a hefty price tag to become an official member of the D23 community. Supporters say it's only $11 more than what you'd pay for four of the quarterly magazines, and hey, you do get a "surprise collectible gift," plus a discount on tickets to September's D23 fan expo in Anaheim. Detractors say why pay for a magazine with old information you can get on the Internet for free and admission to an expo you may not go to anyway. I have to admit, after originally balking at the $75 membership fee, I'm becoming a supporter.

What am I saying? I sprang for the 75 bucks over the weekend.

There's a reason I'll never buy a Kindle from Amazon. As much stuff as you can store on the thing, it'll never replace the tactile joy of flipping pages in a book or magazine. My iPhone and I are joined at the hip, but I still subscribe to my local newspaper, "Entertainment Weekly," "Time," and "Golf Digest." As much information as I can gleen from the Internet, there's still nothing more satisfying than a good read on typeset pages. That's part of the pleasure of "Disney twenty-three" magazine. For all the marketing puffery, it's a well designed, beautifully laid out piece of Disney kitsch I can hold in my hands and revisit anywhere and anytime I like. Add in the extras--hey, I'm a sucker for framable certificates and memberships cards . . . not to mention mystery gifts--and I think it's worth the money.

And no, Ms. Barnes & Noble, it's not a magazine for kids, nor is the website specifically aimed at them either.

I'm happy to be a member of D23. So there.

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