Last month Disney rolled out its first “Destination:Disney” interview clip with CEO Bob Iger. Today there’s more to share. This time Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, in some groovy purple pants, talks about the “Disney Difference” aboard the Dream. Previously: Bob Iger… Read More »Disney Parks Boss Tom Staggs with Samantha Brown
You’ve read one Pixar Blu-ray review, you’ve read them all. And they read like thesaurus entries for amazing, awesome, unbelievable, and… incredible! The Incredibles is exactly that in its Blu-ray high definition debut. The 1080p picture and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio knocked my socks off.… Read More »The Incredibles Blu-ray review
Playdom, a division of Disney Interactive Media Group, announced a program with the American Red Cross to support their efforts in helping those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Playdom will be giving away virtual items in six different games… Read More »Disney’s Playdom supporting People of Japan via Donations
Had a few hours at the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and found quite a bit of change. So much, in fact, that I can’t fit it into one post.
First, they’ve finished the sign over the bridge to Adventureland. Looks really good.
Read More »Mickey’s new Magic Kingdom Digs, plus more (part one)
This week, our stars were asked to choose songs that had a special meaning to them, and tell a story through their dances. It promised to be an emotional night, and our stars really delivered – delivered the tears, that is.
Good heavens, why is the DWTS Troupe here? I thought they were kept in a storage closet backstage and only allowed out on Tuesday nights. Go away, filler people!
Wendy and Tony
Dance: Foxtrot
Verdict: Wendy’s story was about how she got started in the radio biz. In other words, it’s about how wonderful and persevering and strong she is. Which – okaaay, but this foxtrot was a total mess. Up-tempo song, slow dancing, awkward groping – even Wendy looked like she was about to yawn.
Carrie Ann: “This week, we took a step backwards and I’m not sure why.” – 5
Len: “It was a struggle. It’s a dance more suited to the radio.” – 5
Bruno: “There were times it looked like you put down roots.” -5
Chelsea and Mark
Dance: Cha Cha
Verdict: Chelsea’s song was actually written for her, about her, so it doesn’t get much more personal than that. And WOW – she really turned it out tonight. This was a fun, flirtatious, judges-appropriate routine that proved to everyone that Chelsea’s going to be sticking around for a long time.
Carrie Ann: “You look like a little baby Julianne [Hough].” – 7
Len: “That’s your best dance – well done.” – 8
Bruno: “Tasty! Tasty, Chelsea! And a great cha cha.” – 8
Tangled, the 50th feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios is destined to join the ranks of Disney Classics. It has likable characters, great sidekicks, songs that appear to have that timeless element, and a story that will withstand the test of time without seeing out of place. The movie also features a style of animation that I believe has captured some of the artistry of the original hand drawn classics, why combining the new depth of field that’s capable with digital animation. All in all it’s a great template upon which to build future Disney animated films.
You all know the story: When the kingdom’s most wanted—and most charming—bandit Flynn Rider (voiced by ZACHARY LEVI) hides out in a mysterious tower, he’s taken hostage by Rapunzel (voiced by MANDY MOORE), a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn’s curious captor, who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower she’s been locked away in for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief, and the unlikely duo sets off on an action- packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an overprotective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs. Tangled is a story of adventure, heart, humor and hair—lots of hair.
Which brings me to the DVD Blu-Ray combo pack I was sent to review. I love the that you get both a DVD and a Blu-Ray in the package. This allows me to have a Blu-Ray disc for when I eventually own one. But Disney needs to do more to share bonus features across both discs. For now, all I can say is that the bonus features on the Blu-ray sound great. But I just can’t see them. I, of course, miss the Director’s commentary. That should be standard for any Disney DVD if you ask me.
The copy of the DVD I reviewed had excellent color and sharpness of detail. Although the film was available in 3D in theaters, it doesn’t really lose anything when viewed in 2D. There is a 4 disc version that includes the 3D version if you have a 3D TV at home, or plan to buy one in the future. That’s also the only version that includes a digital download for your portable device.
DVD and Blue-ray Bonus Features and a special look and some concept art from the film below the cut:
Actress and recording artist Zooey Deschanel gives us a little preview of ‘So Long’, a song she sings in Disney’s next animated feature, “Winnie The Pooh.”
“Winnie the Pooh” hits theaters July 15, 2011.
Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WinniethePooh
Below the jump you’ll find a short, but cute, clip from the movie:
Read More »Zooey Deschanel sings “So Long” from Winnie The Pooh
The biggest project being worked on in the renowned underground bunkers of Walt Disney World is the ultra-secret Next-Gen system. Known as NGE internally, to differentiate it from the Next-Gen interactive queues that are part of a separate project from WDI, development costs are reportedly as much as building two brand new theme parks. So it better be good right?
This morning I had the chance to sit down with two Disney executives who recently left the NGE team to start up their own company. The pair definitely had some interesting things to say, things that might just turn your ideas about the Walt Disney World Resort on its head.