Customer Reviews

The Art of Disneyland

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With Disneyland celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005, Disney wasted no opportunity to publicize that milestone. With some excellent books being published over the last year - including the comprehensive park-exclusive "Disneyland: Then, Now and Forever" - Disneyland fans have been spoiled for choice.

This latest entry, another one that was previously exclusively available in the theme parks but has now been released to the wider market, is one of the most beautiful yet. Rather than taking a nostalgic look at the different eras of the park, or even the technical aspects of the ride-making and Imagineering, this concentrates purely on the concept art that has either been used a model for beloved rides and attractions (or even the park itself), or has at the very least inspired the Imagineers to reach for the stars.

After a brief introduction from recently retired Imagineering legend Marty Sklar, the reader is taken through the park land by land with concept art; sketches and paintings of what would eventually become - and sometimes not become - fixtures of our favourite theme park. Covering everything from initial park concept art to Indiana Jones, artists include such big Disney names as Mary Blair, Marc Davis, Eyvind Earle, John Hench and Herbert Ryman and commentary is provided where appropriate. While there is some repeition with previous books on the marker - particularly the aforementioned "Disneyland: Then, Now and Forever" - and Disneyland buffs are sure to have seen much of this material before, the sheer volume of art and coffee table value alone is enough to keep most fans interested.

Aside from the cover art, table of contents, foreword, and first couple pages, EVERYTHING in the book is printed sideways -- you have to turn the book around and flip the pages up-and-over (instead of turning them right-to-left like a normal book) as if you were at an easel.

I wish they would have just bound the book to make it wide instead of letting it look "normal" on the outside but then making you turn it around as soon as you open it. Besides, it makes the book really hard to hold when it's open.

Whoa, did that even make sense?

I bought this for my father, Walt, for Christmas. He is a big Disney fan, as am I, and we both LOVE Disneyland. When I got this, I opened it up to look inside - and realized it has to be the last gift he opens on Christmas morning, because he'll want to look at the whole thing right away! I couldn't put it down myself. The pictures are wonderful, and make you feel like you're looking at Walt Disney's private idea book for his park.

Do you want to be an imagineer, architect, artist or animator? This book has a bit of everything combined. Celebrating 50 years of Disneyland, Jeff took the greatest times and projects from Disneyland's history and put it into one book. Being a fan of Disney architecture and an aspiring animator, this book showcases everything that Disney is known for when it comes to their parks. The book is worth every penny and makes a great coffee table book that everyone will be sure to enjoy.

Released to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Disneyland, The Art of Disneyland is a visually stunning and historically amazing work. The large scale of the book (almost 11" X 13") forces you to turn the book sideways to enjoy the art. This is by no means an issue. More page space set aside for the artwork is what makes the book truly shine.

Paintings, concept art, layouts and sketches fill out this impressive volume. What I truly love about The Art of Disneyland is the amazing conceptual art. The book starts with Main St and ends with Tomorrowland. And yes, it does include Mickey's Toontown!

The Imagineering roll call is inspiring: Ken Anderson, Claude Coats, Mary Blair, John Hench, Harper Goff, Marc Davis, Peter Ellenshaw, Sam McKim, Herbert Ryman and so many more. Seeing all of this artwork in one place, by so many different artists, is like having a conversation about what Disneyland might have been. But then we actually know how it turned out. Most of the artwork is so true to what was developed, though. If you have ever spent any time at Disneyland, you will enjoy this book.

My favorite section would actually end up as a fist fight between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The artwork for both sections is astounding and they both have the unique honor of being the two lands at Disneyland to have been re-done, so to speak. In the case of Tomorrowland, it has had several minor revisions, including the big mid-1990's re-do. The famous Mary Blair Tomorrowland murals are also reproduced in the book.

The front endpaper of the book presents the Fun Map of Disneyland done in 1957 by Sam KcKim. The rear endpaper has the Fun Map of Disneyland by Nina Rae Vaughn in 2000. They hug the book; reverently and figuratively.

The Art of Disneyland is filled with beautiful paintings, ride concept sketches and amazing bird's eye views of the various lands. At $49.99 retail, it is rather expensive, but you can find it on Amazon much cheaper. This is a great addition to any Disney Geeks library collection.

I purchased it as a gift for someone crazy about Disney parks. He was overenjoyed. This coffee table edition includes lots of beautiful vintage photos and Disneyland trivia.

If you are a Disney-phile like me, you will LOVE this book. It is beautifully done. The artwork is amazing and the history as well. I've thoroughly enjoyed this book and use it as a coffee table book. It's a nice size and people who come over always grab it and look at it. (Everyone knows I am a Disney freak!)

Great book for the Disney fan like myself. Especially if you are a fan of the theme park. I've been going to Disneyland since 40+ years ago and found it fascinating!

If you are a disneyfan this book is truly a must. Filled with beautiful images, this book is a gorgeous keepsake. Concept art as well as finalized renderings inside.

This book is full of wonderful concept paintings and the unusual horizontal layout gives enough room to enjoy pictures as fully as possible. A must have if you like disney theme park history.

Well, all I need to say is that my almost 20 year old Disneyland crazy daughter just loves it.