Let's put it like this: the new Walt Disney Imagineering book "A Behind the Dreams Look at Making MORE Magic Real" is simply GORGEOUS. No kidding, folks. A totally "can't live without it" book for any Imagineering fan. And, as i've worked in publishing the last 30 years and did the Disneyland Paris "From Sketch to Reality" book you know that i know what i'm talking about when i do a book review, don't you?
No, frankly, this book is really fantastic. It's important to say that it's a totally brand NEW book, and NOT an updated edition of the first Imagineering book published ten years ago. All the artworks and pictures were not in the first one and this one is totally complementary with the first book.
Melody Mahlberg and all WDI Imagineers who designed this beautiful 192 pages Imagineering tribute did a superb job. From the size - the book is bigger than my DLP book which is already big - to the layouts, fold-out pages, and gorgeous printing the book is "technically" perfect. But of course what is the best is what is inside it! Lot - and i mean really a lot of WDI artwork, most of them never seen before (yes, even on Disney and more!), fantastic behind the scenes pictures (also released for the first time), sketches, rare blue-prints, etc... a pure treasure!
Okay, let's have a closer look at it: there is three parts in the book: Part I is called: Theory and this first part explains how Imagineers creativity requires "a few - a very few" ground rules. Here are some pages from this chapter beginning by the chapter opening...
You'll find gorgeous artwork even on double pages, whether it's this rare sketch for "Soarin' over California"...
...Or a first concept for Tokyo Disney Sea's Port Discovery.
Mind you, normal pages don't have only one picture, but a lot!.. like this one explaining how important is the "Previsualization"...
And others even have fold-out attraction storyboard like this one for the Disneyland's Submarine Nemo ride.
Part II of the book is: Tools and explain how Imagineers make use of a variety of resources to create the magic of Disney Resorts and attractions whether it's tools to visualize or analyze, explain and build.
If you look well you will also learn WDI secrets from rare theme park plans like this double-page with a early DLP plan (on the right) revealing that a "flying saucers" attraction was envisioned where DLP guests now ride Autopia...
Another example with this double pages talking about attraction gags imagined by Imagineers...
...or how important the WDI sculpting section is.
Part 3 is called: Portfolio and you'll have an inside look at the mosaic of people, talents, ideas, and projects from Imagineering.
Just like in the Part 1 and 2 you'll find great pictures and artwork.
You'll find also pages about the Disney Cruise Line - including a giant fold-out of the ship design - and several pages on the awaited Little Mermaid attraction, including a Mermaid ride concept i've never seen before! (no, it's not on the picture below, i've kept the surprise for you)
Except if you're blind you probably have already understood why this new Imagineering book is an absolute must-have for a Disney super-fan like you (or me!). And, good news, although the book is now released and ready for immediate shipping the Amazon $37.80 (instead of $60) special price is always available. And frankly, considering how great this book is it's truly the deal of the month!
You'll find below - or in the Disney & More Amazon Store - the direct link to order the book on Amazon, and if you could use these links for your order i will be thankful to you as i really need your support! Thanks by advance!
Also, talking about books, find back all the "spirit" of Disney and more in the gorgeous Disneyland Paris book! With 750 pictures including 250 WDI renderings this 320 pages book was acclaimed as "the best book ever done on a Disney theme park". See my special offer below to don't miss the last copies!
All pictures: copyright Disney Editions, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Enterprises Inc
7 comments:
Alain!!!
God bless you to be back! the net wasn't the same without "Disney and More". I'm really happy.
Marco
I am really happy you are back!!! That sure looks like an interesting book... How is it in comparison with the old one??? (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walt-Disney-Imagineering-Behind-Imagineers/dp/0786883723/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274789130&sr=8-2)
Stefanos, The new WDI book is just as good as the first one, really.
Thanks for your reply Alain...
Is the new books an updated edition of the old one or something completely different?? I mean, is it worth buying the new book if I have the older one??
Stefanos, it's a totally different book, a brand NEW book, it is NOT a updated edition of the old one. All artwork and pictures were not in the first one, it's totally complementary with the first book. And it's a beautiful, gorgeous book, really.
just got mine yesterday and dont think it is quite as good as the first.
Its still up there in the top 3 of the best Disney books ever,the others being the first edition of the book and of course your own book.
Just got the book today and it is fabulous...the very best since your own book, Alain. I of course I drool over the unreleased artwork like Glacier Bay for TDS on p 52 and the unused layout for HKDL on p 66 with the castle located where the train station is and serving as entrace to a big ride, a Villains section for Fantasyland, and a Pirates ride where the Lion King show is today!
- Tasman
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