Uploaded June 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ensign Ltd of London may have been the first company in the UK to issue Disney films for home use. The so-called “Ensignareels” were silent, edited versions of Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphony shorts, featuring unique opening titles and printed on amber-tinted Kodak 16mm stock. They were introduced in 1933, with an ambitious line-up of 28 films available from start.
Carnival Days (The Karnival Kid) and Phantom House (The Haunted House) were number 1 and 3 of those first 28. I don’t know when Mexican Marauder (The Cactus Kid) and The Gaolbreaker (The Chain Gang) were released, but probably a year later or so, since both have a 1934 year code on the edge.
I have added sound from the original theatrical versions to make it more enjoyable.
Ensign Ltd of London may have been the first company in the UK to issue Disney films for home use. The so-called “Ensignareels” were silent, edited versions of Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphony shorts, featuring unique opening titles and printed on amber-tinted Kodak 16mm stock. They were introduced in 1933, with an ambitious line-up of 28 films available from start.
Carnival Days (The Karnival Kid) and Phantom House (The Haunted House) were number 1 and 3 of those first 28. I don’t know when Mexican Marauder (The Cactus Kid) and The Gaolbreaker (The Chain Gang) were released, but probably a year later or so, since both have a 1934 year code on the edge.
I have added sound from the original theatrical versions to make it more enjoyable.
