My mother and I have an Earth Day tradition starting back in 2007, when Earth premiered in theaters. Every year, we travel to the local AMC Theater and watch the Disneynature film of the year on opening day. We have seen every Disneynature wide release film and have enjoyed every one.
Earth premiered and was very reminiscent to the series that aired on Discovery, so that wasn’t super spectacular, but Oceans, African Cats and Chimpanzee were all pretty spectacular. Not only for the gorgeous visuals, whether it be on the African savannah or on the bottom of the Indian Ocean, but also for the stories. African Cats and Chimpanzee both did something amazing, by creating stories through the footage they acquired. African Cats displayed a story of a family unit, while Chimpanzee showed the amazing story of an orphaned chimp being taken in by another group.
The movies have done relatively well in theaters as well, bringing in money, but more importantly, awareness. Every time you see a Disneynature film during opening week, Disney will donate a portion of your ticket price to saving these wonderful creatures and their homes (for example, Bears will donate money from each ticket to saving our National Parks). People see the films, end up donating money without really knowing it, and learn about these fantastic animals and landscapes, hopefully changing their view on the world and making them want to save it instead of ruining it.
Everyone knows Walt was very passionate about nature as well, with his True Life Adventure series winning multiple Oscars and promoting wildlife conservation. Disneynature takes those same morals and brings them into the 21st century thanks to new technology and an increased environmentality in people across the globe.
Disneynature also brings kids and teens into the mix, through their brilliant use of new pop songs that accompany each film. Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Jordin Sparks and the McClain Sisters have all lent their voices to these fantastic tunes that make kids want to get involved in with saving the planet, too. Olivia Holt, star of Disney Channel’s I Didn’t Do It, is the next singer to enter the Disneynature family with her song “Carry On” for Bears and it is fantastic. It’s my favorite song they’ve released in conjunction with a Disneynature film. Also, for every purchase made of the song in the iTunes store, $0.91 will go to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.
What I’m getting at is Disneynature is getting everyone involved in saving this planet we call home and it is pretty spectacular. I don’t know how they could do it, but even more exposure for the film label would be amazing. Frankly, I’m surprised they aren’t pushing for a Best Documentary Oscar Nod for their films, because I would be so on board. Also, in the midst of all of this Animal Kingdom news, why not add the amazing Disneynature Ice Castle featured at the beginning of the films with a 360 degree nature film inside? I would journey to it on every trip.
I’m wondering what topics are up for release next. On Blu-Ray, they’ve released one on flamingos and one of butterflies, so I’m wondering what can be shown on screens across the world next Earth Day. I would love to see something about spring time animals (like rabbits, ducks, etc.), but I’m not sure how interesting that could be. I feel like something on nocturnal animals is bound to appear soon, however.
If I could give you one recommendation of something to do for Earth Day this coming April 22nd, bring the whole family and go see Bears. Not only will you be seeing a great movie that everyone will enjoy, but you will also be helping save our national parks, and that’s is pretty cool.