Walt Disney Studios
The year of 1941 was a critical time for the world and for the Walt Disney Studios. When the U.S. Government asked Disney to be cultural ambassador to South America, the stage was set for Walt’s very own real-life adventure.
With a group of artists, later called “El Grupo,” Disney’s WWII road trip achieved the impossible – goodwill. In the process, they paved the way for two classic Disney films, Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros.
Brought to life through rare footage and enriched with never-before-seen bonus features, Walt & El Grupo is a story of inspiration, joy and hope you won’t soon forget. Available on DVD November 30th.
Bonus Features Include:
• Audio Commentary—With director Theodore Thomas and historian J.B. Kaufman.
• Photos in Motion—How the photos shown from the original journey transcended time
and literally came to life through technology
• From the Director’s Cut
Home Movies for the Big Screen—The 16mm Kodachrome footage shot by El
Grupo was originally intended to be reference material. With the making of Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros after the trip, these “home movies” took on unexpected importance.
My Father’s Generation—The return voyage from South America on the SS Santa Clara is the setting to understand some of the remarkable qualities of the Disney group and their generation. Cecilia Acle, daughter of a Chilean passenger, and Cindy Garcia, daughter of Disney storyman Ted Sears, tell the story.
Artists and Politicians—In a return to the Urca Casino, conductor and music historian Roberto Gnattali reflects on the golden age of the samba and the Brazilian government at the time.
• SALUDOS AMIGOS Original 1942 Release—One of the films inspired by Walt & El Grupo’s trip to South America in its original form.
• Original Theater Trailers Saludos Amigos (1942) The Three Caballeros (1944)