Friday, September 25, 2009

Freaky Fridays @ The Haunted Mansion: The Horseless Hearse



This horseless hearse is parked just outside the steps up to the mansion. One popular HM urban myth is that the hearse carried Brigham Young’s body. Young, who died in 1877, was Mormonism’s second president. Added to the Mansion in 1995, this 19th century hearse could not have been used for Young’s funeral as records show that no hearse was used. Still, an interesting anecdote; gives you something to talk about in the queue, right?



Unless it’s a busy day and the queue forces you to be stopped right in front of it, many people probably do not even take the time to look at the interior. Well folks, here ya' go.







Much more effective at night with a little green glow for good measure:



See more Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos at my website.



In Blu-ray news, “Snow White” is about to be released on Blu-ray, October 6. Disney has definitely been at the forefront of Blu-ray releases, and “Snow White” is no exception.



When I popped the disc into my Blu-ray player and the movie began, I was impressed by the bright colors and the level of detail, but I also noticed some slight digital artifacting. I have to admit I was a little surprised. The soundtrack was amazingly clean...the best I had ever heard in its many incarnations. After watching for a bit, I was looking through the packaging and realized I was watching the DVD copy, not the Blu-ray. Folks, let me tell you...when I put the Blu-ray disc in, I was blown away. It was sheer perfection. It was as if I was looking at the actual painted backgrounds and cels. And the soundtrack...clear as a bell. Just absolutely amazing. Pre-order this baby NOW! If you don’t have a Blu-ray player, then get one. BTW: The screen capture downloaded from DVD Beaver does not do the actual film justice!

5 comments:

Sereina Elwert said...

My dad always says, "Look! It's the invisible horse!" when we pass by.

Major Pepperidge said...

I see it, I see the invisible horse!

Anonymous said...

Inconceivable!

Anonymous said...

I feel the hearse ruins the exterior of the mansion and defeats the less-is-more ambience/concept of the original attraction. I recall removing (painted) "aging" and cobwebs on Mon/Tues crew (before the HM opened) back in the '69 when some old hand at the mill realized that the original WED/MAPO directive(s) had been disregarded.Yank it!

Just my opinion, mind you! ;)

William Bezek said...

I disagree with "anonymous"! The beautiful and creepy antique hearse is wonderfully preserved and in pristine condition like the mansion itself, just as Walt wanted it. When I see it, it feels like you have been transported back in time to the 1800's because everything looks new.