Two of Disney’s Imagineers (Danny Handke and Vanessa Hunt) have teamed up to bring us a new book entitled “Poster Art of the Disney Parks” which will be available to purchase at Disney Parks at the end of May.

Disney’s poster art for their attractions and shows is iconic.  I like to stop just inside the entrance at Disneyland (the tunnel that runs underneath the Disneyland Railroad) and just look and marvel at the giant versions of these that are displayed there!  Unfortunately, if you’ve ever looked into purchasing any of them you’ll find one of two things out, they’re rather pricey and some of them are incredibly hard to find!

Disney has an archive for most of their posters located at the Walt Disney Imagineering Art Library vault in Glendale, CA.

I just can’t say enough about all the incredible artwork that will be in this book.  I’m very much looking forward to getting a copy for my own collection of Disney memorabilia.

The book will be available for purchase at the parks at the end of this month (no exact release date given) and it appears that there will be a general market release later this year.

Via
Disney Parks Blog 

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

Disney CEO Robert Iger announced last week that there will definitely be a second Avengers flick.  No word yet on characters, story, release date, director (you get the picture).  I think it was one of those things where you (as the C.E.O. of Disney) look at the INSANE amount of money that this movie is making and that it just makes sense to do another one.

Hopefully, we get another great story, Joss Whedon directing, and no other re-casts on major characters by the time the next one hits.

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

Disney’s D-Tech has unveiled a new collectible for those attending Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios May 18-June 10, 2012

No word on whether the attraction will be sticking around longer than the Star Wars Weekends event, but if it makes enough money, I wouldn’t think the idea would be too far fetched.

Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, this experience casts your likeness as a three-dimensional, eight-inch figurine. At the Carbon-Freezing Chamber (located adjacent to The American Idol Experience), several cameras will capture multiple angles of your face. The images are then reconstructed in a computer for processing, and in approximately four weeks, the completed figurine is shipped directly to your house.

Each carbonite figurine is $99.95 (plus shipping). You can order additional figurines using the same image scan for $74.95 each. The replica figurine can be hung on a wall, just like the gangster Jabba the Hutt did in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi Guests also receive a light-up wristband.

The experience will officially open on May 18 with the launch of Star Wars Weekends.

Reservations are required and can be made starting Monday, May 7 by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324).

May the Force be with you!

Please note: Separate Theme Park admission required for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No discounts apply unless otherwise noted. Guests must be at least three (3) years of age to participate. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. No-shows or in the event a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled experience will result in such credit card being charged a $25 cancellation fee. The experience, due to its personalized nature is non-refundable and not eligible for an exchange. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. Certain restrictions may apply. All prices, components and information are subject to change without notice.

via
Disney Parks Blog

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

As of last Friday, The Avengers had already grossed $304 million internationally and a forecast from BoxOfficeMojo.com had estimated it might make around $172.5 million in its US debut weekend.  The actual final number ended up being over $207.4 million for opening weekend here in the states!  Internationally, the film is now at $447.4 million bringing its global box office total up to $654,838,708

It broke records for highest weekend opening (previously held by last year’s Harry Potter finale).  It also went on to become the fastest movie ever to hit the $100 million, $150 million and $200 million dollar marks!

If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re probably among the minority.  This morning’s “water cooler talk” in my workplace was primarily Avengers-based today.

And if you haven’t seen it and are debating over 3D, digital, or standard projection, my opinion is to go for digital.  The movie wasn’t filmed with 3D cameras, so you’re not really going to get a spectacular experience with the 3D version.  A digital showing will at least get you a crystal clear print with some killer sound!

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

The flick has had a pretty amazing marketing campaign behind it.   Aside from countless television ads, multiple trailers and clips released from the film, there’s the tv talk show appearances with the stars, magazine coverage, press from comic, movie and Disney blogs (guilty as charged).  But let’s not overlook the best marketing of all…

May 2008 – Iron Man (total gross $585.1 million)
June 2008 – The Incredible Hulk (total gross $263.4 million)
May 2010 – Iron Man 2 (total gross $623.9 million)
May 2011 – Thor (total gross $449.3 million)
July 2011 – Captain America: The First Avenger (total gross $368.6 million)

After doing the math, that’s over $2.3 BILLION dollars for just the theatrical take alone on the 5 films.  And each of those films gave us a post-credits teaser about “The Avengers initiative”.

Plus there’s a rich history of comic book titles and cartoons for each of the characters, both individually and as a team.

I think Joss Whedon is one of the luckiest guys on the planet to direct such a talented cast of characters in this film.

Be sure to stick around past the ending credits, as there will be something worth watching (as in the past Marvel films).  I have no idea what it is yet, or whether it will tease a next Avengers movie, or be a lead-in to Iron Man 3 (2013), Thor 2 (2013) or Captain America 2 (2014) but I’m sure it’ll be worth talking about after seeing!

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

Here’s some video from today’s event followed by the official press release.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will honor actress Scarlett Johansson with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in front of Madame Tussauds Hollywood, 6931 Hollywood Boulevard. “We are thrilled to honor an actress who has graced the screen and stage since she was eight years old. Over the past 18 years Scarlett has matured into a recognized cinematic presence with an impressive body of work,” stated Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer.

Johansson stars in the action-adventure, MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS (inDigital 3D, RealD & IMAX 3D) in which shereprises the role of ‘Black Widow.’ The film opens nationwide on May 4.

Four-time Golden Globe nominee and BAFTA winner Scarlett Johansson, has proven to be one of Hollywood’s most talented young actresses. She won a Tony in 2010 for her Broadway debut in the Arthur Miller play “A View from a Bridge” opposite Liev Schreiber.  She was most recently seen in the Cameron Crowe film “We Bought A Zoo” opposite Matt Damon and in the box office hit “Iron Man 2.”  She also recently wrapped production on the independent film “Under The Skin” for director Jonathan Glazer (“Sexy Beast”) playing the lead role.   Next up, she will portray Janet Leigh in the film, “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho” opposite Anthony Hopkins.  Soon afterward, she is slated to begin production on the film, “Don Jon’s Addiction,” written and directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Johansson received rave reviews and a  Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival for her starring role opposite Bill Murray in “Lost in Translation,” the critically-acclaimed second film by director Sofia Coppola.  She was recently seen in the box office hit “He’s Just Not That Into You.”  Prior she starred in the Woody Allen film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and played ‘Mary Boleyn’ in “The Other Boleyn Girl.”

In 2009, Johansson released her second studio album of duets with Pete Yorn called “Break Up” which has received multi-platinum status. Prior she released the album, “Anywhere I Lay My Head,” a collection of Tom Waits covers featuring one original song.

At the age of 12, Johansson attained worldwide recognition for her performance as Grace Maclean, the teen traumatized by a riding accident in Robert Redford’s “The Horse Whisperer.” She went on to star in Terry Zwigoff’s “Ghost World,” garnering a Best Supporting Actress  award from the Toronto Film Critics Circle. Johansson was also featured in the Coen Brothers’ dark drama “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Frances McDormand.

Her other film credits include the critically acclaimed Weitz brothers’ film “In Good Company,” as well as opposite John Travolta in “A Love Song for Bobby Long,” which garnered her a Golden Globe nomination (her third in two years.) and Woody Allen’s “Match Point,” which garnered her 4^th consecutive Golden Globe nominee in three years.  Other film credits include “The Spirit,” “Girl with a Pearl Earring” opposite Colin Firth, “The Island” opposite Ewan McGregor, Brian DePalma’s “The Black Dahlia,” Christopher Nolan’s “The Prestige” and “The Nanny Diaries.”

Her additional credits include Rob Reiner’s comedy “North;” the thriller “Just Cause,” with Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne; and a breakthrough role at the age of 10 in the critically-praised “Manny & Lo,” which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for “Best Female Lead.”

A New York native, Johansson made her professional acting debut at the age of eight in the off-Broadway production of “Sophistry,” with Ethan Hawke, at New York’s Playwright’s Horizons.

In the spirit of Hollywood celebrities before her, Johansson is actively working for charitable causes. She is Global Ambassador for Oxfam an anti-poverty coalition and also works as Global Ambassador for the Red (Bono’s campaign).  She also works with USA Harvest/Blessings in a Backpack as well as Planned Parenthood.

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

Billboard reports that the Jonas Brothers have ended their working relationship with Disney and their record label, Hollywood Records.  They’ve also bought back the rights to their master recordings, merchandising and publishing for an undisclosed amount.

This isn’t the end of the musical trio’s career though.  Johnny Wright, their manager, tells fans that they can expect a new album (there hasn’t been one in over three years) by the end of 2012 or early in 2013.

When contacted by The Hollywood Reporter, a Hollywood Records spokesperson commented: “Hollywood Records and Jonas Brothers have amicably ended an amazingly successful partnership after six years. … We couldn’t have asked for better partners or nicer people to work with. We wish Nick, Kevin and Joe all the best in their future endeavors.”

via
Billboard.com 

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

The animation looks slick! I like the style they’re using and it seems to lend itself well to the franchise as an animated adaptation of the grid from TRON: Legacy.  No word yet on running time (most likely a 30 minute show) but it is slated to be a 10 part miniseries.

The show has a pretty impressive lineup of voice talent too!

• Beck (voiced by Elijah Wood)
• Tron (voiced by Bruce Boxleitner)
• Kevin Flynn/Clu (voiced by Fred Tatasciore)
• General Tesler (voiced by Lance Henriksen)
• Paige (voiced by Emmanuelle Chriqui)
• Mara (voiced by Mandy Moore)
• Pavel (voiced by Paul Reubens)
• Zed (voiced by Nate Corddry)
• Able (voiced by Reginald VelJohnson)

Synopsis
Beck is a young program who becomes the skillful leader of a revolution inside the computer world of The Grid. His mission is to free his home and friends from the reign of the villainous Clu 2 and his henchman General Tesler. Beck will be trained by Tron – the greatest warrior the Grid has ever come to know. Tron will not only teach Beck the fighting and light cycle skills he needs to challenge this brutal military occupation, but he will be a guide and mentor to him as he grows beyond his youthful, impulsive nature into a courageous, powerful, strong leader. Destined to become the next Tron of the system, Beck adopts Tron’s persona and becomes the archenemy of General Tesler and his oppressive forces.

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

This will be the last trailer before the June 22nd release of the movie.

I’m not sure what you have seen, but there’s little in the newest trailer that I didn’t already see at one point or another.  I do give them credit for not revealing too much.  You want enough to make you want to see the movie, but not too much revealed in the trailers to give it all away.

If you haven’t already seen it, I’ve embedded it below.

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.

“Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.

Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor that audiences of all ages around the world have come to eagerly expect. The film takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded

The year is 1914 and farmer Ted Naracott (played by Peter Mullan) is at auction to buy a plough horse to work his farm.  Instead he sets his sights on a thoroughbred and, for some reason, is determined to be the top bidder for the horse.  He’s outbid several times and ends up spending more on the horse than he should have, but he wins the auction and takes the horse home.  Now he’s in hot water with the wife (played by Emily Watson) because he has a horse that can’t work the field and they won’t be able to make rent on the farm now because he spent too much for the horse.  Ted’s son Albert (played by Jeremy Irvine) is immediately taken with the animal and convinces his parents that he will train the horse (which he’s named Joey) and will get him to plow the fields.

It took some time and patience, but Albert did get Joey to plow the field so they could plant a crop of radishes.  Unfortunately a bad rain ruined the field and now the family is faced with the dilemma of how to raise money to make rent for the farm.

War (World War I) is declared and Ted decides to take the horse into town to sell him to the British soldiers who are recruiting young men to join the British Army.  He sells Joey just as Albert runs into town to try and stop him, but he’s too late.  Albert offers to join the Army to try and stay with Joey, but he’s not old enough yet to join.  He receives the reassurance of  British Officer Captain Nicholls (played by Tom Hiddleston) that Joey will be his personal horse and that he will make sure he’s taken care of.  He also adds that, if possible, he will return Joey to Albert when the war is over.

Joey changes hands and situations a few times along the way, but the rest of the story from here is his.  We get introduced to new characters that Joey is involved with and get their stories as they intertwine with his.

I won’t spoil the plot for for you, but I will tell you two things:
1.  Be prepared for a long movie (2 & 1/2 hours long)
2.  Have tissues handy, as there are some real tear-jerking moments in the movie!

Anyone who knows the names of some of the people behind Spielberg’s movies will recognize some of these names (he’s worked with these folks for years).

Frank Marshall was executive producer and Kathleen Kennedy also produced. Michael Kahn edited the film and the music was done by the legendary John Williams.

Nominated for 6 Oscars, War Horse is rated PG-13: for intense sequences of war violence.

Bonus Features:

• A Filmmaking Journey – Academy Award®-winning Director/Producer Steven Spielberg provides a unique and unprecedented look into the making and filming of “War Horse.”
• Editing & Scoring – Multi-Oscar® winners Michael Kahn (film editor) and John Williams (composer) discuss specific aspects of editing the film and composing music for “War Horse,” as well as the secret to their long and successful collaborations with Steven Spielberg.
• The Sounds of “War Horse” – Seven-time Academy Award®-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom takes us through the sophisticated sound design he created for “War Horse.”
• Through The Producer’s Lens – Producer Kathleen Kennedy shares the photos she took during filming and recounts how she discovered the source material, as well as her appreciation of Steven Spielberg’s vision, the team that sounds him, and why “War Horse” appealed to her.
• “War Horse”: The Look – Director/Producer Steven Spielberg introduces us to his creative team of production designer Rick Carter, costume designer Joanna Johnston and director of photography Janusz Kaminski, who discuss what it took to design the look for the film.
• An Extra’s Point of View – Film extra Martin Dew explains how and why he was brought in––along with a hundred other men––to be featured alternately as both German and British soldiers.

Disney Kingdom - Reloaded