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DISNEY WAR

 ABOUT THE BOOK


Author:
James B. Stewart
Paperback:
588 Pages
Publisher: Pocket Books (February 2005)
ISBN: 0684809931
Price: S$24.70 (Available in Borders)
Links:
www.simonsays.co.uk



 

 



BOOK REVIEW:   

Beneath the happy image the Walt Disney Company has always been portraying to the general public, a tussle for power was once brewing underneath. Who's the man behind this "epic" tale? The answer is none other than Disney-ex CEO Michael Eisner.

Who would have known that DreamWorks SKG founder Jeffrey Katzenberg was once eyeing the vacant CFO seat? The wildly successful television series “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” were never in the radar of Eisner. Not even the box-office hit “Pirates of the Caribbean” was spared. Further bad decisions include giving up the chance to finance the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the hit series "Sopranos".

James Stewart has given readers a no-holds-barred account of Eisner’s antics in controlling the House of Mouse. His increasing feuds with various top executives and members of the Disney Board, including Roy E Disney, the nephew of the late Walt Disney and PIXAR. These are just some of the highlights of the book. Comprising of personal interviews, emails and court records, “Disney War” is a must read if not, a compelling read of how a single CEO at the top of the food chain can cause a once flourishing entertainment empire to lose its glazing.

No doubt, credit must be given to Eisner for reviving Disney’s theme parks and animation slate when he first started. But isn't there a saying called "Quit while you are ahead". And so, is Eisner a misunderstood genius or a boardroom egoistic tyrant? The good thing about "Disney War" is the fact that Stewart never take sides on the issues, he practically leaves the judgement on your doorstep. It's your call.


CHOICE XCERPT:

A letter from Roy E Disney to then Disney CEO, Michael Eisner

"Michael, it is my sincere belief that it is you who should be leaving and not me. Accordingly, I once again call yor resignation or retirement. The Walt Disney Company deserves fresh, energetic leadership at this challenging time in its history just as it did in 1984 when I headed a restructuring which resulted in your recruitment to the Company.

I have and will always have an enormous allegiance and respect for this Company, founded by my uncle Walt and father Roy and to our faithful employees and stockholders. I don't know if you and other directors can comprehend how painful it is for me and the extended Disney family to arrive at this decision...

With sincere regret,
Roy E Disney"

VERDICT:

You might declare certain chapters as tedious and somehow repetitive. But this is what makes Stewart’s account so absorbing in the first place. The clash of the egos awaits you!  

Review by Linus Tee

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Related Disney/Pixar Movie Reviews:

. Cars

. Meet The Robinsons

. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End



 

 


This book review is made possible with the kind sponsor of BORDERS


 


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