New Up Trailer

Check out the second trailer for UP.

Bruckheimer Discusses Pirates of the Carribean 4, National Treasure 3, and Lone Ranger

Coming Soon talked with Jerry Bruckheimer about upcoming projects, Pirates 4, Lone Ranger, and National Treasure 3. Writers Elliot and Rossio are in the process of finishing Lone Ranger, while story and plotlines are being discussed for Pirates 4 and National Treasure 3. They are shooting for release date in 2012 for Pirates 4.

High School Musical On Top of Box Office Again

Coming Soon reports that High School Musical added an estimated $15 million to it's earnings this weekend. Overseas it added $26 million. That takes it to a worldwide total of $146.8 million in ten days. Quite a drop domestically from last weekend, but Disney has already said that there is a good chance there will be a sequel.

I still haven't gotten a chance to see it yet, but hopefully soon, so I can get my review down.

Walt Disney Studios Showcase

I'm a little behind on this news, but better late then never. What an event, from what I've read. Lots of exciting film news (especially Johnny Depp related) so lets get to it.

"Pirates of the Caribbean 4" It's a go and Johnny Depp is back! Hopefully Geoffrey Rush will be back too. Well we knew they wanted to make more, but I didn't expect the announcement this soon. I'm very excited.

"The Lone Ranger" The USC Marching Band announces The Long Ranger, with Johnny Depp playing Tonto.

"Alice and Wonderland" Concept art was shown for this Tim Burton remake. Johnny Depp will also star as the Mad Hatter. Johnny Depp will be quite busy with the Mouse over the next few years it seems, and I couldn't be happier.

"Bedtime Stories" When I first heard of this Adam Sandler film, I thought the concept sounded very interesting. They played the trailer (which is online now). It looks very colorful and very much geared towards kids/family.

"Race to Witch Mountain" Dwayne Johnson appears and they show the trailer. From what I've read at comic con, it sounds like it will be action packed. Excited to see the trailer!

"Old Dogs" John Travolta and Robin Williams appear and footage is shown

"The Princess and the Frog" Character sketches are shown, and Oprah Winfrey is announced as the voice of Eudora. Another Randy Newman song is also premiered. I can't wait to here some of the music from this movie.

"Cars 2" Coming a year earlier in 2011, Brad Lewis is set to direct this sequel. A short, "Rescue Squad Mater" was shown and will be the first of more "Cars Toons."

"Toy Story 3" It begins when Andy leaves for college and everyone should return for the voices. Very excited about this and can't wait to see this progress.

"Bolt" The entire film was shown...lucky guests. It seems it played very well with the audience.

"A Christmas Carol" Some designs of characters are shown, and are apparantely quite unlike anything ever scene. I was never a fan of the motion capture used in Polar Express...I found it kind of creepy. But maybe creepy will work for the direction of this film.

"Confessions of a Shopaholic" I'm very excited about this move since I've read all the books in the series, and I really enjoyed them.

"National Treasure 3"- Nicholas Cage is back and looking for more treasure. I'm glad they are continuing this franchise.

Check out Ain't It Cool News for a detailed look at more of the films mentioned.

Extended Clip from Bolt

Yahoo has an extended clip from Bolt online, so check it out!

Behind the Scenes with "Bolt" Part II

Aint it Cool News published another behind the scenes look at "Bolt" -- this time shadowing the director Byron Howard. We get a glimpse of the animation progression, as Byron Howard reviews the animators work. Check it out!

The Princess and the Frog Website and Teaser Trailer

Disney just opened The Princess and the Frog website! Check out the cute teaser trailer!

The Muppets back on TV!

"Studio DC: Almost Live," a special starting the Muppets and Disney Channel stars, is airing August 3. This half hour, music filled sketch comedy show will star Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Ashley Tisdale, Brenda Song, Phill Lewis, as well as Dylan and Cole Sprouse who will be the hosts. Some of the muppets include, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo.

This is great news, trying to introduce the Muppets to a new generation. Hopefully the appearances of the muppets will become more frequent.

Preview of "Bolt "and "Up" at San Diego Comic-Con

Lots of reports on the net from San Diego Comic-Con. There was a sneak peak of the remake Race to Witch Mountain as well as a surprise peak at Tron 2. But the main panels were for Bolt and Up.

Blue Sky Disney has a great report on Bolt and Up, and he seemed quite impressed with Bolt.

The scenes they showed of Bolt out in the real world having to confront the reality of who he is and what he needs to become are great and I believe this film will connect with audiences in a way Disney animation hasn't for a long time. It really does appear that good.

Coming Soon also really seemed to enjoy Bolt.

It was surprisingly funny, action packed, and utterly enthralling. As fun as it was, I was starting to wonder how any of the rest of the film with Bolt in the real world could possibly be interesting. Boy, was I wrong. We were treated to more scenes including one showing the other cats harassing Bolt. The cats were absolutely hilarious, but nothing compared to the hilarious hamster in a ball who aids Bolt.

Aint it Cool News has an interesting interview with director of UP Pete Docter. You get to hear about the influences of UP and get to know more about the main character Carl.


Although I was unimpressed by the trailer from Bolt, it seems that from the reports, many were impressed with the animation and story. I guess I'll wait and see.

Additionally the teaser trailer for Up is out, so check it out:

Behind the Scenes with "Bolt"

Aint it Cool News has a great behind the scenes look at Bolt. In this first story of a series which should come out monthly until Bolt hits theaters, we get to see John Lasseter at work discussing various scenes in Bolt. It's always a pleasure getting a glimpse at how John Lasseter mind works, so go check it out (Warning: Possible spoilers).



The trailer for Bolt didn't impress me too much, but maybe these behind the scenes glimpses will get me more excited.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year Trailer Now Online!

Disney debuted the High School Musical 3 trailer last night on the Disney Channel. It's now online at Disney.com. Go check it out!

WALL-E Reviews and links Galore!

Haven't been able to post as much lately. Work and weddings have taken a lot of my time up. But since Wall-E opens today, here's a look at all the goodies on the internet.

Wall-E has a staggering 98% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Box Office Mojo is predicting and opening weekend of $67 million for Wall-E.

Head over to /Film to watch "The Making of Wall-E." I love watching the actors perform the voices!

Oscar Buzz already for Best Picture?

Check out the home of page of Disney.com. It's got some super cute animation of Wall-E and Eve trying to start up the site!

Wall-E Meets Bouncy Balls

May be my favorite Wall-E vignette to date!

High School Musical 3 Behind the Scenes Look

For those who can't wait for the next High School musical installment, Good Morning America has a behind the scenes look at High School Musical 3. There are interviews from all of the major stars and we get to see them sporting their Prom wear. Check it out! http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=4893093

Wall-E Meets Headphones

Yet another Wall-E vignette. Check it out!

Wall-E Meets a Hula Hoop

Another cute Wall-E vignette with a Hula Hoop. Enjoy!

New Annie Leibovitz Dream Portrait

Disney released another photo from Annie Leibovitz's Dream Portrait Series. Actress Julianne and Moore and Champion swimmer Michael Phelps star in this "Little Mermaid" inspired photo. Take a look-see.


Also take a look at the press release for a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot.

Wall-E Meets a Magnet

I love these little vignettes with Wall-E. Here's another one where Wall-E meets a magnet.

Disney's 10 Animated Films Through 2012

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS/ PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS RELEASE SCHEDULE 2008 -- 2012:

2008:

WALL•E (Domestic Release Date: June 27th, 2008)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director/Screenwriter: Andrew Stanton
Producer: Jim Morris
Co-Producer: Lindsey Collins
Sound and Character Voice Designer: Ben Burtt
Composer: Thomas Newman, with an Original Song Performed by Peter Gabriel
Voice Talent: Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, Sigourney Weaver, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy

What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn off the last robot?

Academy Award®-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton ("Finding Nemo") and the inventive storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios transport moviegoers to a galaxy not so very far away for a new computer-animated cosmic comedy about a determined robot named WALL•E.

After hundreds of lonely years doing what he was built for, WALL•E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL*E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL•E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most incredible comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen.

Joining WALL•E on his fantastic journey across a universe of never-before-imagined visions of the future is a hilarious cast of characters including a pet cockroach, and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots.




BOLT (Domestic Release Date: November 26th, 2008, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Chris Williams, Byron Howard
Producer: Clark Spencer
Voice Talent: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman

For super-dog Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue -- at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the canine star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet -- a cross-country journey through the real world. Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions -- a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voiced by Susie Essman), and TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named Rhino -- Bolt discovers he doesn't need superpowers to be a hero. Miley Cyrus ("Hannah Montana") brings her vocal talents to the role of Penny, Bolt's human co-star on the television series.





TINKER BELL (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: October 28th, 2008)
DisneyToon Studios
Director: Bradley Raymond
Producer: Jeannine Roussel

Enter the magical world of fairies and meet the enchanting creatures of Pixie Hollow, who "nurture nature" and bring about the change of the seasons. Changing the colors of the leaves, moving a sunbeam to melt snow, waking animals from their winter slumber, or giving a patch of sproutlings a sprinkle of water are all within the realm of these seasonal specialists. Tinker Bell thinks her fairy talent as a "tinker" isn't as special or important as the other fairies' talents. But when Tink tries to change who she is, she creates nothing but disaster! With encouragement from her friends Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn and Iridessa, Tink learns the key to solving her problems lies in her unique tinker abilities ... and discovers that when she's true to herself, magical things can happen.




2009:

UP (Domestic Release Date: May 29th, 2009, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Pete Docter
Co-Director: Bob Peterson
Producer: Jonas Rivera
Writer: Bob Peterson
Voice Talent: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Jordan Nagai

From the Academy Award®-nominated team of director Pete Docter ("Monsters, Inc.") and co-director Bob Peterson comes "Up," a comedic adventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009. Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. "Up" takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer -- look "Up."



TOY STORY in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: October 2nd, 2009)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: John Lasseter
Producers: Ralph Guggenheim, Bonnie Arnold
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger

Originally released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1995, "Toy Story" was the first feature film from Pixar Animation Studios and director John Lasseter. The film went on to receive Oscar® nominations for Best Original Score, Best Original Song, and Best Original Screenplay, and earned Lasseter a Special Achievement Award (Oscar®) "for the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." The 3-D version of this landmark film is being personally overseen by Lasseter with his acclaimed team of technical wizards handling all the necessary steps in the conversion process.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2009)
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: John Musker, Ron Clements
Producer: Peter Del Vecho
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, John Goodman

A musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans, "The Princess and the Frog" marks Disney's return to the timeless art form of traditional animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker, creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin," with Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman to tell the most beautiful love story ever told ... with frogs, voodoo, and a singing alligator.




TINKER BELL NORTH OF NEVER LAND - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2009)
DisneyToon Studios
Director: Klay Hall
Producer: Sean Lurie

In autumn, Tinker Bell is entrusted with crafting a great treasure that can rejuvenate the Pixie Dust Tree. But when her friend Terence offers to help, Tink's temper and stubbornness get the better of her, shattering both her creation and her friendship with Terence. To set things right again, she must embark on a journey far North of Never Land ... and along the way, she will discover an even greater treasure.


2010:

TOY STORY 2 in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: February 12th, 2010)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: John Lasseter
Co-Directors: Lee Unkrich, Ash Brannon
Producers: Helene Plotkin, Karen Robert Jackson
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger

Originally released in 1999, "Toy Story 2" went on to become one of the most popular animated features of all time. The film picks up as Andy is heading off to Cowboy Camp and the toys are left to their own devices. When an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (owner of Al's Toy Barn) kidnaps Woody, and Woody learns that he's a highly valued collectable from a 1950s TV show called "Woody's Roundup," the stage is set for a daring rescue attempt by the gang from Andy's room. The film introduced such other memorable characters from "Woody's Roundup" as Jessie the cowgirl, Bullseye the horse, and the Prospector.

TOY STORY 3 (Domestic Release Date: June 18th, 2010, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Lee Unkrich
Producer: Darla K. Anderson
Writer: Michael Arndt
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Ned Beatty

The creators of the beloved "Toy Story" films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in "Toy Story 3." Lee Unkrich (co-director of "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo") directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of "Little Miss Sunshine," brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings.



RAPUNZEL (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2010, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Glen Keane, Dean Wellins
Producer: Roy Conli

In this new telling of the classic fairy tale, "Rapunzel," audiences will be transported to a stunning CG fantasy world complete with the iconic tower, an evil witch, a gallant hero and, of course, the mysterious girl with the long golden tresses. Expect adventure, heart, humor, and hair ... lots of hair, when Rapunzel unleashes her locks in theaters for the 2010 holiday.






TINKER BELL A MIDSUMMER STORM - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2010)
DisneyToon Studios
Director: Carolyn Gair
Producer: Margot Pipkin

After being confronted by her antagonist Vidia, an irritated Tinker Bell retaliates by taking a photograph of Vidia ... without considering the consequences. Now, the two must set aside their differences and cooperate to prevent evidence of the existence of fairies from falling into human hands.


2011:

NEWT (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2011, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Gary Rydstrom
Producer: Richard Hollander
Writers: Gary Rydstrom, Leslie Caveny

What happens when the last remaining male and female blue-footed newts on the planet are forced together by science to save the species, and they can't stand each other? That's the problem facing Newt and Brooke, heroes of "newt," the Pixar film by seven-time Academy Award® winner for sound Gary Rydstrom, and director of Pixar's Oscar-nominated short, "Lifted." Newt and Brooke embark on a perilous, unpredictable adventure and discover that finding a mate never goes as planned, even when you only have one choice. Love, it turns out, is not a science.


THE BEAR AND THE BOW (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2011, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brenda Chapman
Producer: Katherine Sarafian
Voice Talent: Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson

A rugged and mythic Scotland is the setting for Pixar's action-adventure "The Bear and the Bow." The impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though a daughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark, ancient curse to set things right. Director Brenda Chapman ("The Prince of Egypt," "The Lion King") and the storytelling wizards of Pixar conjure humor, fantasy and excitement in this rich Highland tale.


TINKER BELL A WINTER STORY - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2011)
DisneyToon Studios
Producer: Sean Lurie

The fourth, as-yet-untold story of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will take place in winter, completing the cycle of the seasons.


2012:

CARS 2 (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2012, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brad Lewis

All the world's a racetrack as racing superstar Lightning McQueen zooms back into action, with his best friend Mater in tow, to take on the globe's fastest and finest in this thrilling high-octane new installment of the "Cars" saga. Mater and McQueen will need their passports as they find themselves in a new world of intrigue, thrills and fast-paced comedic escapades around the globe. "Cars 2" is being directed by Brad Lewis, producer of the Oscar®- winning film "Ratatouille."



KING OF THE ELVES (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2012, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
Producer: Chuck Williams

Legendary storyteller Phillip K. Dick's short story (his only experiment in the fantasy genre) becomes the basis for this fantastic and imaginative tale about an average man living in the Mississippi Delta, whose reluctant actions to help a desperate band of elves leads them to name him their new king. Joining the innocent and endangered elves as they attempt to escape from an evil and menacing troll, their unlikely new leader finds himself caught on a journey filled with unimaginable dangers and a chance to bring real meaning back to his own life.

WALL-E Full Length Trailer

Head over to Apple and check out the brand new full length WALL-E trailer! There are lots of new scenes towards the second half of the trailer!

Prince Caspian Behind-the-Scenes Clip

Check out the behind-the-scenes clip on Prince Caspian.

High School Musical Reality Series

Variety reports that ABC is developing a reality series based off of the highly popular "High School Musical" franchise. Looking for a summer debut, there will be a nationwide talent hunt for those Troy and Gabriella wannabes. Those chosen few will improve their skills at a music conservatory with eliminations each week. The winning prize has yet to be announced, but their will be guest appearances by "High School Musical" stars throughout the competition.

As expected Disney is milking every penny out of the High School Musical franchise while it's still popular. I'm sure they'll have a big hit on their hand, especially if they get the stars from the movies to appear on the show.

New Poster for WALL-E

After reading the reports from WonderCon, I'm becoming more and more obsessed with all things WALL-E. Take a look at the new poster!


I think the tagline at the the top, "From the humans who brought you Finding Nemo," is very creative. I also love the blue overtone of the poster with Eve flying in the background.

Oscars 2008

Congratulations to Ratatouille for winning Best Animated Feature! I especially enjoyed Brad Bird's acception speech, thanking his Jr. High guidance counselor and all "the dreamers supporting a rat who dreams."

Unfortunately, even with three nominations, Enchanted didn't pick up Best Original Song with "Happpy Working Song," "So Close," or "That's How You Know." I did enjoy the three performances throughout the night, though. I feel a little sorry for Amy Adams when she was singing "Happy Working Song." Performing that song, really only works in context with the film and she didn't have any kind of back up--It was just her alone on the huge stage. That really must take some courage to perform that type of song alone on a stage with billions of people watching. Atleast with "So Close" and "That's How You Know" there was a scene and background performers similar from the film. I really think that they could have thought of something for "Happy Working Song." Maybe have animated pigeons and rats along side her as she was singing, even.

Prince Caspian & WALL-E at WonderCon

Lots of reports out now from WonderCon. Aint it Cool News and Slashfilm have very detailed reports, so go check them out. (Warning: Possible Spoilers).

I'm going to list some of the more interesting details, so if you don't wish to be spoiled stop reading now.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian:
~ Pre-production has already started on Voyage of the Dawn Treader and Howard Berger the Creature Supervisor hopes to do all 7 books providing the Box Office stays strong.

5 minute clip was from Prince Caspian:
- Footage was a very rough cut with incomplete effects. A sword fight between Peter and King Miraz was shown.

WALL-E:
~ They aren't planning on a 3-D release, but Andrew Stanton says that it's a possibility.

~ John Ratzenberger will be in WALL-E as a character creatively named John.

~ The Pizza Planet Truck will be featured in the first 20 minutes of the film.

~ Andrew Stanton states that WALL-E is a love story at heart.

~ WALL-E like Luxo Jr. is a machine first, a character second. Emotions can be brought forth by just its design.

~ WALL-E's design was inspired from playing with a pair of binoculars.

4 Clips were also shown for WALL-E (Go check out the reports above for more details):
- A day in the life clip, with similar shots from the trailer.
- WALL-E showing Eve his pad. Shows her items such as a mounted bass, bubble wrap, light bulb, Rubix Cube, and "Hello Dolly" playing on the television. The "Hello Dolly" scene sounds really cute in particular.
- WALL-E stows away on a recovery ship.
- WALL-E trying to be sent back to Earth.

WonderCon 2008

Those in the San Francisco area may want to check out WonderCon this Saturday, February 21. Director Andrew Stanton will show new footage from the upcoming movie WALL-E. There will also be a special guest to participate in a Q&A as well as show new footage of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Go check out the website for more info: http://www.comic-con.org/wc/wc08_prog_sat.php

New WALL-E Image

Brand new image from WALL-E. He looks cuter everytime I see him!

"American Idol" Attraction at Disney Hollywood Studios

Laughing Place reports that an "American Idol" attraction will be coming to Disney Hollywood Studios later this year. Contestants will be chosen by a Disney Hollywood Studios producer, and then will perform in front of a panel of judges. Contestants with the highest votes will compete again at the end of the day in a grand finale show. Winners will receive an automatic reservation for a future "American Idol" audition.


To me, this attraction/show seems a few years too late. Being a watcher of "American Idol," I feel the show has been on a down hill run. The last two seasons winners have been less than spectacular (as well as their record sales). Despite coming a few years late, this new attraction will probably have a decent run for a few years if they do it right. However, if the attraction/show misses the mark it may just seem like an elaborated karaoke contest.

I really love that winners get a chance to audition with the real "American Idol," but I also think that winners should receive some sort of Disney related prize too.

WALL-E Superbowl Spot

Super adorable WALL-E Superbowl spot!



I love how they incorporated Woody and Buzz into the trailer. Very clever way of bringing in past characters to promote a brand new character in the Pixar world.

Annie Leibovitz Disney Dream Portrait Series

The latest installment of Annie Leibovitz photos featuring celebrities in Disney fairy tale scenes is out for the "Disney Dream Portrait Series," promoting Disney Parks' "Year of a Million Dreams." This set of photos features Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Gisele Bundchen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tina Fey, and Jessica Biel.

The below scene is entitled "Where a Whole New World Awaits," and features Whoopi Goldberg portraying the Genie from "Aladdin."



Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony portray Jasmine and Aladdin in part two of "Where a Whole New World Awaits."



In the following scene entitled "Where You Never Have to Grow Up," supermodel Gisele Bundchen portrays Wendy, dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov is Peter Pan, and Tina Fey is Tinkerbell.




Finally Jessica Biel portrays Pocahontas in the scene entitled "Where Dreams Run Free."



I absolutely love these "Year of a Million Dreams" promotional pictures for the Disney Parks. I hope there are many more in store for this year.

2008 Oscar Nominations

Nominees for 80th Annual Academy Awards have been announced.

Disney division Miramax received many nominations, but my focus will be on the main Walt Disney Pictures division.

Ratatouille received quite a few nominations including Best Animated Feature, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing.

Being one of the best reviewed movies of the year, many were hoping for a Best Picture nomination. I definitely wasn't expecting one, but it would have been quite exciting to have an animated movie be nominated again for Best Picture like Beauty and the Beast was in 1992.

Enchanted received three nominations for Best Original Song--"Happy Working Song," "So Close," and "That's How You Know."

No Lead Actress nomination for Amy Adams for Enchanted, which is disappointing. Taking three out of five spots in the Best Original Song category, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz have a pretty good chance and rightly deserve a win.

Finally, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End received two nominations for Best Visual Effects and Makeup.

High School Musical 3 Rallies into Theaters Oct 24

Right on the heels of the High School Musical covered 2007 Annual Report, Disney announces a tentative release date of Oct 24, 2008 for High School Musical 3. There's also a very vague plot summary:

High School Musical 3 will revolve around seniors Troy (Efron) and Gabriella (Hudgens) facing the prospect of being separated from one another as they head off in different directions to college. Joined by the rest of the Wildcats, they stage an elaborate spring musical reflecting their experiences, hopes and fears about their future.

I do wonder if this Oct 24 release date will actually stay in place given the current writer's strike.

Side Note: There's a great post defending the High School Musical franchise over at 2719 Hyperion which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The Walt Disney Company 2007 Annual Report

The Walt Disney Company 2007 Annual Report is here! At some point this week, I will actually read through it, but I decided to comb through it quickly to see if there was any fun tidbits or pictures. The most exciting item I found was this lovely new image from "The Princess and the Frog."

Disney Channel Ratings #1 in 2007

Variety reports that Disney Channel's ratings were #1 among all cable channels in 2007 averaging 2.694 million total viewers. Very close behind Disney is USA network with only 15,000 less. This isn't real surprising given the huge numbers "High School Musical 2"" saw in the summer. Although "Hannah Montana" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" have contributed to the ratings increase, I highly doubt Disney would have gotten that top spot without "High School Musical 2."

The Little Mermaid 3 Plot Summary

Here is the plot as stated on DisneyShopping.com, slated to be one of the last direct to dvd sequels (or in this case prequel) that Disney will do.

Every story has a beginning but only one begins under the sea ...Now, for the first time ever, discover the story you never knew in ''The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning,'' an all-new motion picture only on Disney DVD. Returning favorites Sebastian and Flounder join Ariel, her six sisters, and the deliciously wicked new villain Marina Del Rey in this all-new movie filled with spectacular animation in the tradition of the original, and overflowing with new songs from award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. Long ago, in a kingdom where music is outlawed, King Triton's youngest daughter, Ariel, discovers her love for music in a secret, underground music club. Torn with the choice of whether to hide her passion or share it with her father and risk losing everything, Ariel sets off on a daring adventure to restore music to Atlantica.

I've watched pretty many of the direct to dvd sequels that Disney has come out with, and some of them haven't been too bad, but the plot on this just makes me say, "Huh?" Outlawed music? Really? And no Ursula? The only good thing that could come out of this is if we find out a little more about Ariel's mother. She has always been someone whom I would love to discover more about.

Here's a short musical clip from The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning