Leonard Maltin: I am very happy to be here. Especially if I'm sharing this piece of cyberspace with other Disney fans.

Q: Which is the best Disney song in your mind?

Leonard Maltin: It really is impossible to choose just one. In many ways, I think the songs from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" are the ultimate Disney songs but at the same time, you can make a case for anything from "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" to "A Whole New World," from "Aladdin."

Q: Everyone seems to focus on the animated features as far as songs go, so which live-action Disney film do you think has the best songs? (And no fair picking "Mary Poppins," since it has animated sequences.)

Leonard Maltin: Why is it no fair picking "Mary Poppins"? Almost all of the songs are performed in live-action sequences and that would be my choice.

Q: What do you think makes a Disney song different from other musicals' songs?

Leonard Maltin: I suppose the answer would be best phrased in the form of a question -- What makes Disney films different from other musical films? The best Disney songs grow naturally out of the characters and situations in a given film, and the folks at Disney have understood that relationship better than anybody else for a long time now.

Q: Who do you think was the best songwriter that worked on a Disney film?

Leonard Maltin: I am afraid that's much like trying to pick one song. Obviously, the Sherman brothers did terrific work over a long period of time but even they, I'm sure, would acknowledge some of the great songwriters who preceded them.

Q: Is there an artist out there that you'd like to see take a stab at writing a song for a Disney picture?

Leonard Maltin: That's a good question. I think Randy Newman has done terrific work and I like what Phil Collins did for "Tarzan." I'm not sure who else would be a likely candidate just now.

Q: Disney also made a number of animated shorts -- "Toot, Whistle and Plunk" and "It's Tough to Be a Bird," to name two. Are there any that you feel have outstanding music as well?

Leonard Maltin: I like a number of songs from the "Silly Symphonies" series of the 1930s. Like "The World Owes Me a Living" from "The Grasshopper and the Ants."

Q: Do the wonderful Sherman brothers still write music?

Leonard Maltin: They certainly do. In fact, they wrote some charming songs for "The Tigger Movie," just last year. I think they were robbed of an OscarÒ nomination, considering that several of those songs were far superior to the mediocrities that wound up in that category.

Q: What drew you to become an expert on Disney films?

Leonard Maltin: I grew up in the 1950s and '60s when Walt Disney hosted his own weekly television show, and I wouldn't think of missing it. He often did shows that celebrated the studio's history and took us behind the scenes. I'm sure that's where my love for all things Disney began.

Q: Which Disney film do you find to have the single most touching moment?

Leonard Maltin: That's easy. Every time Dumbo's mother sings "Baby Mine," I cry.

Q: Which is the funniest Disney film?

Leonard Maltin: No answer springs right into my head, except when I saw the word "funny," the first thing I thought of was the title song to "The Three Caballeros." That's one of the funniest sequences the studio ever did.

Q: Which Disney character has the most enduring appeal for you?

Leonard Maltin: Like a lot of other people, I had an abiding fondness for Mickey Mouse. Of course, Mickey is far more than a cartoon character by now. He's a pop culture icon. There is something about his face and smile and personality that's enormously appealing.

Q: Which Disney character do you think has the best singing voice?

Leonard Maltin: Without question, Clara Cluck.

Q: If you were to introduce a small child to Disney movies, which one would you pick to start with?

Leonard Maltin: I like "Dumbo," because it's short and sweet. And, of course, you can't go wrong with "Mary Poppins."

Q: Did Walt have an active hand in picking songs for Disney movies?

Leonard Maltin: Walt had an active hand in everything to do with his films. And music was no exception. In fact, many songs were written for his films but rejected along the way as he egged on his composers to find something better or more appropriate.

Q: Is there a Disney theme park ride that has a favorite song for you?

Leonard Maltin: I always enjoy hearing the songs from "Song of the South" when I ride on Splash Mountain.

Q: Who is the best Disney villain to you?

Leonard Maltin: The first image that came into my mind on hearing this question was Stromboli in "Pinocchio," so I'll go with that answer.

Q: What are the qualities that make Disney music timeless? We remember these songs from when we are kids, and the kids of today love them just as much as we did when we were kids.

Leonard Maltin: I'm sure that's a quality Walt was striving for. The songs from his first feature film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," became major hits at that time. One reason was that they were so infectious and easy to sing. I think the best songs from Disney movies have had that same quality ever since.

Q: How were these songs picked as "Disney's Greatest?" I know that I could fill LOTS of CDs 'cause I wouldn't be able to choose!

Leonard Maltin: I didn't make the selection myself, but I was pleased by the great variety when I saw the list and started working on my essays. I think they cover a tremendous range, from the old to the new, from the familiar to the classic. It would be easy to add many more, just as you said.

Q: Leonard, if you had to pick one movie as favorite -- which would it be and why?

Leonard Maltin: Among the animated films, I always choose "Dumbo," because it's such a sweet, simple movie with so much packed into it. For live action, I have to choose "Mary Poppins."

Q: Why do you think the musical scores of Disney movies are such outstanding successes? I don't think there has been a movie score yet that hasn't received acclaim in its own right.

Leonard Maltin: I suppose the answer would be because of the great effort that goes into those scores, not only by the composers but by the entire creative team on every film. I don't think every recent score has gotten its due, however. I'm very fond of the music from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and I think it is underrated.

Q: Leonard, through all your research, have you found anything truly fascinating about Walt himself that you could share with us?

Leonard Maltin: Apparently he was not given to paying compliments to his staff, at least not directly. And yet they all wanted to do their best for him. I find that really interesting. There is a new documentary about Walt that will be shown this fall that gives a candid picture of him away from the studio, and I found that revelatory when I saw an early screening not long ago.

Q: I just loved the "Aladdin" movie and soundtrack -- I love the way Disney movies always have a strong level of appeal for adults and kids alike. Has singing a Disney theme song ever made an unknown singer famous? If so, how was that person chosen?

Leonard Maltin: Offhand, I cannot think of such an instance. But I suppose you could say that singing "When You Wish Upon a Star" gave Cliff Edwards a kind of immortality. He had already been a star on Broadway and a big record seller known back then as "Ukulele Ike." But today, he's best known as the voice of Jiminy Cricket.

Q: It seems that Disney music has become more mainstream, with well-known artists recording music for the movies. Do you see this trend continuing?

Leonard Maltin: I certainly see this trend continuing because it has been successful for the studio. I just don't know who they are going to turn to next.

Q: What do you see in the future of Disney movie music?

Leonard Maltin: I don't have a crystal ball to answer this well. It depends in part on the directions that popular music may take. Yet the best Disney scores, as we already said, have a kind of timeless quality to them. Not everyone can write in that fashion, even if they struck a chord with the public.

Q: Do you think Disney will ever do an electronic music song for an animated feature; maybe the rumored "Tron 2.0"?

Leonard Maltin: I don't know for sure, but it would certainly seem that a sequel to "Tron" would be the right vehicle for that kind of music.

Q: Having been a film critic and historian for as long as you have, have you ever thought about trying your hand at creating a film of your own?

Leonard Maltin: I made some amateur movies with my friends when I was a teenager and realized then that I could not scale my thinking to our modest level of ability. Some years later, a friend of mine persuaded me to try writing a screen treatment with him, and it was a lot of fun -- until we had to go out and sell it. I quickly discovered that I didn't have what it took to go through that arduous process, and it gave me a new respect for the people who do.

Q: If you could lock one Disney film in a time capsule for future generations, what would it be?

Leonard Maltin: At the risk of sounding redundant, I will say, again, "Mary Poppins." I truly believe it was Walt Disney's masterpiece.

Q: If you could go on a date with any Disney heroine, who would it be?

Leonard Maltin: I think I'd pick Meg from "Hercules." I like her spunk and sense of humor.

Q: Disney is always known for their love stories; do you think that they should try a different approach?

Leonard Maltin: Following my last answer, I'll point out how different and refreshing the love angle was in "Hercules." I think they are willing to try new things.

Q: Disney has turned away from traditional animated musicals the past couple of years. Do you think they'll return to them or is that era over?

Leonard Maltin: I wouldn't rule out traditional animated musicals at all. I'm sure the powers that be are looking for the right idea, the right properties, and the right composers to make it happen again.

Q: Which Disney film have you seen the most times?

Leonard Maltin: If I say "Mary Poppins" one more time, will anybody scream? I hope not!

Q: CGI has become commonplace since the days of "Toy Story." Are there any innovations in animation technology coming that you have heard about (or maybe even seen)?

Leonard Maltin: I don't know of any new leaps forward in technology that we haven't already seen. I think the next step is learning how to apply this technology to a given movie. I've seen an early screening of "Atlantis," which is styled somewhat like a comic book, and it's very effective.

Q: Do you know if the creators of the Disney movies already have an idea of who they wish to create the musical score before they begin or do they ask a few and go with the best?

Leonard Maltin: I think it works both ways. In the case of "The Emperor's New Groove" they hired Sting early on, but then changed the nature of the movie from serious to comedic, and had to throw out most of the songs he had written.

Q: When did the first Disney soundtrack come out?

Leonard Maltin: There was a set of 78 rpm records issued for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." They weren't taken directly from the soundtrack, but nevertheless were promoted the same way as a soundtrack CD would be today.

Q: The latest upcoming animated Disney movie, "Atlantis," does not have any songs sung by characters. Do you think it is a good idea Disney has moved away from the traditionally animated musical?

Leonard Maltin: Having seen "Atlantis" and having liked it a lot, I think they made the right decision. But I also think this should be taken on a case-by-case basis.

Q: How many Disney songs have won Academy AwardsÒ?

Leonard Maltin: I'm no good at statistics. Sorry about that.

Q: Did any of the songs that made the "Greatest Hits" CD surprise you?

Leonard Maltin: Not really. I think they all earned their place on the list.

Q: What recent Disney animated musical do you think Walt would like best?

Leonard Maltin: I think it would be "Beauty and the Beast," because it took an age-old story and gave it a fresh approach.

Q: I'm excited in your involvement with the Disney Treasures DVDs. Any more info for us fans?

Leonard Maltin: We're working on them right now. I don't think I'm at liberty to tell you very much just yet. And I think you will be pleased. Bona fide Disney fans, like me, are as excited about them as I hope you will be.

Q: How many Disney records do you own?

Leonard Maltin: I guess the answer is, a lot.

Q: Some friends and I were chatting over a couple of mugs of cocoa, just old friends catching up, when we tried to figure out if there has ever been an animated feature that had an unhappy ending. So we come to you for an answer. Has there?

Leonard Maltin: I don't think so, but it depends on your definition of "unhappy." Both "Bambi" and "The Lion King" put their young leading characters through the trauma of losing a parent, but of course, they both end the same way, by celebrating the continuity of life.

Q: Are there any fables, fairy tales, or myths that you think would make a great Disney movie but haven't been made yet?

Leonard Maltin: That's a good question. I know the studio has attempted to develop films from many classic fables and myths that haven't quite panned out. Remember, some of those stories are very short. To work as a full-length movie requires a lot of work, and obviously a major expansion of the original tale.

Q: Do you think that there are some Disney movies that would make good Broadway musicals, that haven't been converted yet?

Leonard Maltin: I'm sure the folks at Disney are wondering the same thing. I suppose they could do something really ingenious with "Cinderella."

Q: Is there anything that was left off this collection that you think should have been included?

Leonard Maltin: I have many other Disney songs I love, but there were only two CDs available. Some time I hope we can do more, and include songs like "Baby Mine" from "Dumbo" and the title song from "The Three Caballeros"

Q: Have you heard James Newton Howard's "Atlantis" score? Any reactions?

Leonard Maltin: I haven't heard it separately, on a CD.

Q: What is your favorite song from the "Atlantis" soundtrack?

Leonard Maltin: I can't remember the song that is sung over the closing credits. It will probably take another viewing.

Q: What's the next book you'll be putting out?

Leonard Maltin: I'm just finishing this year's edition of my paperback annual "Leonard Maltin's Movie and Video Guide." It will be out in August.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time to get away from the theaters?

Leonard Maltin: I love music and listen to jazz and vintage pop music all the time. My dream is to have more time to read. It's what I look forward to doing most when I go on vacation.

Q: What was your reaction when you were asked to write the liner notes for this awesome collection?

Leonard Maltin: My reaction was "Yes!" I have spent my whole life listening to Disney music and was happy to get a chance to write about it.

Q: Is there a distinguishable difference in song selection for the Disney movies since Walt died?

Leonard Maltin: Yes, of course, but I don't think it has very much to do with Walt's passing. Were he alive today, he might be selecting the exact same kind of music for his films. Walt never lived in the past. In fact he was always looking ahead.

Q: How would you feel about Disney doing less animated films per year? Should they do more?

Leonard Maltin: It takes a long time to craft one of these films, I, for one, am willing to wait if it means we will get better movies.

Q: Do you think Disney will ever do sequels to some of the classics -- maybe "Snow White 7 the Next Gen Dwarfs"?

Leonard Maltin: Gee, I hope they don't take that specific idea to heart. Of course, they have been doing sequels on video, most recently, the follow-up to "Lady and the Tramp," so who knows what may be next?

Q: I have heard that there are many in-jokes and hidden "Mickey Ears" in Disney films. What are some places we might look for these?

Leonard Maltin: Most of the in-jokes have come in recent years. In the old days, they contented themselves with making funny drawings for one another in the animation department, and very seldom tried to slip one over on the audience. I'm told that there is a great Mickey ear landscape in one shot of "Tron."

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest legacy that Disney will leave for future generations?

Leonard Maltin: I think the Disney films at their best give people, especially young people, a true feeling of happiness, and instill in them a belief that life can be beautiful. That's a great legacy.

Disney: Leonard, thank you for a magical chat! Unfortunately, we are almost out of time. Do you have any parting words for our audience?

Leonard Maltin: I'm flattered that we had so many questions, and good ones, too. I hope most of these Disney fans know that I had the chance to update my book "The Disney Films" just last year. It's a book that comes from my heart.

Disney: Thank you for chatting with us.

Now that Mr. Maltin has shared some of the magical secrets behind Disney's great movie music, pick up your own copies of "Disney's Greatest Volumes 1 & 2," available wherever music is sold.

The two-volume CD series features more than 60 years of Disney musical keepsakes you'll share with your family for years to come!

And be sure to visit www.disney.com/records for more magical music, from the "Mary Poppins" soundtrack to music from this summer's animated adventure "Atlantis: The Lost Empire."