Walt Disney's People and Places - Disneyland, U S A (1956) | Restored by Borsu Highson Prod. (2025)

Featuring Walt Disney's Radio City Music Hall Introduction (1962) HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE - WALT'S FINAL PERFORMANCE AS MICKEY MOUSE: This restoration features the 1962 Radio City Music Hall presentation, which marks WALT DISNEY'S LAST RECORDED PERFORMANCE as the voice of Mickey Mouse. After officially voicing Mickey from 1928 to 1946, Walt returned one final time in 1962 for this special 6-minute CinemaScope pre-show at Radio City Music Hall. At age 60, you can hear the passage of time in Walt's voice—his Mickey sounds noticeably older and slightly tired compared to the energetic performances of the 1930s and 40s. There's a beautiful, poignant quality to this performance: Walt's own personality and voice blend with Mickey's character in a way that feels both nostalgic and deeply personal. It's as if Walt Disney the man and Mickey Mouse the character become one, giving us a rare glimpse into the intimate relationship between creator and creation. This would be the absolute last time audiences would hear Walt Disney perform Mickey Mouse's voice. Four years later, in 1966, Walt would pass away, making this recording a precious piece of animation history. HISTORICAL CONTEXT: PEOPLE AND PLACES SERIES: The "People and Places" series (1953-1960) was Disney's foray into documentary filmmaking, showcasing cultures and locations around the world. Several entries won Academy Awards, including "The Living Desert" (1953) and "The Vanished Prairie" (1954). "Disneyland, U.S.A." was one of the series' most personal entries, documenting Walt's own creation just one year after Disneyland's July 17, 1955 opening. DISNEYLAND IN 1956: This film captures Disneyland in its infancy—barely a year old—showing original attractions many of which no longer exist: The original Fantasyland dark rides The TWA Moonliner in Tomorrowland The Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant The original Main Street with fewer shops and simpler facades Minimal crowds compared to modern standards WALT'S VOICE TIMELINE: 1928-1946: Walt Disney officially voices Mickey Mouse in theatrical cartoons 1946: Jimmy MacDonald takes over as Mickey's voice 1955: Walt briefly returns to voice Mickey for Disneyland's opening TV broadcast 1962: This Radio City presentation - Walt's absolute final performance as Mickey 1977-2009: Wayne Allwine becomes Mickey's voice 2009-present: Bret Iwan voices Mickey Mouse WHY WE RESTORE THESE FILMS: These Disney documentaries and presentation films represent more than just historical curiosities—they are time capsules of Walt Disney's vision, voice, and presence. In an era before home video, before the internet, these films were how audiences experienced Disney magic beyond theatrical cartoons. The 1962 Radio City presentation is particularly significant because it was designed as an immersive theatrical experience: film, live performance, and technology combining in ways that predicted modern theme park attractions. Walt appears on the massive Radio City screen while Mickey performs live on stage—a precursor to the multimedia spectacles Disney would later perfect. Most importantly, this is the LAST time Walt Disney ever performed as Mickey Mouse. That alone makes this restoration invaluable to animation history. ABOUT THIS RESTORATION: ORIGINAL FILM: "Disneyland, U.S.A." (1956) Part of Disney's acclaimed "People and Places" documentary series Original theatrical release: December 20, 1956 Directed by Hamilton Luske Narrated by Winston Hibler Runtime: 42 minutes Format: CinemaScope (2.35:1 aspect ratio) 1962 RADIO CITY PRESENTATION: Filmed specifically for Radio City Music Hall, New York City April 5 - May 16, 1962 6-minute CinemaScope pre-show introduction Interactive multimedia experience combining film and live stage performance Walt Disney appears on screen while Mickey Mouse (costumed performer) appears on Radio City's massive stage RESTORATION DETAILS: Colors restored to match original 1956 35mm CinemaScope presentation 4K upscale using Topaz AI (future improvements possible as AI technology advances) Aspect ratio preserved: Widescreen CinemaScope format maintained throughout except of when Mickey Mouse appears in the lower corners to recreate the "sitting in Radio City Music Hall" viewing experience Edited for pacing: Removed the lengthy state-by-state telephone connection sequence (NY to California) that modern audiences find slow and dated—this segment lacks significant historical value and disrupted the film's momentum Disclaimer: Property of The Walt Disney Company and Disney Enterprises, Inc. Edited and enhanced by ‪@borsu.animation‬ for educational purposes only. This channel is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries. #WaltDisney #Disneyland #DisneyHistory #DisneyRestoration #VintageDisney #1960sTV #DisneyChristmas #WonderfulWorldOfColor #4KRestoration #DisneyPreservation #borsuanimation #borsuhighson