Magic by Design
Two brothers and lifelong animation fans watch and review movies from the Disney/Pixar canon in the hopes of unearthing the secrets behind the magic. Each week, we re-watch or in some cases, experience a feature for the first time and break it down in an attempt to discover the recipe of the secret sauce. We want to find out what set these films apart for generations of children, and big children, alike. Disney Plus is now available throughout the land so it’s never been easier to watch along and join the conversation. New episodes every Monday where all magical podcasts are downloaded!
Episodes
95 episodes
Magic by Design Programming Update
A quick update on our promised review of Hercules: Zero to Hero and the schedule for upcoming episodes.Watch along on Disney Plus and join the conversation on social media:Facebook:
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6:18
Ep 91: The Lion King 1 1/2
Ken and Gar get a different perspective on the events of the first Lion King movie this week with a review of the straight to DVD Lion King sequel, The Lion King 1 ½, first released in early 2004. The brothers discuss wh...
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Episode 91
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32:44
Ep 90: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Ken and Gar return to Pride Rock this week for a review of the straight to video Lion King sequel, Simba's Pride, first released in 1998. The brothers discuss why this movie stands head and shoulders above the other home video releases of the t...
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Episode 90
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48:48
Ep 89: Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World
Gar and Ken finally find out what’s around the river bend this week when they review the straight to video Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World, a follow up to 1995’s Pocahontas, first released in 1998. Turns out, it's a bland sequel, wh...
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Episode 89
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33:48
Ep 88: Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World
Ken and Gar are feeling a bit of déjà vu as they review the second straight to video Beauty and the Beast sequel, subtitled Belle’s Magical World, first released in 1998. The brother's feel as if they might be the cursed ones this week as...
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Episode 88
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31:34
Ep 87: Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
It’s a tale as old as time…Disney cheaply cashing in on their beloved classics! Christmas has come very, very early this week as Ken and Gar review the first straight to video Beauty and the Beast sequel, subtitled The Enchanted Ch...
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Episode 87
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28:17
Ep 86: Aladdin and the King of Thieves
Ken and Gar are staying in Agrabah this week for a review of the second straight to video Aladdin sequel, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, first released in 1996. The brothers celebrate the return of Robin Williams to the role of the Genie and ...
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Episode 86
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38:12
Ep 85: The Return of Jafar
Ken and Gar ring in the new year and kick of the home video feature era of Magic by Design with a review of Disney's first straight to video release, The Return of Jafar, an Aladdin sequel, first released in 1994. Featu...
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Episode 85
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37:28
Bonus Episode: The Best Of Pixar Awards
The second season of Magic by Design comes to a close as Ken and Gar pull on the tuxedos and struggle with their bow ties for the Best of Pixar Awards. Which films will snag the top awards? Download to find out!Featuring a reprise of he...
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32:22
Ep 84: Encanto
Ken and Gar are dipping back into the world of Disney features this week with a review of the studio’s 60th animated feature, Encanto, in theatres now! The brothers visit Casita Madrigal to break down the latest film in the Disney animated cano...
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Episode 84
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41:27
Ep 83: Luca
Ken and Gar attempt to silencio their Brunos to live their dream of reviewing Pixar's 24th, and most recent, Luca this week. The brothers try to put their finger on why Enrico Casarosa's feature directorial debut feels so different to anything ...
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Episode 83
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47:04
Ep 82: Soul
Ken and Gar getting existential this week with a review of Pixar's 23rd animated feature, Soul, first released as a Disney+ exclusive on Christmas Day 2020. The brothers ponder the meaning of life and how the most recent effort from Director, P...
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Episode 82
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39:35
Ep 81: Onward
Ken and Gar cast a spell to conjure up a review of Pixar's 22nd animated feature, Onward, this week. The brothers embark on an epic quest to uncover the ancient mystery of why this fantasy road movie sticks the landing but ultimately, falters a...
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Episode 81
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39:04
Ep 80: Toy Story 4
Ken and Gar join Woody, Buzz and the gang for one last adventure this week in their review of Toy Story 4 first released in 2019. The brothers cap off their series on Pixar's original and most famous franchise by breaking down how each installm...
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Episode 80
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43:33
Ep 79: Incredibles 2
Ken and Gar are pulling on the spandex and dusting off their cowls for a review of Pixar's 20th animated feature, Incredibles 2, first released in 2018. Will the Parr family save the day again or will their return be resigned to the...
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Episode 79
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35:53
Ep 78: Coco
Ken and Gar celebrating the holiday in appropriate fashion with our review of Pixar's 19th animated feature, Coco. Will this Day of the Dead inspired tale be a trick or treat? Tune in to find out, if you dare....Featuring an other...
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Episode 78
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44:00
Ep 77: Cars 3
Ken and Gar return to the race track one more time this week. The brothers are racing to the finish line of their series on the Cars trilogy with a review of Cars 3, first released in 2017. Will this third instalment take the chequered flag? Tu...
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Episode 77
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38:08
Ep 76: Finding Dory
Ken and Gar try not to forget their takes on Finding Dory while overcoming disruption caused by a tiny Chihuahua named Honey who was intent on chiming in on their review of this follow up to the beloved 2003 mega hit, Finding Nemo.
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Episode 76
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35:26
Ep 75: The Good Dinosaur
Ken and Gar attempt to make their mark this week with a review of Pixar's 16th animated feature, The Good Dinosaur, first released in 2015. The brothers break down what is considered to be the studio's first flop to find out what went w...
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Episode 75
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37:11
Ep 74: Inside Out
Ken and Gar dive deep into the recesses of the human mind this week for a review of Pixar's 15th animated feature, Inside Out first released in 2015. The brothers explore their feelings about Director Pete Docter's masterpiece and chat about ho...
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Episode 74
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38:16
Ep 73: Monsters University
Ken and Gar are going back to college this week for a review of Pixar's 14th animated feature, Monsters University, first released in 2013. The brothers study this follow up to Monsters, Inc. (2001) to compose their thesis comparing it to the b...
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Episode 73
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39:18
Ep 72: Brave
Ken and Gar explore the mystical forests of Medieval Scotland this week to discover the secrets of Pixar's 13th animated feature, Brave. The brothers decide the fate of the studio's first attempt at the classic Disney Princess formula and discu...
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Episode 72
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35:04
Ep 71: Cars 2
Ken and Gar off on a whistle stop tour around the globe this week. Their mission is to uncover the mystery of why Pixar's 12th animated feature, Cars 2, is arguably the studio's worst film! Featuring a mellow cover of "Nobody's Fool" fr...
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Episode 71
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38:36