Monday, April 06, 2009

The Gardner Collection, Disneyland 1955: Pt. 3



Today is all Tomorrowland, and it just doesn’t get better than that, starting off with the Clock of the World.



And the famous Flags of The Nations in their original location:



Anyone care for something to tide them over til dinner from the Snack Bar?



The TWA Moonliner, in its full-sized glory:



The Kaiser Aluminum telescope:



Wonder how many of those paper-hats littered the field of the Autopia?



And a rare shot of the Phantom Boats, shortly after having their name (and design) changed from The Tomorrowland Boats.



Meanwhile, over in DVD/Blu-ray release land, two notable releases tomorrow from the Disney family: “Doubt” and “No Country for Old Men.”



“Doubt” is an extremely well-done thought provoking film that is sure to spur conversations afterwards with whomever you watch it with. The performances and characterizations are riveting, especially Viola Davis in her brief but memorable role. The cinematography really comes to life on Blu-ray; big thumbs-up from Daveland on this one.



“No Country For Old Men” is being re-released as a collector's edition, with plenty of interesting extras. It’s the wacky far-out movie you’d expect from the Coen brothers. Just as riveting as “Doubt” with plenty of excellent performances. Josh Brolin and Kelly Macdonald seem to live and breathe the Texans that they portray; and Javier Bardem gives a new meaning to creepy as a psychotic Terminator-like character. My one beef on this one is that it is extremely violent...way too graphic for me. I really don’t think the amount that is shown is necessary. Like “Doubt,” this movie will really give the brain a workout.

See more Disneyland Tomorrowland photos at my website.

9 comments:

TokyoMagic! said...

Absolutely incredible shots!

I thought that guests were taken out in the lagoon by an employee that piloted the Phantom Boats. Or were guests always on their own? And how did they get them to come back to the dock? They weren't on a track were they?

I'm so full of questions this morning.....

Major Pepperidge said...

Yeesh, those are some of the most beautiful, early shots of Disneyland I've ever seen! Well composed, excellent clarity and color... amazing.

Anonymous said...

Wow Phantom Boats! Rare!

Anonymous said...

Tokyo - I know so little about the Phantom Boats. It looks like the kid is stearing so they had to be on tracks. Anyone know for sure?

Kevin Kidney said...

My goodness, Dave, I'm enjoying this whole beautiful series! Such rare details.
Did you notice the "Kaiser Knight" in his suit of armor just inside the Aluminum telescope? Wow!

Daveland said...

Kevin - Thanks for pointing out the Knight; I'd missed him completely! Tokyo - I do not believe that the boats were on a track; pilots were eventually added to the attraction to help keep the boats moving instead of stranding guests alone. That's about all I know on these marvels!

CoxPilot said...

Love the two-tone paint job on autopia car in the far background. Reminds me of a Vet

Hrundi V. Bakshi said...

The picture of the Space Bar is too cool for school! Great color and composition!

Mr. Mouse Monthly said...

Beautiful shots! In the first pic, it looks like the sign post to the rear rear of the Clock of the World is pointing to the 'Speed Boats.' Were the Tomorrowland/Phantom Boats ever called by this simple title?