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

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.

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.

What a wonderful two volume set this is. They contain everything anyone would want in finding out more about Marc Davis and his work. It is great that the books did not forget his volume of work while an animator at the studio while including his huge contribution to the development the Disney parks. Wonderful back stories, fantastic art work and photos – a must for anyone interested in Marc Davies, the Disney Parks and animation.

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.

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.

This compilation of works on the Disney theme parks takes readers into the making of the magic. The drawings and sketches are astounding and help the reader understand how these people brought their visions to life. Brilliant for all learning about puppetry and animation.

What an amazing book about Marc Davis and his time at WED/ Imagineering. It feels like you’re in the archives looking at everything Marc created while working there. It covers all of the rides he improved and created. So glad they did two volumes. I’d love to see books like this for each of Disney’s Nine Old Men covering each of their careers and artwork from Disney’s golden age to 1970.

Awesome fore artists and/or Disney lovers !

Anyone interested in animation and Disney Studios would want to have this book in their collection. Marc Davis was one of Disney's greatest animators and later designed elements of Disneyland in grand fashion.

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.

Love this book! Lots of sketches and information about one of the legends in Disney's history

Bueno

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