Wonderful World

Posted on June 10, 2008

On a lighter note than some of our posts -

“The Wonderful World of Disney,” the long running prime-time TV show originally hosted by Walt Disney himself (back in my day), is going geeky on us.

For the first time, Disney plans to stream full-length movies online on its Disney.com website..The films will air on TV, on the Disney-owned ABC network’s weekly “Wonderful World of Disney” program, every Saturday night throughout the summer, then be available for free — that is, paid for by advertising — on the company’s website. The lineup includes Pixar films “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters, Inc.,” and such family comedies as “Freaky Friday” and “Princess Diaries 2.”

The Disney Channel original movie, “Camp Rock,” also will be available for streaming on June 23, after its June 20 TV premiere. Think of it as a bonus Jonas Brothers feature, which includes an online chat and games.

Here’s the full schedule (all times EST):

“Finding Nemo” –- currently available online through June 13

“Monsters, Inc.” –- airs on ABC June 14 at 8 p.m.; available on Disney.com June 16-20

“Haunted Mansion” -– airs on ABC June 28 at 8 p.m.; available on Disney.com June 30-July 4

“Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” –- airs on ABC July 5 at 8 p.m.; available on Disney.com July 7-11

“Princess Diaries 2” -– airs on ABC July 12 at 8 p.m.; available on Disney.com July 14-18

“Freaky Friday” –- airs on ABC July 19 at 8 p.m.; available on Disney.com July 21-25

“Peter Pan” –- airs on ABC Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.; available on Disney.com Aug. 4-8

Disney is no stranger to using its popular television show to promote new technologies. In the late 1960s, the program was renamed “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” to flaunt network broadcasts switching from black-and-white to “living color.” I also remember that so very well. One of the most important events of my childhood (or so it seemed at the time), was the advent of color and this was one of the programs that had the greatest effect on my young memory.

Maybe you have young ones or grandkids that would benefit from watching these movies online. Share the time.

It’s a great thing, if your bandwidth is up to it.