I have used almost all of the strangely dark, soft-focus pictures from January 1965; almost all of them. There are still two more, in addition to today's weirdos. And another two that are as bright and sharp as you could possibly wish for.
Have you ever seen the Matterhorn look more ominous and haunted as it does here? It has been corrupted by an evil curse - as if it sucked in all light and happiness, leaving only fear and misery behind. Yetis with glowing eyes emerged from dark caves at night and carried off guests who were never seen again. (I know, the yetis didn't officially move in until 1978).
This one's not quite as bad, possibly because of the Christmas star visible on top, and the candy cane-striped pole (part of Fantasyland Station, I assume) in the foreground. But it's still pretty creepy.
Speaking of Yetis, I just read a Huffington Post article today, that said that the abominable snowmen animatronics from 1978 have all been removed from the Matterhorn and replaced with a newer "updated" version. The article also stated that (SPOILER ALERT!!!!) the abominable snowman will appear in many places throughout the Matterhorn using digital projections. The article wasn't very clear whether or not he will only appear with the use of projections or if there will also be updated animatronic versions. I'm hoping that there are still some animatronic figures in use and that they have the 1978 faces that were sculpted by Blaine Gibson. Given Disney's track record lately, I do not have a good feeling about this.
ReplyDeleteMajor-
ReplyDeleteDark, mysterious, murky - whatever - they're all good. And with the Christmas Star, how can you go wrong-?
Thanks, Major.
I’m just posting something because it’s 2AM and I can’t sleep.
ReplyDeleteThat being said…
I think the second photo is the creepier. The first one has people in it and there is safety in numbers. The second one looks much more bleak to me. I feel all alone in this dark place, and the Christmas star does not add enough cheer to compensate.
Well, guessing I better attempt sleep again. Good night! (morning).
I agree....the second view has a kind of "The Last Man On Earth" vibe. I expect to see Vincent Price pulling up in the station wagon looking for fresh Mickey ears to protect him from whatever is out there....
ReplyDeleteThat's not a Christmas star; it's a pentagram to protect you from the wrath of Count von Disneystein, he who dwelleth deep within the mountain.
ReplyDelete[Twilight Zone}Duh-duh-duh-duh, duh-duh-duh-duh{/Twilight Zone]
ReplyDeleteWe all guess at a lot of photos here. I couldn't figure out what would create that lighting until I realized what time of year the shots were taken: Christmas! The Sun's only about 30 degrees above the horizon and the first shot is deep inside the Haunted Matterhorn's shadow, but exposed for the sky. Maybe...
And by the by, Major, my 1964 Fun Map arrived yesterday and it's gorgeous! Absolutely no wear on any of the folds and brand-new looking colors. I think you're right about the available low prices available these days for Disneyana. I'm thinking there a few choice pieces I can afford to own after all.
TokyoMagic!, I had heard that the old yetis were going to be replaced, but I HOPE it’s not going to just be projection effects!! That would really stink. There needs to be at least a few high quality AA yetis. This reliance on (cheap) video projections is getting ridiculous; it’s part of what’s wrong with the Nemo subs. And I think that the new Hatbox Ghost has a projection effect as well (I’m only basing this on poor videos of the thing). It’s as if they’ve found this one thing that is an “answer to all their prayers” - again, because it is cheap.
ReplyDeleteNanook, although I was initially bummed that these slides were not in perfect shape, their faults are what make them interesting, in a way.
Monkey Cage Kurt, ha ha, I was up at 4 AM. It happens almost every night. It IS weird that there are no people anywhere near the photographer. Why not? Maybe he smelled funny. I hope you managed to get back to sleep!
Nancy, I remember seeing that movie when I was a kid, it freaked me out! I think I need to rewatch “The Omega Man”, too.
Melissa, can you imagine if they put something that could even be slightly connected to “satanism” on top of the Matterhorn? It would be World War III all over again.
Patrick, I think you’re right, the winter sun has a lot to do with the cold, alienating vibe. Congrats on your excellent fun map, they are still among my favorite Disneyland souvenirs. I can look at them for hours. If you pick the right things (like the neat “Summer ’67” guidebook), they can be great additions to your collection that are fun to look at over and over.
YES INDEED! I am SO burned out on all the projection effects! It was cool and novel in its beginning, the singing busts and Madame Leota. It was also cool for the Brer Fox silhouette and the Buzz Lightyear face. But now it’s just a bargain basement excuse for audio animatronics, and it’s WAY over used. Like you said “it is cheap”, and it feels that way.
ReplyDeleteStill…
Hat Box is lookin kind of cool so far, even if he doesn’t emulate the old Yale Gracey fabrication.
Major, I seldom sleep through the night these days.
At least an animatronic never gives you the blue screen of death: https://twitter.com/jeffheimbuch/status/599770252583444480
ReplyDeleteWow Melissa! That really spoils the ambiance. Digital everything! That wouldn’t happen with a practical effect.
ReplyDeleteMonkey Cage Kurt, that’s what’s so funny about the projections… it’s really an old technology, just gussied up with digital files rather than 16mm film strips, and higher-quality projectors. But the bride in the Haunted Mansion is a big fail as far as I’m concerned… it looks SO terrible, like her head is a balloon.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, ha ha! Hilarious.
Monkey Cage Kurt, I don’t want to sound like a Luddite who hates all technology - projections are a tool, they need to be used tastefully and cleverly. Don’t just slap a projection in something and expect it to be wonderful to guests.
YES, the bride is awful! The projection effect looks really rank, and even the dialog is particularly bad. I haven’t been to the park in about ten years, so my only exposure is the YouTube stuff. And from what I am seeing these days I think I’ll be kind of wanting to barf if ever I get back there.
ReplyDeleteStill…
I want to see Hat Box so bad!
If I'm seeing things correctly, the new Yeti is a combination of AA and projection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4OIgV7eRF0
ReplyDeleteMatt Gerhard, do you think the yeti behind the ice is a projection? If so, it really feels as if a 3D creature is there. I wonder if there won't be projections like the ones you see in "Expedition Everest", with silhouettes?
ReplyDeleteMajor, I'm not sure. At first I thought it was projection, but it does look really good. Hmmm!
ReplyDelete