As we mentioned earlier, the Disney’s Frozen Summer Fun event at Disney’s Hollywood Studio has been extended four weeks. Guest feedback has been outstanding for this special event. In fact, Disney captured some guest reactions on video for us to share with you: If everything… Read More »Disney’s Frozen Summer at DHS: Guest Reactions
I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios for years before I ever stepped foot in the learn to draw Animation Academy. It was a blast and I’ve been back frequently since then. What many guests don’t realize is that there is a second learn to draw opportunity… Read More »Learn to Draw: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
Remember the days when you raced to the Disney Store to pick up the latest VHS release and an exclusive litho? If you’re like us, you have dozens of those lithographs in boxes and a huge pile of VHS tapes tucked in a corner somewhere.
The Mouse House could make money hand over whisker those days, sometimes just by not releasing a film and putting it the vault for 5 to 7 years. Then came DVDs and things got crazy. Disney turned to classic editions, platinum editions, diamond editions, each slightly different than the previous edition and all of them finding their way to the shelves of Disney fans.
Out of that glorious money tree, came DisneyToon Studios. What started off as a way to get Disney Television Animation’s “The Return of Jafar” into the home video market became a bounty of VHS tapes, and later DVDs. Eventually DisneyToon Studios an animated theatrical film producer in its own right. It was as much a move to combat the public’s unwillingness to buy another copy of a VHS tape or DVD when they knew a new format was just around the corner (Blu-Ray, Digital, or on-demand) as it was an artistic move.
Still as DisneyToon Studios matured, quality improved and audiences were thrilled to see Tinkerbell and her adventure on the big screen. Disney even almost managed to make Planes a bonifide franchise. But not quite as the latest attempt hasn’t had half the success of the first Planes film. And face it, even the most ardent Disney fans will eventually tire of seeing Tinkerbell and her fairy friends everywhere.
And so, what is to become of DisneyToon Studios? Well it will probably fade away, at least for a while.Read More »DisneyToon Studios layoffs mark shift in animation market
The public hasn’t seen one inch of footage from the new Star Wars film, but already I’m impressed with JJ Abrams’ vision. If he’s able to be such a good steward of the Star Wars brand via projects like Star Wars: Force for Change, then I feel a lot better about trusting him with the entire legacy of the series.
Turns out Star Wars: Force for Change has already raised $4,261,410 USD for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Disney has also committed an additional US $1 million to support the launch of Star Wars: Force for Change. Fan contributions were received via fundraising platform Omaze from citizens of 125 countries and enough money was raised to support the equivalent of 7-8 new UNICEF Innovation Labs.
Here’s the video of the contest winner getting the news:
The grand-prize winner was D.C. Barns of Denver Colorado, who shared during a donor video chat that the first time he saw Star Wars when it opened in theaters in 1977, when he was only five. “I loved it! … I just couldn’t get it out of my head of 35 years.” D.C. was then asked to share his favorite Star Wars moment. As he began to reply, he was suddenly surprised in his Denver office by members of Star Wars: Force for Change team. Once settled, D.C. exclaimed, “This! This is my new favorite Star Wars moment!”
D.C. will enjoy a trip to London for himself and a guest, a behind-the-scenes visit to the Star Wars set, and will be fitted with a costume and filmed for a scene in Star Wars: Episode VII.
Read More »Star Wars: Force for Change announces winning fan
Star Wars and Disney have released another extended preview of Star Wars Rebels. A new short called “The Machine in the Ghost,” finds the rebels’ Ghost starship is under attack by a wave of TIE fighters. Hera pilots the craft, while Kanan tries to blast… Read More »New Star Wars Rebels Clip: “The Machine in the Ghost”
I had such low expectations for the sequel to the first Muppet movie entirely from Disney Studios and I’m pleased to say, the movie is better than what I expected. There’s more of the goofy humor, a good song or two, and some great celebrity roles. But the treatment of the Muppets (with the exception of Sam the Bald Eagle) is a big miss. These characters are only shadows of their former selves, missing much of the life their original creative team endowed them with.
Still, if you’re a fan of The Muppets or have young tots who may be fans. The Muppets Most Wanted DVD / Blu-Ray is worth owning. It comes out today and is available from Amazon.com (despite their recent spat with Disney over DVD wholesale prices).
Starring Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, and Tina Fey, this family friendly film makes its in-home debut with three versions of the film: The Original Theatrical Cut, the Statler and Waldorf Cut, and The Unnecessarily Extended Cut, featuring hilarious bonus content, plus more music, more mayhem, and more Muppets!
Clip from movie is one of the new songs, “I’m Number 1, You’re Number 2.”
“Muppets Most Wanted” picks up immediately following the events of the smash hit “The Muppets,” as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and the entire Muppet gang head out on a world tour. But mayhem follows, as the Muppets find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine – the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit the Frog!
The Blu-ray Combo Pack also includes an all-new “Unnecessarily Extended Edition,” featuring 12 minutes of exclusive scenes not seen in theaters! Also included on Blu-ray and Digital HD are additional hilarious bonus features, including Statler and Waldorf’s version of the movie, and the laugh-out-loud gag reel, “The Longer, Longest Blooper Reel in Muppets History.”
Read More »Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted Blu-ray/DVD Escapes Major Errors
Reactions to the death of comic genius Robin Williams are coming in from across the entertainment industry and around the globe. Although Williams had a hot and cold relationship with The Walt Disney Company, there is no denying his influence and role in the success of the studio.
Chair and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Robert Iger on the passing of Disney Legend Robin Williams:
“We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Robin Williams, a wonderfully gifted man who touched our hearts and never failed to make us laugh.
An incredible actor and a comedic genius, Robin will always be remembered for bringing some of the world’s favorite characters to life, from his zany alien on ABC’s Mork & Mindy to the irascible genie in Disney’s Aladdin.
He was a true Disney Legend, a beloved member of our family, and he will be sorely missed.
We join Robin’s friends and fans everywhere in mourning, and offer our thoughts and condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
As mentioned in my brief summary of his career, Williams was made a Disney Legend in 2009. I want to use this post to collect reactions from around the Disney world to his much too early passing.
The Disney Theatrical Broadway production of Aladdin tweeted:
Robin Williams. The world just won’t be the same without the magic, inspiration and laughter you brought to us all. You will be very missed.
— Aladdin (@aladdin) August 12, 2014
and current Broadway incarnation of The Genie, James M. Iglehart, said
Robin Williams! 1 of the Greatest Period. I just want to say Thank You for the laughs. #FallenHero — james m. iglehart (@jamesmiglehart) August 11, 2014
Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy said:
Stunned to hear Robin Williams is gone! We became Disney Legends the same day. He was so kind, funny and amazing. Will miss him!
— Bill Farmer (@GoofyBill) August 12, 2014
Read More »Reactions from the world of Disney to Death of Disney Legend Robin Williams
It’s a sad day around the world. Robin Williams’ death will no doubt be felt hard in Hollywood. He had such an impact there. Here are a few of the reactions coming from Williams’ fellow celebrities.
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
I can't believe my lovely friend is gone. My heart goes out to his wife and his beloved children. He brought us so much joy and laughter.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) August 11, 2014
No words can express the sadness I feel for this tragic loss. My prayers are with the Williams family. RIP Robin Williams. -ZS
— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) August 11, 2014
Thanks for the years of feel good laughter. RIP Robin Williams.
— Queen Latifah (@IAMQUEENLATIFAH) August 12, 2014
RIP Robin Williams. He was always so kind to me and it was a total gift to have known him and to have laughed with him. Heartbreaking.
— Caroline Rhea (@CarolineRhea) August 12, 2014
I am in shock.I had never seen him happier & more positive in all the yrs I've known him. There's no one like him. Robin Williams RIP
— Marilu Henner (@TheRealMarilu) August 11, 2014
RIP Robin Williams. Thanks for everything.
— Clooney (@GeorgeCloooney) August 12, 2014
— Sarah Michelle (@RealSMG) August 12, 2014
I'm stunned! pic.twitter.com/X2RbDRyFxt
— Bill Cosby (@BillCosby) August 12, 2014