NEW O'Canada Film, first showing today at 11 AM :) Spoilers ahead
- Thread starter Musicman13
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Horizons
Playlist Author
Well, I went to O'Canada again this weekend and have now seen the film 11 times. My take is while the film is, or was, more so the the first few times, entertaining, the jokes wear off the more times you see the film. This is unlike the original film where I could watch it several times during a month and not get bored with it.
The more I listen to the underscore, the more I am not that impressed with it. Now I wouldn't have made the comparison just watching O'Canada, but I managed to watch Reflections of China immediately followed by O'Canada. Seeing the two films back to back, at least in my mind, really shows how much more powerful the score to Reflections of China is, and how important a powerful score is to the overall enhancement of the film. As noted in the posts above, and which I now agree, the O'Canada score really doesn't stand out on its own, whereas in Reflections of China, it really grabs you and pulls you into the film. I think the old version of the film had score elements like Reflections of China, music that really stood out and enhanced the visuals.
I said it before, but I really (really) don't like the new version of Canada, Your a Lifetime Journey. This new version is, to me at least, a negative to the overall experience. But, the load music is very nice and hopefully will be released in the future (it's only a few minutes in length). Everyone will make their own judgement about the film and underscore, but I would be curious to see the thoughts evolve the more times the film is seen.
The more I listen to the underscore, the more I am not that impressed with it. Now I wouldn't have made the comparison just watching O'Canada, but I managed to watch Reflections of China immediately followed by O'Canada. Seeing the two films back to back, at least in my mind, really shows how much more powerful the score to Reflections of China is, and how important a powerful score is to the overall enhancement of the film. As noted in the posts above, and which I now agree, the O'Canada score really doesn't stand out on its own, whereas in Reflections of China, it really grabs you and pulls you into the film. I think the old version of the film had score elements like Reflections of China, music that really stood out and enhanced the visuals.
I said it before, but I really (really) don't like the new version of Canada, Your a Lifetime Journey. This new version is, to me at least, a negative to the overall experience. But, the load music is very nice and hopefully will be released in the future (it's only a few minutes in length). Everyone will make their own judgement about the film and underscore, but I would be curious to see the thoughts evolve the more times the film is seen.
Dr. Know
Member
11 times in one weekend... wow, I think you should be made an honorary Canadian citizen (or at least an honorary Canadian Cast Member).
I guess I'll have to reserve judgment until I have been able to experience the film in person, but I do have an observation. The China film is more in the tradition of "classic" EPCOT and I think that's why it works so well. It doesn't resort to pop culture references, but rather wows the audience with its beautiful cinematography and gorgeous score. The same is true of Impressions de France. Unfortunately, the EPCOT of today is becoming more about cheap thrills and jokes. The Imagineers seem to have given in to recognizing the short attention span of 21st-century audiences.
I guess I'll have to reserve judgment until I have been able to experience the film in person, but I do have an observation. The China film is more in the tradition of "classic" EPCOT and I think that's why it works so well. It doesn't resort to pop culture references, but rather wows the audience with its beautiful cinematography and gorgeous score. The same is true of Impressions de France. Unfortunately, the EPCOT of today is becoming more about cheap thrills and jokes. The Imagineers seem to have given in to recognizing the short attention span of 21st-century audiences.
diegorivera2
Member
The good Doctor hit the nail on the head. This is purely my opinion but it all seemed to head downhill with that blasted Dr. Nigel Channing approach to JII. Science can be fun without slapstick comedy; culture can be educational without cheap jokes. Given the choice, I'd rather feel like I've exited a museum than a bad comedy sketch.
Michael Zielski
Member
I didn't find the Martin Short comedic element of the film too silly or distracting; for that kind of "madcap", nonsensical comedy, all you have to do is trot over to Mexico(but I'd grab a quick Dos Equis first, if I was you, pilgrim), for the new Gran Fiesta boat ride--man, what a disastrous mess they made out of that attraction, but I've been reserving that discussion for a post of its own.....
After only two listenings, Bruce Broughton's score just hasn't grabbed hold of me yet, as the music of Reflections of China very quickly did.
Mike
P. S. Dr.--thanks for the Intrada link...but it says "out of stock"--sold out already??!?
After only two listenings, Bruce Broughton's score just hasn't grabbed hold of me yet, as the music of Reflections of China very quickly did.
Mike
P. S. Dr.--thanks for the Intrada link...but it says "out of stock"--sold out already??!?
BLM07
Member
One attraction with out dated actors I'd like to see a sequel for is Cranium Command. Why is it that I start to love the attractions just before they close forever?
Same with Canada, I've only just begun to enjoy the original classy film and music. I've always loved the theme, but the score is amazing as well.
Same with Canada, I've only just begun to enjoy the original classy film and music. I've always loved the theme, but the score is amazing as well.
Michael Zielski
Member
Thanks alot, Jim--I was wondering if that was a possible explanation of the "out of stock" listing--I'm ordering!
Mike
Mike
Horizons
Playlist Author
From Time to Time
Any confirmation yet whether the new O'Canada! ALD has the score and narration?
The ALD has both the score and narration, in perfect sound quality (unlike Reflections of China which has both but sounds like it was recorded in a tin can). However, like some of the other attractions that play through the ALD, there is an annoying clicking sound that needs to be removed post-processing. If anyone has heard my ALD recording of the load music to Ellen's Energy Adventure, you'll know what I am talking about.
The load music does not play through the ALD.
Michael Zielski
Member
Bill, my family and I viewed the film on its "soft" opening day, and the next day as well; we enjoyed both Martin Short and the grandeur that is Canada(and my wife now can't wait to visit Quebec City, literally just over the border from us in Maine). I don't feel that Short's humor denigrates his native country, nor does it make me feel that Canada is a fun and wacky place(two weeks in a canoe on the Missinabi River in Ontario will also drive that concept out of one's head). As I wrote on a previous post, for a pure fun and wacky time, just head over to Mexico(and quickly, before this mess is closed, once again...) for the new boat "tour" with the Three Caballeros, a mindless effort which does nothing to excite an interest in a country with a landscape and history as rich as Canada's(and gone is Buddy Baker's music, and the Mayan narration at the beginning of El Rio del Tempo).
Let's not forget that the film is being shown in Walt Disney World, not at a geopolitical summit. People come to WDW to be entertained--but at the same time, if something can be learned, an interest stimulated, that's an extra benefit, a special accomplishment. Let's also not forget the educator who had the unique idea of having Donald Duck very slyly and painlessly teach us as we toured Mathmagic Land.....
MZ
Let's not forget that the film is being shown in Walt Disney World, not at a geopolitical summit. People come to WDW to be entertained--but at the same time, if something can be learned, an interest stimulated, that's an extra benefit, a special accomplishment. Let's also not forget the educator who had the unique idea of having Donald Duck very slyly and painlessly teach us as we toured Mathmagic Land.....
MZ
diegorivera2
Member
I'm right there with you, Horizons; that would have been a treat. The family and I are headed down in early November and will take it in first hand but as much as I try my opinion will be largely set based on the fact Mr. Short is featured. Well, as it is always with Epcot: one step forward (removal of the wand); one step back (Oh, Why Canada?).
diegorivera2
Member
Ditto. Perfectly said, Bill.
Impressions of France captivates me every single time I see it. Ms. DeGeneres, Mssrs. Idle, Williams, Martin, and now Short; I don't think so.
Impressions of France captivates me every single time I see it. Ms. DeGeneres, Mssrs. Idle, Williams, Martin, and now Short; I don't think so.
Michael Zielski
Member
I dunno, Bill--I think we're at least in partial agreement...
Do I think that "Disney" should listen to the masses? Of course not--it certainly wasn't Walt's credo.
Do I think that the Walt Disney Company should continue their foray into stand-up comedy? No.
But do I think that every Epcot film needs to use Impressions de France or Reflections of China(as much as I've come to love them both) as their template? No; as much as those two films are wonderful, not every future Epcot experience needs to come from that same mold. I'm just saying that although it was a different approach, I thought that using Martin Short in Canada worked for me; should future attractions continue to always use celebrity comedians? Of course not! And actually, apart from Martin Short's presence, there was timeless entertainment in the Canada film, and that was the successful visualization of a spectacular land.
Maybe it's because I've always loved Ed Grimly, and Short's cigarette-smoking cheesy lawyer from SNL("Did I say that...he said that, I didn't say that.....")
Michael
P. S. One thing I was a little annoyed about--when some "famous" Canadians were shown in the film...they didn't picture David Cronenberg, and especially, Howard Shore...
Do I think that "Disney" should listen to the masses? Of course not--it certainly wasn't Walt's credo.
Do I think that the Walt Disney Company should continue their foray into stand-up comedy? No.
But do I think that every Epcot film needs to use Impressions de France or Reflections of China(as much as I've come to love them both) as their template? No; as much as those two films are wonderful, not every future Epcot experience needs to come from that same mold. I'm just saying that although it was a different approach, I thought that using Martin Short in Canada worked for me; should future attractions continue to always use celebrity comedians? Of course not! And actually, apart from Martin Short's presence, there was timeless entertainment in the Canada film, and that was the successful visualization of a spectacular land.
Maybe it's because I've always loved Ed Grimly, and Short's cigarette-smoking cheesy lawyer from SNL("Did I say that...he said that, I didn't say that.....")
Michael
P. S. One thing I was a little annoyed about--when some "famous" Canadians were shown in the film...they didn't picture David Cronenberg, and especially, Howard Shore...
X-S Tech
Active Member
After listening to a recording of the new Canada film I noticed something interesting:
The Canada pavillion takes an unique approach in presenting the Country of Canada. This is the only country in World Showcase that takes an almost defensive approach in it's presentation. From the beginning it's "You think this about us, but it's not true!". I guess this approach isn't altogether without merit and has it's own comedic possibilities but I have to say it comes off as a bit annoying. Certainly every country in World Showcase has it's share of negative stereotypes, but for some reason they all decided to present themselves in a positive light. Not that they didn't address problems or negative aspects, but the overall feel of the other attractions is "We are proud of our Country" instead of Canada's approach which is "We think we're great but you don't !".
Now that I realize this it really strikes me as odd. Kinda sad. It's like a person who was constantly emotionally abused as a child, who then grows up and keeps putting themselves in a "victim" role. On the face of things they seem to be moving on, but in reality they keep bringing up the old hurts.
Canada- get therapy.
The Canada pavillion takes an unique approach in presenting the Country of Canada. This is the only country in World Showcase that takes an almost defensive approach in it's presentation. From the beginning it's "You think this about us, but it's not true!". I guess this approach isn't altogether without merit and has it's own comedic possibilities but I have to say it comes off as a bit annoying. Certainly every country in World Showcase has it's share of negative stereotypes, but for some reason they all decided to present themselves in a positive light. Not that they didn't address problems or negative aspects, but the overall feel of the other attractions is "We are proud of our Country" instead of Canada's approach which is "We think we're great but you don't !".
Now that I realize this it really strikes me as odd. Kinda sad. It's like a person who was constantly emotionally abused as a child, who then grows up and keeps putting themselves in a "victim" role. On the face of things they seem to be moving on, but in reality they keep bringing up the old hurts.
Canada- get therapy.
Michael Zielski
Member
Actually, Bill, the thing that actually came into my mind when I read your post wasn't Martin Short, but it was comedic...a comic strip by the late Dave Berg from 1960's Mad Magazine(Berg's "The Lighter Side of....." series)--the All-American family is on some kind of a road trip, and at every stop, the kids in the back start screaming, "We want ice cream, we want ice cream, we want ice cream, we want ice cream!" Naturally, this scenario repeats itself at subsequent stops, in subsequent panels, until they finally make it to an ice cream drive-in, I think it is, and when the car hop comes up to the car to take the order, of course the father says, "They want ice cream, they want ice cream, they want ice cream, they want ice cream!"
MZ
MZ