Disneywar : The Battle for the Magic Kingdom

Rating:
Summary: Shadows over the Kingdom
Review: A creative and informative summary of this book would be -- "An Eisner-dominated atmosphere of nonstop conflict and bickering, punctuated by the occasional stinker ("Pearl Harbor"), gold mine ("The Lion King") or missed opportunity ("The Sopranos"). It tells a messy, fractious story complete with its own Seven Dwarfs: Sneaky, Screamy, Pushy, Greedy, Grabby, Nasty and Snarky. Snow White is nowhere to be seen."

And of course the details follow -- "The book describes Disney's Darwinian corporate culture. ("What Michael likes to do is put six pit bulls together and see which five die.") It presents this on a Monopoly board of dizzying scope: it has space for film, theater, television, theme parks, sports, merchandising, publishing, the Internet and more. This great success, much of it arriving under Mr. Eisner's aegis if not at his instigation, becomes both a point of pride and an excuse for unbridled executive arrogance."

However, my disappointment with the book is that it doesn't go to the core, philosophical underpinnings adopted by Disney which have allowed for its messy current state. That is, I wish the book had disclosed the corporate cultural values which caused its decline.

Here are the questions I wish were asked and answered:

1. What was the defining point where Disney `sold out'?
2. What are Disney's real `corporate values'?
3. Is there a clear `social agenda' Disney is pushing?
4. Is Disney more of a corporation, a belief system or a religion?
5. What are specific examples dollars taking precedence over the veneer Disney calls 'family-friendly' entertainment?


Rating:
Summary: Deep inside the kingdom
Review: Ever wonder what the reality was behind the happy, smiling faces at Disney World -- not to mention those of Disney's top executives? DisneyWar tunnels into the dark catacombs of the enchanted castle to reveal the carefully hidden underbelly of one of the world's best-known corporations. From the heady days of hit movies like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast to the disastrous white-elephant construction of Euro Disney, from Michael Eisner's double crossing of his best friend, Michael Ovitz, to his fatal mistake -- underestimating the determination of Roy O. Disney, Walt's nephew -- James B. Stewart illuminates the entire odyssey that is Disney under CEO Michael Eisner. The book reads like a thrill ride at one of the Disney theme parks. You won't believe your eyes ...

Rating:
Summary: An Odd Story from a Burbank, CA Bookstore
Review: I live in Burbank, CA, just up the street from the Disney corporate headquarters. When I heard the DisneyWars was coming out today, I rushed down to the local bookstore to get my copy. As I was making my purchase, the cashier mentioned to me that earlier today, the Disney Company had come to the store and bought out their entire stock of the book. There were a lot of copies on display, so it must have been quite an effort. But then a couple of hours before I came to buy my copy, they returned them all. What strange behavior. The must be afraid of what the Stewart wrote. Their apparent paranoia made me even more eager to read the book.

From what I've read so far, they should be afraid. It's quite a scathing expose. So far, it is proving to be an excellent book. What Walt Disney accomplished through the power of his genius and ability to tap into the genius of others is simply amazing. But this book is a stark revelation of the damage the current management has done to the Disney Company. If you are a Disney fan, I HIGHLY recommend this book.



Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: James Stewart has done it again. He has masterfully captured the essence of the story and "investigation." This is a factual account of the "Disney War" that plagues the renown company. He draws sharp criticism to Michael Eisner and me along with other sharholders are that Eisner will finally leave--but NOT soon enough. Anyhoo, this is really a facinating book, brings together all the stories of the feud and brings it into clear perspective. Stewart tells how the board really operates, and the way they do may trouble some. DISNEY SHAREHOLDERS AND PROSESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS, READ THIS BOOK!! WE DON'T WANT YOU MICHAEL. JUST LEAVE.