Discover the Unseen with "Disneyland Handcrafted"

When the concept of Disneyland was first conjured in Walt Disney's imagination, many doubted its feasibility. An amusement park far superior and more expansive than local carnivals or carousels, it was completely unexplored territory. There is no shortage of narratives about Disneyland's inception, but Leslie Iwerk's documentary, "Disneyland Handcrafted" gives viewers an entirely unique perspective.

The film, available on Disney+, does not center itself around Walt's inspiration for Disneyland, nor the financial sacrifices he made to bring it life. Instead, it focuses on the singular ten-month span when Disneyland was being constructed in Anaheim, CA, from its ground-breaking moment to its grand opening in July of 1955. The documentary presents rare footage from the construction phase that has been tucked away in Walt Disney Archives for nearly seven decades.

"Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role." as Walt eloquently put it. This statement is the core ethos of "Disneyland Handcrafted." The documentary uses the old footage as its narrative backbone, avoiding modern visuals or even archival interviews. The only guiding voices throughout the movie are from key players involved in Disneyland's creation.

But what truly shines in "Disneyland Handcrafted" is the honest portrayal of the labor and skill that went into the creation of the park. The craftspeople, fabricators, and landscapers are highlighted in their real working environment while they bring the idea of Disneyland into a tangible reality. Walt Disney was the driving force behind Disneyland, but it was also the efforts of these dedicated workers that made it possible.

However, this isn't Leslie Iwerk's first Disney-focused venture. In fact, Iwerk's has a personal connection with Disney as her grandfather, Ub Iwerks, was the co-creator of Mickey Mouse. Her previous films like "The Hand Behind the Mouse", "The Pixar Story", and "The Imagineering Story" also delve into the Disney universe.

"Disneyland Handcrafted" serves as a complement to her previous works, showing the real-life labor and efforts that brought Disneyland's attractions to life, often focusing more on the construction process than the attractions themselves.

"Disneyland Handcrafted" offers a remarkable window into the past, transporting viewers back to the construction site of Disneyland as history was being made. This captivating view will enthrall hardcore Disney fans by providing a fresh insight into the beloved amusement park. However, general audiences will also enjoy the rare opportunity to see the colossal endeavor that is Disneyland being assembled bit by bit.