Magic by Design: Recent Episodes
Ken Kidney
Two brothers and lifelong animation fans watch and review movies from the Disney/Pixar canon in the hopes of unearthing the secrets behind the magic. Each week, we re-watch or in some cases, experience a feature for the first time and break it down in an attempt to discover the recipe of the secret sauce. We want to find out what set these films apart for generations of children, and big children, alike. Disney Plus is now available throughout the land so it’s never been easier to watch along and join the conversation. New episodes every Monday where all magical podcasts are downloaded!
A quick update on our promised review of Hercules: Zero to Hero and the schedule for upcoming episodes.
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Ken and Gar get a different perspective on the events of the first Lion King movie this week with a review of the straight to DVD Lion King sequel, The Lion King 1 ½, first released in early 2004. The brothers discuss why this movie focused on sidekicks Timon and Pumbaa, set during the events of the first movie is more of a pauper compared to the original!
Featuring a reprise of Resident Magic by Design singer, Nicole McDonagh's medley of songs from the original Lion King movie. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Ken and Gar return to Pride Rock this week for a review of the straight to video Lion King sequel, Simba's Pride, first released in 1998. The brothers discuss why this movie stands head and shoulders above the other home video releases of the time and acts as a worthy successor to the masterpiece that is the original.
Featuring a cover of "He Lives In You" from The Lion King 2 performed by Resident Magic by Design singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Gar and Ken finally find out what’s around the river bend this week when they review the straight to video Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World, a follow up to 1995’s Pocahontas, first released in 1998. Turns out, it's a bland sequel, who knew!
Featuring a reprise of 'Colours of the Wind', from our original Pocahontas episode, performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are feeling a bit of déjà vu as they review the second straight to video Beauty and the Beast sequel, subtitled Belle’s Magical World, first released in 1998. The brother's feel as if they might be the cursed ones this week as they struggle to find the positives in this cynical attempt to cash in again on the beloved 1991 original.
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It’s a tale as old as time…Disney cheaply cashing in on their beloved classics!Christmas has come very, very early this week as Ken and Gar review the first straight to video Beauty and the Beast sequel, subtitled The Enchanted Christmas, first released in 1997.
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Ken and Gar are staying in Agrabah this week for a review of the second straight to video Aladdin sequel, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, first released in 1996. The brothers celebrate the return of Robin Williams to the role of the Genie and play the strangest game of would you rather!
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Ken and Gar ring in the new year and kick of the home video feature era of Magic by Design with a review of Disney's first straight to video release, The Return of Jafar, an Aladdin sequel, first released in 1994.
Featuring a reprise of resident Magic by Design singer, Nicole McDonagh's medley of tunes from the original Aladdin. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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The second season of Magic by Design comes to a close as Ken and Gar pull on the tuxedos and struggle with their bow ties for the Best of Pixar Awards. Which films will snag the top awards? Download to find out!
Featuring a reprise of her award winning cover of "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2 by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are dipping back into the world of Disney features this week with a review of the studio’s 60th animated feature, Encanto, in theatres now! The brothers visit Casita Madrigal to break down the latest film in the Disney animated canon to see if there's any magic to be found.
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Ken and Gar attempt to silencio their Brunos to live their dream of reviewing Pixar's 24th, and most recent, Luca this week. The brothers try to put their finger on why Enrico Casarosa's feature directorial debut feels so different to anything the studio has done before and what makes the story's themes so universally appealing to audiences of all ages.
Featuring a beautiful rendition of "O Mio Babbino Caro" featured in Luca by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh.
We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar getting existential this week with a review of Pixar's 23rd animated feature, Soul, first released as a Disney+ exclusive on Christmas Day 2020. The brothers ponder the meaning of life and how the most recent effort from Director, Pete Docter, stacks up to his magnum opus, Inside Out (Episode 74).
Featuring a cover of "It's All Right" featured in Soul by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. The song choice changed last minute. We wonder if you'll notice the edit...
We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar cast a spell to conjure up a review of Pixar's 22nd animated feature, Onward, this week. The brothers embark on an epic quest to uncover the ancient mystery of why this fantasy road movie sticks the landing but ultimately, falters along the journey.
Featuring a cover of "Carried Me With You" from Onward by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar join Woody, Buzz and the gang for one last adventure this week in their review of Toy Story 4 first released in 2019. The brothers cap off their series on Pixar's original and most famous franchise by breaking down how each installment continues to deliver the very best of animated storytelling, bucking the trend of diminishing returns for sequels.
Featuring a cover of "You've Got A Friend In Me" from the Toy Story franchise by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are pulling on the spandex and dusting off their cowls for a review of Pixar's 20th animated feature, Incredibles 2, first released in 2018. Will the Parr family save the day again or will their return be resigned to the Superhero scrap heap with the likes Batman and Robin? Tune in to find out!
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Ken and Gar celebrating the holiday in appropriate fashion with our review of Pixar's 19th animated feature, Coco. Will this Day of the Dead inspired tale be a trick or treat? Tune in to find out, if you dare....
Featuring an other-worldly cover of "Remember Me" from Coco by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Ken and Gar return to the race track one more time this week. The brothers are racing to the finish line of their series on the Cars trilogy with a review of Cars 3, first released in 2017. Will this third instalment take the chequered flag? Tune in to find out!
Featuring a reprise of "Life is a Highway" from the original Cars movie all the way back in Episode 66 by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Ken and Gar try not to forget their takes on Finding Dory while overcoming disruption caused by a tiny Chihuahua named Honey who was intent on chiming in on their review of this follow up to the beloved 2003 mega hit, Finding Nemo.
Featuring a cover of "What a Wonderful World" from the thrilling climax of Finding Dory by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar attempt to make their mark this week with a review of Pixar's 16th animated feature, The Good Dinosaur, first released in 2015.
The brothers break down what is considered to be the studio's first flop to find out what went wrong at the box office and if all the hate for this prehistoric tale is warranted.
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Ken and Gar dive deep into the recesses of the human mind this week for a review of Pixar's 15th animated feature, Inside Out first released in 2015. The brothers explore their feelings about Director Pete Docter's masterpiece and chat about how important it is for the children of today to see this movie.
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Ken and Gar are going back to college this week for a review of Pixar's 14th animated feature, Monsters University, first released in 2013. The brothers study this follow up to Monsters, Inc. (2001) to compose their thesis comparing it to the beloved original. Gar also tries his hand at resolving some of the film's story problems with surprising, not to mention speedy, results!
Featuring a reprise of "If I Didn't Have You" from the original Monsters, Inc. movie by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar explore the mystical forests of Medieval Scotland this week to discover the secrets of Pixar's 13th animated feature, Brave. The brothers decide the fate of the studio's first attempt at the classic Disney Princess formula and discuss the film's troubled journey to the silver screen.
Resident Magic by Design singer, Nicole McDonagh is in her element this week, sending us off to our slumber with a rendition of Patrick Doyle’s original Gaelic lullaby, “A Mhaighdean Uasal Bhan (Noble Maiden Fair)” from Brave. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Ken and Gar off on a whistle stop tour around the globe this week. Their mission is to uncover the mystery of why Pixar's 12th animated feature, Cars 2, is arguably the studio's worst film!
Featuring a mellow cover of "Nobody's Fool" from Cars 2 by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Ken and Gar are reliving the trauma of saying goodbye to their childhoods this week with a review of Pixar's 11th animated feature, Toy Story 3, first released in 2010. Can the brothers hatch a plan to escape Sunnyside Daycare or will they be resigned to a life in the Caterpillar room? Listen now to find out!
Featuring a cover of "We Belong Together" from Toy Story 3 by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are setting off on an adventure to Paradise Falls with a review of Pixar's 10th animated feature, Up this week, first released in 2009.
This episode is dedicated to actor Ed Asner, the voice of Carl in Up, who sadly passed away on the day of recording at age 91 following a long and successful career in Hollywood.
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Ken and Gar are booting up their review of Pixar's 9th animated feature, WALL-E this week. The brothers get to work cleaning up their takes on what many critics called the best film of year upon its release in 2008 to see if it holds up and is deserving of such lofty praise.
Featuring a Streisand worth cover of Hello Dolly’s, “It Only Takes A Moment” featured in WALL-E. by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Ken and Gar put on their aprons and get to work in the podcast kitchen to whip up a fresh and tasty review of Pixar's Ratatouille, first released in 2007.
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Ken and Gar hit the highway this week to review Pixar's 7th animated feature, Cars, first released in 2006. The brothers spend most of this week's episode trying to unlock the mysteries of the Cars Universe (Carniverse) and are still none the wiser. Have a listen and join the conversation on social to share your theories!
Featuring a road rocking cover of "Life is a Highway" from Cars by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
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Ken and Gar suit up this week to review Pixar's 6th animated feature, The Incredibles, first released in 2004. The brothers discuss why this is the most grown up movie from the studio to date and make a case for why it's one of the best superhero films ever made.
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This week, Ken and Gar grab their snorkels for a deep dive ofPixar’s 5th animated feature, Finding Nemo, first released in 2003. The brothers delve into the murky waters of this aquatic classic to find out why Marlin, Dory and co. are still our friends all these years later.
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Get ready for a scare this week as Ken and Gar review Pixar’s 4th animated feature, Monsters, Inc. first released in 2001. The brother's unpack why Pete Docter's directorial debut is one of the most interesting and challenging animated films of its time.
Featuring a cover "If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc. by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar return to Andy’s room this week to review Toy Story 2, a sequel to 1995’s Toy Story, first released in 1999.
Featuring a beautiful cover of "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2 that's bound to bring a tear to any eye by Magic by Design's resident singer, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar grab their magnifying glasses and wade into the tall grass this week to examine every little detail of Pixar's 2nd animated feature, A Bug's Life, first released in 1998.
Featuring a swinging cover of Randy Newman's "The Time of Your Life" from A Bug's Life by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Garembark on a new leg of their animated journey of discovery this week as they begin their review of every Pixar film to date starting with the studio's very first movie, Toy Story, first released in 1995.
Featuring a unique rendition of Randy Newman's "I Will Go Sailing No More" from Toy Story by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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In this bonus episode, Ken and Gar cap off their review series of every Disney animated feature film released in theaters to date by comparing notes on their best and worst lists with some surprising inclusions and omissions along the way!
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This week, Ken and Gar reach the destination of their Disney journey of discovery with a review Disney's 59th and most recent animated feature, Raya and the Last Dragon, released simultaneously in theaters and Premier Access on Disney Plus in March of this year.
Featuring a cover of "Lead the Way" from Raya and the Last Dragon by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are going into the unknown this week with a review of Disney's 58th animated feature, Frozen II, a sequel to 2013’s Frozen released in 2019. The brothers dig deep in to this much anticipated sequel to find out of it lived up to the hype!
Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh promised us one song this week but went above and beyond to surprise us with two bops from Frozen II post recording. This is why we love her! We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are hoping to go viral this week with their review of Disney's 57th animated feature, Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). The brothers discuss the missed opportunities in this sequel to 2012’s Wreck-it Ralph before lamenting the negative effects of the internet age on our daily lives.
Featuring an adorable cover of "A Place Called Slaughter Race" from Ralph Breaks the Internet by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are setting sail for adventure once again this week as they look to restore the heart of Te Fiti by reviewing Disney's 56th animated feature, Moana, released in late 2016. The brothers weigh the most recent effort by legendary Disney animators, Clements and Musker against their other classic movies and discuss the pros and cons of the choice to cast Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the demi-god, Maui.
Featuring a magnificent Moana musical medley by Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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It’s predator vs prey this week as Ken and Gar turn detective to unravel the mystery of Disney's 55th animated feature, Zootopia or Zootropolis depending on where you were in the world at the time of the film’s release in 2016. The brothers gather the evidence to make their case for why this movie belongs in the conversation of top tier of Disney classics.
Featuring Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh's cover of the Shakira AKA Gazelle tune, "Try Everything" from Zootopia. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar hope you are satisfied with the care they have taken with their review this week as they take a look at the internal mechanics of Disney's 54th animated feature, Big Hero 6, released in 2014. The brothers also get distracted by the fascinating concept of the multiverse and ponder how it could play a part in possible future Big Hero movies.
Featuring Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh's take on "Immortals" by Fall Out Boy from Big Hero 6. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar can't hold back their review of Disney's 53rd animated feature, Frozen, anymore so they are letting it go this week! The brothers discuss the Frozen phenomenon and why this may be one of the most culturally important films that the studio has ever produced.
NOTE: Ken calls the great Kristen Bell, Kristen Stewart several times in this episode. He has now realised his mistake and will carry that shame for the rest of his life!
Featuring a medley of songs from Frozen performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song(s). All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Happy Birthday to us! Ken and Gar are celebrating 1 year of Magic by Design this week as they hit the arcade for a review of Disney's 52nd animated feature, Wreck-It Ralph, first released in 2012.
Featuring a synthy cover of Owl City's "When Can I See You Again?" from the end credit of Wreck-It Ralph by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are going back to the 100 Acre Wood this week as they review Disney's 51st animated feature, Winnie the Pooh, first released in 2011. The brothers also discuss possible future Pooh adaptations and why kids need Eeyore.
Featuring a rendition of Zooey Deschanel's "So Long" from the Winnie the Pooh soundtrack by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar see the light this week as they review Disney's 50th animated feature, Tangled, first released in 2010.
Featuring medley of songs from Tangled by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar don't have time for dancing this week as they review Disney's The Princess and the Frog first released in 2009. The brothers discuss why Disney went back to the drawing board with this New Orleans twist on the well known fairy tale and also go completely off topic, as they often do, to lament the decline of self contained storytelling in an age of streaming and cinematic universes!
Featuring a jazzy cover of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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A movie starring John Travolta and Miley Cyrus as best friends? Sounds like a recipe for success on this week's Magic by Design! Hollywood calls as we review Disney's 48th animated feature, Bolt, first released in 2008.
Featuring a twangy cover of “Barking at the Moon” from Bolt. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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The future is bright this week as Ken and Gar review Disney's 47th animated feature, Meet the Robinsons, first released in 2007.
Featuring a gorgeous cover of “Little Wonders” from Meet the Robinsons. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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The end is nigh this week as Ken and Gar attempt to review Disney's 47th animated feature, Chicken Little, first released in 2005, before the sky falls on them! The brothers offer helpful suggestions on how they fix the strange pacing in this adaptation of the classic children's fable before reminiscing on the fad that was 3D movies.
Featuring an cover of "Stir it up", a pop hit for Patti Labelle that featured in Chicken Little as well as the soundtrack for Beverley Hills Cop. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are farming for takes this week on Disney's 45th animated feature, Home on the Range, first released in 2004. You won't have to wait long for the brother's take on this Western that follows the adventures of a team of bovine bounty hunters!
Musical Correspondent Nicole is going country with "Will The Sun Ever Shine Again" from Home on the Range. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are on their way to ancient Alaska this week to review Disney's 44th animated feature, Brother Bear, first released in 2003. The brothers are unsure what to make of this bear based buddy comedy. Where did they land? There's only one way to find out!
As if that wasn't enough, Musical Correspondent Nicole is channeling her inner diva with "Great Spirits" from Brother Bear. We hereby declare that we do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No copyright infringement intended.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar set sail for the stars to talk about Disney's 43rd animated feature, Treasure Planet, first released in 2002. The brother's discuss the merits of this long buried Disney feature after a slight detour into being a Muppets appreciation podcast!
Featuring a space rock shanty, "Always Know Where You Are", from the Treasure Planet soundtrack from Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Come along on a Hawaiian roller coaster ride this week as Ken and Gar talk about Disney's 42nd animated feature, Lilo and Stitch, first released in 2002. Ken takes a back seat this week as Gar makes his pitch for why this may be the best film the Disney studio has ever produced and it's hard to disagree!
Featuring a rock n' roll cover of "Burning Love" from the Lilo and Stitch soundtrack from Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar explore the mythical adventure that is Disney’s 41st animated feature, Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) this week. Much like the city of legend that the movie is based on, this movie has been lost to history. The brothers talk about this forgotten gem in the Disney canon and why it's worth the expedition to seek it out!
Featuring a cover of "Where The Dream Takes You" from the Atlantis soundtrack inspired by the movie from Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar get into their Disney reviewing groove this week when they watched Disney's The Emperor's New Groove (2000). Disney initially envisioned this picture as the next in a series of prestige films to take its place alongside the best titles of their 90s Renaissance heyday. Hear all about the long and winding 6 year development period that threatened to shelve the project for good before it became the irreverent comedy we all know today.
Featuring a performance of a forgotten Disney bop from The Emperor's New Groove by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar journey back to a land before time....2000 AD... to review Disney's first foray into the world of 3D animated feature films, Dinosaur.
Featuring a special surprise musical performance inspired by Dinosaur by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar receive a visit from a ghost of Disney movies past this week when they watched Fantasia 2000 (2000). The brothers discuss this follow up to 1940's Fantasia to determine if this critical and commercial flop was worth revisiting 60 years later.
Featuring an analysis of the classical music used in Fantasia by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar are in full swing this week as they review Disney's Tarzan (1999). The brothers give their take on this adaptation the famous tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs but mostly just gush about Phil Collins!
Featuring a cover of 'You'll Be In My Heart' from Tarzan performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar get down to business for their first review of 2021 with Disney's take on the ancient Chinese folk tale of Mulan (1998). The brothers muse about the folly of New Year's Resolutions and why this film may just show the studio at the peak of their Renaissance powers!
Featuring a beautiful version of 'Reflection' from Mulan performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar travel to the ancient Greece of myth for their last review of 2020 this week as they review Disney's Hercules (1997).
Featuring a soulful cover of 'I Won't Say (I'm In Love)' performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar delve into the world of Victor Hugo's Paris this week when they watched Disney's adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). The brothers discuss how Disney strayed from the source material in their telling of this classic tale and the pitfalls of succumbing to ones urges. WARNING: We kept it as clean as possible but some adult themes are discussed so listener discretion is advised!
Featuring a gorgeous rendition of 'God Help the Outcasts' performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar attempt to watch with their hearts and paint with all the colours of the wind this week as they review Pocahontas (1995), a film that was once planned to be the jewel in the crown of the Disney Renaissance but for a number of reasons, fell well short. The brothers talk about this interesting, yet flawed film and try to put their finger on the factors that derailed the studio's lofty goals for their take on one of the most interesting historical figures in American history.
Featuring a cover of 'Colours of the Wind' performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar take their place in the "circle of life" this week as they review Disney's 32nd animated feature film, The Lion King (1994).
Featuring a medley of songs from The Lion King performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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You ain’t never heard a review like this as Ken and Gar look back on Disney’s 31st animated feature film, Aladdin (1991). The brothers pay tribute to the late, great, Robin Williams, whose tour de force performance as the Genie, elevated this standard princess love story to the stuff of Disney legend!
Featuring a medley of tunes from Aladdin performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar want you to be their guest this week as they review Disney’s 30th animated feature film, Beauty and the Beast (1991). Hear all about the turbulent making of this classic adaptation of the well known fairy tale and why it's the studio's first true masterpiece since Sleeping Beauty nearly thirty years earlier.
Featuring a gorgeous cover of the title track from Beauty and the Beast performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar took a trip to a land down under where women glow and men plunder this week when we watched Disney’s 29th animated feature film, The Rescuers Down Under (1990). The brothers attempt to review this follow up to 1977's The Rescuers but get distracted by rabbit hole topics including VR technology and the future of art before circling back the the film to assess the merits of the first sequel in Disney animated feature history.
Featuring a reprise performance of "Someone's Waiting For You" from the original movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar dive deep under the sea and break out their steel drums this week for Disney's 28th animated feature, The Little Mermaid (1989). The brothers talk why this musical masterpiece may have the best songs of any Disney animated film to date and how the story's themes have aged over the last three decades.
Featuring a musical theater treat with a performance of "Part of your World" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar hit the sidewalks of New York City this week to brush up on their "street savoir faire" when they watched Disney's 27th animated feature, Oliver & Company (1988).
Featuring a rocking rendition, "Why Should I Worry" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar investigate the disappearance of a long lost gem in the Disney animated film canon this week when they watched The Great Mouse Detective (1986). The brothers talk about why this may be one of the most under appreciated films in Disney history and among other things, discuss the merits of a monarchy in 2020
Featuring a rousing rendition of the controversial, "Let Me Be Good to You" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar watched watched Disney’s 25th animated feature this week, The Black Cauldron (1981). The brothers dissect this forgotten entry in the Disney cinematic canon in order to find out why the studio is so keen to bury this adaptation of Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain book series in the vaults forever.
Featuring fun facts about the music of the Black Cauldron by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar watched Disney’s 24th animated feature this week, The Fox and the Hound (1981). Ken confronts one of his earliest childhood traumas and the brothers discuss why the themes and morals of this underrated classic have never been more relevant in 2020.
Featuring a sweet rendition of "Best of Friends" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
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Ken and Gar watched Disney's 23rd animated feature this week, The Rescuers, based on the book of the same name by Margery Sharp.
Featuring a cover of "Someone's Waiting For You" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
Ken and Gar watched Disney’s 22nd animated film this week, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), an expoohberant big screen feature introduction to the famous characters of the Hundred Acre Wood including the eponymous bear of little brain.
Featuring a cover of "Winnie the Pooh" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar travel to Sherwood forest this week when they watched Disney's 21st animated feature, Robin Hood (1973) They talk the origins of this furry take on the legendary folk tale as well as natural talking points like the future of religion and the problem with American politics
Editor's Note: While researching the film, Ken looked up the spelling of "Oo De Lally" and he must have been sleep deprived because he read it wrong as "Oo De Lanny" several times leading to him incorrectly asserting that the phrase and famous song is in fact, "Oo De Lanny. Please disregard this classic Ken fact and replace it with the correct pronunciation in your head when it comes up during the show!
Featuring a performance of "Love" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar watched Lady and the Tramp with cats this week when they reviewed Disney’s 20th animated feature, The Aristocats (1970). The brother's discuss why this may be the poorest effort from the studio to date and the declining state of animation at the Disney studio following Walt's death.
Featuring a groovy cover of "Everybody wants to be a cat" from the film performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar went on an expedition deep into the jungles of India this week when they watched Disney’s 19th animated feature, The Jungle Book (1967). Hear their take on the first animated feature to be released post Walt Disney's death and the troubled messaging of Kipling's original book that bled into this well loved adaptation.
Featuring a toe tapping performance of "The Bare Necessities" from the film performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar embark on a quest to the England of legend this week to review Disney’s 18th animated feature, The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Featuring an tongue twisting interpretation of "Higitus Figitus" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar have 101 things to talk about this week in their review of Disney's One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961). Hear their take on why Cruella De Vil is actually the protagonist of the story and why for them, the film had more bark than bite!
Featuring an sultry rendition of "Cruella De Vil" from the movie performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar talk about their admiration for the evil Maleficent this week in their review of Disney's under appreciated artistic triumph, Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Featuring an original cover of "Once Upon A Dream" from Sleeping Beauty performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar try to avoid the pound this week as they review, Disney's canine classic, Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Featuring an original cover of "He's a Tramp" from Lady and the Tramp performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar continue their mission to never grow up this week when they are reviewed Disney's adaptation of J.M. Barrie's most famous creation, Peter Pan (1950). They go off on many tangents, talking copyright law, Star Wars and more before finally making it to Neverland, a place full of magic, adventure and institutional racism.
Featuring an original cover of "The Second Star On The Right" from Peter Pan performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar are a late for a very important date with this Disney's 13th animated feature, Alice in Wonderland (1950). They review this cult classic adaptation of Lewis Carroll's surreal children's classic and muse on the relevance of the story's morals in 2020.
Featuring an original cover of "In a World of My Own" from Alice in Wonderland performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar's dreams come true this week as they leave the troubled era of the 1940s behind for the greener pastures of the 1950s. Come along with them as they enter a decade littered with Disney classics starting with the studio's quintessential princess story, Cinderella (1950)
Featuring a unique rendition of "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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Ken and Gar's roller coaster ride through Disney's package film era of the 1940s ends on a pleasant note this week when they watched The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr.Toad (1949)
Featuring "Katrina" from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow segment performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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They say war is hell. Well, the war may have been over but the Disney package film era was still trudging on. Gar and Ken just about survive the penultimate package presentation, Melody Time (1948) but the scars will remain for some time to come!
Featuring a performance of "Once upon a Wintertime" performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar discuss bear slapping and the merits of adapting Jack and the Beanstalk this week in their review of Disney's 9th animated feature, Fun and Fancy Free (1947)
Featuring a performance of the title track from Fun and Fancy Free performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar stumble across a pleasant surprise in their quest to review every Disney animated feature this week when they watched the hidden gem that is Make Mine Music (1946)
Featuring a performance of "Two Silhouettes'' from Make Mine Music performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
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@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar overcome some technical issues this week to review a rare Disney misstep, The Three Caballeros (1945) not once, but twice!
Featuring a performance of "You belong to my heart'' from The Three Caballeros performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar jet off on a whistle stop tour of South America this week by taking in the sights and sounds of Disney's sixth animated feature, Saludos Amigos (1943)
Featuring a performance of "Aquarela do Brasil'' from Saludos Amigos performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar relive one of the most traumatizing film moments in Disney animation history this week and hold it together just long enough to review Bambi (1942)
Featuring a performance of the title track from the film, 'Love is a Song' performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicByDesignPod
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar are off to the circus this week in the hopes of spotting the famous flying pachyderm known simply as Dumbo (1941)
Featuring a performance of 'Baby Mine' from the film performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicByDesignPod
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Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar put on their best quarantine sweatpants this week because they're off to the symphony to discover the music and magic of Disney's Fantasia (1940)
'Ave Maria' performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
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Instagram: @magicbydesignpod
Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
@garrettkidney on Twitter
Ken and Gar's journey through the Disney animated film canon continues with the studio's second feature, Pinocchio (1940)
'When You Wish Upon a Star' performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more magical musical content
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicByDesignPod
Twitter: @MagicDesignPod
Instagram: @magicbydesignpod
Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
@garrettkidney on Twitter
Two brother's bid to watch and review every Disney theatrical animated feature begins in earnest with the movie that started it all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).
Featuring 'Someday My Prince Will Come' performed by Musical Correspondent, Nicole McDonagh.
Follow Nicole @NicoleMcD_PR on Twitter and @n.mcdonagh on Instagram for more wonderful musical content.
Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicByDesignPod
Twitter: @MagicDesignPod
Instagram: @magicbydesignpod
Where to find Ken and Gar:
@kenkidney on Twitter and Instagram
@garrettkidney on Twitter
Two brothers and lifelong Disney fans attempt to watch and review the entire Disney animated theatrical canon in the hopes of unearthing the secrets behind the magic.
Each week, we will re-watch or in some cases, experience a feature for the first time and break it down in an attempt to discover the recipe of Disney's secret sauce. We want to find out what got us hooked and has set the animated offerings of the House of Mouse apart for generations of children, and big children, alike.
Disney Plus is now available throughout the land so it’s never been easier to watch along and join the conversation. Launching on Monday May 4th where all magical podcasts are downloaded!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicByDesignPod
Twitter: @MagicDesignPod
Instagram: @magicbydesignpod