Gotten for a Song

Was Disney’s music rights department asleep at the wheel when it gave rival Universal its Oscar-winning song, “Zip-a-dee Doo-Dah,” for use in “Fletch Lives”--reportedly for the bargain price of $200?

In “Fletch Lives,” Chevy Chase dreams of an idyllic plantation where animated birds and animals romp about while he sings the famous tune. The combination live-action/animation sequence was shot in VistaVision, mimicking the style of “Song of the South” (1946), where the song was first heard.

Co-producer Peter Douglas told us that the final price ran to four figures , about 10% of what had been budgeted--”We were truly surprised at the deal we were able to strike.”

Disney wouldn’t comment.