Mouse Under Glass : Secrets of Disney Animation and Theme Parks [Paperback]

David Koenig (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA. An evaluation of the quality and financial successes of Disney's ventures. Koenig presents a chronological overview of 30 films from "Snow White" through "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"; he relates each one to its original tale, gives the Disney version, and tells what and why cuts were made. The promised secrets consist of such things as "Plot Holes," "Bloopers," "Hidden Images," and "Strange Reactions." Although there is no Disney art here, there are a few black-and-white illustrations by Joel Chandler Harris as well as Tenniel's famous Alice sketches and one of Ernest Shepard's Mary Poppins. Anecdotes about the growth of the Disney industry and the development of the theme-park rides are included. One of the most enticing sidebars offers over 50 names that were originally considered for the seven dwarfs.?Frances Reiher, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Disney books tend toward shameless promotion or intractable hostility, so a critical but fun examination of the mouse empire is welcome. Critical here refers to examining plot inconsistencies, bloopers, and background stories in Disney movies from Snow White to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The original stories on which the scripts were based, significant Disney-version departures, and theme-park attractions based on each movie all get attention, but of surpassing value are "strange reactions" to the movies. For example, the NAACP picketed Song of the South, and that shocked Uncle Walt; now, which reaction was strange is an open question. Another surprise: contemporary reaction to Sleeping Beauty and the changes at Disney in its wake; now generally considered a Disney classic, the film was an ungodly long time a-making, got some hostile reviews, and barely broke even in first release. With a background narrative supplying historical context and such boxed features as a Disney Tragedy Trivia Quiz and the Orphan-O-Meter for passing amusement, consider this a must for Disneyphiles. Mike Tribby --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Bonaventure Press (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964060515
• ISBN-13: 978-0964060517
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A truly revealing book, May 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Disney Animation & Theme Parks (Hardcover)

I have to say that I was very fascinated with what the book had to offer. Learning some of the things that Disney animators get away with in terms of hidden messages and pictures forced me to become aware of what goes on "behind the scenes." Being a true Disney fan and an aspiring writer, I loved reading about the actual stories and the final Disney products. While I was not very interested in the ideas for the theme parks, I found the book to be very informative, increasing my excitement to read on. Using the hidden images sections, I actually studied Aladdin and The Lion King to see how acurate the "accusations" were. I was truly impressed and would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys "studying" the origins of and concepts behind the Disney films

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book overall, but I was a bit disappointed, May 6, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Disney Animation & Theme Parks (Hardcover)

While I was REALLY excited about this book, especially after reading MouseTales-a behind the Ears look at Disneyland <G>, I am only so-so on it now. Don't get me wrong; on a scale of 1-10 it would still be a 7.5 and is a good read, but I was a bit disappointed. The book is well laid out and set-up to follow a familiar pattern. First comes the ACTUAL story that the Disney movies were based on. This is really interesting, especially to see how far some of the "Classics" have actually gone away from the real story line. Then comes a couple of pages write-up on the Disney story including some background information into how the story evolved, who was involved, and how it got from here to there-all good stuff. Then he talks about Bloopers, Hiddens, and Theme Park Attractions. And he does this for almost all 34 animated features plus Song of the South, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. So the book really is quite comprehensive. I loved the Actual Story and the Disney Story parts of the book, but the information on Bloopers, Hiddens and Theme Park Attractions was not particularly extensive and in a few parts-especially on the harder to find films like Sleeping Beauty and Song of the South outright wrong. (I have both.) While my opinion might be somewhat tainted by my own knowledge (I am one of THOSE fans<G> and can from memory list a good number more than is in the books), this brush treatment of these subjects is enough to cast aspersions over the other parts of the book and make you wonder how much of it may or may not be accurate

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unofficial, unabashed, but not unfair, December 22, 2002

By 

Dan Amrich (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mouse Under Glass : Secrets of Disney Animation and Theme Parks (Paperback)

You could say that David Koenig's tone is unvarnished and unsympathetic, or you could say it's cranky and cynical. Either way, Mouse Under Glass proves undeniably refreshing, full of compelling information and insights--provided in part by Disney animators, writers, composers, and Imagineers. It's an instant trivia treasure trove from a man who has watched Disney movies far, far too many times.

Whereas most Disney authors salivate all over themselves attempting to convey the pure genius of Walt's legacy, Koenig discusses each film's flaws, often-convoluted origins, behind-the-scenes battles, and just plain bad habits with a much more dry sensibility. Yes, Disney makes magic, but they also make movies, and the book analyzes each film on its cinematic and storytelling merits. Each story is researched to compare its original form to the "Disneyfied" version, often with enlightening and surprising results; tales and insights from the folks who helped make the features and related theme-park rides merge with Koenig's own tight prose for an air of authority. Amusing and educational sidebars (such as a Disney Tragedy Trivia Quiz) and a few illustrations help break up what could have been a very long list of factoids.

Koenig's platform is that "Disney has the recipe for success," but the use of cooking quotes and analogies before each chapter comes off as an awkward, out-of-context device. Also, the book is marred by a few typos--nearly hypocritical considering the attention paid to Disney's own minor mistakes. And while Koenig clearly respects the work he's discussing, his tone is one of tough love--from urging to prodding to nearly provoking and harassing the studio to do things better. He rather enjoys sticking it to the House of Mouse when the chips (and presumably dales) are down, which will likely alienate some hardcore, soft-hearted Disneyphiles. But this book is not written for those who live in a fantasy world, only those who appreciate a good one when they see it. With excellent, relevant research and precise, entertaining writing, Mouse Under Glass is as fresh and fair an analysis of Disney magic as you're likely to find.