Walt Disney Treasures - Tomorrow Land: Disney in Space and Beyond
by Ward Kimball, Hamilton Luske, Jeff Kurtti
List Price:
Our Price: $29.56
You Save: $3.43 (10%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $20.00 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD details
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD details
Actor: Frank Connor, Frank Gerstle, Leo Needham, Richard Emory, Ward KimballDirector: Hamilton Luske, Jeff Kurtti, Ward Kimball
Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
Writer: Heinz Haber
Writer: Chuck Downs
Writer: Con Pederson
Writer: John W. Dunn
Writer: Leonard Maltin
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0; English (Subtitled)
Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 240 minutes
Published: 2004-05-01
DVD Release Date: 2004-05-18
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Video
DVD Reviews of Walt Disney Treasures - Tomorrow Land: Disney in Space and Beyond
DVD Review: "There's a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!"
Summary: 5 Stars
From wave 3 of the fantastic Walt Disney Treasures DVD collection comes "Tomorrowland: Disney in Space and Beyond." This dream-set for the Disney fanatic contains 6 main programs, 3 per disc, and a nice set of bonus features. Disc One contains 3 "science factual" episodes of the Disneyland TV show, all filmed and presented in color, though originally aired in black and white, and directed and produced by Disney animation legend Ward Kimball. Disc Two contains 3 more science and future themed programs. Each program is preceded by a nice introduction from Leonard Maltin to put the film in the proper context for the viewer. The focus in this set is not on the Tomorrowland section of the Disney theme parks, but rather its original theme, mid-twentieth century concepts and dreams of the world to come and the efforts scientists of the time were making to bring them about. Hopefully, we will see more Treasures sets on the theme parks in the future, including one focused on the current manifestation of EPCOT. Here are the details on each subject in this collection:
Disc 1:
"Man in Space" (March 9, 1955): This classic episode of the hour-long "Disneyland" TV show was the first entry under the "Tomorrowland" heading. Like all the "Disneyland" episodes in this set, the opening of the show is in black and white, but the show itself is in color. "Man in Space," as with the other Tomorrowland themed episodes of the show, was preceded by the release of a book of the same title from the Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney was know as an "optimistic futurist," and was very interested in raising public interest and awareness of new scientific discoveries and endeavors. He chose animator Ward Kimball to produce and direct this new line of science themed programs because of Kimball's lack of knowledge on the subject. Walt's assumption that a Disney animator, especially one just learning about the subject matter himself, would be able to present the information in an interesting, fun, and appealing light to the general public paid off. This first Tomorrowland episode of "Disneyland" was so well received that it was reedited into an Academy Award nominated featurette shown in theaters with "Davy Crockett and the River Pirates." "Man in Space" entertainingly presents a history of rockets, the possibilities of satellites, an entertaining animated look at the physical difficulties a "spaceman" will have to face when learning to travel in space, and a simulated launch into space. Keep in mind that these "Tomorrowland" shows were made when space travel was still just a dream, though a very near one, which only adds to the enjoyment of viewing these retro programs.
"Man and the Moon" (December 28, 1955): This second "Tomorrowland" entry for the "Disneyland" TV show begins with a whimsical exploration of man's fascination with the moon. This is a highly entertaining animated sequence that also includes a fun musical number. Afterwards, the show becomes much dryer, as Ward Kimball gives some factual information and introduces scientist Dr. Wernher Von Braun, who continues the show by discussing plans for a trip around the moon. Lovely artwork and a live-action dramatization help demonstrate Von Braun's hypothetical explanation of man's first trip to the moon.
"Mars and Beyond" (December 4, 1957): This fanciful episode of "Disneyland" is easily the best in this marvelous collection. Walt Disney and GARCO the Robot introduce the episode, which focuses on the possibilities of life on other planets, especially Mars. The program begins with a look at the history of man's theories on outer space and alien life. Imaginative and humorous animation illustrates many theories on what alien creatures might look and act like, and it all culminates in a hilarious sci-fi adventure that even includes a cameo by Donald Duck! This is all followed by a more serious look at the known planets and their possibilities for harboring alien life. More realistic animation depicts some fascinating ideas, and the program ends with the concept of a voyage to Mars and what that would entail. This is definitely the most enjoyable program in this Disney Treasures set, thanks mainly to the wonderfully unforgettable animated sequences, but be warned that if you are a creationist (as many Disney fanatics are, including myself, though I feel that doesn't completely exclude evolution), this is an episode that preaches evolution heavily. It's an eye-opener to the real beliefs Walt held that some may not welcome, most disconcertingly, the concept of life evolving from nothingness. Nevertheless, as previously stated, this is a highly enjoyable program.
Disc 2:
"Eyes In Outer Space" (June 1959): First released as a theatrical featurette, "Eyes In Outer Space" focuses on the weather and using satellites for its prediction. This is generally a rather bland program, though it does have some fun animation of a crotchety old man using superstitions to make weather predictions and also a cool simulation of an imaginary, futuristic weather prediction center in action.
"Our Friend the Atom" (January 23, 1957): Disc 2 of "Tomorrowland" is generally a bit duller than the first disc, which has the wonderful "Mars and Beyond" to boast of. "Our Friend the Atom" has some neat and thought provoking animation, especially their analogy of a genie being released from a bottle (a genie that looks surprisingly like a malicious version of Robin Williams' Genie from Aladdin), but Dr. Heinz Haber's hosting of much of the episode (after Walt's intro) and his famous ping-pong ball demonstration do little to jazz up the show. It's still watchable, but not overly exciting for us non-scientist types. The foreboding warnings about the dangers of atomic energy are there, but overshadowed by the "optimistic futurist" viewpoint.
"EPCOT" (October 1966): This promotional film to help explain Walt's East Coast plans to the people of Florida is the saving grace of disc 2 for folks who aren't overly thrilled by atoms and satellites. In what I believe was Walt's last onscreen appearance, we get his personal description of his plan to build an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow in central Florida, and it is nothing like the EPCOT we have today (don't get me wrong, I LOVE the EPCOT we have today). Walt's original plans, thoroughly detailed here in this fascinating film that has never been viewed in its entirety by the general public outside this DVD set, are for a futuristic city designed in a radial style, much like Disneyland itself. It's a community with aggressively sectioned off areas for working, living, and playing, with most of the transportation provided by public transit systems: specifically, a monorail system and the WEDWAY people mover. There are three levels in this community of tomorrow, four if you count the elevated monorail system. Below the ground passes the main highway, and below that, a throughway specifically for trucks. It's a Waltopian society that never saw the light of day due to Walt's untimely death 2 months later. Instead, we have the current EPCOT, which is basically a permanent world's fair, and is quite wonderful in its own right (though it was much better in the `80s, which pavilions like Horizons and World of Motion).
Bonus Features:
All the bonus features of the "Tomorrowland" set are located on disc two, including an Easter Egg that gives us Walt's singing performance of "There's a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow" alongside the Sherman Brothers. It's a brief treat, but it perfectly illustrates Walt's faith and hope in the world of tomorrow that is represented by every program in this set. The main bonus features are wonderful as well. We have "The Optimistic Futurist," which is a delightful 24 minute and 36 second interview with science-fiction author Ray Bradbury as he recounts his initial meeting with Walt Disney, their shared experiences, hopes, and dreams for the future, and Walt's efforts and achievements in propelling those dreams toward realization. We also get "Marty Sklar, Walt, and EPCOT," a 26 and a half minute interview with Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Marty Sklar, a longtime employee who knew Walt and shares with us his experiences and knowledge of Tomorrowland, both the programs and the section of the "Disneyland" theme park. The disc also includes some excellent galleries of publicity and publications, behind the scenes images, and story and background art, some of which include voice over narration from Leonard Maltin, who also conducted the aforementioned interviews.
Overall, this is another wonderful, must-have DVD set from the superb Walt Disney Treasures collection. Perhaps the appeal lies most with science and/or space enthusiasts and Disney fanatics/completists, but if you fall into any of those categories, you won't want to miss out on it! I am part of the latter. If it's Disney, I want it. I am not a huge supporter of the space program, frankly. I can't help but feel such large amounts of money could be better spent here on Earth, but these are different times and I can completely appreciate the fascination with space that the general public held in the 1950s. The enthusiasm is charming and contagious. This set comes in the usual, elegant tin box and snap case, with the usual booklet and certificate of authenticity, and a collectible card reproducing theme park poster art for the Disneyland attraction "Space Station X-1" of the 1950s. This set also features the paper binding ring that is so missed on the recent Disney Treasures waves. Walt Disney Treasures Wave 3 (one of the best waves!) also includes 3 other excellent sets: Mickey Mouse in Living Color Volume 2, The Chronological Donald (Volume 1), and On the Front Lines. I recommend them all!
Description of Walt Disney Treasures - Tomorrow Land: Disney in Space and Beyond
WALT DISNEY TREASURES:TOMORROWLAND:DI - DVD MovieBestsellers in DVD
![The Story of Jeremiah [VHS] Image](/images/noimg.gif)
The Story of Jeremiah [VHS]Vision Video; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Wresting With God [VHS]by Vision Video
Vision Video; Published: 1990-10-01; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
Study Bible Video with Workbook [VHS]Spring Arbor Distributors; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $7.95
Price in other shops:
Tempo:Childrens TV Favourites Video [VHS]HarperCollins Audio; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $9.17
Price in other shops:
Tempo.Herbs:Parseley'Sb/ Party Video [VHS]HarperCollins Audio; VHS Tape; VHS Video
![Strike the Original Match [VHS] Image](/images/Strike-the-Original-Match-VHS-0001374079-X.jpg)
Strike the Original Match [VHS]New Liberty Films; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
![Medjugorje The Miracles and the Message [VHS] Image](/images/Medjugorje-The-Miracles-and-the-Message-VHS-0001373293-X.jpg)
Medjugorje The Miracles and the Message [VHS]JPN Film Production; Release date: 1995-12-15; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.99
Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Review Course for Boards and Recertification DVD 2008by Mayo
DVD
Price in other shops:
Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging DVD: Single Userby Oakstone
DVD
Price in other shops:
Cost Accounting [VHS]by Charles T. Horngren, George Foster, Srikant M. Datar, Howard Teall
Pearson Canada, Toronto; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Similar DVDs, VHS Video, Audio CDs
Walt Disney Treasures - The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky RabbitBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2007-12-11; DVD
Best price: $20.00
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Volume TwoBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-05-18; DVD
Best price: $28.99
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse ClubBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-12-07; DVD
Best price: $20.00
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney Treasures - On the Front LinesBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-05-18; Published: 2004-05-01; DVD
Best price: $35.68
Your Host, Walt Disney: TV Memories, 1956-1965 (Walt Disney Treasures)Buena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2006-12-19; DVD
Best price: $32.99
Walt Disney Treasures - Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney StudioRelease date: 2002-12-03; DVD
Best price: $31.88
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney Treasures - The Complete Pluto, Volume OneBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2004-12-07; DVD
Best price: $18.99
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Volume TwoWalt Disney Video; Release date: 2004-12-07; DVD
Best price: $22.22
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland USADisney; Release date: 2001-12-04; DVD
Best price: $28.25
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney Treasures - Disney Rarities - Celebrated Shorts, 1920s - 1960sDisney; Release date: 2005-12-06; DVD
Best price: $22.75
Price in other shops: