Walt Disney

Disney’s Second Screen Technology Takes Special Features off the Blu-ray

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: October 23rd, 2011 at 7:17 am

When DVD first hit the scene it was, to steal a phrase from Disney’s Aladdin, “A whole new world.” The bonus features let cinephiles behind the scenes for the first time and laid bare the often-arduous mechanics behind crafting a feature film. But, as the medium matured, many of these features became stagnant. Now, with the advent of Blu-ray and the connectivity opportunities offered by iPads, film studios are once again finding new ways to expand upon the medium of bonus features.

Disney is out ahead of the pack, using big-ticket releases like Bambi and now Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides to introduce new ways to interact with the film and encourage consumers to buy, rather than rent. Read on to hear about the new, “Second Screen” technology.

First CARS 2 Trailer in LEGO

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: May 19th, 2011 at 10:58 am

YouTube user Patrick Boivin has recreated the first Cars 2 trailer in Lego.  While it should be noted that he was hired by Disney/Pixar and Lego to make this trailer, I think it’s really well done and worth watching.  Also, I love Lego, and who doesn’t want to see Lego versions of Mater and Lightning McQueen.  Hit the jump to watch.

Pulitzer Prize-Winner Michael Chabon May Pen Script for Jon Favreau’s MAGIC KINGDOM

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: March 18th, 2011 at 9:23 pm

Author Michael Chabon and director Jon Favreau have been in talks to team up for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s family adventure project in which iconic characters and attractions come to life.  Chabon, whose novels are all in various stages of film adaptation, could take over writing duties from Battlestar Galactica TV series writer, Ron Moore.  Moore’s original draft was axed as soon as Favreau came on board, fresh off the news that he wouldn’t be directing Iron Man 3.  Both Favreau and Chabon have experience working with Disney and should be a good team if the powers that be want to hand them the keys to the Magic Kingdom.  Hit the jump to see the other projects this duo has in the works.

CARS 2 Japanese Trailer Features New Footage

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: March 18th, 2011 at 7:17 pm

With Pixar’s Cars 2 getting released in three months, Disney has really started ramping up the marketing machine.  Over the past few weeks we’ve gotten a trailer, an extended trailer and retro posters, and a new TV spot and images.  Now the house that Walt built has released a new Japanese trailer that features a decent amount of new footage.  However, it’s all in Japanese.  Saying that, I think it has the most action and it’s definitely worth checking out.

Cars 2 gets released June 24 and it features the voices of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Tony Shalhoub, Emily Mortimer and more.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer On Set Interview PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES; Updates on LONE RANGER and More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 3rd, 2011 at 12:02 am

As the producer of over seventy movies and TV shows, you’ve all seen something made by mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer. But if you don’t recognize the name, maybe you’ve seen Pirates of the Caribbean, Bad Boys, Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, C.S.I., The Amazing Race, or Cold Case. To put it simply, Bruckheimer’s a big deal.

As you might imagine, someone who produces so many movies and TV shows is quite busy.  But a few months ago, on the London set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Bruckheimer took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a number of questions about how the production had been going.  He also addressed why they decided to shoot in 3D and the challenges of the format, how he’s been enjoying Twitter (follow him here), how new Pirates director Rob Marshall got the job, how they already have ideas for Pirates 5, how does he have the time to watch over everything, and he gave us updates on Lone Ranger and the National Treasure franchise.  Hit the jump to either read or listen to the interview:

Johnny Depp On Set Interview PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 3rd, 2011 at 12:01 am

Last October, I got to visit the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides while the production was filming at Pinewood Studios outside London.  Even though we were told that Johnny Depp would not have the time to do any interviews as he was in all the shots that day, before one of the set ups, he had a few minutes and he answered a some quick questions about how filming had been going and what it was like to work with Penelope Cruz and new Pirates director Rob Marshall.  For what he said, hit the jump:

Screenwriter Terry Rossio On Set Interview PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 3rd, 2011 at 12:01 am

A few months ago I got to visit the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides while the production was filming at Pinewood Studios outside London.  While there, I was able to participate in roundtable interviews with a lot of the cast, as well as screenwriter Terry Rossio.  As one of the creators of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, along with his writing partner Ted Elliott, Rossio has been writing Captain Jack Sparrow since the first film, so it was very cool to hear his thoughts on how the movies have been going and the challenges of making the 4th film great.

What I really liked about Rossio was how honest he was about the writing of a big Hollywood blockbuster.  While you’d like to think everyone involved would have the time to make everything perfect before filming begins, he explained that once the studio figures out a release date, it’s full speed ahead and things change all the time based on the stars and budget.   If you’re interested in writing movies, I think you’ll learn a lot about the process reading or listening to this interview.  Hit the jump to check it out:

Tom Hooper Wins at the Directors Guild Awards for THE KING’S SPEECH

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: January 30th, 2011 at 9:20 am

Uh-oh, The Social Network.  Heading into January, it seemed like the Academy Awards were yours to lose.  But things have been rocky since your (admittedly meaningless) Golden Globes domination.  The Producer’s Guild chose The King’s Speech, shortly before that movie racked up 12 Oscar nominations to your 8.  Now the Director’s Guild has followed suit and selected The King’s Speech‘s Tom Hooper in the Feature Film category for their 63rd annual awards.  Since 1948, the Academy and the DGA have only disagreed on Best Director six times.  I believe Oscar night now unofficially belongs to you, The King’s Speech.

Hit the jump for the full list of winners, including Martin Scorsese for directing the pilot of Boardwalk Empire.

FANTASIA/FANTASIA 2000 Blu-ray Review

by Andre Dellamorte    Posted: December 22nd, 2010 at 1:30 pm

Walt Disney’s Fantasia is many things. At first, it was a flop. Now – through Disney’s re-releases (and what appears to be a campaign selling the film to the drug addled in the 60’s) – it’s one of the top 25 highest grossing films of all time (adjusted). It’s a mainstream classic, but in structure it’s also an art-house, experimental film. It’s singular – an omnibus, made of short, unconnected films that never build on each other – the majority of films like that have rarely worked. And though it’s been on home video for twenty years now, and it’s been available on DVD, Blu-ray gives us yet another chance to familiarize ourselves with Walt Disney’s passion project and absorb its brilliance and flaws. My review of the Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 double feature Blu-ray follows after the jump.

Exclusive Video Interview with TANGLED Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard

by Bill Graham    Posted: November 21st, 2010 at 8:50 am

I’ve covered Tangled since Comic-Con in late July, and I have developed a certain rapport with co-directors Byron Howard and Nathan Greno. Besides making a great effort for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 50^th animated feature film, the duo are incredibly easy to talk to and time seems to fly by with them. This week I will be posting interviews with the cast and crew, and I decided that for my third interview with Nathan and Byron, I would go a bit lighter and just have fun. These guys have to be exhausted, but their hard work was worth the effort as evidenced by the end product. So hit the jump for my brief interview where I inquire about life after Tangled, what it was like to wrap on the film, Easter Eggs, special features on the home video release, and whether Nathan is itching to get at any of the Marvel properties.

4 Clips from Disney’s TANGLED Featuring Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore

by Bill Graham    Posted: November 15th, 2010 at 3:15 pm

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 50^th animated feature film is Tangled, and they really made this one special. This retelling of the Grimm fairy tale about Rapunzel and her magical hair may have some cautiously optimistic, but having seen the film I am just plain confident that audiences will enjoy it. Directed by Byron Howard and Nathan Greno, this tale features the voice work of Zachary Levi, Mandy Moore, Tony Award-winning actress Donna Murphy, and Brad Garrett. All four get in on the action–and singing–with a slew of brand new songs composed by the legendary Alan Menken. Did I mention the film has perhaps some of the best animation to date?  Hit the jump to check out four clips from Tangled, which hits theaters in 3D on November 24th.  Also, look for new interviews with the cast very soon.

First Images and Synopsis from New Animated WINNIE THE POOH Movie; Zooey Deschanel Performing Theme Song

by Bill Graham    Posted: November 10th, 2010 at 11:41 am

While some companies are turning to a live-action/CGI blend with their older properties, Walt Disney is sticking to what it knows best and will bring a brand new Winnie the Pooh film to screens for the first time in 35 years next summer.  At the helm are Stephen J. Anderson (Meet the Robinsons) and Don Hall (story for The Princess and the Frog), who are working off five short stories by A.A. Milne.  Joining the fray on voice cast for the first time are Craig Ferguson, Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) and Bud Luckey (director of the Pixar short Boundin’). Zooey Deschanel will be performing the Pooh theme song, while Tony Award-winning songwriter Bobby Lopez will be providing seven new songs.

With all that, this certainly is shaping up to be a winning effort from Disney. I personally can’t wait. This will be hand-drawn wholesomeness that only Pooh can inspire.  Hit the jump for the press release that includes the first synopsis and the two brand-new images.

Over 40 Images from Walt Disney’s TANGLED

by Bill Graham    Posted: November 8th, 2010 at 4:05 pm

We have all seen the marketing push that Disney is making for Tron: Legacy. Well, their 50^th animated feature film, Tangled, is not exactly sliding into its November 24 release date unnoticed. Now we have 24 brand new images from the upcoming fairy tale reimagining of Rapunzel, and they show off the stunning animation from the film. We’ve also posted all the previously released images.  So hit the jump to check out my favorite character, Pascal, and some images of the fantastic Mother Gothel, Maximus, and more.

Pixar Reveals First Logo for BRAVE

by Ramses Flores    Posted: September 22nd, 2010 at 5:48 pm

Pixar has released the first official logo for their upcoming film, Brave, on Facebook.  The film, which was formally titled The Bear and the Bow, will tell the story of “the impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though a daughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer.” Reese Witherspoon will be providing the voice for Miranda and the rest of the voice cast includes Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, and Julie Walters.  You can hit the jump to check out the logo and to find out what we know about the film so far.

Comic-Con: Video and Images from the New FLYNN’S ARCADE Including Inside the End of Line Club from TRON: LEGACY

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: July 23rd, 2010 at 9:44 am

Last year the best event outside the Convention Center at Comic-Con was Flynn’s Arcade.  That’s because Disney recreated the awesome location from the movie Tron in a building nearby. It was the talk of Comic-Con.  Here’s our original report.  This year, the studio has once again spent a small fortune bringing back Flynn’s Arcade.  But instead of the secret reveal inside being a light cycle from the upcoming movie, Disney built a set from Tron: Legacy called the End of Line Club.  It’s sick.  While I would love to go into detail of what it was like, I have a ton of interviews today so I’m going to leave you with a lot of pictures from inside Flynn’s Arcade and the Club as well as a lot of video!  You can actually watch in real time walking behind the Tron arcade game till you get inside the Club and all around the inside.  Hit the jump to check it out!

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