Aug 07 2023
Born on this day, August 7, 1932, in Schiedam, Netherlands, Rien Poortvliet, a name that resonates with a remarkable flair of creativity and an unparalleled sense of artistic expression. Known for his profound ability to breathe life into the canvas, Poortvliet was a Dutch draughtsman and painter, who carved a unique niche for himself in the …
Jul 13 2023
Here’s a little treat for this Wednesday: a jam ad created for Russian Sugar directed by Yuri Norstein. It was one of a group of Russian Sugar commercials made by Norstein between 1994 and 1995 that used cutouts and drawings for the animations (a bit past the Soviet era but still delightful and created by …
May 28 2023
For over five decades, the enchanting “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland has captured the hearts and imagination of millions of visitors, both young and old alike. The captivating attraction, which first opened its doors in Disneyland on May 28, 1966, is a true testament to Disney’s magical and timeless storytelling. As the ride celebrates …
Apr 30 2023
The Enchanted Tiki Room, a beloved and iconic attraction at Disneyland, first opened its doors to the public on June 23, 1963. This groundbreaking and innovative show, located in the heart of Adventureland, was the first of its kind to feature Audio-Animatronics technology, setting a new standard for themed entertainment. Walt Disney’s vision for the …
Apr 22 2023
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which opened its doors to the public on April 22, 1998, is a unique theme park that combines the magic of Disney with the wonder of nature. From its early planning stages to its grand opening, this park has been a labor of love for the Imagineers who designed it. Join us …
Apr 17 2023
This wonderfully illustrated 1968 Russian animation is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. It begins with a Copenhagen tour guide’s introduction to Andersen’s story, which is not quite the same as the Disney version. As is usually the case, the older tale is much darker. Much of the imagery in this animation is also dark, yet …
Dec 21 2022
The Night Before Christmas (1951) was directed by the prolific Soviet animation duo of Valentina Brumberg and Zinaida Brumberg, who were also known as the “Brumberg sisters” as well as the “grandmothers of Russian animation.” Some of their most well known films are Little Red Riding Hood and Ivashka and Baba-Yaga. Not your typical Christmas story, it begins …
Dec 19 2022
First airing on December 19, 1968, The Little Drummer Boy, an animated television special produced by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, has long been a staple in holiday television programming. Its timeless appeal transcends generations, making it a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide even after more than half a century since its initial …
Dec 14 2022
To celebrate the season, here’s a vintage style Christmas Coca Cola ad by the Academy Award-winning, Soviet born animator Aleksandr Petrov. The commercial was created in 2001, and was based on Haddon Sundblom’s jolly Santa illustrations, which first debuted in 1931 Coke ads.
Sep 21 2022
In Birthnight, Night visits young Tima, a boy who sleeps with the light on because he is afraid of the dark, and she invites him to her nighttime birthday party in the woods. If the story doesn’t sound intriguing enough, the eccentric synth music of Eduard Artemyev is sure to transport you to another world, …
