Animator, producer and entrepreneur Walt Disney may have died in 1966, but a post-mortem appearance on Saturday at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute has people wondering.
An incredibly realistic hologram of Disney was unveiled as part of Disney100: The Exhibition celebrating 100 years of the Walt Disney Company.
While the exhibit boasts it will "showcase more than 250 of its 'Crown Jewels,' rarely seen original artworks and artifacts, costumes, props and other memorabilia," it seems the hologram is the attraction garnering the most chatter.
The Disney Company's official fan club D23 posted a video of the unveiling to social media.
You can watch below.
\u201cFIRST LOOK: Walt Disney greets guests of #Disney100: The Exhibition via the Disney MagicStage.\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
It began with a quick intro from Mickey Mouse as his "Sorcerers Apprentice" character from Fantasia.
According to The New York Times, the hologram was created by using archival video and artificial intelligence tools.
People on social media were mixed in their reactions.
Some thought the hologram was well-executed and honored the company's founder.
\u201c@ScottGustin This is incredible. Is it slightly *off*? Of course, it\u2019s an homage presented through tech and art, just like the Lincoln animatronic.\nImpossible to be a perfect replica, but definitely a perfect homage that Walt Disney himself would\u2019ve found mind blowing.\u201d— Scott Gustin (@Scott Gustin) 1676469222
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin Considering Disney's history creating the first animatronic, continuing the trend of pushing into the unknown is completely up their alley!\n\nHonestly? Even if its uncanny still, as was animatronics, especially back over 60 years ago, I think Walt would like this tribute. :)\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin Yeah, not gonna lie. I\u2019d tear up.\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin I\u2019m excited about this!\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
And a few are a little unsure if it's actually a hologram.
\u201cDONT BELIEVE IT!!!!\n\nTHEY HAD HIM FROZEN AND THEY FINALLY UNFREEZE HIM\u201d— smelly (@smelly) 1676520967
\u201c@ScottGustin I hope they add him to the Haunted Mansion when the exhibit is over.\u201d— Scott Gustin (@Scott Gustin) 1676469222
But to the vast majority, the display was a bit "icky."
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin This is dystopian af\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin I can see the fun potential in this, sure.\n\nBut this has also been used on recently-dead actors and the like, and I am NOT fond of the idea of the entertainment industry not allowing people to grow old and die because it may upset the nerdlings.\n\nI dunno - it's a bit icky to me.\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
\u201cSomething about Walt Disney in high-def makes me feel weird AF\u201d— Rohde's Roadies (@Rohde's Roadies) 1676502095
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin Aw sweet, Mouse made horrors beyond my comprehension.\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin oh i don\u2019t like this at all\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
\u201c@DisneyD23 @TWDCArchives @TheFranklin This made me uncomfortable\u201d— Disney D23 (@Disney D23) 1676476874
According to the Franklin Institute, Disney curated special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of Disney's most popular characters, films, shows and attractions—from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and beyond—exclusively for the exhibition.
In addition, it will include themed galleries featuring moving stories, interactive installations and background information and "will take visitors on a journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company."
Disney100: The Exhibition will run through August 27 at The Franklin Institute before embarking on a North American tour.
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