Experience the Genesis: The Unseen Artistry of Disneyland's Birth
The Spark of Inspiration: From "Imagineering Story" to "Disneyland Handcrafted"
Driven by an insight gained while editing "The Imagineering Story," documentary director Leslie Iwerks envisioned a film that would immerse viewers directly into the historical footage of Disneyland's construction. This vision materialized into "Disneyland Handcrafted," a deep dive into the creation of Walt Disney's groundbreaking amusement park, emphasizing the artistic and labor-intensive efforts that underpinned its realization.
Chronicling the Genesis: A Look Back at 1955
The documentary meticulously chronicles the pivotal year leading up to Disneyland's grand opening in 1955. Utilizing previously unreleased 16mm film reels from the archives of "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," along with authentic audio and video recordings, the film provides a vivid portrayal of the on-site activities during the park's development. This treasure trove of historical material forms the narrative backbone, illustrating the formative period of Disneyland.
The Art of Craftsmanship: Naming the Documentary
Iwerks reveals that the title, "Handcrafted," emerged organically during the editing process. Numerous shots captured the meticulous handiwork involved in the park's construction, prompting the realization that the essence of Disneyland's creation lay in its handcrafted nature. This reflects the deep commitment to detail and personal touch that characterized the park's early days.
Reconstructing Reality: Bringing History to Life Through Sound
The filmmaking journey began with a seven-minute proof-of-concept, where Iwerks and her team ingeniously added sound effects to silent archival footage, imbuing it with a new layer of realism. Further enhancing this immersion, audio interviews from the era were woven in, revealing the profound difficulties, obstacles, and sheer audacity involved in building the park, thus shaping the documentary's core narrative.
Preserving the Past: Restoring and Enhancing Archival Footage
The documentary leveraged Disney's extensive archives, with footage originally scanned in 2014. Iwerks' team utilized these 2K scans, and through collaboration with Different by Design, a post-production house in Santa Monica, meticulously restored and cleaned nearly 4,000 frames, removing imperfections to present the footage with pristine clarity.
Sonic Authenticity: Crafting the Soundscape of Disneyland
Given the absence of original audio, Skywalker Sound was enlisted to create an authentic soundscape. Re-recording mixer Bonnie Wild meticulously crafted every sound effect, from footsteps on dirt to the pouring and spreading of cement, ensuring each auditory detail was true to the visuals. This painstaking process, described as one of the most challenging projects by Wild, underscores the commitment to complete authenticity.
Unseen Wonders: The Jungle Cruise's Behind-the-Scenes Story
The film offers a captivating glimpse into the development of the Jungle Cruise, revealing the intricate details of its animatronics and the handcrafted nature of elements like the alligator's teeth. Interviews with individuals like Harper Goff shed light on the budgetary constraints and the hands-on problem-solving that characterized the park's early design, showcasing Walt Disney's pragmatic involvement.
Walt Disney's Humility: A Leader's Perspective
Iwerks gained new insights into Walt Disney's character, particularly his humility. Early interviews show him expressing apprehension about living up to high expectations, revealing a human side concerned with delivering on promises. This portrayal sets the stage for the dramatic challenges faced during construction and highlights Walt's genuine values of giving back and purposeful investment.
Bob Iger's Insight: A Note on Conflict
Upon reviewing a fine cut of the documentary, Bob Iger, expressing deep appreciation, suggested incorporating more conflict into the narrative. This feedback encouraged Iwerks to delve deeper into the struggles and obstacles faced, ultimately enriching the storytelling. The documentary is set to premiere on Disney+ and Disney's YouTube channel on January 22nd.