The Mouse Machine: Disney and Technology

by Jay P. Telotte

Throughout Disney's phenomenally successful run in the entertainment industry, the company has negotiated the use of cutting-edge film and media technologies that, J. P. Telotte argues, have proven fundamental to the company's identity. Disney's technological developments include the use of stereophonic surround sound for Fantasia, experimentation with wide-screen technology, inaugural adoption of three-strip Technicolor film, and early efforts at fostering depth in the animated image. Telotte also chronicles Disney's partnership with television, development of the theme park, and depiction of technology in science-fiction narratives. An in-depth discussion of Disney's shift into digital filmmaking with its Pixar partnership and an emphasis on digital special effects in live-action films, such as the Pirates of the Caribbean series, also highlight the studio's historical investment in technology. By exploring the technological context for Disney creations throughout its history, The Mouse Machine illuminates Disney's extraordinary growth into one of the largest and most influential media and entertainment companies in the world.

Hardbook is unjacketed.

221 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazon recommended listing. ILL - checked out 7 Oct; started 10 Oct; finished 31 Oct

A bit on the dry side - reads more like a textbook than anything else. An intriguing look at how the Walt Disney Company is often on the forefront of new technology, as well as how their adoption of a given technology helped shape it, and to what ends that technology is used within the company.

I may pick up a used copy of this someday, as I think it would be a useful reference for the podcast.

[Hrvoje · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had the biggest expectation when it came to Disney and industry, however, my expectations were not met. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to learn from this book, but some parts are missing, particularly the technology in the first third of the book. I would still recommend it.

[Lori Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A should-read company profile for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs.