Disney twenty-three Magazine Pays Tribute to 75 Years of Disney Feature Animated Films

BURBANK, Calif., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- D23 devotes its entire Spring issue of Disney twenty-three magazine to the remarkable legacy and influence of Disney animated films. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the animated classics of tomorrow, the official Disney fan club takes readers on a fantastic journey from the drawing board to the silver screen.

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Available nationwide on February 14, this special issue of Disney twenty-three magazine is an extraordinary treasure trove of fascinating stories, insights and details of Disney animation's heritage. From pre-production to music composition, every facet of making classic Disney animated features is explored—including the transcriptions from Walt's story meetings with his animation team as they developed such classics as Fantasia, Pinocchio and Cinderella.

Plus, especially for Gold-level members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, this all-new issue also features an inventive, breathtaking cover that incorporates a removable replica animation cel from Snow White. 

"It's often been said that animation is the heart and soul of Disney, so we knew we needed to do something truly spectacular with our magazine in this milestone year," said Steven Clark, head of D23. "Whether you're interested in the first Golden Age of Disney animation or you're looking forward to the next beloved classic, there's something in this issue for every Disney fan."

Fittingly, the magazine's first story examines the legacy of Walt Disney himself and the vision he set forth even before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs hit the screen. FiIm historian and Academy-Award® winner John Canemaker looks at how Disney animated films have continuously raised the bar for three quarters of a century, since audiences were first enchanted by the "fairest of them all."  Also included in the Spring issue are:

• The Six Older Men: A revealing look at the rarely seen talented artists and illustrators who helped train Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men";
• Ralph's Wrecking Crew: An early glimpse at the process of producing Wreck-It Ralph, the next feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios;
• Ballyhoo and Buzz: A colorful look at some of Disney's off-the-wall stunts for marketing new movies before the advent of broadcast and digital media;
• Striking the Right Chords: An exploration of the memorable music written for animated features, with insight from film historian Leonard Maltin;
• Still Soaring: A touching interview with talented artist Tyrus Wong, now 101 years old, who helped create the extraordinary look of Bambi;
• A Work of Art: An introduction to Disney's Animation Research Library, home to 65 million individual pieces of original animation art.

There's even more to discover—including spectacular photography and artwork—in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three, which will be delivered directly to all Gold-level D23 Members beginning in early February with the limited-edition Snow White reproduction cel as their collectible gift.

Disney twenty-three magazine is available at retail locations across the country for $15.95, and can also be purchased online at DisneyStore.com and throughout the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts. Gold-level members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are treated to each issue delivered directly to their mailbox, accompanied by a special collectible gift. 

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 brings its members a host of exclusive benefits, including a bi-weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; and exclusive, member-only special events.

Disney fans can join the world's only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.Disney.com/D23, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

Contacts:
Lisa Scalzo
The Walt Disney Company
(818) 560-3117 / [email protected]

John Singh
J2 Communications
(818) 458-7800 / [email protected]

SOURCE Disney D23