SAN DIEGO - Behind a nondescript storefront on a quiet downtown street lies a passage into the world of "Alice in Wonderland" as seen through Tim Burton's eyes.
Disney unveiled its travelling exhibit of props, costumes, sketches and set models from the movie to members of the media before opening it to the public Thursday at the 40th annual Comic Con. The pop-culture convention is being held at the San Diego Convention Center through Sunday.
Two misshapen wooden doors lead into the rabbit hole, where a giant Alice (in mural form) overlooks a glass case filled with bottles and boxes. Another case holds one of the 17 dresses Alice wears in Burton's (and costume designer Colleen Atwood's) Wonderland.
A second pair of doors lead to the Mad Hatter's tea party. The table is set with cakes, scones and the original teapot from the movie, due in theatres next year. One of Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter costumes is on display, complete with a wild orange wig and famous hat.
In the corner are two enormous flowers with human faces. Look closely and notice the faces move.
The last room introduces the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), with her heart-shaped scepter, eyeglasses and executioner's axe. Her heart-shaped throne anchors the room. A miniature model of her court sits beside it, near a display of her jewel-encrusted gown. A painting of the Red Queen with flaming red hair and tiny heart-shaped lips hangs nearby.
The White Queen's gown is also on display, as is the armour Alice wears when she fights "the monstrous Jabberwocky."
Oren Aviv, president of production for Walt Disney Studios, said Burton sketched the various costumes, characters and settings for years before taking on the project.
"To see this world come to life," Aviv said, "it's amazing."
