Del Toro Disney Deal Deliberations

Yesterday, this blog entry had my initial thoughts on GDT’s DOUBLE DARE YOU production label with Disney. My initial impression: not excited.

Today: VERY EXCITED.

I emailed Guillermo with my thoughts – which basically asked, “Is this going to be like GOOSEBUMPS?”

He replied on our message board today that it is definitely not GOOSEBUMPS – mainly for one reason: DDY is going to produce “theatrical, high end” animated films.

This is big news – a Disney animated theatrical Guillermo Del Toro film.

Disney has a historic record of creating iconic characters and classic stories. Their films span the generations. They last. They are special.

I couldn’t wait to watch a movie with my 2 year old son for the first time. His attention span is short, so I wasn’t sure when he would actually be able to sit still and watch a movie with his old man. One day, while the wife was out, I decided to give it a try.

I got him a sippy cup of milk, a few “cheesy poofs” for toddlers, popped in BAMBI, and sat him on my lap. From the very beginning he was mesmerized. It was like magic for him. He smiled, laughed and watched the whole thing from beginning to end. It was magic for me too, because I felt like I was sharing a part of my childhood with him.

Imagine my joy when it was over and he said, “Watch it again!”

BAMBI was made in 1942. Special.

I can tune out the cynical remarks about Disney and their pursuit of the “all-mighty dollar” because, to me that afternoon with my son is what Disney is all about.

I hope GDT’s films can capture some of that same “Disney magic.”

That would really be special.