I think I have figured it out. Great directors get senile at age 55. This is when they create either extremely poor or preachy movies.
George Lucas, The Phantom Menace, age 55.
Steven Spielberg, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, age 55.
James Cameron, Avatar, age 55.
The lesson here is enjoy your great directors while you can. By my estimates, Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Inception) has 15 years left before he makes self-indulgent crap.
5/4/15 update: Christopher Nolan is 44 and is already showing signs of senility, and I'm not the only one to notice: https://youtu.be/nyHgAPTsBJY?t=20m41s
I had the privilege of attending the World of Color "red" carpet premiere at Disney California Adventure, their newest nighttime spectacular. While there may be many "spoilers" in this review, I don't mention everything there is in the show, and even if I did, the show is absolutely worth seeing, as there are many things to see with multiple viewings.
PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT
They had large puppet figures of the genie, Mike Wazowski , Lumiere, and Sebastian designed in a semi-creative sort of way with light up accents. The best looking characters were the genie and Lumiere, as where Mike Wazowski looked flabby with a funny lower mouth not to mention missing feet, and Sebastian just looked creepy with a funny neck, especially when viewed from the side, and a shell that was not filled in making him look like he was dead and decaying. I mentioned this to others in line and they agreed as they couldn't put their finger on why it looked creepy as well. While it may be different in public from what I saw at the premiere, all the characters did was walk around, not talking or performing. It was just something to look at to pass the time. Other funny thing is Lumiere and Mike Wazowski are not in the show (nor is the movie Monsters Inc).
FOOD
I only tried the colored globe shaped popcorn, and while I originally thought I would not like it as I'm more of a purist when it comes to popcorn, it was surprisingly pleasant. The flavor was milder than expected with hints of added flavor with the colored ones, and never was overpowering. Its an offshoot of kettle corn, a bit salty, a bit sweet, and helped pass the time away while waiting for the show. Served in a plastic logo pail with handle and lid, I would recommend this tasty snack.
CELEBRITIES
As is typical for media events such as this, Disney brought out celebrities associated with Disney. While many I recognized, many I did not. Some of those appearing were Richard Sherman (of the Sherman Brothers, who created nearly every memorable Disney song, and I would argue more talented. memorable, and influential than The Beatles), Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) who clearly did not want to mingle with the crowd, Jamie Lee Curtis (True Lies), John Stamos (Full House, and huge Disney fan), Jody Benson (voice of Little Mermaid, Barbie of Toy Story, and a Christian as well), as well as others. While I don't expect most to recognize him, the creator of the show Steven Davidson was not even given a nod, as he was just walking around surrounded by a few friends. The usual corporates were there such as Disney CEO Bob Iger, Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis, and Chairman Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs (who really needs public speaking classes). Mickey Mouse of course was there with his new technology prototype that allows him to talk and interact with guests, complete with moving mouth and blinking eyes.
WHAT WORKS
The scale is absolutely massive. Even if you are sitting far back, you will need to turn your head left, right, and crane your head up to see everything, and that's not a bad thing. The stage is longer than a football field. The show must be completely overwhelming and mesmerizing if you are sitting up front. There is also a lot to see, as you are bound to find more details at each additional viewing. One of the biggest strengths of the show is letting the fountains speak for themselves. While there are a lot of Disney characters in the show, the fountains when allowed to choreograph and perform on their own, are the show's strongest element. Some of the most memorial times are when they paint with color and lasers with the tips of the fountain spurts and pull every last bit of color and design out of the trailing mist yet still in the air. You can see a very conscious effort to do this, and it leads to spectacular results that leave you in awe of the beauty and creativity.
There is also some creative interaction beyond the initial lagoon. Some elements interact with the Mickey Fun Wheel, and it fits perfectly. Other times the globes of Paradise Park change color, and sometimes fountains hidden within the foliage of Paradise Park shoot up. It adds extra dimensionality to an already dynamic show. The fire bursts are huge, and in one sequence basically an entire acre is set ablaze in full force instantly.
There are some very superb sequences such as the Buzz & Zurg fight, Wall-E, "Theme From Firebird" spring sprite, and Pocahontas sequences. They were very well designed, creatively using all available elements to maximum potential, and were just the right length. You could also clearly hear the audience "ohh and ahh" during these sequences. They also had the best transitions with Wall-E's fire extinguisher bursts turning into the clouds in Andy's room, and the "Theme From Firebird" transitioning seamlessly into Pocahontas with nature.
I'm also a stickler for good audio, and World of Color delivers perfectly. The sound is crisp and clear in multi-channel surround with a full sound that is never unnecessarily overpowering. Dialogue is clear and sound is strong to match such strong visuals. For audio geeks like me, they used Meyer speakers. I tip my hat to the audio engineers.
There are many parts throughout the show that are so visually sensational, your minds gives up and you give in to the beauty at hand. Seeing the fountains on video is not the same as actually being there, having your entire peripheral vision surrounded, water ascending 200 feet into the air above you, all in vibrant almost glowing liquid candy like color.
WHAT DOES NOT WORK
Yes, this section is longer than the what works section, but don't let that make you think the show is more worse than it is good.
I have followed this show since its inception, and even heard Steven Davidson the creator speak in person about the show. Many things have changed, and I expect them to, as that is the nature of designing a show like this. Its even more true with Disney as often things change at the last minute, and nothing is set in stone. When CEO Bob Iger first saw the show, there were many things he wanted to change about the show. One of the main things Iger stated was that the show relied too much on nostalgia, and not enough on current characters. From that standpoint, I agree with Iger, we should honor our past, but not always need to refer to it, because then you are never moving forward. Other elements were changed such eliminating the character "little squirt". This would have been a small orange character in the form of an orange fountain that would cause mischief. Little Squirt was clearly shown at the preview center when the show was being built, but was completely absent from the show. Steven Davidson and friend even had Little Squirt lapel pins they were wearing at the premiere. Were they making a statement, or honoring a fallen friend? That is unknown. Can I say that the show would be better with the character? No, and only Steven Davidson will likely know. Some scenes were moved around, as the original opening sequence was meant to be the "Theme From Firebird" where the spring spirit was to enchant some of the fountains, turn them into organic elements, then eventually lead to the huge reveal of the 380ft wide, 50ft tall screen. Now that the scene is in the middle of the show, it looses the dramatic large screen reveal since the show jumped the gun by revealing it in early in the show without the same dramatic effect.
There were also scenes that felt tacked on, and you would not miss them if they were gone. Namely the Up, and Bug's Life sequence. Those sequences were primarily done with just a mist screen with little to no other accompanying elements, and if they were cut out, you would likely not miss them. Some scenes felt a bit long like the Dori & Marlin sequence, and then there were two Little Mermaid, and two Aladdin numbers back to back each. While all strong songs, two back to back diminished from having one strong sequences. It also felt there was too much Mermaid in the show, as even the reprise World of Color theme song has "part of your world" elements in it. The show does not feel long at all, but it may have been more cohesive and transitioned better with the reduction or elimination of these scenes.
A few parts I felt were not needed. They left in the line "ok Mr. Light Beer" from Woody, and while it evoked some laughs in the movie, is referencing "light beer" in a Disney show night after night necessary? I understand they serve alcohol at Disney California Adventure, but even that is stretching it for a connection. I also felt Heimlich exclaiming, "I think I'm going to wet myself" when he gets scared is bathroom humor that is not needed in a high caliber Disney show. There is also a Pirates of the Caribbean sequence which feels odd since it’s the only introduction of a live character (Johnny Depp), and even more out of place since the ride is in the park next door. The main scene that felt particularly awkward is when Simba's dad dies. They show Simba crying next to his murdered dad for nearly 20 seconds, then it segueways into loving or romantic scenes such as Lady and the Tramp then Beauty and the Beast. Even people around me were chuckling at the very dark and disturbing awkward transition attempt to drum up emotion. There are many parts of the show where it clearly makes a sudden and artificial jab at pulling hard at your heart strings, but you know better, so it does not really work. If they would have had more sequences to let the fountains talk for themselves with the new theme music, that would evoke more emotional pulls then the many artificial forced tugs.
Clearly this show will be compared to Fantasmic! as its right next door. Fantasmic! works on so many levels and is nearly the perfect Disney show. It also has a generally cohesive storyline which ties in multiple elements as a whole. World of Color does not have a storyline, and is a combination of beautiful fountains set to music with your favorite Disney clips from various movies. The "Theme from Bald Mountain" is completely unnecessary as they already have that scene and the Chernabog from Fantasmic! next door, and all through this scene I kept thinking of the Disneyland show instead.
A MUCH NEEDED BOOKEND
You need to end the night on a high note, and Disney is known for creating spectacular shows. Disneyland has Fantasmic!, Epcot has Illuminations. Disney California Adventure was sorely lacking such a show, and World of Color is exactly what it needed. It adds that necessary bookend to the park which elevate it to the level of other parks with such shows. The late night show also requires the park to be open later, so hopefully we will see longer operating hours, as this park has been known to close as early as 6pm.
CONCLUSION
World of Color is going to be a huge hit. The show is a must see that is huge in scale and will mesmerize people of all ages. While its not perfect, and there are parts that trip itself up, hopefully they will rework these elements as this show is very customizable. Thank you Disney, Steven Davidson, and all involved for breathing new life into Disney California Adventure with this wonderful creative show!
Premiere swag: World of Color cookie, Disney Parks advertising their new blog, and the World of Color playbill.
World of Color popcorn. Tasty actually.
The Genie was one of the best done characters.
Mike Wazowski looks a little flabby and his lower mouth looks odd all broken up.
Richard Sherman! Nearly every famous Disney song you can think of, him and his brother created, including the original World of Color song.
Sebastian was just creepy.
Lumiere was also done well, it just looks like the guy performing him is wearing a skirt.
Teri Hatcher took many opportunities to take pictures with the fans, even holding their cameras and taking self-portrits.
Vanessa Hudgens clearly did not want to mingle with the crowd, not only in her domineer but how quickly she walked down the carpet avoiding people.
Jamie Lee Curtis
John Stamos, who is a huge Disney fan. It was said he purchased the original Disneyland sign that was on Harbor Blvd.
Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Jody Benson, voice of the Little Mermaid.
Less than an hour before the show!
World of Color creator Steven Davidson (center with black suit, green colar) with "little squirt" lapel pin.
Balloons were projecting the video.
They even used California Screaming as a projection screen.
Jim Henson was a genius, pure and simple. He was one of the most creative, passionate and bold leaders this generation has ever known. He lead and inspired people beyond anything they thought they were capable of, all without lifting his voice above a whisper.
One of Jim Henson's longest working partners was Frank Oz, a very talented man as well, and the performer behind a vast array of Muppets. Together Jim and Frank produced more dynamic comedic duos than any in history. Kermit and Miss-Piggy, Kermit and Fozzie Bear, The Swedish Chef (it took Frank and Jim to perform), Statler and Waldorf (the two old-men hecklers), as well as Bert and Ernie just to name a few.
The video that follows is Frank Oz at Jim Henson's memorial service in which Frank will eventually explain a gift Jim Henson gave to him. I don't want to give it away, as "Bert in Self-Contemplation" is one of the most creative gifts I have ever heard of and shows you the depth and breadth of Jim's character through his gift. On a side note, Jim Henson requested that no one wear black at his memorial, and I whole-heatedly agree, as I don't want anyone wearing black at my memorial.
We need more creativity like this in the world. The world is a much happier place because of Jim Henson's teaching, humor, leadership, passion, caring heart and compassion. What is one of the most creative gifts you have been given?
1977 - Space Battles - Star Wars. People have said once they saw the two ships fly over them for the first time in the theaters, they knew movies had changed forever. This inspired a whole new generation of film makers and special effects artists. 1982 - First major use of CG - Tron. The movie was way ahead of its time in many ways. The sequel coming out late 2010 is gearing up to break new ground visually as well. And to think, a Nintendo DS is three times as powerful as the multi-million dollar computer they used to create the visual effects. 1993 - Dinosaurs - Jurassic Park. To think digital dinosaurs almost didn't happen. They already built the stop motion dinos and did screen tests, and this is what Jurassic Park would have been had it not been for CG artists staying up late working on a side digital-dino project. Once the filmmakers saw a test of a CG dino attacking the Jeep, they scrapped the stop motion dinos immediately. 1995 - First full length CG Movie - Toy Story. Disney makes the first feature length cartoon, then they do the same for CG. Not only that, it was a wonderful story with timeless characters. 1999 - Bullet Time - The Matrix. I only like Superbowl because of the food, friends and commercials. Once I saw the teaser for The Matrix, I was like a deer in headlights. Once the movie came out, the rest of the world was too. 1999 - Gollum - Lord of the Rings. While a extremely convincing character with extremely well done facial movements (see the Gollum monologue scene), he still feels like a CG character when acting with real actors in much the same way JarJar Binks felt in the Star Wars prequals. At the time, it was the best CG character yet. 2006 - Davey Jones - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. While Gollum will most likely get the praise as best CG character, I would argue Davey Jones was much more convincing, realistic, and fit much better into the scenes than Gollum did. 2000 - Final Fantasy. The movie completely stunk, but this was the first film where in some of the scenes you felt the places and characters were actually real. Mute the movie and make up your own story when you watch it, as whatever you create will be better than the actually storyline of the movie. 2007 - Perfectly seamless CG - Cloverfield. The movie was made for 25 million, but looked like a 150 million movie. Not only a visual masterpiece, it was brilliantly produced, marketed, directed, acted and edited. 2009 Avatar. James Cameron, super HD 3D cameras and the most convincing use of motion capture so far. You can see nearly every emotion on the characters face which was acted by the actors. Too bad all of his effort went into the technology and not the story.
