020909 Update: The deal is now official. Nikki Finke reported it first, then the NY Times confirmed the news… Dreamworks SKGÂ (the film and tv, but not the animation, division) has ended negotiations to partner with Universal Studios and instead is heading just a bit… Read More »Disney and Dreamworks? A Match Made in Heaven
The Associated Press has a small story and a 2 minute video (click on the little icon to the left of the story) that reveals many of the new character figures that have been added to Disneyland’s classic “it’s a small world” attraction in an… Read More »Character Invasion of “it’s a small world” revealed
One of the forum members of Tiki Central finally convinced his stepmom, Diana Lai, to tell her story of how she became one of the original VIP Hostess’ for Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. That’s Diane facing the camera in a postcard for Tiki Room (above).… Read More »Tales of an Original VIP Hostess for Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
FoxFurr has begun posting regularly over at 2719 Hyperion. It’s a great match and I’m happy to see her writing get wider recognition. In “Too Much Stuff?” FoxFurr looks at the offerings at the Walt Disney World resort and wonders if it’s the right balance… Read More »Too Much is Never Enough
Disney has announced the release dates for the Bolt DVD and Blu-ray editions. I did say dates because for some reason the Blu-ray edition will arrive two days before the DVD version. Did they have to bake the DVDs longer in the oven?
Actually, I think their plan is to get you to buy the Blu-ray now even if you only own a DVD player as that version contains the movie, all the specials of the DVD, a digital file of the movie to watch on your computer, and the Blu-ray edition. In theory, this should get you to buy the Blu-ray player eventually.
Personally, I’m still holding out.
The Bolt Disney Blu-ray + DVD + Digital File Combo Pack arrives March 22 while the Disney DVD arrives March 24.
The full press release is below the cut.
Those who have been paying attention, and there are a lot of us, know the “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” attraction has been missing in action since the Opera House closed down to retool for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary. It was supposed to be ‘temporary’, but it’s been four years and counting since this tragedy was perpetrated on this very special attraction. And it’s time that we fans demand President Lincoln’s return to the scene.
The good news is that the suits at Disneyland might even listen to us. Not because our power as fans has suddenly changed, but because change has come to the power that runs our country. President Obama has expressed his admiration for Abraham Lincoln countless times in his speeches and writings. He used the Lincoln Bible during his swearing in ceremony just a few days ago. Additionally, Steven Speilberg is working on an Abe Lincoln movie with Liam Neeson in the title role. Disneyland might be looking to capitalize on this renewed focus on Lincoln.
It sounds like plans are in progress to do some work at the Opera House and finally remove the 50th Anniversary exhibits. Included in those plans will be a relocation of the ‘Disney Gallery’ store from the exit area of the Opera House into a newly expanded ‘Bank of Main Street’. That certainly makes some sense, since you need a bank loan to pay for some of those collectibles. But I will miss the authentic feel of having a bank right in Town Square.
Finally, 2009 marks the 200th Anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. If fans of the attraction wrote Disneyland saying they’re looking forward to a return of the nation’s 16th President to the Opera House and are planning on making a visit once that has happened, it might spur them into some faster action. Click below the cut for the address to send your letters and please remember that civil letters that let them know they’ll get more of your money if Lincoln is brought back work better than angry missives.
Read More »Will Obama’s win return Lincoln to Disneyland’s Opera House
If you can get yourself to Munich, Germany make sure you stop at the City Museum to see this exhibit on the influence of European arts on Walt Disney’s films. Munich is the final stop for this tour and it runs through February 15th. More… Read More »Influence of European Arts on Disney Animation Exhibit
While not coming anywhere close to the obscene compensation packages that Michael Eisner earned for a few years ($204 million one year), Current Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger’s latest compensation package is raising a few eyebrows. Iger earned $30.6 in total pay, bonus, and… Read More »Iger 2008 compensation package includes $13.9 million bonus