Disney's 2019 D23 Expo may seem like a distant memory now, but with the pandemic still raging it's been nice to reminisce about the costumes and props that were on display at the biennial fan convention. Here's five more film and stage costumes that were photographed as part of the Walt Disney Archives Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition on August 23, 2019, in Anaheim, California.
Letha Wedge costume worn by Bette Davis
in Return from Witch Mountain
First up is a costume from one of my childhood favourite films, Return from Witch Mountain, which saw the psychically-powered alien twins, 'Tony' (Ike Esienmann) and 'Tia Malone' (Kim Richards) face off against the schemes of Christopher Lee's 'Dr. Victor Gannon' and Bette Davis 'Letha Wedge'.
Bill Thomas was the Costume Designer on the Disney movie sequel, which was a follow-up to 1975 Escape to Witch Mountain based on Alexander H. Key's 1968 sci-fi novel.
Return from Witch Mountain movie poster
Fans of iconic Bette Davis can also enjoy these Emmy-nominated costumes from Feud: Bette and Joan on display.
Dr. Hans Reinhart costume worn by Maximillian Schell
in The Black Hole
Another sci-fi favourite from my youth was the futuristic film, The Black Hole, from 1979. In the movie Maximillian Schell played the deranged and brilliant scientist 'Dr. Hans Reinhardt' aboard the long thought lost USS Cygnus spacecraft.
The Black Hole movie poster
Chuck Keehne and Bill Thomas were responsible for Costume Design on the outer space movie directed by Gary Nelson.
Dorothy Gale costume worn by Fairuza Balk
in Return to Oz
The expo also had Fairuza Balk's 'Dorothy Gale' costume from 1985's Return to Oz fantasy film on display.
Based on L. Frank Baum's Oz novels, this sequel saw the 10-year-old actress discover fantastical new friend and enemies in this outfit designed by Raymond Hughes.
Return to Oz movie poster
Fans of this movie sequel can also enjoy these other screen-used costumes and props from Return to Oz on display.
Ben Gates costume worn by Nicolas Cage
in National Treasure
In 2004's National Treasure, Nicolas Cage played treasure hunter 'Benjamin Franklin Gates' and Judianna Makovsky was Costume Designer on the historical mystery adventure movie.
You can also take another look at this costume and props from National Treasure at previous Disney exhibits.
National Treasure movie poster
Plus this particular D23 Expo also showcased Nicolas Cage's Balthazar Blake costume from The Sorcerer's Apprentice on display.
Elsa stage costume from Broadway's Frozen musical
Christopher Oram was Costume Designer for Frozen: The Broadway Musical, based on Disney's animated 2013 box office smash, and actresses like Caissie Levy, Ciara Renée and Caroline Bowman have donned the princess of Arendelle's dress to tread the boards on Broadway and on tour.
And sadly that's the final installment of the costumes and props I saw in person at last year's D23 Expo.
Make sure you also check out all the other costumes and props at the Walt Disney Archives Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition, plus enjoy a look at these Hulu show costumes and props, Marvel Studios costumes and Star Wars universe costumes that were on display for attendees to see.
Here's hoping we'll be able to attend conventions, exhibitions, museums and cinemas again in the near future when this pandemic is under control.
Frozen musical billboard
