New Releases by Jeff Kurtti

This is the Commemorative Edition of one of the most trusted and respected nonfiction books about Walt Disney ever written! Includes 4 commemorative essays; a photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images; and an endnotes section with insightful passages from 15 Disney historians and authors to provide further context for modern audiences. Walt Disney is an American hero. From Mickey Mouse to Disneyland, he changed the face of American culture. His is a success story like no other: a man who developed animated film into an art form and made a massive contribution to the folklore of the world. After years of research, respected Hollywood biographer Bob Thomas produced this definitive biography of the person behind the legend of Disney: the unschooled cartoonist from Kansas City, Missouri, who—though his initial studio went bankrupt during his first movie venture—developed into a creative spirit who produced unmatched works of entertainment that have influenced generations. Inside the Commemorative Edition paperback: • Special essays by Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and Rebecca Cline and an updated index from the 2023 edition • Preface by Bob Thomas from the 1994 edition • Foreground, 28 chapters, and sources by Bob Thomas from the 1976 edition • Endnotes excerpting 15 books that have furthered Bob’s research from the 2023 edition • 32-page photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images from the 2023 edition Searching for information about Walt Disney? Explore more books from Disney Editions: The Official Walt Disney Quote Book People Behind the Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A. Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai Walt''s Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder

On June 14, 1959, Walt Disney''s Monorail opened at Tomorrowland in Disneyland and became the first daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals: the Atomic Age... the challenge of outer space... and the hope for a peaceful and unified world, Walt Disney had said of his future-forward park area; so, it s no surprise that Walt had planned for a Tomorrowland-based monorail starting in the early days of the property''s development.

Celebrating twenty-five years on the stage, Beauty and the Beast was the musical that established Disney as a force on Broadway. The beloved tale at the heart of that success is an ongoing and resonant legend of transformation-from within the story itself, to the way it transformed the medium of Animation, brought Disney to Broadway, lit up the screen in a new live-action film-and continues to change and influence lives worldwide as the most-produced Disney Theatrical title.Fully illustrated with concept art, costume designs, behind-the-scenes photography, and other rarities and never-before published visuals, along with an erudite text by renowned Disney author historian Jeff Kurtti, the unique and colorful history within A Tale of Transformation: Twenty-Five Years of Beauty and the Beast On Stage also features a dozen guest essays by creative talents and performers who have been a part of, or been deeply influenced by this landmark cultural work.Readers of A Tale of Transformation: Twenty-Five Years of Beauty and the Beast On Stage will find not only an authoritative backstage look at Beauty and the Beast in its many incarnations, but a joyous celebration of one of the most successful Broadway productions in history.

Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail invested in each Disney costume within this gorgeous coffee table book! The elegant and adventurous array of dresses, uniforms, and other attire is a feast for the eyes and a fascinating examination of pure craft and of the brilliant, creative minds behind it. The collection begins with a summation of the costumes created for Disney animation, early live action, and television, along with show wardrobes sported at the Disney Parks by Audio-Animatronics figures and Cast Members. The next section details a timeless case study: Cinderella''s ball gown. A diverse group of designers has been called upon over the years to address and improvise the creative and practical needs each time the fairy tale Cinderella has been reimagined. Each project has brought with it inherent cultural challenges when bringing a familiar and beloved tale to life again and again, and all have yielded stunning and distinct results. At last, the full galleries (organized by the character archetypes of heroes and villains, and those complex, always interesting, "spaces between") showcase costumes across more than thirty Disney films. At each turn, this volume offers a one-of-a-kind backstage view of remarkable works of art, and it inspires a true appreciation for the highly skilled and talented costumers who created them.

La trabajadora y ambiciosa, Tiana sueña con abrir el restaurante más fino de Nueva Orleans. Su sueño se desvía un poco cuando conoce al príncipe Naveen, quien ha sido transformado en un anfibio por el Dr. Facilier. Confundiéndola con una princesa y esperando romper el hechizo, Naveen le da un beso a la pobre Tiana, transformándola en una rana. La pareja vive una gran aventura por los pantanos para buscar la ayuda de una poderosa sacerdotisa vudú.

Ever since 1934, when Mary Poppins descended from the skies over London into Cherry Tree Lane in the beloved book by P. L. Travers, the world has adored the enchanting adventures and peculiar wisdom of this magical nanny.For more than eight decades, Travers''s staunch but charming heroine has been beloved in the pages of eight popular books-and in media-from movies to stage, and music to television, all around the world.Now Mary Poppins has come to light up cinema screens again in a magical, musical new incarnation, Mary Poppins Returns. From the Walt Disney Studios, this film is a colorful and charming new story-a sequel to the 1964 classic-featuring an all-star cast and brought to life by a stellar creative team. In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael''s three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal, grievous loss. She''s back just in time. And through her unique magical skills andpresence, plus the aid of her friend Jack, Mary helps restore for the troubled family the joy and wonder that''s been lost in their lives.Every incarnation of Mary Poppins has had at least one thing in common: she''s always arrived out of the blue, though the stay is for an all-too brief period of time-until the wind changes or the chain breaks-whereupon she flies away again for, as Pamela Travers put it, "Apparently . . . nowhere."Practically Poppins In Every Way is a showcase of the varied creative forces that have brought Mary Poppins to life, generation after generation. It is accompanied by erudite and informative text, essays, and observations by creative luminaries such as Cameron Mackintosh, Thomas Schumacher, Gavin Lee, and John Myhre, as well as renowned Disney authorities Brian Sibley, Jim Fanning, Paula Sigman Lowery, Craig D. Barton, and Greg Ehrbar.This colorful and lavish showcase is a rich, vivid, and frequently surprising visual document of the development behind the stories of Mary Poppins on the page, screen, and stage. Treasures collected by the Walt Disney Studios, the Walt Disney Archives, the Walt Disney Archives Photo Library, the Walt Disney Animation Studios Research Library, the Disney Publishing Archives, and Disney Theatrical Group abound throughout the book.Practically Poppins in Every Way is a magical carpetbag containing countless wonders and "a bit o'' magic" that will captivate, inform, and entertain readers of all ages.

For nearly nine decades, Disney artists have created annual seasonal art for greeting cards, advertisements, and in support of motion picture releases, TV programs, and the parks. Featuring beloved Disney characters and scenes, these seldom-published examples of vintage Disney art create a one-of-a-kind and festive collection perfect for holiday gift-giving.

From his earliest years, Walt Disney aimed to expand his boundaries: physical, creative, and intellectual. Throughout his life, Walt was a frequent and enthusiastic "tourist," visiting destinations around the United States of America and across the globe. Whether attending a premiere, supervising a film production, or simply vacationing with his family, the "All-American" Walt became a citizen of the world. From Denmark to Argentina, England to Greece, Austria, Chile, Canada, France . . . all of them welcomed Walt as an emissary of his good name, good works, and good reputation. In Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World, seldom-seen and never-before-published photographs are showcased along with eyewitness recollections and enlightening anecdotes, arranged into a one-of-a-kind "travel journal" as if Walt himself might have documented these exciting excursions in one special place to keep the memories alive and to share with readers.

This Fall, The Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to its timeless art form of hand-drawn animation. From the creative minds of directors John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid and Aladdin) comes an American fairy tale and musical set in the heart of New Orleans during the Jazz Age. This unforgettable tale of love, enchantment, and discovery features Tiana, a young girl with big dreams who is working hard to achieve them amid theelegance and grandeur of the fabled French Quarter. The Art of The Princess and the Frog showcases the lush concept art of this sure-to-be-classic movie, including sketches, character designs, lighting studies and storyboards, alongside inspiring quotes from the directors, producers, artists and designers, including veteran hand drawn animators that brought you many of Disney''s most classic and unforgettable characters.

A lighthearted twist on Rapunzel, the beloved fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, Tangled brims with thrilling adventure, a distinctive cast of characters, a daring heroine, and, of course, seventy feet of golden hair. Featuring the stunning concept art behind the newest Disney masterpiece, The Art of Tangled also includes a preface by John Lasseter, a foreword by Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, and interviews with the artists, animators, and production team—including Art Director David Goetz—that shed light on the history and artistry of this landmark film.

A coffee-table book of evocative photography that speaks to the history of Disneyland. In addition to this standard jacketed hardcover, there is also a Deluxe Edition under ISBN 1-4231-2904-0.

A coffee-table book of evocative photography that speaks to the history of Disneyland. The Deluxe Edition is a high-end, slipcase version of ISBN 1-4231-2905-9 that includes an envelop with a replica of first issue of Disneyland News, a replica of 1963 horizontal paperback called Walt Disney’s Guide to Disneyland, and postcards-sized versions of 8 Disneyland attraction posters.

Comparison of attractions from Disneyland''s history

Just in time for the holiday season, Disney Editions will be releasing this mistletoe-bedecked mailable book. From All of Us to All of You will celebrate the unique, imaginative, and colorful art created for the Walt Disney Studios annual season''s greetings over the past eight decades. Featuring beloved Disney characters and scenes from contemporary Disney projects, these rarely-seen and never published examples of vintage Disney art were created by such legendary Studio artists as Bill Justice, Hank Porter, and Paul Wenzel. Accompanying this one-of-a-kind collection is erudite and fascinating information about the projects, ideas, context, and people involved in the creation of these festive works-written by Disney historian Jeff Kurtti. Disney fans will delight in sending this unique compilation of holiday cards to friends and family for years to come.

A stunning art book showcasing the rich, varied, and vivid artistic inspiration behind the development of Walt Disney World Resort attractions.

Updated version of hard cover souvenir book.

“There are many lessons in sailing,” Roy E. Disney believes. “Not just about competition, but the importance of teamwork, good communication, reliance in self, trust in others, and what the sea teaches us all about patience, perseverance, and just plain luck.” This idea is brought to vivid life in What the Sea Teaches Us: The Crew of the Morning Light, a beautiful companion book to Roy E. Disney’s remarkable sailing documentary, Morning Light. Every other year, ambitious and adventure-hungry sailors embark on an ocean race that starts in Los Angeles, California and finishes in Hawaii—the Transpacific Yacht Race. The race is one of the most challenging and competitive sporting events in the world, and has been drawing in generations of sailors for over a hundred years with its beguiling siren’s song. This book chronicles the recruitment, training, and performance of one of the youngest crews ever to compete in the race. With an average age of 21.2 years, these fifteen fearless young sailors battled the elements and the odds as, on their own, they sailed a Transpac 52 called Morning Light across the Pacific Ocean. None were actors. There was no script, and no preconceived outcome. More than an account of the competition, What the Sea Teaches Us gives readers unique insight into the individual personalities and defining characteristics that brought these young people to the Morning Light project, and accompanies them on their emotional, educational, and spiritual journeys, from the selection process and a strenuous, improvisational training program, through sea trials and on to the completion of the 2007 Transpac race. Lavishly illustrated throughout in color and black and white—and featuring spectacular photography by award-winning photographer Sharon Green—What the Sea Teaches Us is a moving and compelling record not only of a journey on the sea but in the hearts and minds of a one-of-a-kind group of dedicated young sailors.

50 years ago, Walt Disney utterly transformed the concept of outdoor entertainment venues. Using his innate talent for combining disparate skills and personalities, he assembled a creative team that blended imagination with engineering and called them ''Imagineers''. Kurtti introduces a core group of the originators of Disneyland and the other Disney parks. He explores their individual relationships with Walt and each other, their creative breakthroughs and failure, their rivalries and professional politics. Lavishly illustrated with rare never-before-seen photos.

“Direct” from the extensive files of The Walt Disney Archives inBurbank, California, as “collected” by Archives Director David R. Smith foryour research and enlightenment, here is a one-of-a-kind collection of Disneycharacter reference. In an entertainingand informative format, readers get an insider’s peek intothe careers of Disney’s best-loved animated characters, whether their roles arestarring or supporting. Disney Dossiersbrings together a fascinating collection of information, anecdotes, andillustrations, providing highlights from Disney productions past and presentfor all your “casting” needs. The format, though playful, will also be informativeand sophisticated, geared toward an adult audience with an ample base of Disneyknowledge. The book will be heavily illustrated and beautifully designed./DIV /DIVJeff Kurtti is the author of more than a dozen books andscores of magazine articles, a writer-director of award-winning documentaries,and a respected public speaker, host, and panel moderator. He is currently theCreative Director of The Walt Disney Family Library (a project of The WaltDisney Family Foundation), and is considered one of the leading authorities onThe Walt Disney Company and its history. /DIV

Gathered together for the first time anywhere is anillustrated chronicle of the artistic development of the landmarks,attractions, and shows that constitute Disneyland. Conceptual materials, sketches, layout drawings, andpaintings are meticulously reproduced with lavish production values in abeautiful large-format book that is destined to become a spectacular keepsakefor the Park’s fans and art collectors everywhere.

This fiendishly fun 48-page handbook features the villains everyone loves to hate. The sinister lineup includes such baddies as Cruella De Vil, Lady Tremaine, Captain Hook, Madame Medusa, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, Yzma, Gaston, Ursula, and Jafar. Inside you''ll find hilarious dossiers and revealing information on each twisted villain, with removable documents like Gaston''s report card from the Village Grade School, a flowchart from Ursula that plots her rise to Ruler of the Sea, Maleficent''s favorite clothing catalog, Fearsome Fashions, and more! Moo-whah-hah-hah!

Go "behind the sails" on an intergalactic treasure hunt in this thrilling new animated space adventure by Walt Disney Pictures. A futuristic twist on one of the greatest adventure stories ever told, Treasure Planet follows Jim Hawkins''s fantastic journey across a parallel universe aboard a glittering space galleon. Bug great dangers lie ahead when Jim discovers that his trusted mentor, the cyborg cook John Silver, is actually a scheming pirate with mutiny on his mind. Legends of pirate treasure and pirate terror, the lore of literary pirates, and a look at the loot of a thousand worlds are all featured in this richly illustrated volume that will be treasured by buccaneers of all ages. Discover the film''s evolution and the development of its characters, weaponry, and technology, as well as exploring the interesting histories of actual pirates who sailed the seven seas. Part techno-log, part field guide, this book is brimming with diagrams, gadgets, and gizmos, fun facts, and fascinating anecdotes.

Official tie-in to the new Disney film ''Atlantis: The Lost Empire'' - scheduled for UK release on 19th October, 2001. A comprehensive study of numerous theories behind the legend of Atlantis. Was it an island in the Mediterranean or in a volcanic lake in the Andes? Was it a continent in the Atlantic Ocean or a mountain in Antarctica? Are mysterious ancient ruins and artifacts scattered around the globe remnants of an Atlantean civilisation? These and many other questions are examined in this fascinating work. Illustrated in colour and b/w.

Official tie-in to Disney''s ''Atlantis: The Lost City'' movie - scheduled for UK release 19th October 2001. Essential for both visitors and tourists journeying to Atlantis, this official guide to the city includes everything from visa and passport requirements through to advice on tipping, exchange rates, opening and closing times of shops, nightlife, accomodation, language, architecture and history. Illustrated in full-colour.

Official tie-in to the Disney film ''Atlantis: The Lost Empire'' - schedule for UK release on 19th October 2001. An extraordinary facsimile reproduction of the travel journal of Milo Thatch, the brilliant explorer of Atlantis. Overflowing with notes, drawings, photographs and translations of the Atlantean language, this personal account of his discovery of the lost empire was to rocket him to fame and transform him from a timid linguist and cartographer to a courageous hero. Illustrated in colour throughout.

This essential keepsake captures the remarkable warmth, dramatic plot, and heart-felt humor of this animated feature as well as the behind-the-scenes story of the talented artists, ingenious techniques, and fascinating techniques and technology. Color and b&w illustrations.

Traces the making of the 1998 computer-animated motion picture "A Bug''s Life," exhibiting the work of the film''s animators, art directors, and computer wizards

A truly dazzling, fine-art collection of spectacular animation from another Disney landmark creation--"Mulan", the studio''s most breathtaking animated feature to date. Color throughout.

Takes readers behind the scenes to witness the making of this spectacular animated feature film.