A Fair Price

By Michael - March 4th, 2009

We knew it was coming, but now it’s official. Album producer Randy Thornton posted today that the 5-disc compilation Walt Disney and the 1964 World’s Fair is officially targeted for release on March 24th. Previous release dates had been missed due to production errors, but the current batch checks out and will be in our hot little hands by the end of the month. Press release follows!

Walt Disney Records Releases
Walt Disney and the 1964 World’s Fair
5-Disc Box Set on March 24

Burbank, CA – On March 24, 2009, Walt Disney Records releases Walt Disney and the 1964 World’s Fair, a rare behind the scenes look at Walt Disney’s contribution to the 1964 New York World’s Fair. It was here where Walt unveiled several unique attractions and exhibits that would forever change not only Disneyland, but greatly influence the future of Disney Theme Parks yet to be imagined. This 5-CD set includes more than three hours of recordings from the four Pavilions (Progressland, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, “it’s a small world,” and The Magic Skyway) Walt Disney and his team of artists created for the Fair, plus a 24-page full color booklet written by Stacia Martin. Each disc is outlined below:

(Disc 1) – Progressland

Behind-the-scenes recordings and original music from the Progressland Exhibit, featuring a never-before released original World’s Fair production of “Carousel of Progress.” The disc includes the many variations of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman’s “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”

(Disc 2) – Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Experience the sounds of the original “Illinois Pavilion” from the Illinois Story to an audience with President Lincoln. Also included are the original recording sessions of the man who gave Mr. Lincoln his voice (Royal Dano) and the lavish original score by Disney Legend Buddy Baker, also presented as individual tracks.

(Disc 3) – “it’s a small world” – A Salute to UNICEF and all the World’s Children

Includes the original demo recording of the legendary song written by the Sherman Brothers, as well as isolated vocals and a grand master mix of the varied international interpretations of the famous tune directly from the attraction soundtrack. Also included is a tour of this ‘little boat ride’ with Walt Disney as your guide.

(Disc 4) – The Magic Skyway

This recording takes the listener on a time-traveling ‘road trip’ with Walt Disney as he personally escorts you through the age of dinosaurs, the assent of man, and to the distant future. The disc also includes “Auto Parts Harmonic,” which features music from a 13-piece orchestra with instruments made entirely from car parts.

(Disc 5 – Bonus) – “Carousel of Progress”

As a special bonus, the set also includes “Carousel of Progress – Alternate Universe Version.” Fully recorded and scored, this complete production is an early ‘work-in-progress’ version of this timeless classic.

Walt Disney and the 1964 World’s Fair was digitally restored and mastered by Grammy-winning producer Randy Thornton and Jeff Sheridan. Thornton says, “This historical collection has been ‘in the works’ for over seven years. To finally have all these great recordings of Walt’s legendary contributions to the 1964 New York World’s Fair is beyond thrilling, and a wonderful tribute to Imagineer Bruce Gordon (1951 – 2007) who dreamed up this set so many years ago.”