Marc Davis in His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks

I got “Marc Davis in His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks” as a Father’s Day gift for my father, pictured here, since he is quite a fan of both Disney Animation and the Disney Theme Parks. When he opened it up we had no idea of the attention to detail and the quite stunning amount of photographs/original artwork that is present in the two-volume set. This impressive set covers Marc Davis’ second career at WDC as an imagineer who literally was a driving force behind the creation of so many second and third generation Disney attractions, especially in the field of audioanimatronics, with such timeless attractions as Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, America Sings, the Country Bear Jamboree, and the addition of audioanimatronics to the Matterhorn. Imagineering fans, Disney Theme Park fans, and fans of Disney history, would do themselves a huge favor and scrape the coin together to purchase and treasure this set for a lifetime of discovery and wonder.

Marc Davis, along with John Hench were, perhaps more than any other Disney artists, responsible for preserving Walt Disney's vision/look for his theme parks. Pixar director/animator Pete Docter and writer Christopher Merritt have created what is perhaps the finest, most thorough set of books on a Disney animator/imagineer. After 25-plus years as a Disney animator (one of the "Nine Old Men") Davis switched gears and became an imagineer for his second act. I knew of his involvement with the designs of the Pirates and Mansion rides. I had no idea just how far his art and influence reached into dozens of other Disneyland and Walt Disney World park attractions. These books are beautifully written and illustrated. There are photos and pieces of Davis's art I had never before seen. This is a must-have. This two-volume set will not always be available. Someday, it will be on Ebay at five or six times the cost. I recommend to any Disney/Davis fan to not miss this opportunity.

These books show you the thought process of creating a Disney attraction. The sketches, photographs, notes, and comments from Rolly Crump, Alice Davis, Blaine Gibson and many others are incredible. There is so much content in these books that I have not seen elsewhere. If you have ever dreamed of becoming an imagineer or simply appreciate Disney history, you will love these books.

Without exception, the best Disney theme park design book and Imagineering biography yet released (and given its subject matter, ever to be seen!). The volume of rare and never before seen imagery is stunning, coupled with insight in Davis’ own words and from his contemporaries. This set is the new standard for Imagineering-related books—its price is completely appropriate to its quality, breadth, and scope. The book is quite simply a triumph.

Awesome fore artists and/or Disney lovers !

Wow. As someone who studies theme park design professionally, there is a TON of never-before published imagery. Also, the quotes throughout are from the author's personal interviews with Marc Davis, and provide plenty of new insights, even if you already have the "Renaissance Man" volume from a few years back, or have already read the various interviews in Persistence of Vision or The "E" Ticket.This book is a MUST BUY if you study this stuff.

We love the beautiful illustrations and the lovely story of a husband and wife who have given so much joy to the world

Should I keep this? Mmm, not sure. It’s a lil pricey. Well...let open up and take a look...I mean I already have that other Marc Davis book...right, lets see...I’ll check out book 1 and we will just see. Mmm hmm, yup, a few more pages, just gonna flip thru a lil bit, yup...yup...yup.. my chest is getting all warm where my heart is and I can’t stop smiling...I’m happier...and inspired. This is like a trip to the Disney Archives. I’m still not sure if I’ll keep it it, but to give myself enough time to decide i plan on being buried with it.O and there is a bit about his history and animation career in the beginning.End.

It’s picky, but at this price I’d expect it to be immaculate. Wherever it happened, my copy from Amazon had dented edges. Not the end of the world but… you know,… over a hundred quid…The books themselves are perfection for anyone with an interest in art, theme park design and creative thinking. I’d have liked larger images but I guess that would have meant less of them.

Bueno

I purchased this book for my son who is a 3D animator and very much an admirer of classic Disney and Marc Davis. I cannot comment on his review, but I am confident he will spend hours enjoying the contents of this set.

Ce double livre est juste un véritable trésor et une mine d’informations sur ce grand artiste qu’était Marc Davis

Bought as a christmas gift so didn’t look until too late but damage to the casing which for the price was disappointing