A limited run of Walt Disney�s 1959 animated classic Sleeping Beauty opened at Hollywood�s historic El Capitan Theater on Thursday, August 28. Screenings continue through September 18. The showings celebrate the release of the restored classic on Disney Home Video Blu-Ray, Hi-Def and DVD.

Opening night filmgoers were treated to a panel discussion, moderated by noted Disney producer Don Hahn. Joining him were a distinguished group, including artists directly involved in the creation of Sleeping Beauty. Animator Blaine Gibson spoke of his work with the Three Good Fairies, characters animated principally by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. Gibson is best known for his work as a sculptor for Walt Disney Imagineering. In addition to sculpting pirates, tiki birds and every president of the United States, Gibson created the Partners statue.

Imagineer Tony Baxter was on hand to discuss the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk Thru at Disneyland. The Disney Home Video release includes a digital recreation of the original 1957 Walk Thru. In discussing this, Baxter announced that the Castle Walk Thru is being restored to Disneyland�s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Disney artist Frank Armitage worked with stylist Eyvind Earle to in creating the stylized look of Sleeping Beauty. Armitage spoke of Earle�s distinctive style, and how he imparted it to each member of the design team. Tony Baxter also noted that Frank Armitage created the iconic art work that defined the look of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris.

Author Bob Thomas was lauded for his important book, The Art of Disney Animation. A reporter in the business and entertainment industry for years, Thomas spoke of intervieweing Walt Disney during the making of Sleeping Beauty. He jokingly lamented the fact that he had never asked Walt to sign his personal copy of The Art of Animation.

The Princess herself, Mary Costa was the final member of the panel to be introduced by Hahn. The enthusiastic crowd rose to their feet as she bounded on to the stage. In her striking pink suit (not blue!), she held forth with a pair of lengthy reminiscences about her audition, and first meeting with Walt Disney. Always a fan favorite, Mary Costa mingled with audience members in the auditorium, and lingered in the lobby to greet each person who waited in line to meet her.

Another rare treat offered during the evening was a peek at the El Capitan�s amazing sound system. The curtain and screen were raised to reveal an array of state-of-the-art equipment. Don Hahn used the opportunity to discuss the technical aspects of Sleeping Beauty�s sound production. He also showed clips that detailed aspects of the restoration to the 1959 production.

Sleeping Beauty runs August 29 through September 18 at the El Capitan Theater. The Princess herself will make a live appearance at each showing. The Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store next door is offering a special breakfast with Sleeping Beauty at 8:30 on show days. Reservations are required. There is also a special Sleeping Beauty Sundae, consisting of two scoops of vanilla ice cream, �awakened� with pink and blue sprinkles and topped with a chocolate rose.

The official website of the El Capitan Theater is: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan