Video
Index
Well, the logical extension of digital photography is
digital video. You're just taking 30 pictures per second.
There is that learning curve dealing with the editing software,
though.
But video isn't small, and even the shortest video probably
shouldn't be attempted on dial-up. I'm trying to put up two
versions of each video, a low bitrate (low quality) version and
a higher bitrate (okay quality, 2 to 3 times the size of the low
quality) version. By default (clicking on
a title or image,) you will get the high-bitrate video. Click
on "low" or the low bitrate caption under an image to get the lower
quality video.
I've only used Sony videocams. All of the pre-2003 video was
taken with my beloved TRV900. Post 2003 video was either a
TRV20 or HC1000. The widescreen video is down converted from 1080i,
taken on a HC3 or HC7.
All are in wmv format, and please let me know if you're having
any problems seeing them. Right click on a link and "Save target
as..." to download the video to your computer if you continue to
have trouble streaming the video. Or if you just want a copy.
Have fun!
(A final note, there will eventually be other clips than the
ones taken at a Disney theme park...)
Disneyland California:
"Once upon a time, there was a Magic Kingdom made of hopes and
childhood fantasies. A timeless place where every land was filled
with wonder. A place where everyone who entered it's gates would be
given the gift of the young at heart; the power to wish upon a star,
and unlock it's magic..."
I stopped in Disneyland during my
2005 West Vacation.
I was disappointed that there weren't going to be any nighttime
shows while I was there. (See
Disneyland
for my sob story.) So suddenly someone important shows
up (no, not me), and I get a fireworks show. It's the only
time I've seen the show, and the entire show was handheld, so
it's pretty crappy video.
The soundtrack for the
Remember Dreams Come
True Fireworks Spectacular(
low)
is on the 50th Anniversary Park Music CD,
and was overlaid on the video.
There are many elements from Wishes in Remember, but while Wishes is
Classic Disney, Remember is a tour of Disneyland.
"I see you've caught me studying up on what will soon be the newest member of our family, Asimo..."
Alright, so Disney scrapped the Carosel of Progress and put in Innoventions
in it's place. Just one more thing that makes Walt Disney World the place it is,
where we have *both* the Carousel of Progress *and* Innoventions...
But Disneyworld doesn't have this demo. It was recorded in 2005.
I doubt we would have seen it at all if a CM didn't shove tickets in
our hands.
It's a very impressive demo, especially for 2005. Yes, I know it looks
like real bad CGI today, but
Asimo(
low)
is an actual, free-standing robot...
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Walt Disney World:
This was the
introduction
(
low) to my
2003 Home Video. How do you introduce Disneyworld in less than 4
minutes? Use video clips less than a second long. :-)
I've always been a fan of Randy Newman's work in all of
the Pixar movies he's been involved with. There was that
fast three minute tune in Bug's Life when Flik is introduced,
and it was perfect for the application. And it was an excellent
way to learn how to use the editor...
This is a short video of my stay at
Animal Kingdom Lodge
(
low) I included with my
2003 WDW Home Video.
Were I to redo it today, it'd look quite different. Of course,
I was still learning my video craft back then. I'm not any better
at taking video, but I'm much better at editing. :-)
Visit my
Animal Kingdom Lodge.
page for more photos and information.
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Animal Kingdom:
"Jambo Everyone!"
Kilimanjaro Safaris
(
low)
is Animal Kingdom's premier attraction. You board a safaris
truck, and tour a 100 acre African Savanna, Disney style.
The video is over saturated, over contrasty, and will be re-done in
HD one day... But not today.
Oh this version still has the gun at the end. Deal with it. :-)
See more of Africa in Animal Kingdom
here.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios:
"Ready when you are C.B.!"
The
Great Movie Ride
(
low)
was one of the original attractions at Disney Hollywood (nee Disney-MGM) Studios
when it opened in 1989, so it's a little dated, but a classic Disney attraction
none the less.
This version is cut together from two tapings, so you aren't imagining things
if you notice jumping from near the front of train one, car one to the rear
of train two, car two, or cast members suddenly changing from male to female.
Also note that this version of the video is impossible to see at Disneyworld,
since it shows both the Gangster and the Cowboy version.
Sound quality is pretty bad in places. They should mike the CM's when
they're not in the vehicles.
Great Movie Ride Exterior photos are
here.
"The Seaweed is always greener, in somebody else's lake..."
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
(
low)
is a brutally shortened, live version of
The Little Mermaid.
Part puppet, part animation and part live action, it's a unique show at
Disney's Hollywood Studios, regardless if the title on the video says
Disney-MGM Studios...
Ariel's chunked up a bit, but that's not necessarily a bad thing...
And she still get's her legs. Awwwww...
(There's a
1500kb/s
version, which removes more of the artifacting, but it's 178MB, so you better
*really* like the show if you download this version...)
Voyage of the Little Mermaid exterior photos are
here.
The
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
(
low)
was actually started by the Osborne Family in Arkansas, and was kicked out of the
neighborhood by the court, and landed in Disney's Hollywood (nee Disney-MGM) Studios.
The impressive Christmastime display has grown considerably in it's new
home, and it *is* a Spectacle, with a capital 'S'. The selection of music
they have is excellent, and Disney even provides the snow.
All the Osborne Light videos are widescreen, even though the thumbnails don't show it.
This set is cut together from two different shows and was shot in Dec. 2006, and
it's to the tune of "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12-24)".
This is another
Osborne Family Lights
(
low)
set, taken from the other side of Streets of America. It's to the tune of "A Mad
Russian's Christmas".
And in case you're curious, between the musical
sets, all the lights remain lit. It's not a constant discotheque type atmosphere.
I was back in December 2008, and the
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
(
low)
was on my list of things to do again.
I think this was a case of Disney trying to improve something that didn't need
improving. The 2006 version I saw was more of a surrealistic experience, using
not only color, but different intensities of light.
The new version in 2008 seemed more like a...billboard or a Jumbotron...than a light
show. Their switching equipment is much improved, but it all seems just too busy
at times.
This set is to the tune of "Feliz Navidad".
This is an interesting
comparison
between 2006 and 2008 version of "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12-24)". The basic program is
the same, but much has been updated to the new light scheme.
Yes, there is a 2.5 second gap at 1:54. That's why it's not it's own video, but
since this was only a comparison...
"...A journey beyond your wildest imagination..."
Fantasmic!
(
low)
This is the big one. All 27.5 minutes of it. It's cut together from three
different shows.
Interestingly, this is the only show where the live soundtrack
didn't match exactly to the CD. My guess is it was originally
recorded to tape, accounting for the minute timing differences.
The live and recorded soundtracks are too alike to be different
recordings.
Still, I overcame these obstacles and overlaid the audio. It
all came out pretty good...
Photos of the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater are
here.
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Epcot:
The
Innoventions Fountain
(or Fountain of Nations, or whatever it's called) really is an attraction
in itself. Guests just pass it by, but it's worth a stop to watch a sequence
or two.
The first part of the video is a little shaky, I'm lowering the leg of the
monopod. But it gets better. Audio isn't very good since it's live, but there you are...
There isn't a low bandwidth version of this video.
"Hey you goldbricks! This ain't a spectator sport!
Where do you think you are, DISNEYWORLD?"
Join Buzzy as he controls his oh-so-familiar organs and glands
as he takes control of a 12 year old boy and his hormones.
Cranium Command
(
low) was one of the major attractions in the Wonders of Life
Pavilion in Epcot, a thinly disguised attraction that was supposed to
teach you about the various part of the brain, and what they
controlled.
Of course, you'll never see the inside of your head the same
way again. :-)
"Hi Everybody, welcome to the Test Track..."
This video of
Test Track
(
low), an attraction
at Epcot since 1999, takes you from the time you enter the door to the souvenir
store at the end.
The video is hand held, and the ride isn't exactly smooth, so don't watch it
if you get motion sickness... :-)
Still photos of Test Track can be found
here.
"Hello EPCOT Center, and welcome to the all-star benefit for good nutrition!"
Have you ever wondered what was replaced by that immensely popular attraction
at the Land Pavilion called Soarin'?
Food Rocks
(
low), with your host, Fud Wrapper!
Probably not one of Disney's best, but you can't win them all...
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"We're going to do this great show called Cyranose de Bergerac. Who's heard of it? Okay, put it out of
your mind, 'cause we're going to butcher it."
Cyranose de Bergerac
(
low)
was one of Epcot's World Showcase Player skits. I haven't seen it done for a few years
now, so here it is!
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Please welcome Nova Era..."
Nova Era
(
low)
was probably my favorite live entertainment at Epcot,
until they had a falling out with Disney in the early 2000's...
Must of been hell playing in those costumes in July in Florida, though. :-)
They're a group of talented musicians that brought a fresh twist
to not only their original, but classical pieces of music. They're still based in Orlando, Florida, and have 5 CD's and a DVD to their credit.
Go to
www.novaeramusic.com
for more information.
A couple of still photos can be found
here.
"Join us, as we celebrate the circle of life, the family of humankind,
the Tapestry of Nations..."
Tapestry of Nations
(
low)
was Epcot's parade for the Millennium Celebration. Oversize puppets danced to
a majestic score, the drummers drummed a rhythmic beat, and the parade was led
by an imposing Sage of Time.
Then they ruined the parade for the 100 Years of Magic celebration, and
mercifully killed it off. But the original is one of my favorites, and here
it is! :-)
This video was cut from four different parades in three different places. So one
segment might be from Canada, one segment from Germany, some during the day, some
at dusk...
"And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true
adventure emerges, when we bring them all together, as one."
IllumiNations 2000
(
low)
is the show that started me on the audio replacement kick. The
Show was *great* live in Epcot, but Gavin Greenaway's amazing
soundtrack just didn't cut it after blasting it in my car a few
dozen times. When I combined the two, it was an amazing result.
This is Imagineering at their best.
The video is from three different shows, cut together.
If you can only download one version of Illuminations, download
the one right below...
"We are gathered here tonight, around the fire..."
This version of
Illuminations
(
low)
was (mostly) taped in 2008, and features a widescreen version of
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, taped in HDV, as well as the
re-engineered Earth Globe, which presents a very much better LED
light array. Add into the mix a wide angle adapter for the
camcorder, and you have an almost new show! :-)
As an added bonus, I've kept the Christmas fireworks intact. So
if you've seen my version of I2K (above), you should probably see
this one as well.
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Magic Kingdom:
"A little Pixie dust, and off we go!"
One of the original dark rides,
Peter Pan's Flight
(
low)
always has long lines, the vehicles travel too fast, and
the ride is too short.
Of course, like most dark rides at Disneyworld (or Disneyland, for that matter)
if you don't know the story, you'll be lost. This ride isn't about
telling the story of Peter Pan and the gang, but putting you into
the story that you've known since childhood. I can't help you if
you've never had a childhood...
A couple of exterior photos can be found in
Fantasyland...
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Boy and Girls, the Magic Kingdom proudly presents
our spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination, in thousands
of sparkling lights and electic-syntho-magnetic musical sounds..."
The
Main Street Electrical Parade
(
low)
is (was) my favorite parade at Disneyworld. Then in 2001 they packed it
all up and shipped it to California Adventure, where it isn't even on
a Main Street.
BRING BACK THE MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PARADE TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM!
Usually when you're in the middle of the parade route, the audio
starts 10 minutes before the parade gets to you, and lasts for 5
minutes after the parade passes. I've fixed that here, and in
SpectroMagic too... :-)
"Welcome to the splendor, the spectacle, the sparkling sensation;
where the romance, the comedy and the thrill of Disney's fantasies come
to electric life..."
SpectroMagic
(
low)
was MSEP's replacement. Yes, it's technically a better parade.
Yes, there are more bells and whistles in the parade. I don't care.
BRING BACK THE MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PARADE TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM!
Sorry for yelling, Disney isn't listening...
"A long time ago, in a place called Neverland, there lived a
sparkling spirit named Tinkerbelle..."
Fantasy In The Sky
(
low)
was Wishes' predecessor, a fireworks show that may have only been
shown once a week if it was the off season. It wasn't a bad show,
but it paled in comparison Illuminations in Epcot.
Fantasy in the Sky is Classic Disney, even more so than Wishes,
but Disney's new fireworks technology would make it's way to
the Magic Kingdom, and replace this long running show.
This video is cut from two different tapings, with the soundtrack
replaced.
"Remember, we must always believe in our Wishes,
for they are the magic in the world. Now, let's all
put our hearts together...And make a wish come true..."
Every night, Main Street in the Magic Kingdom becomes the stage for
Disney's best nighttime show,
Wishes
(
low),
where they can paint the nighttime sky, and perhaps, make a wish come
true.
Wishes replaced Fantasy in the Sky on October 9, 2005. It's a show that
rivals Illuminations in every way. Interestingly, Wishes doesn't
use any of the elements from Illuminations, and vice-versa. They are
very different shows. Wishes is classic Disney (and is more of a pure
fireworks show), while Illuminations embraces the world...
A series of photos can be found
here...
"It's not so very scary...It's really not so scary..."
One of the main events during the "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" (or
MNSSHP) is the
Boo To You
(
low) Halloween Parade.
It's not really a nighttime parade, though the parade is shown at night.
It is one of Disney's better parades, I mean, where else can you see
choreographed grave diggers?
The parade is run twice every party, so if you can stay awake, avoid the
more crowded first run of the parade, and enjoy walk-on rides everywhere
else in the park.
Oh, the audio gets better about 90 seconds into the video...
MNSSHP photos can be found
here...
"Welcome my friends, to the most spirited season of them all..."
HallowWishes
(
low) is the Halloween version of
Wishes, Magic Kingdom's popular fireworks show.
But rather than the Cricket, you get the Ghost Host, directly from
the Haunted Mansion. No Mickey or Minnie here. Instead, you get every
evil, bad and scary character in Disney's arsenal, from the Sea Witch to
the Big Bad Wolf.
This was taped on one of those rare nights that had no wind, so the smoke from
the pyrotechnics (and the pyro themselves) stay above the castle where they should
be...
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls; Mickey, Minnie and all of their friends invite you to
celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, as the Magic Kingdom proudly presents..."
Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
(
low) is the Christmas Parade held during Mickey's Very Merry
Christmas Party, and is broadcast on ABC during Christmas, albeit with a few modifications. This
parade was taped a couple of days after the 2009 version was recorded for broadcast.
Magic Kingdom Christmas photos can be found
here...
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Notes on many of the video clips:
Illuminations 2000 is the video that started my desire to see the
nighttime shows with the actual CD soundtrack substituted for the
audio you get at the parks. In the parks, you get the ambiance of
being there, but the crowd is always making noise around you, and the
retorts from the fireworks are out of time with the music.
In today's digital world, you can buy the soundtrack for many of the
shows on CD at the parks. For the most part, they match up note for
note. So you get to see how the Imagineers
choreographed the fireworks to the music. It's amazing how well timed
everything is, so well timed that it makes the mistakes obvious.
(For instance, at 7:40 in Illuminations 2000... :-))
I'll bet these shows are a *heck* of a lot of fun to create. So, if
you guys at Disney really want to make my Dream Come True...
And some hints on taping:
Taping a show, is not always the same as watching the show. It's easy
to get lost in the show and miss cues and other events that you should
be using to zoom in on the action or zoom out for the big picture. If
you know the show, and know when to zoom in or when particular events
happen, use that information and tape a show with only those elements.
If you want to strengthen your chest and arm muscles, don't bring a mono-
or tripod. You may think your camcorder doesn't weight all that much, but
try holding it steady at shooting position for 15 minutes. A monopod
isn't perfect, but it's better than nothing.
Learn how to use your equipment before you leave home. The time to
try to find how to boost the EV on your camcorder, is not in the line
for Pirates or Haunted Mansion. And remember to reset it back afterwards.
Even if you think you've completely screwed up a taping of a show, don't
turn the camcorder off. Keep taping. There will be *some* amount of
footage that you can use. For all you know, the
soundtrack from that
show will be the best you have. If you're serious about video taping an
attraction, you'll eventually learn how to cut back and forth between shows
and eliminate your bad video.
Don't sit in the front. Ideally, you want to sit someplace where all the
action can fit in the frame. For instance, if you try to tape Wishes from
the Hub, you will never get the castle and all the fireworks in-frame. You
can always zoom in, but you can't zoom out wider than your widest setting. I
have found a wide angle adapter for my camcorder *extremely* useful.
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