The Walt Disney Company: Difference between revisions

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Throughout his life, [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] had a deep concern and strong opinions about adaptations of his [[legendarium]]. For Tolkien, the products of the Disney company were an especially prominent example of bad style.  
Throughout his life, [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] had a deep concern and strong opinions about adaptations of his [[legendarium]]. For Tolkien, the products of the Disney company were an especially prominent example of bad style.  


In 1946, he rejected suggestions for illustrations by Horus Engels for the German edition of the ''Hobbit'' as ''"too Disnified"'',
In 1946, he rejected suggestions for illustrations by [[Horus Engels]] for the German edition of the ''Hobbit'' as ''"too Disnified"'',
{{quote|Bilbo with a dribbling nose, and Gandalf as a figure of vulgar fun rather than the Odinic wanderer that I think of.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 107|#107]]}}
{{quote|Bilbo with a dribbling nose, and Gandalf as a figure of vulgar fun rather than the Odinic wanderer that I think of.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 107|#107]]}}



Revision as of 05:06, 7 January 2011

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Disney logo.png

The Walt Disney Company, also known simply as Disney, is an American media and entertainment conglomerate, founded in 1923 by brothers Walt Disney and Roy Disney.

J.R.R. Tolkien about Disney

Throughout his life, J.R.R. Tolkien had a deep concern and strong opinions about adaptations of his legendarium. For Tolkien, the products of the Disney company were an especially prominent example of bad style.

In 1946, he rejected suggestions for illustrations by Horus Engels for the German edition of the Hobbit as "too Disnified",

"Bilbo with a dribbling nose, and Gandalf as a figure of vulgar fun rather than the Odinic wanderer that I think of."
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, #107

Moreover, when certain producers became interested in movie adaptations of Tolkien's works, (he had sold the film, stage and merchandise rights of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to United Artists in 1968), he forbade Disney should ever be involved:

"It might be advisable [...] to let the Americans do what seems good to them — as long as it was possible [...] to veto anything from or influenced by the Disney studios (for all whose works I have a heartfelt loathing)."
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, #13

A remarkable critique of Walt Disney was given by Tolkien in a 1964 letter to a fan:

"I recognize [Walt Disney's] talent, but it has always seemed to me hopelessly corrupted. Though in most of the 'pictures' proceeding from his studios there are admirable or charming passages, the effect of all of them to me is disgusting. Some have given me nausea"
Letter to Miss J.L. Curry, of 15 July 1964

Tolkien-related Disney products

The Hobbit Disney.jpg

Nevertheless, Disney's Disneyland and Buena Vista record labels were to release six audio products based on the Rankin/Bass The Hobbit and two based on Rankin/Bass The Return of the King in the 1970's and 1980's.

External links