O' Canada vs. Reflections of China

[WondersOfLife]

I'm just curious... Of these two hardly ever mentioned attractions in Walt Disney World.. Which of these two do you personally believe is better?

The reason I'm comparing these two together is mainly the fact that they are both circle-vision films that are explaining the history and cultures of Canada and China, so almost the same concept.

The difference: O' Canada's host is Martin Short. Making the film a little less, quote on quote, "boring" with a tad bit of humor and less of a typical historical narrator. Making the film (in my opinion) a bit more entertaining to watch. By all means, even if the humor doesn't really get to you or others in the theatre, at least he isn't monotone throughout the entire film. He makes the film more enjoyable and modern, to me.

Reflections of China is basically the same thing, but without a celebrity from their country as the narrator. (That I am aware of). Making the film solely focusing on the educational point of view on China rather than the modern "edutainment" point of view. Heck, even the monotone narrator that opens O' Canada tells Martin Short that he may relocate to France* where they appreciate his style. Which I find hilarious.

People usually start their trip around the World Showcase starting from Mexico, which is a bummer. Because by the time they get to Canada the guests are tired and exhausted, making the O' Canada film not really enjoyable, giving the fact that you have to stand.

Now I have nothing against Reflections of China. I just prefer the updated style they use in O' Canada. What are y'alls opinions on this topic?

 

[VonSteuben]

I couldn't disagree with you more. The original O Canada was excellent, the Mounties, Bluenose, Fundy Bay (or something like that). I loved that. Now it's awful. I suffer through it more to remind myself of the much superior film once shown there. Martin Short's humor is dreadful. A slapstick routine that's just painfully cheesy.

Reflections of China on the other hand is a masterpiece in my opinion. I know it's an uncommon opinion, but I think it's even better than the France movie. The cinematography and musical score are excellent. I'm a geography teacher and in my view it gives a much better glimpse of the culture, people, and landscapes of the country than OCanada currently does.

Just as a side note, the narrator in OCanada references the France movie, not China.

 

[Arthur Wellesley]

This is how world wars get started.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Just as a side note, the narrator in OCanada references the France movie, not China.

Ah. Well my bad. Still, same situation.

 

[nelsonj3]

I couldn't disagree with you more. The original O Canada was excellent, the Mounties, Bluenose, Fundy Bay (or something like that). I loved that. Now it's awful. I suffer through it more to remind myself of the much superior film once shown there. Martin Short's humor is dreadful. A slapstick routine that's just painfully cheesy.

Reflections of China on the other hand is a masterpiece in my opinion. I know it's an uncommon opinion, but I think it's even better than the France movie. The cinematography and musical score are excellent. I'm a geography teacher and in my view it gives a much better glimpse of the culture, people, and landscapes of the country than OCanada currently does.

Just as a side note, the narrator in OCanada references the France movie, not China.

Totally agree! I love the score in the original O'Canada Movie. It's absolutely gorgeous! I especially love the music in the Canadian Rockies scenes. If you haven't seen my YouTube Video of it, I was lucky enough to be allowed to record the audio of the film without any guests present in the theater.

 

[Kevin_W]

I'd agree with the second poster that Martin Short detracts form the original vs. adds to it. But I still voted for Canada over China because I like the score (particularly the Canada song) better than the Chinese film. I do enjoy the film in china as well, and I think France beats either of them.

 

[castlecake2.0]

I do miss the score from the original O' Canada!, but I do love the preshow music that plays between the shows now in the theatre. Reflections of China is wonderful as well! Very hard choice to make, but O' Canada! will always be very special to me. Now lean back, relax, youre about to be surrounded by the beauty and grandeur of my homeland of Canada...

 

[Mukta]

That is a tough choice because I love them both. I think the new O Canada is pretty funny, but the score and scenery of Reflections of China tug at my heart. I never miss either of them on a trip.

 

[draybook]

I like the actual film better at Reflections of China, but the musical score snatches the victory for O'Canada.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Martin Short is EPCOT for dummies.

Still a great song though, which gives Canada the edge.

 

[Retroman40]

I like them both - particularly the scene in Reflections of China when you are heading down the Yangtze River - and they are both worth seeing. As far as Martin Short's narration; most Canadians I have met have a pretty good sense of humor about the "Great White North" jokes (they could have gotten Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas to narrate from the "Strange Brew" set right?) while at the same time loving their country and Short reflects this well in his commentary. It's clear he loves his native country and is proud of all of Canada.

I've only been a tourist in Canada and I'd be interested how real Canadians see the show.

 

[Lucky]

Every country pavilion should have a film. France is my favorite because of the music from French classical composers.

 

[marni1971]

1 Reflections of China

2 O'Canada 1982

3 Wonders of China

4 O'Canada 2007

All 4 versions are on my site in the link in my signature.

 

[Mickey5150]

I couldn't decide between the two, I love them both.

 

[networkpro]

I'm just curious... Of these two hardly ever mentioned attractions in Walt Disney World.. Which of these two do you personally believe is better?

Reflections of China is basically the same thing, but without a celebrity from their country as the narrator. (That I am aware of).

Umm yes you're mistaken. Keye Luke (陸錫麟 or Luk Shek Lun) portrays Li Bai in the film as he was born in Caton China, but grew up in Seatle, WA. He payed as the original KAto in the Green Hornet, Number one Son in the Chalie Chan Mysteries, Brak in Space Ghost, Mast Po in the TV series Kung Fu and lots more.

Martin Shirt had a short career, Keye Luke over 60 years.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Umm yes you're mistaken. Keye Luke (陸錫麟 or Luk Shek Lun) portrays Li Bai in the film as he was born in Caton China, but grew up in Seatle, WA. He payed as the original KAto in the Green Hornet, Number one Son in the Chalie Chan Mysteries, Brak in Space Ghost, Mast Po in the TV series Kung Fu and lots more.

Martin Shirt had a short career, Keye Luke over 60 years.

Well. The more you know!!

You're mistaken on Martin Short's "short career," though. He is still active in both film and television. Heck, he recently just played a part in a broadway show revival titled "It's Only a Play," that ended last June. Short is very much alive in entertainment, still.

 

[OvertheHorizon]

If I'm not mistaken, both 360 degree films were shortened from their original versions. Either to accommodate more frequent showings, or perhaps because attention spans have decreased. I like them both. Prefer original Canada, but now China has the edge.

 

[Lucky]

If I'm not mistaken, both 360 degree films were shortened from their original versions. Either to accommodate more frequent showings, or perhaps because attention spans have decreased. I like them both. Prefer original Canada, but now China has the edge.

Why do you say attention spans hav

 

[Nick Wilde]

As much as I love chinese culture, since I have 3 chinese siblings, I think they did a better job on O' Canada. It was much more engaging.

 

[dizfan917]

every time I think of Reflections of China, all I can hear is "the great YANG-TSEE RIVER" and that dramatic music!! I enjoy them both.