The theory goes back to the 90s with journalist Charles Savage writing about it based on comments he’d picked up from a Pink Floyd fan group. Essentially if you start the album just as the lion roars for the third time in the MGM logo they will synch up – lyrics seemingly discussing what is happening on screen, events matching up with lyrics, sounds on the album corresponding with sounds on the film. The obvious first question would be – what does Pink Floyd say about this? They flatly deny it – with drummer Nick Mason saying – presumably tongue in cheek – that it’s actually based on The Sound of Music.

The next question. Does it synch up? Yes and no. As with any of these sort of theories, there is so much down to interpretation, for example, when Dorothy is singing about birds flying on the album you can hear an airplane, is that a connection? Another example is both the album and the film appear to have a doorbell sound at the exact same time. Now, what does this mean? It depends. A skeptic like me would say nothing, at best a coincidence, but to others proof positive of the connection.

The Investigation

First of all, we start TDSOFM at the third lion roar…why? Some of the more convincing examples of synchronicity have near-perfect timing but why not the first roar? Why not the title card? Next comes the question of interpretation and the band themselves denying it. Then there is the psychological phenomenon of apophenia, making meaningful connections between unrelated things or finding patterns that aren’t there. Closely connected to this is pareidolia, a form of apophenia, more related to random visual or auditory stimuli – the classic example being seeing faces in the pattern of wood or in clouds. Humans see connections and patterns where none exist, an evolutionary trait that usually serves us well, it is better to spot connections than miss them.

There is also the problem that the album is 42 minutes and 50 seconds, and the movie is 1 hour and 52 minutes, so either the album ends early or you start it again. If so it is very unlikely that synchronisation of events can occur when the album repeats.

Cultural Legacy

One of the fundamental aspects of art is that there is usually more going on than just what appears on the surface, there is a deeper meaning, another story being told. Audience interpretation can find the oddest interpretations and meaning that perhaps the creator never intended to be there. What is perhaps unusual is that both The Wizard of Oz and The Dark Side of the Moon are already extremely complicated pieces of art with a lot going on. Even leaving aside the visual spectacle of TWoO, there are interpretations that it has to do with religion, both that it is about enlightenment through faith and the idea that there is nothing behind the curtain, to even that the Cowardly Lion represents the American army in the Spanish-American War.

The Dark Side of the Moon is an ambitious album both in terms of production and thematically, with songs about consumerism, mental health and more. The over-analysis of cultural artifacts is nothing new or unusual (see some of my articles on this very site), with conspiracy theories, crossover universes and more being attached to everything from The Shining to listening to records backward to find hidden messages. The Wizard of Oz- Dark Side of the Moon synchronicity is only the most famous of these examples.

Also Read: The Strange Brilliance of Fan Theories

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The Wizard of Oz

Toto is film’s most famous dog for a reason. His relationship with Dorothy is central to The Wizard of Oz’s narrative. It’s because of Toto getting in trouble that Dorothy runs away from home ultimately leading to her trip to Oz. Throughout the film, Toto acts as Dorothy’s tether to the real world and he embodies the story’s themes of courage, love, and brains through his actions and symbolises home for Dorothy. Toto is still the high watermark of cinematic canine characters because of how much personality he has and how he brings out the best in his human partner.

Umberto D.

Here comes the list’s first tear-jerker. This classic neo-realist film follows Umberto Domenico Ferrari, an older man who is having trouble paying his rent on a meagre pension. Umberto’s one constant companion is his dog Flike who both love each other unconditionally. Umberto does everything to find Flike when he goes missing and Flike provides meaning to Umberto when he becomes homeless. Umberto D. is a beautiful plea to hold onto what is precious to you and to know that love can always be found somewhere.

The Plague Dogs

Watership Down’s spiritual successor focuses on Rowf and Snitter, two dogs who escape from an animal testing facility. With them having nowhere to go and humanity beginning to hunt them down for fear they are carrying the plague they soon find themselves reverting back to their wild state of being. Plague Dogs is a hard watch but its exploration of humanity’s cruelty to animals through the perspective of its supposed best friend makes the message extra poignant.

Scooby-Doo

A beloved nostalgic treat for many, Scooby-Doo translates the Mystery Inc. crew into live-action form with hilarious results. The crowning achievement is Scooby’s on-screen realisation, who, poorly aged CG aside, manages to have a real presence thanks to some good direction, Neil Fanning’s great voice work and committed performances from the main cast particularly Matthew Lillard as Shaggy. This definitely shows the funner side of our dog friends.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

Another tear-jerker. Hachi is based on the real-life story of Hachiko, an Akita who would wait at the train station every day for his master to return from work (If you don’t know anything more about the story then please watch the film before reading anything else). This emotional story really shows how loyal dogs can be to their owners and drives home the importance of memories. Be sure to bring the tissues.

Stray

This unique documentary follows stray dog Zeytin as she and her companions journey around Istanbul where it is illegal to euthanise stray dogs. Stray is an interesting commentary on the nature of dogs free from human constraints. But it also yet again provides a great amount of commentary on humanity. As we see Zeytin is treated with much more compassion than many humans living on the streets. A definite call for us to show as much kindness to our fellow people as our animals.

So ends our recommendation round of good dog movies. We hope you enjoy these suggestions. Don’t worry cat lovers, your time will come.

Also Read: When Animals Attack: Movies With An Animal Antagonist

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R2-D2 – Star Wars: A New Hope/ The Empire Strikes Back/ Return of the Jedi (1977-1983)

Star Wars is full of iconic props, such as the miniatures for X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and of course, lightsabers. There are some very memorable costumes and creature designs, such as Chewbacca the Wookie, Stormtroopers and the fearsome Darth Vader. One of the most expensive mementoes from the series to have been sold at auction is an R2 unit. One of the Radio Controlled/Prop units was sold at an auction for over $2.7 million

The Maltese Falcon – The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Perhaps the most famous Macguffin in all of cinema. The Maltese Falcon is a priceless statuette that Humphrey Bogart and several others spend the whole film trying to obtain. Several models were made for the film, with the hero prop being a heavy lead model. Ironically even though the (Spoiler alert, but come it’s been nearly 80 years) Falcon is a fake, the lead prop used in the film (complete with dents from Bogart dropping it several times) was sold at an auction for over $4 million dollars.

Indy’s Hat – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Arguably the most iconic elements of the character of Indiana Jones, aside from Harrison Ford’s performance and that theme tune, are his hat and whip. Indy’s hat is so iconic that one could almost say “it belongs in a museum”. There were actually several hats, some of which were actually sat on and had dust blown on it before filming to give it a more well-worn look, making Jones seem more of an experienced archaeologist. In 2018 one of the hats sold for a more than half a million dollars.

Delorean – Back to the Future Trilogy (1985-1990)

Up there with the TARDIS for iconic time travel vehicles, the Delorean is as much a character throughout the trilogy as Doc Brown or Marty McFly. The only car ever manufactured by the company, a total of seven were used for the trilogy. Only three of which remain, one is on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in LA, another is owned by Universal Studios and is also occasionally on display. The third was sold to a private collector, with some of the proceeds going to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Sting – Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

When the Fellowship sets out on its quest to destroy the One Ring, Frodo is given Bilbo’s old blade, Sting. An elven blade that glows blue whenever orcs or goblins are near, this prop was used throughout the entire trilogy and has actually gained some scratches and nicks in the blade from some of the combat during filming. The sword is incredibly detailed, like all Weta’s work for the films, including Elvish engraving, although no word on it glowing blue. Several weapons, including Anduril, were given away as promotional sweepstakes for the release of Return of the King.

Ruby Slippers – The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is a classic that has survived generations, and will likely continue to be a firm favourite to many people. Despite its enduring popularity, the famous ruby slippers worn by Dorothy upon her arrival in Oz, have had a rough time of it. Only four pairs are known to have survived from the original production, with one pair safely on display in the Smithsonian museum after Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Speilberg and others teamed up to save it, and another was recovered by the FBI over a decade after they were stolen. The other two pairs are thought to be with private collectors, although some believe that there are more slippers out there…

Also Read: 5 More Movies That Don’t Need a Sequel, Reboot or Remake

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Classic: The Wizard of Oz (1939)

This is the film equivalent of a warm, loving hug. There is nothing I can say about The Wizard of Oz that hasn’t been said a million times. The story of young Dorothy Gale’s (Judy Garland) journey of self-discovery as she is swept away to the land of Oz has inspired many people and continues to inspire many more as years go by. And while it may have its scary parts (The Wicked Witch of the West; her armies of flying monkeys and Winkies continue to scare children to this day) the loveable heroes, beautiful set design, iconic music, and the heart-warming story will ensure that a smile is never far away. If you don’t feel happy inside by the end of the Wizard of Oz, there is something wrong with you.

Documentary: Won’t You Be My Neighbour?

If you need to restore your faith in humanity, this is the film to see. This documentary goes in-depth into the life of children’s TV host Fred Rogers and gives us insight into his world view. How he believed in teaching children about important issues without talking down to them to help them grow and develop into good people. He dealt with topics like the assassination of Robert Kennedy, racism, depression and many other heavy subjects on his show. And the doc even delves into his personal fear that he hadn’t done enough to reach people. It’s a very human portrait of a man who believed in the best of us, which will leave you inspired and much more positive about the world.

Comedy/Drama: Fighting with my Family

The story of Saraya Knight alias Paige (Florence Pugh) and her journey from humble beginnings, wrestling and teaching the sport with her family in Norwich, to WWE Diva’s Champion. Fighting with my Family is a treat for one simple reason, it feels entirely genuine. Everyone can relate to the hardships of trying to chase your dreams and even the hardship of having to give up your dreams for something else, like Paige’s brother Zak (Jack Lowden). And because of that, we route even more for our heroine to succeed. The family dynamic is also tender and affectionate with Nick Frost and Lena Headey providing fantastic turns as Paige’s parents. And a funny bit part for Dwayne Johnson ensures you will come out of the film with a spring in your step.

Animation: My Neighbour Totoro

My Neighbour Totoro is the definition of adorable. Two young girls and their father move to a new house in the countryside while their mother is in hospital. Through a series of chance sightings and some investigating the girls then encounter several woodland spirits. Which includes the eponymous Totoro with whom they proceed to have many adventures. Totoro is a film that is impossible to not love. Showing the world through the eyes of a child, where there is no argument that can’t be solved with kindness and compassion, nothing is ever hopeless, and the world truly is a magical place (coupled with some of the cutest creature designs ever) the film is guaranteed to get you in a good mood.

Netflix Original: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Lara Jean (Lana Condor) has long existed in the margins. Her crush is dating her sister, her former friend is now her worst enemy and her little sister won’t stop criticizing her driving. Her one solace is her letters to all the boys she has had a crush on. Which allows her to get all her feelings out. However, when her letters are sent to her crushes she has to try and fix the problem. And the answer to her problems may lie in her former friend’s ex-boyfriend Peter (Noah Centineo). If you’re looking for a rom-com, full of charming characters, a good sense of humour, a central couple with great chemistry and even a few surprises along the way then do yourself a favour and check out To All the Boys for a reminder of the beauty of young love.

Thus, ends our recommendations list of feel-good film on Netflix. We hope you all enjoy our choices and that they help to add a little joy during this tough time. If you want to recommend any films on Netflix then let us know in the comments.

Also Read: 5 Documentaries To Watch On Netflix

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