FROZEN

Hello again! Now I know that at the time that I am typing this entry that it is not winter just yet. But I just decided to talk about one of my all time favorite DISNEY movies!

Did you know that this film took 70 years to make?

Yes, you read that right! WALT DISNEY [1901-’66] had wanted to make this film since the 1930s! The story never felt quite right, and it was put aside until the 90s, when DISNEY tried again to get the project off the ground, and again in 2000. It wasn't until 2008 that the story finally started coming together, and Frozen was born. Was it worth waiting 70 years for? I think so!

[Here is a piece of concept art for example. However, I do not know how old it is!]

We all know that “ELSA” was originally going to be evil but did you know that “OLAF” was gonna be her henchman?

The long, twisted path of “FROZEN” meant a lot of changes to the script. directer JENNIFER LEE got the sole Screenwriter credit, but she shares the story credit with SHANE MORRIS and co-directer CHRIS BUCK. One notable change? “OLAF” went from being a villainous sidekick to “ELSA” into “ANNA’S” comic relief sidekick. In fact, when LEE first hopped on board her reaction to the mean “OLAF” was “Kill the f*****g snowman.”

Did you know that a “MARY POPPINS” reference in “OLAF’S” song?

Who can forget “OLAF” the snowman singing about the joys of summer? But there’s a wink to classic DISNEY buried in JOSH GAD’S standalone song. At one point during “IN SUMMER” OLAF dances with a flock of four seagulls all wearing flat hats and holding canes. This is a reference to “BERT’S” [DICK VAN DYKE] iconic dance with “THE PENGUINS” in the “MARY POPPINS” song “JOLLY HOLIDAY.”

[A screen shot from “WALT DISNEY’S MARY POPPINS” - 1964. I tried my best to find the exact image but oh well.]

[And there’s “OLAF’S” dance!]

Did you know that there is a disclaimer in the end credits reguarding “KRISTOFF’S” BOOGER COMMENT?

Yes you read correctly. At the end of the credits, there's a hilarious disclaimer that says DISNEY doesn't necessarily agree with “KRISTOFF’S” comment that all men eat their own boogers.

Did you know that the filmmakers visited a real “ICE HOTEL” for inspiration for “ELSA’S ICE PALACE”?

Several members of the production team traveled to QUEBEC to visit a real-life ice hotel to get inspiration for “ELSA’S ICE CASTLE”. Though the artists were inspired and wowed by the icy architecture, none opted to spend the night in the chilly abode.

[Here’s one “ICE HOTEL” for an example.]

Did you know that HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN is used as a code name for some of the characters?

There’s a hidden code in some of the main characters’ names, “HANS”, “KRISTOFF”,”ANNA” and “SVEN”. The names are a tribute to HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, the author of “THE SNOW QUEEN”, which was the inspiration for “FROZEN”. If you say the names quickly in order it sounds like his name.

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN: “HANS-KRISTOFF-ANNA-SVEN”

[ANDERSEN - 1805-1875]

Did you know that “SVEN” was actually inspired by a dog and not a reindeer?!?

“SVEN” is definitely one of the cutest characters in the movie.

He’s a loyal friend to “KRISTOFF” and he has a personality that’s all his own.

Apparantly though instead of modeling “SVEN’S” movements off of a real-life reindeer, they decided to base him on one of the Producer’s pet dogs instead!

The Animation team did bring in a reindeer initially, but apparantly it refused to budge! Instead they used Executive Producer JOHN LASSETER’S dog to try and capture some of “SVEN’S” movements.

That’s not the only fun fact about everyone’s favorite reindeer either…

“SVEN” was originally supposed to be called “THOR”, until the production team decided against it in light of CHRIS HEMSWORTH and the popularity of the “THOR” franchise.

Plus they needed someone else to spell out HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN.

Did you know that JOSH GAD got very emotional during a showing of the first “FROZEN” trailer?

In an interview on "FRESH AIR WITH TERRY GROSS," GAD said that when he took his older daughter (then about four years old) to her first-ever movie in a theater (“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY”), there was a trailer beforehand for “FROZEN”. The trailer didn't contain any of “OLAF’S” lines or songs, but it did feature the brief sound of “OLAF” laughing. GAD said that as soon as his daughter heard that laugh, she said, "That's Dada, more Dada." GAD started crying in the movie theater.

[GAD and “OLAF”.]

Did you know that it took the Songwriters one day to write the song “LET IT GO”?

KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ and ROBERT LOPEZ wrote “LET IT GO” within a single day. It originated with the story out line they were given, which called for “ELSA’S BAD—S SONG” with an emo undertone. According to ANDERSON-LOPEZ: “We went for a walk in PROSPECT PARK and threw phrases at each other. what does it feel like to be the perfect exalted person, but only because you’ve held back this secret? [ROBERT LOPEZ] came up with “kingdom of isolation”, and it worked.” LOPEZ and ANDERSON-LOPEZ were able to improvise the songs first four lines on the spot. They went home and composed the rest of the song by alternating between improvising melodies on a Piano brainstorming lyrics on a whiteboard. Musically, the song was written to accommodate IDINA MENZEL’S vocal range. “LET IT GO” went on to break a number of pop music records; Becoming the first song from a DISNEY animated musical to reach the top ten of “THE BILLBOARD HOT 100” since “COLORS OF THE WIND” from “POCAHONTAS” [1995] peaked at number four. The song is also MENZEL’S first single to reach the top 10 on “THE BILLBOARD HOT 100” chart, making her the first “TONY AWARD”winner for acting to ever reach the top 10. ON MARCH 2, 2014, “LET IT GO” won “THE ACADEMY AWARD FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG” at the 86TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS”, where it was performed live by MENZEL.

[KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ and ROBERT LOPEZ working on a song.]

Did you know that the book that “KING AGNARR” [a.k.a. “THE KING”] holds in the first act has a “MIDDLE-EARTH” connection?

When “THE KING” pulls the book off the shelf to figure out where to find “THE TROLLS”, the book is written in Nordic runes, originating from SCANDINAVIA where the film crew drew much inspiration. These runes were the basis for the dwarf-runes used in J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S “THE LORD OF THE RINGS”. A map that falls out of the book resembles the map of ”THE LONELY MOUNTAIN” seen in “THE HOBBIT”.

[There’s the book with the runes!]

[And there’s what I’m calling “THE TROLL MAP”.]

[And finally the map of “THE LONELY MOUNTAIN” from “THE HOBBIT”.]

Did you know that “KRISTOFF’S” sled can also work with tires?

Many viewers have wondered how “KRISTOFF” was suddenly able to travel in a winter sled in what was, until a few minutes ago, the middle of summer. The junior novelization explains that the sled is convertible and can be fitted with wheels or runners as desired, presumably like changing a spare tire by the side of the road. When “KRISTOFF” and “SVEN” are sharing a carrot when guests are arriving at the castle, the sled is shown with wheels and the snow skis can be seen strapped to the side.

[This GIF was the only image I could find but yes if you look behind “KRISTOFF” and “SVEN” you will see the sled with the wheels attached.]

[There’s the front cover of the book for anyone who is interested.]

Did you know that there is a running joke between “FROZEN” and the movie “ZOOTOPIA” involving the same actor?

ALAN TUDYK played “THE DUKE OF WESSELTON” (mispronounced as “WEASELTOWN”) in “FROZEN” (2013), and then went on to play “DUKE WEASELTON” in “ZOOTOPIA” (2016), an actual weasel (whose last name is mispronounced as ”WESSELTON”).

[TUDYK]

[“THE DUKE OF WESSELTON”]

[“DUKE WEASELTON” from “ZOOTOPIA” - 2016.]

Did you know that “OLAF’S” name has a hidden meaning behind it?

Olaf's name is meant to sound like "oh laugh" because he is the most comical character in the film.

[A moment of “OLAF” being “OLAF”.]

Did you know that there is a much deeper connection to the movie “TANGLED” that we didn’t know about?

When the gates open during "FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER," there is a cameo of ”RAPUNZEL” and “EUGENE” (a.k.a. “FLYNN”) from “TANGLED” (2010). “RAPUNZEL” has short, brown hair and is wearing a purple and pink dress (her celebration dress at the end of “TANGLED”), and ”EUGENE” is wearing a maroon vest and a brownish sash. They are entering the screen from the left.

[See, right there!]

IDINA MENZEL auditioned for the part of “RAPUNZEL” in DISNEY’S previous fairy tale. Even though MENZEL didn't get the part, a DISNEY casting director recorded her audition and two years later, it got her the part of “ELSA”.

Like MENZEL, KRISTEN BELL also auditioned for the part of “RAPUNZEL” and ended up getting cast as “ANNA” instead!

SANTINO FONTANA auditioned for the role of “FLYNN RIDER”. Later, SANTINO was called back for “HANS” (when the movie was still known as “THE SNOW QUEEN”, in 2010).

[And there’s “FLYNN” and “RAPUNZEL” in some promotional artwork for “TANGLED”.]

Did you know that there is a shout-out to a real life debate over firewood?

While ”ARENDELLE” is covered in snow, two townsmen are seen arguing over the correct way to stack firewood, bark up, or bark down. This refers to a heated debate in NORWAY (part of SCANDINAVIA, where the film is believed to be set) that was sparked in 2013, after a 12-hour TV program on firewood aired. It included 8 hours of a live fireplace, and the network received dozens of texts complaining about how the firewood was stacked. The complaints were split evenly between people who were upset about the bark facing up, and those who were complaining about the bark facing down.

[There’s the two townsmen with the firewood. Sorry, no gifs this time.]

Did you know that the name “ARENDELLE” is very similar to the name of U.S. Hockey Player AARON DELL?

AARON DELL, a goaltender who plays in the NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE, at one time had the village of “ARENDELLE” painted on the back of his helmet when he played for the “SAN JOSE SHARKS” due to the similarities between the pronunciation of his name and fictional setting of Frozen.

Question: Why does AARON DELL play hockey?

Answer: Because the cold never bothered him anyway.

[AARON DELL]

[AARON DELL’S “ARENDELLE” HELMET.]

Did you know about the reason for why DISNEY decided to change the film’s name from “THE SNOW QUEEN” to “FROZEN” in some countries?

Producer PETER DEL VECHO explained the English title change from "THE SNOW QUEEN" to "FROZEN": "The title “FROZEN” came up independently of the title “TANGLED”. It's because, to us, it represents the movie. “FROZEN” plays on the level of ice and snow but also the frozen relationship, the frozen heart that has to be thawed. We don't think of comparisons between “TANGLED” and “FROZEN”, though. The decision to call the film “FROZEN” was the filmmaker's decision. The studio's decision to then call it “THE SNOW QUEEN” overseas was because that just resonated stronger in some countries than “FROZEN”. Maybe there's a richness to “THE SNOW QUEEN” in the countries' heritage and they just wanted to emphasize that." As he continued to make his statement, "We're telling a story about family and relationships and that in itself can be very complicated. A lot of times what you perceive something to be isn't what it turns out to be - “ELSA” has to hide for her whole life who she is, even from her sister. That clearly affected her and made her into the character she is. Hopefully, if you look at the story through “ELSA’S” eyes, you'll be able to understand what she does, or if you look at it through “ANNA’S” eyes, you'll be able to understand why she does what she does, but they're all complicated relationships. We don't think of it as a Princess movie. They happen to be Princesses, but we don't think about it that way, so I always get a bit thrown when people talk about this. But I can say we want to make them really believable and not set them up on a pedestal. Our version of these characters should feel really real and be relatable to things you might go through in your life." Of course another reason is because the research market showed that "THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG" did not do as well as DISNEY had hoped because words like "princess" alienate boys, which is the real reason why "THE SNOW QUEEN" was renamed "FROZEN".

[DEL VECHO at “THE 2014 OSCARS”

And now for some “FROZEN” QUICK FACTS:

“FROZEN’S” soundtrack has spent thirteen nonconsecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200.

JESSI CORTI, who voices “THE SPANISH DIGNITARY”, was also the voice of “LeFou” in “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991)”. Josh Gad, who voices Olaf, would later play ”LeFou” in the 2017 live action remake.

[CORTI]

[“THE SPANISH DIGNITARY”]

[“LeFou”]

[GAD as “LeFou”]

The names 'SVEN' and 'OLAF' from “FROZEN” are the same names as the characters from “TITANIC” (1997) from whom “JACK” [LEONARDO DICAPRIO] wins his “TITANIC” Tickets in a poker game.

[“SVEN” and “OLAF” in a scene from “TITANIC” as pointed out by a random fan!]

WALT DISNEY’S great grandfather was named ARUNDEL. And yes his name is similar to “ARENDELLE”!

[Sorry but this is the best quality that I could get for this image.]

The name given to the ice monster is “MARSHMALLOW”. BELL starred in the TV show “VERONICA MARS” (2004-2019). Her devoted fans of the series are called "marshmallows".

[“MARSHMALLOW”]

[BELL as “VERONICA MARS”]

Did you know that “FROZEN” caused tourism in NORWAY to skyrocket?

After the movie was released, it has been reported that searches for flights to NORWAY increased by 153%! There was also an increased interest in rosemaling, a traditional NORWEGIAN folk art that was used in the characters costume designs.

[A map of SCANDINAVIA.]

Did you know that a movie theater made a controversial mistake during a showing of the film?

A theatre in Florida accidentally played a two-minute porn clip during the screening of the film.

[Did you know that “ELSA” has certain movements that were inspired MENZEL’S performance?

Cosmopolitan writes that the animators for Frozen were so attentive to detail that they even included some of Idina Menzel’s quirks into the footage for Elsa.

If you look closely, Menzel’s abdomen moves a certain way when she sings and that quirky movement can also be seen when Elsa breaks into song.

[MENZEL]

Did you know that “ELSA” is fighting climate change?

THE L.A. TIMES writes that “FROZEN II” songwriters, LOPEZ and ANDERSON-LOPEZ were inspired by all the talk of climate change, and hinted at it in the songs they wrote.

“Climate change is a really big issue;” ANDERSON-LOPEZ said. “Nature being out of balance gives “ELSA” a real purpose and a clue to her powers.”

Did you know about “KRISTOFF’S” missing backstory?

One of the few aspects of the film that was left unanswered in my opinion, was “KRISTOFF’S” back story. Why is a child roaming around ice harvesters in the middle of the night without anyone taking him in!?! Well according to LEE, there wasn’t enough time in the film to go into his past, but the backstory is that “KRISTOFF” was an orphan, and continuously ran away from the orphanage. Help and a house was available, but his home ended up being with “THE LOVE DOCTORS”. A more expansive look into “KRISTOFF” story might be shared in the Broadway adaptation or in a children’s book to answer that question for “FROZEN” lovers.

[“YOUNG KRISTOFF” and “YOUNG SVEN” harvesting ice.]

That will do it for now, goodbye!