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Summary: great overall analysis of Disney's visualization techniques
Review: If you are looking for information on Walt Disney this book is a tremendous start. Through actual notes from meetings and conversations with Disney, we get a clear example of how Disney visualized his concepts before putting them into production. His creation and use of the storyboard is how both the film industry and many fortune 500 companies today prepare their business plans for the future. By the end of the book you feel as if you got the chance to speak with Disney; or at least it gives you the feeling that you wish you had
Rating:
Summary: Delightful read (if you don't hate the mouse).
Review: In short, this delightful biography was as entertaining to read as the cartoons and films Walt Disney himself made. Very informative of Walt's childhood, his struggle to succeed, his successes, and his failures. Recommended for anyone who has ever loved any part of the Disney empire.
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Summary: A true look at Walt
Review: It is amazing how sometimes the public clamores for the "true story", and then if that turns out to be positive they believe it to be lies. Don't fall into that trap, and take this book for what it is- An honest look at an innovator. The book is great, as most Bob Thomas books are, and the subject matter eminently interesting.
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Summary: Disney's genius and energy are well-captured
Review: Last year I visited Disneyworld and Epcot. While there, I found myself dying to learn more about Disney, the man. I bought the book in a Disney bookstore, and couldn't put it down. The book is quite enlightening with regard to Disney's early years. He was fairly young when he realized the potential of animation, and I felt I was there with every struggle he went through to see his vision become reality. I would disagree with those who say his personality is watered down in the book. Not at all. The contrast of the feisty man behind those innocent films is very interesting. You almost sense it had to be that way for him to accomplish all he did. Thomas does a nice job capturing Disney's energy and genius. I highly recommend any creative person in need of inspiration to pick up this book.
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Summary: A good story, but not historical
Review: Let me first say I am pro Disney. I read this book for personal interest and chose it after reading the comments listed below.I enjoyed the story of Walt Disney, but was disappointed that it was one sided and not very historical. Yes, I learned about his life but the author was writing a very pro Disney book. For example, the author states in the preface that the original text never mentioned that one of Walt's daughters was adopted because he was asked to leave that out. What else was left out? For a family that was always broke, Walt's dad always seemed to have money to move cross country and buy houses/businesses. Were they really broke all the time? What were the real issues with the strike against the studio in 1941? For those desiring a nicely told story about Walt's life, this book is an entertaining read. For those wanting balance, this isn't the book to buy.
Rating:
Summary: A good story, but not historical
Review: Let me first say I am pro Disney. I read this book for personal interest and chose it after reading the comments listed below. I enjoyed the story of Walt Disney, but was disappointed that it was one sided and not very historical. Yes, I learned about his life but the author was writing a very pro Disney book. For example, the author states in the preface that the original text never mentioned that one of Walt's daughters was adopted because he was asked to leave that out. What else was left out? For a family that was always broke, Walt's dad always seemed to have money to move cross country and buy houses/businesses. Were they really broke all the time? What were the real issues with the strike against the studio in 1941? For those desiring a nicely told story about Walt's life, this book is an entertaining read. For those wanting balance, this isn't the book to buy.
Rating:
Summary: Anyone that loves "Disney " should know where it all began
Review: Okay, well, ignore that review about it being cult like. This is a great book. It provides valuable insights into what built a great empire. It sounds corny, but it was just a man and his dream, Disney never lost faith or sight of his goal and he was a great leader for that. The book shows how strong his vision was and it serves well to read it and reflect on if the Disney co. still serves that mission with the same convictions as Walt. "It all started with a mouse" and the book provides an interesting suggestion that Mickey Mouse was Walt Disney - he was an autobiographical character. Interesting to see how much they struggled for so long, even up until the 1970's they were always on the verge of bankruptcy off and on. A great book, I read it on the plane on the way back from Disney World this summer and I cried. Walt is the embodiment of America
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Summary: The book is as sanitized as his cartoons and lacks depth.
Review: The book is the official biography of Walt Disney, financed by his family. Thomas turns Disney into a plaster saint. There is no depth or complexity. Even criticism or reflection have been largely edited out. Thomas never deals with serious, legitimate issues that would shed light on the thinking and motivations of Disney's actions. The book is so laughingly one sided that I could only recommend it as an example of how cult followers view their leader. For in many ways Disney founded a cult
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Summary: Walt Disney Bible
Review: This is truly a Bible if you are interested in Walt Disney's life. It doesn't hide any details from his life, and you can see from this official book that he wasn't a saint as a human being, and you can also see what a genious he was. It is amazing to see all the psychological virtues that this man had to keep his employees giving the best they can, and even more, without praising them.
This book explains his detailed personal and professional life.
I read many other biographies and I believe this is the most credible one. An honest story about this genius, who was also nothing but a human being, having all the flaws that come with being a human.
A must have for everyone (not only Disney fans)!!!
Rating:
Summary: A true original
Review: This was a thoroughly riveting and revealing insight to the great man and his dream.
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