My Disney Movie Wish List

There are various Disney movies I'd like to buy, but this wish list is of a different sort: a list of titles that I wish Disney would release in DVD/BlueRay format (in no particular order)....

1) So Dear to My Heart - While I have this movie on VHS, I'd sure like to have it on DVD! This is available as a Region 2 release overseas -- I don't understand why one of Walt's favorites hasn't been distributed in the United States on disc. It is NOT a sequel to Song of the South.

2) The Light in the Forest - This was the first Disney movie for James MacAthur, which also stars Jessica Tandy and Fess Parker.

3) Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow - The used VHS edition of this title can go for a lot of money on eBay, etc. I've read that this title was slated for release a few years ago. I watched this on The Disney Channel back in the '80s-'90s, and I remember getting the paperback book from a school book order. Disney broadcast this as a three-part series on "The Wonderful World of Disney" and as a theatrical release overseas.

4) The Mickey Mouse Club (complete seasons of the original 1950s program) - Disney has released a little bit of the original Mickey Mouse Club on DVD: as Walt Disney Treasures volumes 1) The first broadcast week, 2) The Adventures of Spin and Marty, 3) The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Applegate Treasure; also available is the DVD, "The Best of the Mickey Mouse Club." I wonder that, if seasons were actually released, that Disney would choose to make them available only in BlueRay format.

5) Gallegher - I remember that The Disney Channel -- in its earlier days -- had shown "Gallegher," though I never watched it. I was too busy with college projects and maybe a part-time job. I'd sure like to watch it now!

6) The Swamp Fox (complete series) - Disney released some episodes of TSF on a Walt Disney Treasures volume (Legendary Heroes) it shared with "Elfego Baca." Again, I remember this series being aired on The Disney Channel, but I didn't watch it. My mom was rather excited about it. I purchased the Treasure edition, and enjoyed the episodes that were released. I'd sure like for the balance of the shows to be released.

7) Elfego Baca (complete series) - Some of this series' installments appeared with "The Swamp Fox" episodes on the Legendary Heroes volume of the WD Treasures. I had never heard of this Disney work, but I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw. I'd certainly like to have the entire story.

8) Big Red - I may have seen a re-release of this movie as a child -- I'm not sure. In recent years, my mom had really talked-up "Big Red," so I checked out the VHS from our public library. It's a touching story and I've added it to my list of Disney favorites. While waiting for its DVD release, I've recently purchased the VHS edition online.

Jungle Book 2-disc DVD release

The Jungle Book Platinum Edition 2-disc DVD set was released today, labeled as the 40th Anniversary Edition. This was the last animated feature that Walt had his hand in.

I remember, as a kid, that on trips to Walt Disney World, we'd go to the Contemporary Resort Hotel and watch movies in their theater. I believe it was accessed by going through the cafeteria. I cannot remember what all we watched at that theater, but I'm pretty sure that "The Jungle Book" was one of them.

As an aside, singer Phil Harris, the voice of Baloo, was born in Linton, Indiana, where I have family roots. At least in later years, he'd return annually for, I think, either a golf outing or fishing event held in his name.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EPCOT!

Today marks the 25th Anniversary of Epcot Center in Walt Disney World, Florida.

Growing up, my family went to WDW three or four times, but the last trip occurred in about 1978. I didn't return until 1996 with my wife and extended family members. Obviously I missed the Epcot in its original form (Too bad it didn't occur in its INTENDED form!).

We had The Disney Channel during the last half of my childhood, so I was able to see visuals on Epcot that way. The images that still come to mind are: Dreamfinder and Figment (I think the reason Dreamfinder hasn't returned to Epcot is because he's under contract with Burger King as... the king!), General Motors' World of Motion, glimpses of World Showcase, and the Living Seas.