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Annie Leibovitz returns with more photos for Disney

Update: Four more photos added to series 1/24/08. One more added 4/25/08.

Roger Federer by Annie LeibovitzAnnie Leibovitz returns with more photos from her Disney Dream Portrait Series. Tennis ace Roger Federer, who has been the #1 ranked men’s tennis player in the world for four consecutive years, portrays King Arthur and pulls a sword from the anvil that holds a magical grip upon it. The gallant scene is reminiscent of Disney’s animated film ‘The Sword in the Stone,’ in which a young King Arthur follows the wizardly teachings of Merlin.

Rachel Weisz by Annie LeibovitzThe regal image is one of three unveiled today to celebrate Disney Parks’ ‘Year of a Million Dreams.’ Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida commissioned Leibovitz to create images featuring international celebrities in fairy tale settings. Two more Leibovitz images that Disney Parks released today feature actress Rachel Weisz as ‘Snow White,’ and actress Julie Andrews portraying the Blue Fairy from Disney’s ‘Pinocchio’ with her ‘apprentice’ fairy, portrayed by starlet Abigail Breslin.

julie andrews by Annie LeibovitzThe first three images that Leibovitz created for Disney Parks were released in January 2007. Those images featured actress Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, singer/actress Beyonce as ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ and international soccer star David Beckham portraying Prince Phillip from Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty.’

Update: Find High-Resolution versions of all “Disney Dream Portrait Series” on The Disney Blog Dream Photo Annex.

A few backstage photos and the full Press Release is below the cut:

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Concept Art Released for Today’s DCA Announcements

Here is some concept art released today to go along with the announced improvements coming to California Adventure. Carthay Circle recreation at the new Entry Plaza. Part of the attempt to show case Southern California as Walt Disney himself would have experienced it in the… Read More »Concept Art Released for Today’s DCA Announcements

Bob Iger at Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference

Walt Disney Co. President Bob Iger spoke at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference today. Iger started by addressing the many emerging markets for Disney. “We see a great increase in media consumption on a global basis,” he said, pointing out the obvious positive effect this would have on the entertainment giant. “We believe the internet… Read More »Bob Iger at Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference

Wild Hogs: DVD Review

Wildhogs On the face of it, this is a simple story. Four middle-aged men, all facing a mid-life crisis of some sort, who hit the road. Hilarity ensues and the men all learn something about themselves that will help them conquer their fears. The problem with Wild Hogs is that they’re never quite sure if they’re telling this story, or another more fantastical story about four caricatures of modern day men who enter a cartoonish world from which they can’t escape. 

By the time the movie figures itself out, the show is 2/3rds over. That final third is fun to watch, and the moments of the first vision that manage to shine through the rest of the film are decent as well. Even the extra bits during the credits are funny. It’s sad that the rest of the movie wasn’t able to sustain that level.

Also, I would like to file a complain with the federal actor’s bureau over the performance of John Travolta, who was obviously just showing up and putting on the make up for most of this film. You’re not supposed to like his character, but there should be some hint of motivation there. There were some good performances put in by the other members of the film, most notably Ray Liotta, although his character is one of the problems with the film.

Wild Hogs is available now on DVD and Blue-ray DVD. Both versions ship with a few decent special features. A documentary of the making of the film (at least someone was having fun), some deleted scenes (watch them and know why), an audio commentary with the writer and director, and an alternate ending.

Sadly, I’m just a few years away from being these characters. At least in terms of age. So I sympathized with some of their plights. In my dreams this film was written by Woody Allen, who is a master at mixing stories of the human condition, personal change, and humor. Unfortunately we’re stuck with Wild Hogs as it is.

Rating: 2.5 roadkills out of 5.
PG-13 rating is accurate, parts are not appropriate for young children.

The full press release is below the cut

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Rare 1955 Disneyland Color Footage of the Mickey Mouse Club Circus

This is a great find. This ultra rare color film from the early days of Disneyland is the first time I can recall seeing such great shots of the Mickey Mouse Club Circus. The circus is the exception that proves the genius of Walt Disney. Opening around Thanksgiving of 1955, the MMCC featured Mickey Mouse… Read More »Rare 1955 Disneyland Color Footage of the Mickey Mouse Club Circus

Thoughts on Death

Last week was my annual family vacation. We were all there – my brother took a week off from working at the clinic to come up, my sister gathered her two kids and brought them over, and I, of course, was home from school for the summer. Prior to leaving, we sent my 4-year old… Read More »Thoughts on Death

Morning Roundup – July 24th

The 50 Greatest Quotes from Walt Disney World‘s shows and attractions are at LaughingPlace.com Port Canaveral has been the host port for Disney’s two cruise ships since a contract to build a custom terminal for the floating theme parks was signed in 1995. Negotiations are on-going between the two parties to continue that relationship, but… Read More »Morning Roundup – July 24th

Anaheim Resort Debate, Vote Postponed So Talk Can Continue

Talks between Disney and the developer for a proposed mixed-use housing complex inside the Anaheim Resort District continue. In fact, rather than decide anything last night, the Anaheim City Council has postponed their vote two weeks to give the two parties time to come to a compromise. My suggestion… a trade. Just like the EPA… Read More »Anaheim Resort Debate, Vote Postponed So Talk Can Continue