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May 2008

Official Movie Companion for Prince Caspian a treasure all its own

I was greatly pleased to be given the chance to review the Official Illustrated Movie Companion to The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The book is chock full of amazing photos and rich detail that provides wonderful insight into the mind and actions of the film’s creators.

To top it off the writing is easy to follow, but shows a real love and knowledge of the property. Which is what you’d expect from, Ernie Malik, the unit publicist for both Narnia films, but it doesn’t come off as publicity laden text. It’s authentic and heart felt.

I would say the one thing I thought was missing from the companion book was a bit more concept art. But that may arise from the fact that this is a sequel film and that much of the film was done using a concept called ‘pre-visualization’.

Cast of Narnia: Prince CaspianMy favorite part of the book was the re-introduction to the four main stars from the first film and the introduction to this films new stars, including Ben Barnes, who plays Prince Caspian. We lose two of the stars after Prince Caspian and you really feel the goodbyes.

Readers will also find out how the screenplay adaptors and storyboard artists brought C.S. Lewis’s story to graphic life, how director Andrew Adamson’s screenplay differs from Lewis’s original story, and secrets of costuming and makeup.

Will “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” become a classic for the ages? That remains to be seen, but it’s official illustrated companion book certainly is.

The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian
The Official Illustrated Movie Companion
By Ernie Malik
Published by Harper One, 212 pages

Read a special excerpt from the book below the cut:

Read More »Official Movie Companion for Prince Caspian a treasure all its own

Star Tours 2.0 confirmed (again)

It was last year about this time when Anthony Daniels (C3PO in the Star Wars trilogies), talking at the 30th Anniversary Star Wars Celebration, let slip that he had recorded some tracks for a new version of Star Tours. Needless to say, that generated a… Read More »Star Tours 2.0 confirmed (again)

Who is Rocket Johnson – a Disney Animation Artist Graphic Novel

For those of you planning on attending the San Diego Comic-Con this July, you’ll want to make a bee-line to booth 2302 and check out the latest self-published graphic novel from Disney animators and artists. “Who is Rocket Johnson?” is a 72 page graphic novel… Read More »Who is Rocket Johnson – a Disney Animation Artist Graphic Novel

Two For Tuesday – Disney Link Roundup

  • OSHA report contradicts Disney World story on death of cast member at Primeval Whirl in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Fines have been levied for infractions related to the death and other incidents.
  • Want to become a Toy Story Midway Mania Master? Then head on over to Kevin Yee’s Ultimate Orlando Blog where Kevin has posted a series of spoilers on how to get to some of the higher point score targets.
  • The OC Register has video and photos of the Indiana Jones Stunt Show at Disneyland. Very nice, wish I could be there myself. (Although shouldn’t Indy be a bit older?)
  • Here’s a nice trip report from Mary who was bringing her family to Disneyland for the first time. Definitely a different perspective. (She’s also from Portland and I remember making those Disneyland trips yearly.)
  • I wanted to make sure I pointed out this song covering “That’s How You Know” from Disney’s Enchanted by Demi Lovato. Lovato is rumored to be in the process of being groomed by Disney to replace Miley Cyrus should she ever depart the Mouse House. Btw, the Covering The Mouse blog continues to impress.
  • Today marked the grand re-opening of Gatorland’s new gift shop and administration building. The park’s iconic Jaws survived a devastating fire 18 months ago. I wish I had made it over there, but the Orlando Sentinel did and has pictures of the Gator Jaws and a report on the re-opening.
  • If there is one thing I love as much as Disney, it’s food. So when the two combine I am extra happy. This June the Food Network will air a Cake Challenge episode where four professional cake artists compete to create the best Pixar-themed cake. I’m just guessing, but I bet WALL-E will figure in some how. Set your reminders now.
  • Also check out the Disney Movie Surfer’s look at the making of Pixar’s WALL-E.

Finally, as today’s Video Bonus Round click below the cut to check out this rare 1979 commercial advertising Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland.
Read More »Two For Tuesday – Disney Link Roundup

Behind the Scenes at Turtle Talk with Crush

Disney’s Living Character Initiative combines computer animation, video games, puppeteering, and themed design with the goal of totally involving the audience in the manufactured world through new levels of interaction. One of LCI’s earlier appearances in Disney’s theme parks was as part of “Turtle Talk… Read More »Behind the Scenes at Turtle Talk with Crush

Condolences to the Keane Family

Thelma Keane, who was in the inspiration for the mother in the “Family Circus” comics, has passed away.  Her husband, Bil, created the comic and Thelma managed the business, in addition to providing inspiration and a whole bunch of children.  One of their sons, Jeff,… Read More »Condolences to the Keane Family

Formula 1 coming to Disneyland Paris?

With the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, it seems like a good time to revisit a juicy rumor. Themepark insider picks up on the stories about Formula 1 coming to Disneyland Paris. Published reports in France have the Formula 1 wanting to move the French… Read More »Formula 1 coming to Disneyland Paris?

New WALL-E featurette from Pixar

Pixar has released a new featurette in advance of WALL-E’s June 26th release called “The Man and the Machine.” It’s another great look at director Andrew Stanton and his vision for the film. There are a few moments that might be considered spoilers, so be… Read More »New WALL-E featurette from Pixar