Before man ventured into space, Walt Disney took the nation there. This set of the
Walt Disney Treasures consists of "Science Factual" shows that aired mostly in the 1950s. On the first disc, Ward Kimball, one of the company's ace animators, directs three 50-minute segments on space travel dealing with space flight, going to the moon, and going to Mars. A combination of lecture (by the tops in the field, including lead rocket designer Dr. Werner von Braun), animation, live-action segments, and models, the three segments are still relevant as they effortlessly teach such elements as why rockets are in stages, what is gravitational force, orbiting, air pressure, and even the psychological effects on the mind. It is impressive how easily these
Tomorrowland features entertain audiences of all ages. Of course, some of the details are wrong, but the wonder is not, and the final segment--a most poetic survey about what life might be like on Mars--illustrates Disney animated magic at its best.
The second disc takes on weather reporting (including a James Bond-ish way of changing the weather), how satellites work, and the touchstone 1958 short "Our Friend the Atom," a staple of explaining the world of atomic energy. Shown for the first time in its entirety is an informative pitch for EPCOT. It's not a version of the theme park now in Florida, but Walt Disney's lyrical vision of a city of the future, a dream never realized with his death two months after filming in 1966. Leonard Maltin introduces each segment, putting it in historical context and noting some political incorrectness and oversights, like atomic energy having no downside. The programs still entertainingly show the promises of the future: humans on Mars seem so tangible, even though the space program lost its way in the forthcoming decades. --Doug Thomas
Walt Disney was a true visionary, and his most far-reaching vision examined the future. During the 1950s, his investigation into space exploration and the wondrous opportunities and challenges of space travel not only came alive in several Disneyland TV shows, but helped create strong public support for The United States space program. Go back in time to the beginning of the future and enjoy four episodes and a theatrical short that delve into the mysteries of the universe and space travel -- "Man In Space," "Man And The Moon," "Mars And Beyond," "Eyes In Outer Space," and "Our Friend The Atom." You'll also get a rare look at Walt's last film, "EPCOT," in which he reveals his concepts and plans for the Disney World and EPCOT projects. Other not-to-be-missed features include a special interview with noted futurist and author Ray Bradbury. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.
1 A Treat for Lost in Space fans
Cool stuff for LIS fans.
For Christmas I received the Disney Treasures Tommorrowland DVD. This DVD contains episodes of Disneyland broadcast in the mid 50's(the first in 1955). These episodes concentrate on manned space flight and how science at that time perceived it would happen. The shows are quite fascinating and include many of the pioneers of modern rocketry. How does this have anything to do with Lost in Space? Watch the segments on manned space flight, a trip to the moon and mars and beyond. I am convinced Irwin Allen not only watched them, he took notes. You will not only recognize dialogue from the first episode of Lost in Space(The Reluctant Stowaway), you will see technology Irwin Allen "borrowed" (i.e. the bubble in top of the Jupiter 2 for the astrogator).
Now, even if you aren't convinced, do you know who narrated these wonders of "science faction" as Walt Disney called them? None other than Dick Tufeld(the voice of the Robot and LIS narrator). Very cool. Close your eyes and you can "see" Lost in Space take form ten years before the Jupiter 2 took flight in 1965. Highly recommended viewing.
2 Grab This!
We've been waiting for YEARS to see these films again. Sure they might be a bit outdated, but get your kids to watch these. Disney was the best teacher a kid could have, and films like this made me want to be a scientist.
The colors are beautiful, the artwork excellent as usual, and the films are educational and fun.
Top rate! Should be shown in schools instead of the global warming paranoia.
They should run these on the Science Channel!
3 OK, but not great
I'm 46, not quite old enough to remember most of these the first time around. They're quaint, somewhat dated, only occasionally funny. Not a set I'll watch over and over. I'd really like to see another set of shows on Disneyland from the 50's and 60's...
4 Blast from my past
I was only 2 or so when many of the features on this disk were made in 1957. However, I saw "Our Friend the Atom" in school as well as some of the other pieces.
For those looking for pure entertainment, it may not be the set for you. For those of the Baby Boom generation looking to view again some of those films you saw in 4th grade science class, it is GREAT!
5 50's Science. Still Entertaining if Slightly Outdated
Walt Disney was a visionary. You need only look at his legacy in so many different fields to see that. This collection is a smaller example of that.
When it came time to fill the Tomorrowland episodes of his Disneyland TV show, Walt decided to use it to get the country excited about exploring space. Using scientists and some imagination, he did just that.
And those episodes make up the first disc of this two-disc set. Preserved here, we get three episodes of the show from 1955 slowly working our way outward from earth. "Man in Space" presents the basics of space travel. "Man and the Moon" presents some new equipment like space suits and a space station, as well as an idea of what our first trip around the moon might be like. Finally, "Mars and Beyond" talks about what it would take to visit our nearest neighbor.
The second disc continues the science theme, but stays a little closer to home. "Eyes in Outer Space" does talk about satellites and their future ability to predict and possibly even control the weather. "Our Friend the Atom" goes into great detail on the history of atomic science, how we get atomic power, and what we can gain from it. Finally, "EPCOT," filmed just two months before Disney's death, presents his initial concept for the city of EPCOT. If they ever do truly create this city, I want to live there!
With all the advancement we've had in science in the last 50 years, it's amazing how well some of this stuff holds up. Obviously, there were things Disney got wrong since we were still 14 years from Neil Armstrong and didn't yet know the horrid downside of atomic energy. Still, they manage to educate with some entertainment. There were times they felt a little dry and I found myself looking at the clock, but they are definitely better then a text book.
These DVD's are just as great as other Treasures sets have been. The picture and sound are fine. Nothing spectacular, but considering they're 50 years old, they hold up impressively well. The second disc bonus materials include an interview with Disney friend Ray Bradbury about Disney the "Optimistic Futurist." Next is an interview with Marty Sklar, an Imagineer who started his career in 1954. Finally, we get the usual galleries with come comments from Leonard Maltin. And look for the Easter egg. It's a fun find!
Like several of the other Disney Treasures sets, Disney fanatics or those with an interest in the subject will best appreciate it. Still, for those groups, this set is a gold mine.
6 Fascinating for what is says about us as well as space
I can't say much more good about these DVDs than what has been said by other reviewers. They are a blast from the past, fun, nostalgic and still taught me a lot about science.
I do, however, want to comment on the "Nazi factor" that has been introduced into these reviews. When I first watched the programs, I too was muttering to myself that these guys were Nazis and what was Disney doing by having them on his program. So I did some research and found that like most things, the reality is a bit more complex.
Werner Von Braun did indeed develop the V-2 rocket project that was ultimately used to bomb London in 1943 and from a moral point of view, certainly is responsible for the appplications of his accomplishments. But it should be noted that he also protested the use of rockets as weapons of war and was actually arrested by the Gestapo for talking too much about the peaceful uses of rocketry. He WAS a member of the Nazi party but according to the sources I read, that was more out of fear of losing his job than any true committment to facism. I think in 1937, most highly placed university men were required to join the party or lose their postions. Many men of conscience did not join and fled. Von Braun chose to join and keep working. While not an admirable choice, it is certainly an understandable one. Claims that Von Braun was also a member of the SS are contradictory at best. The most disturbing thing to me about Von Braun's history is that his singleminded pursuit of science allowed to him accept (or at the very least turn a blind eye to) the hundreds of deaths of concentration camp workers that assembled his dangerous prototypes.
Willy Ley worked with Von Braun but fled Germany in 1933 when it became clear to him that Hitler was interested in using rocketry for war rather than space exploration. To call Ley a Nazi is simply wrong.
Heinz Haber very probably was the most "Nazi" of the lot but there is so little written about him it's difficult to tell.
Anyway, the point is, that all three men were hugely valuable to the US's space program. Once they emigrated to the US, they committed themselves to helping the US and all three became US citizens.
As for "Our Friend - The Atom", of course there's no downside in the piece. It was the 1950's! No one talked about the downside of atomic power. For real naivete, check out "Atomic Cafe".
If you understand the context of these pieces instead of judging them by ours, you find yourself learning as much about the US in the 1950's as you do about science and space. Accept the optimism, keep a clear head regarding the other darker stuff and you'll have a great time watching these programs!
7 Nostalgic, Fun & a Little Disturbing
I saw all these shows except "Eyes In Outer Space" & the EPCOT promotional film, when they were originally broadcast, when I was very young, and they began my education in science and astronomy. Seeing them again 50 years later is a blast. First off, they look GREAT! They are immensely interesting and very entertaining. The stuff they predict correctly is amazing. The first show basically lays out what became the space shuttle program very accurately. In "Mars & Beyond" it apparently didn't occur to them that we would send unmanned probes before sending men. They don't get the first moon trip right. No ships were built in space, and we went to the moon before building any space stations, and to go all the way to the moon and just come back after ONE orbit would have been idiotic. Needless to say, our first trip to the moon involved orbiting for a while. Of course, on the second trip, we landed.
But there's disturbing aspects to these shows also. First off, most of the scientists whom Walt has explain rocketry to us are NAZIS, like Werner Von Braun. They mention his developing of rockets, but omit that he did it for Hitler to use murdering people in England!. When a German scientist, in "Our Friend The Atom" asks what three wishes we should ask of atomic energy, and then says, "Our first wish is for POWER!" I was completely creeped out. We're supposed to just forget that these men had no compunctions about letting Hitler use their genius for mass murder. These guys weren't Mousekateers. They were war criminals who we took for our space programs. They apparently didn't care who they built weapons for. That's what we call whores. It was just ten years after World War II, and Disney was bringing these Nazis into our living rooms to teach our kids. Ew!
Speaking of "Our Friend The Atom", it's a huge commercial for atomic energy, designed to make us baby boomers all want a nuclear power plant in OUR neighborhoods. The atom isn't our friend! They imply that atomic energy COULD have been dangerous, but fortunately, we've tamed it and it hasn't been used to kill and is now not dangerous. Excuse me! Hiroshima and Nagasaki were already history. "Our Friend The Atom" was all about sending us on the inevitable path to Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. Very creepy.
Several of the historical segments make note of the 1000 year gap in scientific development, the Dark Ages, and let us know that this was a bad time of superstition and ignorance, but it never mentions how the Catholic Church deliberately created the Dark Ages, by ruthlessly repressing all learning, and burning you at the stake if you dared to think for yourself. Copernicus and Galilao's discoveries are cited several times, but no mention is made of their being forced to recant by the Vatican, or of any of Catholicism's other crimes against learning and science.
Similarly, "Eyes In Outer Space" suggests that satilites would just be used for weather control. Any more sinister uses, like spying or weaponry, are never even hinted at.
I am amused by the reviewers who think it's a shame that Walt's ideas for EPCOT were never realized, and who wish they could live in Walt's supercity. Actually live in a city owned and RULED by Disney? No thanks.
But this set of programs are fascinating artifacts from my youth. I enjoyed them tremendously.
8 Some of the Greatest Animation Ever Created, etc.
To say the least, this collection features some of the greatest animation ever produced for television, if not ever. Mind blowing, wildly inventive, and overwhelming. Ward Kimball, I would argue (with this set as evidence), was Disney's greatest animator, and, when you consider the starchy conservative reputation Disney had during the mid-50s, it's astonishing to consider how willing and trusting he was to both hand over creative control to Kimball, and to present this profoundly innovative and often extremely abstract animation to the common public. It goes a long way toward the potential for discussing Disney as being far more complex than the overly reductive dismissal of him as reactionary moralist in the cultural realm. In addition, this set encapsulates the bright-eyed utopianism of the era better than any other pop culture artifact, the mood and representation of which clearly informed Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (it also sheds light on the somewhat disturbing Germanic influence on the technology of the space age).
9 Immeasurably entertaining
Well, I came along too late to have seen these programs on t.v. in the fifties. But I can't imagine I would have enjoyed them anymore than I did today! I don't think it's an exaggeration to say the "Tomorrowland" programs may be the BEST documentaries I have ever seen. Who else but Walt Disney (teaming up with space exploration pioneers like Willie Ley and Warner Von Braun) could make a series like this that ANYONE can enjoy, even 50 years after their release?
Yes, some of the speculative material therein has been proven wrong over the years. That's part of their charm...the people who made these things seem certain that their ideas would become reality. And speaking of charm, anyone with even a passing interest in the history of animation simply MUST have this set. I don't think any other Disney production looks quite like this. The episode on Mars in particular contains some of the most bizarre images, animated or otherwise, to ever appear on screen.
I would highly recommend this to anyone (1)like I said, with an interest in animation; (2)interested in the history of astronomy; (3)who likes 50's science-fiction or science-fact. And of course, anyone who likes classic Disney should have bought this one already.
If I had the money I'd buy it FOR you. But I don't...so do yourself a favor and get this one before it's gone.
10 Tomorrow's Treasures
For those who loved the books "The Art of Chestley Bonestell", "Visions of Spaceflight", and "Imagining Space", this DVD set is a must have for the 1st disc alone. Hats off to Disney for saving these films for posterity. As one who lives in the day-to-day life of the space industry, it's interesting to note that, after all these years, how much of the information is still applicable as a layman's introduction to the space program (the only bits that would need to be updated would be the section on space medicine and potential life on Mars - although that section could just be renamed life in the universe). It's so great to be able listen to Wernher Von Braun and Ernst Stuhlinger in their prime. My young nephew, who can't get enough on the space program, will be getting one of these soon. If you're a fan of the NASA's manned space program, a fan of popular art of the 1950's, or generally interested in how our parents viewed the future, this timeless collection is for you.
11 EPCOT segment worth the price of admission
I can't believe how great the EPCOT segment is. This is totally worth the cost of the collection.
To see the original concept for EPCOT totally blew me away (there's lots of good archival footage of Disneyland in the segment, too). I WANT to live in Disney's EPCOT.
Really outstanding.
12 Lost Treasures - Found
Disney completists, 1950s cultural collectors, animation fans, history buffs and sci/fi fans will be overjoyed with this set. I had never seen any of the material contained in this set before and now I can't keep these films out of my mind. I was amazed that Walt Disney had the guts to tackle these subjects in such a serious manner. Yet they aren't presented as fluff nor as a boring PBS documentary but some marvelous combination of the two. I've heard people tell of how they had seen these films in school as a supplement to their science educations. Now I can see why. You learn hard facts about the subjects of space travel, atoms, and rockets in an entertaining and unforgettable way. I think the Discovery Channel could learn a thing or two from these films.
The bulk of these films are live action, but the animation that is included is stunning in that it is so different looking from what we normally consider Disney. Animation fans will be pouring over these segments in awe. And as proof of Walt's forethought we are able to enjoy these shows in full technicolor.
Included as a bonus are two interviews. One with Ray Bradbury and the other with Marty Sklar. I can't overstate how excellent these interviews are. They both knew Walt personally and their accounts of working with him and his personality are priceless. As much as I loved the main features, I'm sure to be watching these interviews again and again.
Parents can easily allow their children to watch this set and they're sure to learn a thing or two. For the whole family, Tomorrowland is a triumph of ideas, entertainment and imagination.
13 A total joy. A must-have for all Baby Boomers.
This package was originally scheduled for release last December. I drooled in anticipation of buying it, and then was disheartened to see its release had been pushed back six months. As soon as it was available on 18 May, 2004, I ordered it, and Amazon.com's standard delivery was lightning fast. My mailman handed it to me two days later.
When these shows originally aired in Black and White on the weekly Disneyland series in the mid 50s, I was just a little kid, and now only had faint memories of them. To see them in all their glory today, unedited, in beautiful Technicolor, is simply a joy. It's tough to find the words to express how absolutely stunning this set of films is. Enough has been said about what's on this Double-DVD set. A million words have been written about what a genius Walt Disney was. An artist. A visionary. An entertainment wizard. A futurist. He was one of a kind.
What you have here is over four hours of some of the best work ever to come out of the Disney studios. Some of it, such as the "Mars and Beyond" episode, is simply mind-boggling in its artistic beauty and haunting imagery. Some of its animation compares well with, and even exceeds "Fantasia", and I was even drawing some comparisons with Kubrick's "2001" as I watched the huge Mars-bound spaceships quietly marching off in a row towards the Red Planet. That segment alone is worth the price of this set. Walt's never-before-seen full promotional film of EPCOT, as he originally planned it (which is almost nothing like it ended up being built) is startling. I knew he had planned EPCOT to be an entire city. I had no idea just how well-planned his conception of it was.
The Monorail (opened in 1959) and the People Mover (opened in 1967) at Disneyland were simply test beds for the planned EPCOT City transportation system. There is a LOT of vintage Disneyland footage in this set too, especially in the EPCOT segment where Walt pitches the whole concept to investors. Baby Boomers will get teary-eyed when they see the clips of a bygone Disneyland, so many wonderful attractions that now no longer exist.
In these films, Walt Disney showed such enthusiasm you can't help but smile and at the same time be saddemed that he passed away before seeing his massive Florida dream realized. At least he lived long enough to see Disneyland celebrate its 11th anniversary. He was taken from us way too soon.
Walt Disney had an innate gift of making complicated science fun, and understandable, not just to kids, but to anyone. Here, his immensely talented Imagineering studios whip up some of the most memorable, and often whimsical films ever made about space travel, astrophysics, weather, and Atomic engegy. While much of what his films forecast in the 1950s never happened, quite that way, such as controlling the path of hurricanes, you watch these films and wish that it had. The extended interviews with Ray Bradbury and Marty Sklar are wonderful, and reveal a lot of things you might never have known, or even guessed, about Walt Disney and his miraculous mind. Leonard Maltin intros each film and conducts the interviews. He's enthusiastic, and his intros don't drag on forever.
You'll hear the voice of the late Paul Frees narrating some of the films. One of the best film and radio voices who ever faced a mic, you can still hear his unforgettable voice at Disneyland as you ride the Doom Buggies through The Haunted Mansion.
Of all the Disney Treasures tin can DVDs, this is, IMHO, easily the best. This is a must-have for your collection if you are even a devotee of 50s futurism, Disney animation, Disneyland, space exploration, and if you're a Baby Boomer and remember some of these shows from the 50s, don't even hesitate for a second ordering it. Since it's a limited edition, jump on it while you have the chance. It's worth every cent. This is not a DVD you'll watch once and throw in a pile. You'll want to see it over and over and play it for your friends. It is simply a masterpiece.
14 just viewed
I was a little disappointed. compared to the other disney treasures this dvd was not what i expected. i found it a little boring, the first disc could have explained what took almost 3 hours in about half the time. Unfortunately i was falling asleep and a good night sleep seemed better than finishing the dvd. I have always been a fan/collector/and student of astromony and space travel, this set did not live up to the billing.
15 The first treasure I have watched, and it didn't disappoint!
Tomorrowland was one of the Treasures out of wave 3 I was looking forward to the most. This was not because I loved the content but rather I had never even seen any of the contained episodes and it all seemed very mysterious to me. The idea of 50's and 60's shows looking ahead to the possibilities the future held with regards to space travel interested me a lot. Needless to say, I wasn't let down in the least bit.This was the one with the lowest print run out of the whole set and I was a little worried about finding it on Tuesday morning. Everywhere I went it seemed like this surely might be a tough one for people to find later on. But sure enough I found my copy. The content here is truly amazing. The best parts to me were Man in Space and Mars and Beyond. They were fascinating, and the ideas presented there about space travel and what could be done were very innovative for that time period. A lot of what they discussed was right on, such as man's first voyage to the moon. Some of the ideas were far-fetched but I don't think they are impossible."Our Friend the Atom" is also a very good piece too. In the 1940's little was known in the way of atoms and their makeup compared to what we know today. Yet, it was very entertaining to see the animated bit with the genie to compare what atomic power is like and the idea behind harnessing that power. The animation and music that accompanies each of these shows was amazing to me simply because it was so new to me. Another highlight(well the entire set is) from the set is Epcot.Walt Disney discusses plans for Walt Disney World, and at the center is EPCOT(Experimental Protocol Community of Tomorrow). Personally, I love watching shows that Walt is a part of. He adds the Disney magic to it. Also if I am not mistaken this was the last appearance he made before his death two months later. So it is a real treat. His vision of EPCOT as a community of the future is nothing short of genius. I have never been to EPCOT so I dont know, but I dont think the EPCOT of today is quite like it was envisioned. That is okay though, I still recommend this segment just to see the great plan for it. Even still, even though I thoroughly enjoyed everything this treasure has to offer, I have to say the animated segment in Mars and beyond was the funniest to me. A young girl is kidnapped by a martian and taken to mars. Not to spoil it for anybody, but she is being chased at one point by a long line of martian monsters and one of them is Donald Duck(my fave Disney character!). That cracked me up. But overall I learned a lot from this about the culture and enthusiasm of exploring what was out there past Earth and also the possibilites of expanding our horizons into the depths of space. Don't forget to watch the extras too, because there are some good ones. One of those would be the Leonard Maltin interview with futurist author Ray Bradberry, who shared a lot of ideas with Walt about the future, and was a close friend of Walt's.
My closing thoughts on this are that if you are interested in seeing history and seeing some classic television with the purpose of exploring the opportunities the future held/holds, then you should definately pick this up, there are only 105,000 made. This is not for everyone though, as some may have the wrong impression upon first view of it. It does have some great Disney animation in it, but if you are more into the shorts(Mickey, Goofy, etc.)then I would somehow watch them before you decide to make a purchase. In my honest opinion, it would be hard for anybody to not find something that interests them on this set. I hope this helped you decide about seeing Tomorrowland, and if you want to own this great piece, dont wait too long because I don't think it will be available for long at all. And so my job here is done, I now have to check out the Chronological Donald set. I have a feeling it will be great too.
16 Classic Imaginative Futuristic Television
(...)
The contents of these shows are very special - entertaining, educational, and important historically. The first 3 TV shows usually had a fun, animated story for the first half of the show with scientists in the second half giving scientific info on how future space flights might be possible, based on the facts known in the 1950s. All three TV shows were directed by animator/director Ward Kimball.
Man In Space (3/9/55) Walt Disney introduces the show and then turns over the program to director Ward Kimball. The animated story concerns the development of rockets, the action/reaction principle, Jules Verne writing his story "From The Earth To The Moon", a humorous depiction of the medical challenges to man surviving a space trip - such as acceleration, pressure, weightlessness, radiation, and eating/drinking. Later scientists Willy Ley, Heinz Haber, and Wernher von Braun help explain the challenges of space travel and what a space rocket would probably look like.
Man And The Moon (12/28/55) This show was later shown in 1959 as "Tomorrow The Moon". Walt Disney introduces the show and shows scenes from the Disneyland attraction "Rocket Ship To The Moon". Walt then turns the show over to director Ward Kimball. There is a fun animated segment about man's superstitions about the moon over the ages, including stories about trips to the moon and the creatures found there. Literary references to the moon and songs about the moon are shown. Scientist Wernher von Braun introduces how scientists were preparing for a flight to the moon at that time. There is a nice live action/special effects rocket ship flight that photographs the back side of the moon.
Mars And Beyond (12/4/57) This is my favorite of these TV shows. A giant robot GARCO introduces Walt Disney, who is standing next to the robot. Walt presents this mainly animated program about the universe, including the various planets - with special emphasis on Mars. An animated history of mankind's fascination with space is very well done. A fun science fiction story about a female being kidnapped by a robot from Mars includes a very funny scene of Donald Duck being shown as part of a long line of Martian monsters chasing the female. There is fascinating animation exploring wildly imaginative ideas of different lifeforms that might exist on Mars. This animation caused Walt Disney to exclaim to Ward Kimball, "How do you guys come up with all these crazy ideas?"
Our Friend The Atom (1/23/57) Walt Disney uses a scene from the film "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" to introduce the story of atomic energy and then turns the program over to Dr. Heinz Haber, a noted atomic energy scientist of that time. There is a fun animated tale of "The Fisherman and the Genie" included as part of extensive animation showing the history of the atom. This history of the atom also included another scene I much enjoy - how an early Greek theory of the atom was lost for centuries.
Eyes In Outer Space (6/18/59) This theatrical release is an entertaining live-action/animation program which is marvelously produced with several fascinating scenes about the future of satellite's ability to forecast and control the weather. There is a funny animated segment about how "folk tales" predict the weather. My favorite scene is the end of the show in which a high pressure ridge is intensified to keep a hurricane out to sea and away from land. This won the 1960 Thomas Edison Foundation Award. It was later shown on TV as part of the show "Spy In The Sky" (4/1/62).
EPCOT (filmed in 1966, shown in 1967) Walt Disney, in his last film appearance, talks about his company's plans for EPCOT and Walt Disney World. Fascinating and interesting info and very important historically.
I have seen these shows and have loved them over the years. I am thrilled that they are being released on DVD for anyone to enjoy.
