Disney’s Moana Finds Her Voice #Moana

Walt Disney Animation Studios Moana Logo

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana Finds Her Voice

14-Year-Old Native Hawaiian Newcomer Auli’i Cravalho Cast as the Voice of Film’s Title Character

 

Ever since the D23 Expo’s Animation Presentation, I have been patiently waiting for more information about Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana and I am stoked that the wait is over!

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” has found her voice following a worldwide search to cast the film’s title character. Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, 14, joins Dwayne Johnson in the big-screen adventure about a spirited and fearless teenager named Moana (voice of Cravalho) who, with help from demi-god Maui (voice of Johnson), sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder.

httpv://youtu.be/pylCYlsjEK0

While hundreds of talented people from across the Pacific Islands were eager to try out for the role, Cravalho set her sights firmly on her sophomore year of high school. “I didn’t think I would have a chance,” she said. “When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs. In my mind, that was performing and I loved the feeling of it. But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana—representing my culture in that way.”

Moana

“Auli’i demonstrated a certain fearlessness in her auditions and call-backs,” said director John Musker. “She has a playful, mischievous wit. She can project vulnerability, she doesn’t seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work and music. These are all qualities she shares with Moana.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios Moana Image

“Moana is a vibrant, tenacious 16-year-old growing up on an island where voyaging is forbidden,” added director Ron Clements. “But Moana has been drawn to the ocean since she can remember and is desperate to find out what’s beyond the confines of her island.”

I seriously have goosebumps as I sit here thinking about how much I am looking forward to Moana!!!

If you don’t know much about Moana, let me catch you up…

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”),

Moana sails into U.S. theaters on November 23, 2016, but make sure that you like Moana on Facebook to keep up with the latest news!

 

 

 

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Bring Home LEGO STAR WARS: The New Yoda Chronicles On DVD Today

LEGO STAR WARS: The New Yoda Chronicles DVD

Bring Home LEGO STAR WARS: The New Yoda Chronicles On DVD Today

Unleash the lighter side of the Force and share all of the action packed thrills of these interlocking, intergalactic adventures!

Your favorite Star Wars heroes are back with four complete episodes (plus a bonus alternate ending!) that unleash the lighter side of the Force.

After headstrong Luke nearly delivers the good guys into Palpatine’s clutches, Master Yoda and the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi unearth the Holocrons – last remnants of the secrets of the Jedi – to further Luke’s training. But Darth Vader also seeks the Holocrons, and he’ll stop at nothing to get to them first! Meanwhile, courageous superclone Jek-14, a Force-sensitive clone, comes out of retirement to help bolster the Rebels.  Share all the action-packed thrills of these interlocking, intergalactic adventures in LEGO STAR WARS: The New Yoda Chronicles!

LEGO Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles features Eric Bauza (Spongebob Movie, Ben 10: Omniverse, Batman: Assault on Arkham) as Luke Skywalker/Porkins Pilot; Michael Daingerfield (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Catwoman) as Han Solo/Admiral Ozzel/Biggs Pilot; Anthony Daniels (Star Wars Franchise) as C-3PO; Trevor Devall (Kid vs. Kat, Johnny Test) as Emperor Palpatine/Admiral Piett/Admiral Ackbar.    

The four episodes included in the LEGO STAR WARS: The New Yoda Chronicles are:

  • Escape From The Jedi Temple

  • Race For The Holocrons

  • Raid on Coruscant

  • Clash of the Skywalkers

You will even find the Bonus Feature Alternate Ending for the Clash of the Skywalkers Episode, where you will find out if Luke will win against the Sith Lord or will Vader be victorious.

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The Jungle Book Trailer And Images Are Here! #JungleBook

The Jungle Book Poster

Disney’s The Jungle Book will swing into theaters on April 15, 2016, and today I am really excited to share more about the story, some new images, and the brand new trailer!

httpv://youtu.be/HcgJRQWxKnw

The Jungle Book is directed by Jon Favereau (“Iron Man”), and is based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories that is also inspired by Disney’s classic animated film with a cast that is absolutely fantastic!

“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves.

 

But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

The Jungle Book

Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray).

 

Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The Jungle Book

The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela.

The Jungle Book
Neel Sethi, now 11, was selected from thousands of candidates following a worldwide search for the perfect man-cub.

“The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

The Jungle Book wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016, but for more information:

 

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Bring Toy Story That Time Forgot Home On November 3rd

Toy Story that Time Forgot

Available for the First Time on Blu-ray™, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on November 3rd

 Toy Story That Time Forgot DVD

Loaded with All New Never-Before-Seen Bonus Features Including Behind-the-Scenes,

Sing-Alongs and Over 10 Minutes of Deleted Scenes!

 

Disney•Pixar is releasing Toy Story that Time Forgot for the first time on Blu-ray™, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on November 3rd with a ton of great extras!

During one of Bonnie’s post-Christmas play dates, the “Toy Story” crew find themselves in uncharted territory when the coolest set of action figures ever turn out to be dangerously delusional.  It’s all up to Trixie, the triceratops, if the gang hopes to ever return to Bonnie’s room.

And what would Toy Story be without the amazing voice talent! Tom Hanks as Woody (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “Captain Phillips”), Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear (“Toy Story,” “The Santa Clause”), Kristen Schaal as Trixie (“Toy Story 3,” “The Muppets”), Kevin McKidd as Reptillus Maximus (“Brave,” TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”), Wallace Shawn as Rex (“The Princess Bride,” “Air Buddies”), Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants (“Toy Story 3,” TV’s “Penny Dreadful”), Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head (“Toy Story”), Joan Cusack as Jessie (“Toy Story,” “The End of the Tour”)

httpv://youtu.be/MBGQjV8tAd0

 

Each version of Toy Story that Time Forgot will have different Bonus Features!

On the Blu-ray, Digital HD*, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) you will find:

  • Reptillus!  – In this behind-the-scenes look at “Toy Story That Time Forgot,” the filmmakers share a peek at the origins of the Battlesaurs world and culture, and explain the character design and development of its greatest hero, Reptillus Maximus.
  • Commentary – Commentary with “Toy Story that Time Forgot” director, Steve Purcell, and head of story, Derek Thompson, on the process of making “Toy Story That Time Forgot.”
  • Toy Story Goes to Comic-Con – The “Toy Story that Time Forgot” team heads to San Diego to unveil the project to the public, led by their own longtime Comic-Con veterans, director Steve Purcell and head of story Derek Thompson.
  • My Unexpected Friend – Feel the power – and sing along – as Reptillus Maximus expresses the depth of his feelings for Trixie in this 80’s-inspired karaoke video for his soulful ballad, “My Unexpected Friend.”
  • Battlesaurs Animated Opening – A 2D animated opening for the fictional animated TV series, “Battlesaurs.”
  • Deleted Scenes with Intros & Outros – “Toy Story That Time Forgot” director, Steve Purcell, introduces scenes that were developed and storyboarded for the special, but were ultimately cut from the final version:
    • Battlesaurs Christmas
    • Light of Play
    • Prisoners of Bone
    • SOS
    • Trixie’s Proposal   

*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer                

The DVD version will feature:

  • Reptillus!
  • Commentary

DMA Exclusive:

  • Deleted Scene: Battleopolis

I know I’ve already marked my calendar to pick up a copy of Toy Story that Time Forgot!

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Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season One Available September 1st

Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season One delivers all 15 action-packed episodes plus never-before-seen bonus material and cast/crew interviews revealing the magic behind the making of the hit series. Releasing on Blu-ray and DVD on September 1, this is a must-add collection to the library!

A Spark of Rebellion Ignites the Galaxy in Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season One! on Blu-ray™ and DVD September 1, 2015

 Star Wars Rebels Season One Bluray DVD

In the first groundbreaking season of Star Wars Rebels, young hero Ezra Bridger joins the clever but motley crew of the starship Ghost in their resistance against the Empire. As the series begins, Imperial forces have occupied a remote planet, ruling with an iron fist and ruining the lives of its people. Ezra and his new rebel friends — Hera, Kanan, Sabine, Zeb and Chopper — embark on daring adventures in their fight against oppression across the galaxy, receiving help from familiar heroes such as Lando Calrissian, Ahsoka Tano, and Jedi Master Yoda. Pursued relentlessly by the Imperials and a Jedi hunter called the Inquisitor, this tenacious ragtag band of rebels will find itself in the crosshairs of none other than Darth Vader when season one closes in a shocking two-part finale.

Star Wars Rebels is created by Dave Filoni (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Sherlock Holmes), and Carrie Beck. The Lucasfilm Animation production is also executive-produced by Filoni and Kinberg as well as Greg Weisman (“Gargoyles).

Featuring the voices of Freddie Prinze Jr. (“I Know What You Did Last Summer”) as Kanan, Vanessa Marshall (TV’s “Young Justice”) as Hera, Steve Blum (“The Boxtrolls”) as Zeb, Tiya Sircar (“The Internship”) as Sabine, Taylor Gray(TV’s “Bucket and Skinner’s Epic Adventures”) as Ezra, David Oyelowo (“Selma”) as Agent Kallus and Jason Isaacs (“Harry Potter”) as the Inquisitor.

Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season One Bonus features are slightly different on the Blu-ray and DVD releases.

Blu-ray:

  • Rebels Infiltrates Star Wars Celebration (Exclusive to Blu-ray)
  • Season One shorts: “The Machine in the Ghost,” “Art Attack,” “Entanglement,” “Property of Ezra Bridger”
  • All DVD Bonus (see below)

DVD:

  • Rebels Recon: 14 behind-the-scenes featurettes
  • Star Wars Rebels – The Ultimate Guide
  • Star Wars Rebels Season 2 – A Look Ahead

Which format will you be picking up on September 1st?

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Enter for a chance to win a complimentary family four-pack of one-month passes for Disney Screen!

Disney Screen Disney Movies
© 2015 Disney

Disney Screen is a new way to watch your favorite Disney films on the big screen. Each week, Disney Screen will host four classic Disney films. All four films play each day and are accompanied with a short film. Passes are good for unlimited admission (one pass person) and can be purchased for a day, week, month, or quarter. For tickets and information, go to www.disneyscreen.com.

Each week has a theme consistent with the 4 films being shown, and each schedule is repeated for 7 days, with a new block of titles opening every Friday and playing until Thursday evening.

Disney Screen August 2015
© 2015 Disney

Early matinee and twilight shows have been programmed to skew younger, with evening slots reserved for older-skewing titles.

httpv://youtu.be/7HA1Q8DYskI

In Orlando, Disney Screen launches Today at Cinemark Artegon Marketplace!

Disney Screen showtimes are 10:30 am, 1:15 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm.

Admission for Disney Screen will be offered on a “membership pass” model, and it is an amazing deal!!!

  • Daily: $5 for 4 great movies in one day!
  • Weekly: $10 for unlimited access for 7 days
  • Monthly: $20 for unlimited access per month
  • Quarterly: $40 for unlimited access quarterly per person

Here is your opportunity to enter for a chance to win a complimentary family four-pack of one-month passes for Disney Screen!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are the details!

No Purchase Necessary! This contest is open to Residents of the United States who are thirteen (13) years and older.  We will be giving away Two (2) Family four-pack of one-month passes for Disney Screen in Orlando, Florida ONLY. Limit (4) passes per person. Employees of all promotional partners and their agencies are not eligible. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by midnight, August 6, 2015, to be eligible to receive pass. Sponsors not responsible for incomplete, lost, late or misdirected entries or for failure to receive entries due to transmission or technical failures of any kind. Void where prohibited by law. We will use Rafflecopter to choose two (2) lucky winners at random, and each & every contest entry will be verified. The winners of our contest will be contacted by email (so be sure to double check your entry) and will have 24 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

 

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Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron Available This Fall

Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron

Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron DVD BluRay

Get it early on Digital 3D, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere September 8, 2015

ON-DEMAND Available on Blu-Ray Combo Pack, Blu-Ray, DVD, Digital SD, and On-Demand October 2, 2015

Includes Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Making-of Featurettes, Gag Reel and Audio Commentary

Marvel Studios reunites Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the unprecedented movie event, Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.  Iconic heroes are forced to reassemble and face their most intimidating enemy yet – ULTRON.  Pushed to the brink of their physical and emotional limits, the team must recruit both new heroes and familiar allies to face an escalating danger that threatens the entire planet. 

httpv://youtu.be/zi4VAPVYFA4

Marvel Studios unleashes the next global phenomenon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Good intentions wreak havoc when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) unwittingly creates Ultron (James Spader), a terrifying A.I. monster who vows to achieve “world peace” via mass extinction. Now, Iron Man, Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)—alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) —must reassemble to defeat Ultron and save mankind… if they can! This action-packed adventure is a must-own, mind-blowing blast!

You can grab your copy of Marvel Avengers: Age of Ultron early on Digital 3D, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere September 8, 2015. Then ON-DEMAND Available on #D Blu-Ray Combo Pack, Blu-Ray, DVD, Digital SD, and On-Demand October 2, 2015.

The Bonus Features can differ by format and retailer, but here is what you can expect:

Digital HD*, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray

  • Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
  • Making-of Featurettes
  • Gag Reel
  • Audio Commentary

DVD:

  • Making-of Featurette

Marvel Avengers: Age of Ultron is 141 minutes of goodness, so make sure to mark your calendars to get your copy first!

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Cinderella Arrives On September 15, 2015

Cinderella 2015

Disney’s beloved and empowering fairytale told in a new beautiful way, Cinderella, arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere September 15th! The bonus features includes over 12 minutes of additional scenes, the “ Frozen Fever” theatrical short and more!

Celebrate Disney’s “Cinderella,” a modern classic that shines with beauty, imagination…and magic! Despite being mistreated by her stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, a spirited Ella (Lily James) resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham-Carter) and a glass slipper, and suddenly – magic becomes reality!

Here’s a look at the Bonus Features you will find on each version of Cinderella:

httpv://youtu.be/b8OfhuZqW98

Digital HD/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

· A Fairy Tale Comes to Life Filmmakers and cast reflect on Cinderella’s enduring power, and the joys and challenges of bringing this iconic tale to life.

· Costume Test Fun See the work of Academy Award-winning® Costume Designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, 2004) and share some lighthearted moments with the cast.

· Staging The Ball You’re invited behind the scenes for the making of the Palace Ball sequence, including its spectacular set, stunning costumes and more. It’s a lavish and massive undertaking…and a magical day on set.

· Ella’s Furry Friends Discover how the movie’s animal stars honed their memorable performances.

· Alternate Opening: Ella’s Childhood View moments from Ella’s idyllic childhood that do not appear in the movie. With an introduction by Director Kenneth Branagh.

· Frozen Fever It’s Anna’s birthday, and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever – but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.

*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer       

DMA Exclusive:

·Deleted Scenes With introduction by Kenneth Branagh

o Serving (0:56)

o The Mourning (4:24)

o Getting to Know You (2:00)

o The Search for Cinderella (1:14)

o Dear Kit (2:57)  

DVD:

· Ella’s Furry Friends

· Frozen Fever


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Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Film Collection Coming to DMA and Blu-ray

Walt Disney Studios Animation Short Films Collection

Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Film Collection Coming to DMA and Blu-ray

Experience 12 Animated Shorts together for the first time!

Available on Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on August 11, 2015 and on Blu-ray on August 18, 2015

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes an extraordinary new collection of award-winning and beloved short films featuring Disney’s Frozen Fever, starring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven and Kristoff, and the Oscar®-nominated Lorenzo (Best Animated Short, 2004).  The Short Films Collection includes contemporary shorts starring classic characters, such as the groundbreaking 2013 Mickey Mouse cartoon, Get A Horse! And the holiday treat Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa, as well as celebrated Oscar winners Paperman (2012) and Feast (2014). Enjoy them together for the first time in this must-own collection with all-new extras including an inside look at the Disney Animation shorts, featuring introductions and interviews with the acclaimed filmmakers themselves.

Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Film Collection

Shorts (and filmmakers appearing in each Shorts Introduction):

  • Frozen Fever (2015) – Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Peter Del Vecho, Aimee Scribner
  • Feast (2014) – Academy Award® Winner, Patrick Osborne, Kristina Reed
  • Get A Horse! (2013) – Academy Award® Nominated, Dorothy McKim, Eric Goldberg, Adam Green
  • Paperman (2012) – Academy Award® Winner, Kristina Reed, John Kahr
  • Tangled Ever After (2012) – Nathan Greno, Aimee Scribner, Mark Kennedy
  • The Ballad of Nessie (2011) – Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers-Skelton, Dorothy McKim
  • Tick Tock Tale (2010) – Dean Wellins
  • Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa (2010) – Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers-Skelton, Dorothy McKim
  • How to Hook Up Your Home Theater (2007) – Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers-Skelton, Ian Gooding
  • The Little Matchgirl (2006) – Academy Award® Nominated, Dave Bossert, Tom MacDougall
  • Lorenzo (2004) – Academy Award® Nominated, Mike Gabriel
  • John Henry (2000) – Mark Henn

httpv://youtu.be/KRHIqJ67A_0

And you can’t forget the Bonus Features that will be on the Walt Disney Animation Short Film Collection Blu-ray!

  • FILMMAKER INTROS – The filmmakers behind the shorts share their journeys and introduce their films.
  • @DISNEYANIMATION: A SHORT STORY ON SHORTS – Continuing a legacy started in the earliest days of the Studio by Walt Disney, the Shorts Program is thriving today at the Animation Studios that bears his name, producing award-winning shorts that tell new stories and experiment with artistic and technical innovations. This latest chapter in the @DisneyAnimation series gives us an inside look at the process of developing and producing a short. Hosted by actor/comedian T.J. Miller (voice of “Fred,” Big Hero 6), we will meet a few of the artists and filmmakers who make the shorts, and learn why they are such an important part of the fabric of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Round Table Panelists include Lauren MacMullan (Get A Horse!), Mike Gabriel (Lorenzo), Kristina Reed (Feast, Paperman), Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (the team behind The Ballad of Nessie, Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa, How to Hook Up Your Home Theater).

On DMA, there will also be an exclusive short film that makes its DMA preview.

RUNAWAY BRAIN (1995)  – DMA DEBUT – Short film originally released in 2004 as part of the Walt Disney Treasures Collection: Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Vol. 2 DVD set. This short was nominated for an Academy Award® and screened during 1996 Cannes Film Festival.

I love the Walt Disney Animation Studio Short Films, and this sounds like a wonderful way to have them together to enjoy.

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A Vision of Avengers: Age of Ultron

age_of_ultron

Welcome to a new age, a new rage, a child’s cry in the darkness – welcome to the Age of Ultron, the latest Avengers movie to come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  While on it’s surface the story of Ultron, which has been going on in comics since 1968, appears simple tale of Artificial Intelligence gone awry, in actuality it is so much more.  There are so many aspects to the story, many not even covered in the movie: life, death, rebirth, hate, rage, a child lashing out against it’s father, passion, desire, love, loss, oedipal complexes, jealousy.  But most of all it’s about a story about how life, despite being broken at times, can persevere.  These are the aspects that have brought to life this mad-crazed machine, Ultron, over the years.

There are several aspects of this movie that change the story, and some with very good reason.  Some I’m actually happy to see go because they are actually more violent and invasive than any supervillain rampaging through a city will ever be.  And others… well I now have concerns that we’ll never see two of my favorite heroes, Wonder Man and Adam Warlock, ever appear on screen.  Don’t worry, it isn’t as sad as it may sound, and it doesn’t mean they won’t exist, it just means their tales will have to be different. That sacrifice leads to a great adaptation of what I imagine was a difficult character to envision, The Vision.  One of the five most central characters to any Ultron story, his portrayal by Paul Bettany is remarkable, and it serves to properly portray the morality of the story.

You may just think you’re going to watch a group of ten, yes 10, superheroes on the screen battling a bad guy, saving the day.  And yes, there is much action you shall see because roughly 80% of this movie is action, and that is huge.  However, despite that you will want to see The Avengers fight and win, you will probably find yourself rooting a bit for the quirky, genocidal Ultron.  Voiced by James Spader who is well known for playing both crazy dudes and evil doers, a new aspect of Ultron comes, one not provided in comic books, humor.  And I don’t mean irony.  Ultron himself has a sense of humor, and it’s both amazing and terrifying at the same time.

What about “The Twins”? In comic books you might know them as Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, the Mutant children of the master of magnetism himself, Magneto.  However, even when this movie closes its unclear if they’ll ever be known by their superhero names.  And we already know that due to business dealings they won’t ever be Mutants, and Magneto won’t be a part of their story.  Overall, I think their story as told in the movie is done well enough because it requires less foreknowledge, which is important for audiences who many only ever know these characters from the movies.

War Machine fans will be happy as there is a lot of Rhodey in this film, and his look is now closer to comic books than it has been before.  And fans will love that.  The biggest win though is Hawkeye, as fans of both the character and Jeremy Renner will get a lot of great character development as he is one of the driving forces in this story.  In other words, fans wanted more of both of these characters, and now they’ve got it.  Oh yeah, and a certain love story starts to take a lot of strides forward, even though it seems to go the same way as Captain America: The First Avenger at the end – that last statement is both vague and intentionally misleading so as to remain spoiler free.

My feelings about this movie are a little mixed.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s was utterly amazing to watch and made me shudder with joy at times.  But I’m about one of the biggest comic book geeks on the planet.  This story is all for folks like me.  It’s a lot more like reading a comic book than any other Marvel movie ever.  And I can therefore see where it won’t appeal to many who are not comic book fans.  The story is hard to follow, the motivations of the villain are not well defined without taking into account foreknowledge.  That won’t stop people from going to see this movie, it’s projected to cap $2 billion dollars when all is said and done, and it’s already made more than $250 million dollars before it’s official US opening.

There are a lot of questions left on the table with this movie.  The face of the Avengers changes a lot more than was expected even by a fan like myself.  But that’s in sticking with comic books, an Ultron story is always a game changer.  You don’t have to stay past the credits for this one folks as there is no post-credits scene, but don’t think that you’re being stiffed.  If you count carefully enough you’ll notice there are 4 equivalent scenes at the end of the movie.

Comic book fans, especially long time Avengers fans like myself will love this movie.  Marvel movie fans, will love this movie as well, though likely not as much as the first Avengers film.  It’s important to note there’s very little backstory here, it is expected that you know what’s gone before to watch this one – it is not self standing film.  It’d be like starting a 30 chapter book at chapter 16.  Go back watch at least some of the others, including the first Avengers if you haven’t.  Parents might have to explain some things to children, as there is a lot of graphic violence and scary events in this film.  This one will end up being the second biggest movie event of the year, and only because this year we get a new Star Wars film.

In addition to doing the web design and programming for the On the Go in MCO website, Todd Perlmutter is a host for the Disney Film Project Podcast.

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Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge

 Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge

Share your vision of the future with Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge

Nationwide challenge asks 8 to 17 year olds to imagine world-changing technology of the future

 

Inspired by the upcoming Disney movie “Tomorrowland,” The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Citizenship, and XPRIZE announce a nationwide challenge for young innovators.

Beginning April 22, 2015, Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge invites kids to imagine themselves in the future and report back to the present through video, imagery or stories about one new and amazing invention or innovation they encounter, how it works, and the impact it has on the future.

httpv://youtu.be/0sH0__SpV88

In June, six winners will have a once–in-a-lifetime mentorship experience with a leader in their area of interest. In addition, each winner will receive a $3,000 check, a 3D Printer from 3D Systems, and registration for FIRST® LEGO® League for the competition season 2015-2016 in the U.S.

 “‘Tomorrowland’ has always been a place of possibility in our parks and for the creative team behind our new film,” said Sean Bailey, President, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. “The future will be steered by the imaginations of our young people, and Disney is thrilled to work with XPRIZE to encourage and inspire the next generation of thinkers and dreamers to build the future they imagine is possible.”

Disney’s Create Tomorrowland – XPRIZE Challenge logo

“We are excited to launch the Create Tomorrowland XPRIZE Challenge, which gives young people a platform to voice and depict their creative, bold and imaginative problem-solving inventions of the future,” said Trish Halamandaris, Senior Vice President Marketing & Communications at XPRIZE. “At XPRIZE we believe that solutions to the problems facing humanity can come from anyone, anywhere and one of these young innovators just might come up with an idea that can truly turn Tomorrowland into reality.”

Participants will compete in two divisions: Junior Division (8-12 years old), and Senior Division (13–17 years old). All entrants must have prior consent from their parent or legal guardian in order to participate in the challenge. Official Rules and details about the Challenge are available at http://XPRIZEchallenge.org/CreateTomorrowland. Official registration and submission period starts April 22, 2015, and runs through May 17, 2015.

Submissions will be judged on innovation, creativity and presentation. XPRIZE will provide a panel of judges who will evaluate and score all submissions, and six (6) winners will be chosen.

Supporting XPRIZE Partners include FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), 3D Systems and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

About XPRIZE

Founded in 1995, XPRIZE is the leading organization solving the world’s Grand Challenges by creating and managing large-scale, high-profile, incentivized prizes in five areas: Learning; Exploration; Energy & Environment; Global Development; and Life Sciences. Active prizes include the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, the $15M Global Learning XPRIZE, the $10M Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE and the $2M Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE. For more information, visit www.xprize.org.

About Disney’s “Tomorrowland”

From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson.

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers. “Tomorrowland” opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.

 

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Two Studio Ghibli Films Coming To Disney Blu-Ray

Studio Ghibli Miyazaki's Spirited Away     Studio Ghibli The Cat Returns DVD

Disney Presents Two Beloved Films from the Acclaimed Studio Ghibli Available for the First Time on Blu-ray

Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar®-Winning Masterpiece SPIRITED AWAY The Enchanting Fantasy Adventure and THE CAT RETURNS

Experience these Magical Adventures Like Never Before on Blu-ray Combo Pack June 16, 2015

Disney presents two beloved films from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli, Oscar – Winning Masterpiece Spirited Away and the enchanting fantasy adventure The Cat Returns, will be available for the first time on Blu-ray Combo Pack June 16th
 
Spirited Away is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. While The Cat Returns is about a schoolgirl, Haru (voiced by Anne Hathaway), bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she ever imagined.
Both are magical animated adventures that will delight and inspire the whole family! 

SPIRITED AWAY:

From Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema, comes the Oscar®-winning triumph (2002, Best Animated Feature Film), filled with astonishing beauty and epic adventure, a dazzling masterpiece for the ages. “Spirited Away” is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call on the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world.  An unforgettable story, brimming with creativity, “Spirited Away” will take you on a journey beyond your imagination. It’s a fantastic tale the whole family will want to experience over and over again on Disney Blu-ray!

The English Voice Cast for Spirited Away includes Daveigh Chase (Chihiro), Suzanne Pleshette (Yubaba/Zeniba), Jason Marsden (Haku), Susan Egan (Lin),David Ogden Stiers (Kamaji), Lauren Holly (Chihiro’s Mother), Michael Chiklis (Chihiro’s Father), John Ratzenberger (Assistant Manager), Tara Strong (“Baby”)& Bob Bergen (Aogaeru).

The Feature Run Time is 125 minutes, but there is a good amount of bonus content!

Spirited Away Bonus Content includes an Introduction by John Lasseter, The Art of Spirited Away, Behind The Microphone, Original Japanese Storyboards, Nippon Television Special, Original Japanese Trailers, and TV Spots.

THE CAT RETURNS:

From the Studio that brought you “Spirited Away,” comes the visually stunning “The Cat Returns.” Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she ever imagined. To change her fate, she’ll need to learn to believe in herself and, in the process, she will learn to appreciate her everyday life. For the first time ever on Disney Blu-ray comes “The Cat Returns,” a magical animated adventure that will delight and inspire everyone.

The English Voice Cast for The Cat Returns features Anne Hathaway (Haru), Cary Elwes (The Baron), Peter Boyle (Muta), Elliott Gould (Toto), Andy Richter (Natoru), Rene Auberjonois (Natori), Tim Curry (Cat King), Judy Greer (Yuki), Andrew Bevis (Prince Lune),Kristen Bell (Hiromi), Kristine Sutherland (Haru’s Mother) and Katia Coe (Little Haru).

Feature Run Time of The Cat Retursn is 75 minutes.

Bonus Content on the Blu-Ray includes Original Japanese Storyboards, Original Japanese Trailers, TV Spots, The Making of The Cat Returns, and Behind The Microphone.

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Cinderella Spring Break Activities

Cinderella Ball D23 Disney Twenty-three Spring 2015 D23

With Spring Break upon us, I know that I am always looking for fun and educational activities that will keep Zoe busy and these activities from Cinderella fit the bill!

Cinderella is our favorite Princess, so we really enjoyed the movie and were excited to give these activities a try!

To print these out for your little Princess, all you need to do is save each image and print them out!

Cinderella is in theaters everywhere now, and if you want to keep up with Cinderella make sure you:

Visit the official Website: http://disney.com/Cinderella

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cinderella

Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CinderellaMovie

Follow on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DisneyCinderella

Follow on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/cinderella 

Follow on Google +: https://plus.google.com/+disneycinderella

Cinderella Movie Activity

Cinderella Movie Activity

Cinderella Movie Activity

Cinderella Movie Activity

Cinderella Movie Activity Cinderella Movie Activity Cinderella Movie Activity

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The New Cinderella Trailer Is Here

Cinderella

I get more and more excited for March 13, 2015, every time I see a new image or trailer for Cinderella!

The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.

Cinderella Step Mother

Soon, she is forced to become their servant, disrespected, covered in ashes and spitefully renamed Cinderella. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her, and she continues to remain positive, determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”

Cinderella Meeting In The Woods

When Ella meets a dashing stranger in the woods, unaware that he is really the Prince (Richard Madden) and not merely Kit, an apprentice at the palace, she believes she has finally found a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the King (Derek Jacobi) summons all maidens in the kingdom to attend a royal ball at the palace, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit. Alas, her Stepmother forbids her to attend and callously destroys her dress.

Cinderella Ball

Meanwhile, the calculating Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård) devises a plan to thwart the Prince’s hopes of reuniting with Ella and enlists the support of the devious Stepmother. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand. Soon, a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin, a few mice and a magic wand, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

I am really excited to share the latest Cinderella trailer with you today!

httpv://youtu.be/erecP_j6aKE

Looking to keep up with all the latest Cinderella news and images? Make sure you give the following accounts a like or a follow!

Visit the official Cinderella Website: http://disney.com/Cinderella

Like Cinderella on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cinderella

Follow Cinderella on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CinderellaMovie

Follow Cinderella on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DisneyCinderella

Follow Cinderella on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/cinderella

Follow Cinderella on Google +: https://plus.google.com/+disneycinderella

Cinderella opens in theaters everywhere on March 13th!

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Doc McStuffins: Cuddle Me Lambie Available on Disney DVD

Doc McStuffins Cuddle Me Lambie Disney DVD

Doc McStuffins: Cuddle Me Lambie Available Now on Disney DVD

Help Lambie Get Over Her Broken Heart and Realize 
That There is Enough Love to Go Around to Everyone!

DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of Doc McStuffins: Cuddle Me Lambie for this review. All opinions are my own.

Doc McStuffins: Cuddle Me Lambie is out now on Disney DVD, and it is chock full of episodes and love!

Doc McStuffins Cuddle Me Lambie My Huggy Valentine

Cuddle Me Lambie is a compilation of five Doc McStuffins episodes that add up to 120 minutes of Lambie goodness!

No one gives better cuddles than Doc’s warm and fuzzy best friend! She’s a princess and a ballerina, and she’s always there for toys that need an extra helping of tender loving care. Just say three little words: “Cuddle Me Lambie.”

Doc McStuffins Cuddle Me Lambie My Huggy Valentine 2

Join Doc and the whole gang as they laugh, play and have a ball fixing boo-boos and discovering great ways to stay happy and healthy. Celebrate the power of true friendship as new, sparkly heart toy Val shows Lambie there’s plenty of love to go around. Meet Donny and Alma’s monster creation Charlie – who turns out to be very sweet and not scary after all. Then, see how Lambie gets out of a super-sticky jam! Bursting with five song-filled episodes and cuddles galore, this “hug-stravaganza” is magical fun your little one will adore!

Also included in Doc McStuffins: Cuddle Me Lambie are a pair of adorable Lambie hair clips that are perfect for even the youngest fan.

Doc McStuffins Cuddle Me Lambie Disney DVD

Zoe is a big Doc McStuffins fan, and we really enjoyed Doc McStuffins: Cuddle Me Lambie! These episodes are full of love and hugs that is just in time for Valentine’s Day!

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