Prop Culture, the new Disney+ original series, takes a look at not just the props and costume of beloved Disney classics, but also the people and emotions behind the inanimate objects that make up the memories of our childhood.
Dan Lanigan, host and producer of this wonderful new show, has been a collector of film props and memorabilia for most of his life. His passion and love for what he does is infectious and exudes off the screen, making him a great host for such a project. These eight episodes take a deep look at several Disney films, spanning a wide range of Disney film history from Mary Poppins in 1964 to the most recent film included in the show, 2005’s The Chronicle of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Other classics from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s are also featured.
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One of the ways in that this show goes above and beyond is that it showcases not just the stars that were front and center, but also informs the audience about the people behind the scenes who don’t always get their fair share of attention. There are so many careers in the film industry, and for children who are interested in entering this business, Prop Culture is a great introduction to all of the jobs out there and manages to teach as well as entertain.
Of the Disney+ originals so far, this show, along with The Imagineering Story, are my favorites. As someone who is extremely passionate about both film and Disney history, this show feels tailor-made for me. There is a plethora of rich information within these episodes for fans of all ages, whether you grew up in the era of Mary Poppins or were a child in the mid-2000s, making it a perfect show for families to watch together.
Check out these eight episodes, now streaming on Disney+.