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Just a Touch... (continued)
And of course ... I was going to talk about the Haunted Mansion.
As it has for years now, it's dressed up in Halloween finery. It's beautiful,
and it's never more beautiful than it is at night. The lights of the candles and
jack o'lanterns shimmer in the cool night air and give the Mansion a sort of
sparkle, like someone sprinkled, well, pixie dust all over it. And if you look
close enough, you can spot Zero's little pumpkin nose flitting about as he
drifts lazily around in the uppermost turret of the Mansion.
While you are waiting for your Mansion Fastpass time to come up,
you can treat yourself to a yummy Halloween-themed dessert at the French Market
(served in a nifty Zero dog bowl that you can take home to your kitty or
doggie). And if you buy $30-worth of those delectable desserts, or this year's
Nightmare mug, or any of the other fare offered at French Market, you will get a
Nightmare Before Christmas ornament (a new one each week for 13 weeks,
started back at the end of September when Halloween opened up at Disneyland).
As plans go, I think Halloween at the Disneyland Resort was not
too bad a theme for me to write about. However as they do, plans sometimes take
another path. And so it went for me this past week. I received an invitation.
Would I like to come up to the El Capitan and see Nightmare Before Christmas
3D? Oh, and by the way, the screening will be proceeded by a panel
discussion with some of the creative folks involved in the making of
Nightmare.
Hmmm, would you turn that down, Dear Readers? No, I didn't think
so. And neither did I.
And so that, is what this column is about, not
specifically Nightmare Before Christmas 3D (it's fun and if you have not
treated yourself to this version of Nightmare, you must make a new Fall
tradition for yourself, starting now and go see it).
Photo: Sarah Gillanders
Now, I know in the past I have been a bit of a cheerleader for
the El Capitan Theatre, and I continue to be so. It is my opinion that if you
want to have a truly wonderful Disney movie experience, the El Capitan is the
best place for that. The theatre is a stunning piece of architecture, you get
wonderful organ music before each screening (provided by the terrific Rob
Richards), and afterwards you can go next door for a treat (either food or a
souvenir, or both) at the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store.
Photo: Sarah Gillanders
For this
engagement there are loads of Nightmare Before Christmas goodies in the
store (everything imaginable ranging from pins, to plush, to purses) in every
price range. In the soda fountain you'll find a yummy-looking Oogie Boogie
Special sundae (Pumpkin pie ice cream with creepy-crawly pests and marshmallow
topping, $7.50), and if ice cream isn't your thing, there's plenty of other
choices.
So, all of the above was the long-winded introduction to what I
really want to tell you about. Nightmare Before Christmas 3D opened last
Thursday night at the El Capitan. Prior to the first screening that night, there
was a panel discussion. I walked away that night feeling like it was one of
those "It's good to be me," moments. It's always special to be witness to the
Disney panel discussions. But this one was particularly special.
For me, it's not enough to just watch a film. I crave insight
into the creative process. I am fascinated with the whole process. Why was that
character's dress red? Was it random or is there a specific palate used to
convey a mood in the film? How did they decide which person would direct the
movie? Why was that actor cast? And on and on. I could come up with a million
questions.
Thursday night, I got so many answers to so many questions. It
was great, great evening!
Don Hahn - Photo: Sarah Gillanders
Don Hahn (Producer of Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King,
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Emperor's New Groove, etc.), a terrific panel
moderator, started the evening off by introducing the panelists. "You know, the
El Capitan is always full of surprises and boy, do we have one big, huge,
surprise for you tonight. So, let's get started right away. We have three
amazing guests to bring out, we're going to talk about the film, and ask some
questions, and just find out what it was that put this movie together."
Mike Belzer - Photo: Sarah Gillanders
First Hahn introduced animator Mike Belzer (Nightmare Before
Christmas, James and the Giant Peach, Meet The Robinsons) who took his place
near a strange little gray desk (that turned out to be an animation bay).
"Mike's going to do something we've never tried before at the El Capitan, he'll
tell you about it in a minute, but basically, he's going to animate, live, in
front of you tonight."
"Without a net," joked Belzer.
"A little high risk live theatre going on," Hahn joked right
back.
Kathleen Gavin - Photo: Sarah Gillanders
Next up was co-producer Kathleen Gavin (Nightmare Before
Christmas, The Rescuers Down Under, Oliver and Company).
And finally, "Last but not least," Hahn continued, "this guy has
got to be one of the most brilliant directors, visionary directors,
working in film today. He is the director of Nightmare Before Christmas,
Henry Selick."
Henry Selick
- Photo: Sarah Gillanders
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