Our Friend the Atom

Since the disasters in Japan my wife and I have discussed at length, among other things, the mysterious forces of radiation, nuclear energy, and the sciences behind them. This 1957 documentary (and its accompanying book of the same title) brought to us by Walt Disney Studio lays out the basic principles of such topics in an educational and entertaining way.

We see how radioactive materials were discovered.

A fascinating demonstration is played using mouse traps and ping pong balls.

The power of the atom is equated to that of a genie in a bottle.

Man's efforts to harness such powers are exemplified.

Not only is this film highly aesthetic with a great graphical style, it brings what might otherwise be an less-than-interesting topic to life. We highly recommend this film which can be found on the always-recommended Walt Disney Treasures: Tomorrowland DVD or in the above YouTube video. While you get into the sciences of "inner space", check out this 1953 little ditty from the General Electric Company called A is for Atom:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan. If you choose to make a donation to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief effort, click here.

Related posts:

Original Visions of Cal Arts
1967 "New Tomorrowland" Broadcast
Magic Highway U.S.A... It doesn't get much better than this.
The Fantasy of Space Colony Living

Photo credit (first photo): Marshall Astor, Flickr

Walt Disney Studios Post Production Behind-the-Scenes

Take a tour of the Walt Disney Studios with Gil Gagnon, VP of Post Production Services.

Earlier this week we brought you Imagineering Sound Design Behind-the-Scenes. Today we present another film by Michael Coleman and SoundWorks Collection entitled Walt Disney Studios Post Production Tour.

Something mentioned in the video really intrigued me. A tunnel under studio building where artwork and other delicate items would be transported. I wish I had photos!

At first glance I thought this guy's sketch might have been the inspiration for the new Walt Disney Animation Studios. But then it was brought to our attention that the pose was the one found on the studios sign way back in the Hyperion days. For some reason I thought the Hyperion sign featured a standing Mickey and not a walking Mickey. Either way, it's good to have this for a current logo.

Related posts:

Imagineering Sound Design Behind-the-Scenes
Original Visions of CalArts
The Makings of a Good Sequel
Videos. Vintage WDW and Disneyland Videos.

Imagineering Sound Design Behind-the-Scenes

Imagineers share the unusual work of adding sound to Disney attractions in this new video.

Director Michael Coleman recently contacted us about a video he recently produced about WDI sound teams. He takes us behind-the-scenes of Walt Disney Imagineering Studios to see how ride tracks, voice recordings, sound effects, etc. are produced.

See home-made contraptions designed by legendary sound designer, Jimmy MacDonald (first photo above). 

See how speakers are disguised with the use of painted scrims.

Jimmy MacDonald is seen here crafting the sounds of a forest fire for Bambi using bamboo.

Even President Obama takes part in the Imagineering process.

Side note: When recording his speech for The Hall of Presidents he said, "are these like wax figures or holograms?"... "Oh robots, that's kind of cool". This is not featured in this video but can be seen here.

 

A big thanks to Michael for sharing this new film. All images are courteous of Michael Coleman, SoundWorks Collection, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Up next: Walt Disney Studios Post Production Behind-the-Scenes.

Related posts:

Inside Walt Disney Imagineering
New Lincoln Animatronic Lookin' Good 
I Miss Paul Frees