Flashback Friday: Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures
By Official Disney Store Blogger, Apr 20, 2012 5:05 PM
It was no secret that Walt Disney had a love for storytelling through animation—his classic feature films are a testament to that! But did you know that Walt also had a strong passion for nature and protecting our planet?
From an early age, Walt Disney was exposed to an agrarian way of life, growing a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, as well as family and community. It was this love for animals and nature that would ultimately result in a venture into nature documentaries. In 1948, the studio premiered the True-Life Adventures series, a collection of short subject live-action documentary nature films. Walt Disney Productions produced these films for approximately 12 years until 1960, the first being Seal Island, released December 21st, 1948.
The series won numerous Academy Awards for the studio, including five individual awards for Best Two Reel Live Action Short. These documentaries were not only visually stunning, but very educational as well. Many schools began to use the shorts as part of their in-class lessons, teaching students about our wildlife and greater natural world. The series brought awareness to aspects of our globe never before seen or explored by the average person.
By 1960, 16 nature documentaries were created as part of the True-Life Adventures series. In 2007, Disney reinstated a nature film label, creating Disneynature. With 6 independent releases to date, Disneynature has produced critically acclaimed films with gorgeous images of our planet and its wildlife.
In fact, TODAY marks the release of the 6th film, Chimpanzee, and it’s guaranteed to be an excellent one! Read on below to learn more about the movie:
Chimpanzee takes viewers deep into the heart of Africa, introducing an adorable young chimpanzee named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph. Oscar’s playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Working together, Oscar’s chimpanzee family—including his mom, Isha, and the group’s savvy leader, Freddy — navigates the complex territory of the forest. The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimpanzees, who’d rather make mayhem than join their parents for an afternoon nap. But when Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band of chimpanzees, he is left to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever.
Oscar is absolutely adorable! Wish you could take him home?
YOU CAN!
Right now you can purchase the new Oscar Chimpanzee plush toy in store and online at DisneyStore.com. In fact, Disney Store will give $1 to the Jane Goodall Institute for every Oscar plush sold, so help bring awareness to these extraordinary creatures now! You take home a sweet soft-stuff plush chimp and help them in real life as well—it’s a win-win!
Not only that, but on Earth Day, April 22, Disney Store guests who bring in five used plastic bags for recycling will receive a free re-usable shopping tote featuring the young chimpanzee, Oscar, from Disneynature's new true life adventure film, “Chimpanzee”. You really can’t go wrong!
Walt Disney was a champion for wildlife, and we should be, too! Be sure to check The Buzz all weekend for “green” blog posts leading up to Earth Day!
Are you going to see Chimpanzee this weekend?
Liz
I have seen the T.V. advertisements for Chimpanzee, and can't wait to see it. The Oscar plush toy is adorable! My grandaughter will love it!
Posted by: Irene | Apr 23, 2012 at 09:58 AM