Animusings

The debate stands: is this 1971 live action/animated fantasy adventure a spiritual successor to Mary Poppins, or is it just aping the formula hoping to produce similar results? Kaela and David aim to find out, and get a little help from guests AJ and Gwen of musical-parody channel Random Encounters. Topics of discussion in this episode include trippy bed-flying sequences, fun with rolling library ladders, cartoon soccer picks and “Mischief Nazis.”

Does everybody really want to be a cat? Kaela and David ask returning guest Ben Spiegel this and many other questions as they push through the cat door of this 1970 feline flick set in turn-of-the-century Paris. Topics include crazy cat ladies, cartoon chase sequences, anachronistic jazz, why Thomas O’Malley is a saint, and how to make Creme de la Creme ala Edgar.

This month’s episode is a slow boat ride through the exotic jungles of this 1967 adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s most well-known work. Kaela and David are joined by Andrew Linde and Justin Quizon of Nothing New: A Remake Podcast to discuss Walt’s final years, out-of-place species, which Beatle is their favorite and, oddly enough, the importance of Jungle Cubs to continuity.

David and Kaela think that this 1964 film, with its combination of live-action and animation, is practically perfect in every way. But what went into the production and eventual success formula for Mary Poppins beyond what’s been retold in Saving Mr. Banks? And is the title character, in fact, a Time Lord?

Things get a little weird - and you’l hear that word thrown around more than once by Kaela and David on this episode, as they take in this 1963 feature and discuss Wart’s ever-changing voice, reused animation, consent in squirrel courtship and one of the best wizard duels ever animated.

Recorded while on vacation at Walt Disney World, Kaela and David take some time out of their theme park adventures to discuss this 1961 feature that may have saved the studio from bankruptcy, further proving that Disney had a good track record for dog movies.

Kaela and David discuss the troubled production of this 1959 feature that would go on to become a Disney classic for many, as well as introducing one of Disney’s most well-loved villains.

It's a beautiful night, or it is somewhere in the world, as Kaela and David (and Gracey) talk about this 1955 dog-centric feature, with topics such as backgrounds as paintings, spaghetti dinners, and what Kaela considers the ideal cinematic depiction of a good date.

With faith, trust, and a little pixie dust, Kaela and David head to Never Land in this 1953 take on a literal fairy tale. Along the way, they're joined by friends Alex Hatzberger and Heather Donnelly to discuss women being cruel to each other, perfect pirate couples, crocodiles acting like dogs and very racist caricatures.

Kaela and David discuss a shared favorite in this madcap 1951 feature, with subjects including stories-within-stories, trickster entities, Ed Wynn impressions and stacked decks.