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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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Annie Leibovitz’s Disney Fantasyland

Update: Three more photos added on 10/31/07 and Four more photos added on 1/24/08 and one more on 4/25/08. Three more photos added on 3/3/11 featuring Olivia Wilde, Penelope Cruz, Jeff Bridges, and more.

At the request (and paycheck) of Disney, Annie Leibovitz has set her photographer’s eye for beauty on the magic of Walt Disney’s theme parks. The first three images from Leibovitz were revealed today. They will form the backbone of a new promotion for the Year of a Million dreams promotion. Additional images have already been ordered.

Each image features a scene with the featured celebrities transformed into the role of a fabled Disney character, expressing their own dreams and imagination.

Scarlet Johanessen as Cinderella Picture one: As Cinderella, Scarlett Johansson is seen running down a flight of stairs as the clock strikes midnight with her glass slipper unknowingly left behind. The tagline reads, “Where every Cinderella story comes true.”

Befitting a true princess, Johansson wears a stunning, one-of-a-kind Harry Winston tiara — a dazzling piece in platinum with more than 62 carats of sparkling diamonds and valued at $325,000. The dress worn by Johansson is a custom-made, Cinderella-inspired gown designed by Nicoletta Santoro.

David Beckham as Prince PhillipPicture two: David Beckham plays the part of the gallant Prince Phillip from “Sleeping Beauty,” atop his trusted steed fighting the evil dragon. The tagline reads, “Where imagination saves the day.”

“There were many Disney characters I liked as a kid,” said Beckham. “Now my sons love the Disney characters and it’s a big part of their lives, a big part of many children’s lives around the world. So to be part of that is an honor and very exciting.

“I love going to Disney, I’m like a big kid,” he added.

Beyonce, Oliver Platt, and Picture three: Beyoncé appears as “Alice in Wonderland,” twirling in a teacup, accompanied by Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter and Lyle Lovett as the March Hare. The tagline reads, “Where Wonderland is your destiny.”

“It’s two great imaginations coming together — Disney and Annie Leibovitz,” said Lovett. “To be along for the ride really is quite something, just knowing that you’re going to be part of a great Disney character. And then when you step into the imagination of Annie Leibovitz, you know you’re in another world.”

I have to say that picture three is my favorite. Those are three people I never thought I’d see together in a teacup. For more read this USA Today article that reveals more details of Leibovitz’s process or the Reuters article. LaughingPlace.com also has video coverage of the event where the first three photos were revealed.

I’ve included a few more ‘behind the scenes’ photos from the photo shoots below the cut for your enjoyment (especially you David Beckham fans).

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

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Tales from the Laughing Place, issue 3 for sale

I’m quite happy to announced that the third issue of LaughingPlace.com’s Tales from the Laughing Place Disney magazine is now available for purchase. The first two issues were as beautiful and informative as anything published by Disney now or in the past. Issue three will continue to span the empire of Disney bringing us news… Read More »Tales from the Laughing Place, issue 3 for sale

DL50th Fan Convention Schedule Posted

Disneyland turns 50 this year and it’s biggest fans are throwing one heck of a pre-party in the form of the 2005 NFFC Convention. Schedule details have recently been posted and the lineup looks great. Since Disney isn’t offering this kind of thing themselves anymore, this is your only chance to get the scoop directly… Read More »DL50th Fan Convention Schedule Posted

Celebration, a new look.

This last week Slate magazine featured a pictoral look at Celebration, FL with commentary and photos by architect Witold Rybczynski. His conclusions are mixed (generally good residential and poor commercial) and his observations about the direction Celebration has taken rings very true. Although Disney is no longer involved in this town, the story is worth… Read More »Celebration, a new look.

The Incredibles, a review

The Incredibles, a review
Theatrical Release: November 5, 2004 / Running Time: 115 Minutes / Rating: PG

Pixar has been batting 1000 with their animated feature films until now. Without being formulaic, the creative minds in Emeryville have managed to hit upon the recipe for fantastic success with each new release. The Incredibles is the least formulaic feature yet and likely to be the most successful.

Not content to stand on their successes of the past, Pixar brought in the team from the new classic animated film, The Iron Giant. Director Brad Bird and his team of storytellers and artists admittedly had little to no experience with computer generated animation, Pixar’s specialty. This meant they had no idea of the limits of the media and were able to push the boundaries of CG animation to new and exciting places.

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