Check out the new “Book to Screen” featurette for Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan,” with Danny DeVito, director Thea Sharrock, Angelina Jolie, and author Katherine Applegate offering insights on bringing the book to life on the screen.
“The One and Only Ivan” is now streaming on Disney+!
About the Movie
An adaptation of the award-winning book about one very special gorilla, Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan” is an unforgettable tale about the beauty of friendship, the power of visualization and the significance of the place one calls home. Ivan is a 400-pound silverback gorilla who shares a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall with Stella the elephant, Bob the dog, and various other animals.
Ivan has few memories of the jungle where he was born, but when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, it touches something deep within him. Ivan begins to question his life, where he comes from and where he ultimately wants to be.
The heartwarming adventure, which comes to the screen in an impressive hybrid of live-action and CGI, is based on Katherine Applegate’s bestselling book, which won numerous awards upon its publication in 2013, including the Newbery Medal.
The movie stars Sam Rockwell as the voice of Ivan; Angelina Jolie as the voice of Stella; Danny DeVito as the voice of Bob the dog; Helen Mirren as the voice of Snickers the poodle; Brooklynn Prince as the voice of Ruby; Ramon Rodriguez as the mall employee George; Ariana Greenblatt as George’s daughter Julia; Chaka Khan as the voice of Henrietta the chicken; Mike White as the voice of Frankie the seal; Ron Funches as the voice of Murphy the rabbit; Phillipa Soo as the voice of Thelma the parrot; and Bryan Cranston as Mack, the circus attraction’s owner.
“The One and Only Ivan” is directed by Thea Sharrock from a screenplay by Mike White based on Applegate’s book and is produced by the late Allison Shearmur, Angelina Jolie and Brigham Taylor. Sue Baden-Powell and Thea Sharrock serve as executive producers.
The sports world has been watching the restart of NBA basketball at Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Parks have collaborated with the NBA to develop new collections of gear, apparel and accessories for fans to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime sports experience, available Aug. 24 at Walt Disney World Resort, and Aug. 31 on shopDisney.com
“We are excited to launch our latest apparel collaboration with Disney as we prepare to tip off the NBA Playoffs. The new collection commemorates the restart of our season and connects our fans to the magic of Disney,” said Sona Chakamian, NBA Vice President, Global Partnerships.
The new collections commemorate the 2020 NBA Playoffs at Walt Disney World Resort, and products place the NBA alongside classic Disney Parks iconography, and also include offerings that feature specific NBA teams. There’s everything from pins, basketballs, and phone cases to hats and shirts in adult and youth sizes.
“We are thrilled to share these new collections with fans who continue to tune in from home to watch the NBA action at Walt Disney World Resort,” said Jenifer DeSofi, SVP of global product creation, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we worked hard to ensure the product assortment reflects this moment in time.”
The collections are perfect for NBA and Disney fans alike and offer another way to celebrate from home as the race to the Finals continues.
The NBA returned to action at Walt Disney World Resort on July 30, with games being played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. Sixteen NBA teams remain, with the Playoffs tipping off on Aug. 17. Fans can tune in to watch games on ESPN, ABC and TNT.
The views from rooms at Marina del Rey Hotel are spectacular (photo by Greg Aragon)
It may be tough to travel these days, but it is not impossible. There are lots of fun places open for business and with a little research and planning, you can still have a great getaway away from home.
Such was the case when a friend and I recently escaped to Marina del Rey, one of my favorite Southern California beach locations. After surfing the web a little, I found a great hotel room and lined up some fun and tasty activities.
My getaway began when I checked into Marina del Rey Hotel, a waterfront retreat, located minutes from Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The hotel boasts 164 boutique accommodations, the award-winning SALT Restaurant & Bar, and a year-round heated infinity pool & spa – all with gorgeous views of Marina del Rey. The property also offers a fitness center, business center, and on-site bicycle rentals.
Rooms are comfortable and spacious (photo by Greg Aragon)
Our 350 sq-ft king suite featured a king bed with premium high-thread Egyptian cotton linens, a luxury bathroom with rainforest showerhead, free wireless Internet, and a balcony with table and chairs and incredible views overlooking the pool and the marina.
But the hotel’s best feature is its proximity to the spectacular marina. Built-in the early 1960s at the site of an old salt marsh, Marina del Rey is a modern wonder of construction. As one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors, it features eight basins and is home to approximately 6,500 boats.
Marina del Rey is one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors (photo by Greg Aragon)
In spite of its epic marina and quaint seaside location, Marina del Rey is still kind of a hidden gem. Located near the larger, more famous areas of Los Angeles such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the tiny city can be overlooked. But for savvy travelers from around the globe, the place is a waterfront paradise.
Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau says “Marina del Rey is an urban waterfront playground that offers tourists resort-like amenities, exceptional hotel accommodations, and dining experiences with breathtaking Marina views.”
A great way to see the marina is via the Marina del Rey WaterBus (www.marinawaterbus.com), which currently runs Thursdays thru Sundays. The colorful boat makes six stops each way on its trip. Stops are Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park, Marina Beach, Dolphin Marina, Esprit 1, and Del Rey Landing. Tickets are $1 each way and can be purchased from the dock attendants stationed at each WaterBus stop. Attendants can also assist with any questions on WaterBus service and provide additional information on a wide range of activities in Marina del Rey.
We took the Waterbus to Marina Beach, also called Mother’s Beach. Here we lounged on the sand and played in the water. We then rented a kayak from the Pro SUP Shop (www.prosupshop.com). Located in the parking lot in front of Mother’s Beach, the company specializes in stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking and offers daily rentals and lessons by professional ASI & WPA certified instructors.
Mother’s Beach is a great place for families to play in the water (photo by Greg Aragon)
During our hour tour of the harbor, we paddled past million-dollar yachts and old wooden sloops. I waved to small boats passing by and barking seals sunbathing on docks. Kayaking is not only a great way to see the harbor; it is also a good workout and very relaxing. For those looking to get into paddleboarding or kayaking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is probably one of the best places in the Los Angeles area to learn.
Kayaking is a great way to get an up-close look at the marina (photo by Greg Aragon)
For dinner, we took the WaterBus back near our hotel and then walked about 10 minutes to a small shopping center, where we found L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (www.hawaiianbarbecue.com). Here we enjoyed a delicious and casual Hawaiian-styled dinner. Our meal featured a seafood combo plate with fried shrimp, fish fillet, and Hawaiian chicken served with white rice and macaroni salad. My friend had Loco Moco plate with savory hamburger patties over rice and topped with brown gravy and two fried eggs. With our food, we had a couple of cold Corona beers.
The Marina del Rey Hotel is located at 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. For more information, visit: www.marinadelreyhotel.com or call 310.301-1000. For more information on visiting Marina del Rey, visit: www.visitmarinadelrey.com
Igloo Books US, a division of Bonnier Books UK, is excited to announce the launch of their new Storybook Advent Calendars for 2020. These include three different versions: Disney – featuring tales from Disney and Pixar including Dumbo’s Snowy Day and Toy Story, a dedicated version for Disney’s Frozen (which includes content from Frozen 2), and Marvel Super Heroes.
In 2019, Igloo Books sold 600,000 copies of the Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendar worldwide. People.com featured it as a top gift for Christmas 2019, it was a number one Amazon US bestseller, and it ranked number seven on USA Today‘s bestseller list.
Paul Gregory, CEO of Igloo Books, said: “Disney’s Advent Calendar has been our best-selling product for the last two years now. This large-format, high quality, gift collection, and the 24 individually wrapped books, featuring many of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel’s magical stories, is a perfect book-a-day December treat as children countdown towards the big day. Plus, the books can continue to be read and enjoyed for months and years afterward.”
The product comes as an over-sized paper-over-board wallet, which is tied together with a ribbon. Inside are twenty-four paperback books which include beloved Disney, Pixar, or Marvel characters.
As an additional surprise element, the books inside are individually wrapped in recyclable paper sleeves to be opened every day leading up to Christmas, December 24th being the last day. The Disney Advent Calendar includes festive stories from both Disney and Pixar, while Frozen and Marvel contain a collection of stories from each franchise.
The first trailer and teaser poster from Twentieth Century Studios’ daring mystery-thriller “Death on the Nile” is here! This tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy, which is directed by and stars five-time Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh and features an all-star cast of suspects, opens in U.S. theaters October 23, 2020.
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short.
Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers, and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement.
“Death on the Nile” reunites the filmmaking team behind 2017’s global hit “Murder on the Orient Express,” and stars five-time Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot. He is joined by an all-star cast of suspects, including Tom Bateman, four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright.
“Death on the Nile” is written by Michael Green, adapted from Christie’s novel, and is produced by Ridley Scott, Mark Gordon, Simon Kinberg, Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund, and Kevin J. Walsh, with Matthew Jenkins, James Prichard and Matthew Prichard serving as executive producers.
Multi-platinum and global award-winning superstar singer/songwriter Christina Aguilera performs the original song, “Loyal Brave True” in the music video directed by “Mulan” feature director Niki Caro (“The Zookeeper’s Wife,” “McFarland, USA”). As previously announced, in addition to “Loyal Brave True,” Aguilera alsoperformsa newly-recorded “Reflection(2020).”
Both songs will be featured in the film and on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, with the score composed and conducted by Harry Gregson-Williams, set for release on Sept. 4, 2020. Stream “Mulan” on Sept. 4 exclusively on Disney+ with Premier Access (Disney+ subscription and additional fee required).
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father.
Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.
“Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”
The producers are Chris Bender, p.g.a., Jake Weiner, p.g.a., and Jason Reed, p.g.a., with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington and Mario Iscovich serving as executive producers.
“Loyal Brave True” was written by Jamie Hartman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Rosi Golan and Billy Crabtree, and produced by Jamie Hartman.
“Reflection (2020)” is produced by Gregson-Williams. The original 1998 classic was written by David Zippel and Matthew Wilder.
Music from both songs is featured in Harry Gregson Williams’ underscore with Aguilera’s full-length versions appearing in the film’s custom main-on-end title design.
From The Jim Henson Company comes a brand new talk show hosted by alien commander Ned and his lieutenant Cornelius, who call off the invasion of Earth after they fall in love with human culture. Broadcasting from the bridge of their spaceship, hidden deep underground, Ned and Cornelius interview Earth’s greatest resource, celebrities.
With the help of the ship’s artificial intelligence, BETI, and the destructive CLODs (Cloned Living Organisms of Destruction), Ned must keep his show a secret from his home planet or suffer the wrath of his father, the Admiral of the Galactic Fleet.
On Friday, September 4,Disney+ will debut 10 episodes of its first original talk show “Earth to Ned.”. The fresh take on the late-night format stars larger-than-life extraterrestrial creatures Ned and Cornelius as they interview some of the biggest stars in our galaxy.
Each episode focuses on a topic or theme that is both equally unique to earthlings and fascinating to Ned, including comedy, sports, social media, and fashion. Ned beams in celebrity guests from across the known universe to put on the ultimate chat show, and the more he learns about our human culture, the more obsessed he becomes.
Celebrity guests this season include Joshua Bassett (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), Michael Ian Black (“Wet Hot American Summer”), Rachel Bloom (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Gina Carano (“The Mandalorian”), RuPaul (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Taye Diggs (“Rent”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Bindi and Robert Irwin (Crikey! It’s the Irwins”), Gillian Jacobs (“Love”), NeNe Leakes (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911!”), Joel McHale (“Community”), Andy Richter (“Conan”), Olivia Rodrigo (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Eli Roth (“Hostel”), Kristen Schaal (“Gravity Falls”), Paul Scheer (“The League”), Jenny Slate (“Zootopia”), Raven Symoné (“Raven’s Home”), Reggie Watts (“The Late Late Show with James Corden”), and Billy Dee Williams (“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”).
“Earth to Ned” is produced by The Jim Henson Company and Marwar Junction Productions. The series is executive produced by Brian Henson and Vince Raisa from The Jim Henson Company and Joseph Freed and Allison Berkley from Marwar Junction Productions.
Ned, Cornelius, their Artificial Intelligence BETI, and army of CLODs are brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the team behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic characters.
This holiday season, Disney+ invites LEGO and Star Wars fans to Chewbacca’s homeworld of Kashyyyk for a Wookiee-sized celebration of the galaxy’s most cheerful and magical holiday, Life Day, in the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, premiering exclusively on the service on Tuesday, November 17.
“The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” reunites Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, Rose and the droids for a joyous feast on Life Day, a holiday first introduced in the 1978 “Star Wars Holiday Special.” The new LEGO special is the first to debut on Disney+ and will continue the rich legacy of collaboration between Lucasfilm and LEGO playful adventures told in the endearingly irreverent way that only LEGO Star Wars co-branded content can.
Directly following the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” Rey leaves her friends to prepare for Life Day as she sets off on a new adventure with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force. At a mysterious Jedi Temple, she is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history, coming into contact with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan and other iconic heroes and villains from all nine Skywalker saga films. But will she make it back in time for the Life Day feast and learn the true meaning of holiday spirit?
The adventure continues at home with the release of the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar. Available September 1, the Advent Calendar was designed in concert with the development and production of the show and features holiday-themed characters from the special. DK will also release the LEGO Star Wars Holiday sticker book, which lets brick fans stick instead of click.
“The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” is a production of Atomic Cartoons, the LEGO Group, and Lucasfilm. It is directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who is also a co-executive producer. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jason Cosler, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, and Keith Malone are executive producers.
Wearing a cast face covering has become part of our new normal. It’s also an important piece of Disney’s multi-layered approach to health and safety, and one of the ways to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Disney is excited to share a peek behind the magic and an innovative way the cast members are helping their fellow cast stay comfy and protected with stylish and functional new face coverings, designed for cast, by cast.
Designed in partnership across the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World costuming teams – Disney Parks Live Entertainment, Worldwide Safety Services, and Global Applied Technology – these face coverings were developed remotely through a bi-coastal effort between cast members at both resorts.
“Over the past several months, we’ve spent significant time and brainpower to provide our cast members with face coverings that are both functional and comfortable, and I’m proud of the incredible results,” said Dr. Pamela Hymel, Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer. “They fit well, feel great, and can last for more than 50 washes.”
Drawing from their own experience, the project stemmed from a need for a more unified and breathable face covering. With the full support of their leaders at Disney, this group seized the opportunity to create the unique, reusable face covering, specifically made for cast members at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
“The unified design speaks to the fact that we are still one unified Cast, one Disney ‘world,’” shared Yonit Olshan, Costume Designer, Disneyland Resort Costuming. “As a creative team, we gained so much from each other’s experience and exposure to different types of problems and projects.”
Offered exclusively for cast members in two styles, pleated and contoured, and in multiple sizes, the design team sourced and tested a wide range of fabrics, styles, and features with a focus on comfort and function. Both styles feature adjustable spandex over the ears, extended nose pinch to the face, contoured shape under eyes, and lightweight, quick-drying material.
Drawing inspiration from classic Disney characters, films, and television shows, the pattern unifies what every dreamer and cast member have in common – joy, magic, and a little pixie dust. They sparkle with pixie dust and Mickey constellations, recalling that the second star to the right shines in the dreamy night and reminds us to keep wishing upon that evening star.
Together, as a Disney family, there are many important ways that we can all help promote each other’s safety. Disney wants to thank the guests and cast members for all they do to care for one another and doing their part.
Summertime is a fun time to enjoy the sunshine in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, where you and your family can dive into cool, tasty treats and the season’s hottest must-have merchandise.
This one-of-a-kind Disney experience recently began a phased reopening with a mix of family-friendly restaurants offering outdoor seating, favorite snacking stops, and shopping boutiques. First stop, be sure to visit the flagship World of Disney store for the largest selection of Disney toys, souvenirs, accessories, collectibles, and more.
Since the initial reopening of the Downtown Disney District, more locations are now on tap to welcome you, including Ballast Point Brewing Company, Tortilla Jo’s, and most recently Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.
So shop it, taste it, wear it, love it! Here are 10 cool ways to make the summer sizzle:
1. Warm Waffle Sundae at Ballast Point Brewing Company
Overlooking the Downtown Disney District, enjoy the upper deck patio and delve into this pearl sugar waffle made with vanilla bean ice cream, crumbled chocolate wafers, Victory At Sea chocolate sauce, candied walnuts and fresh berries. Try pairing with Ballast Point’s Victory at Sea Imperial Porter!
2. Frosty, Frozen Lemonade at Wetzel’s Pretzels
Nothing says summer like a fresh, frosty, frozen lemonade! Yet, any time of year your clients can sip on this delightful refreshment, with the choice of the original flavor or strawberry lemonade.
3. Churro Ice Cream Sandwich at California Churro
Through the month of August, don’t miss a chance to try this vanilla bean ice cream sandwich covered with two freshly-rolled, colored crispy cereal churro buns!
4. Strawberry Shortcake CrazyShake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
This strawberry shake has a vanilla-frosted rim topped with a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, pink & white twisty pop, whipped cream, strawberry drizzle, crumbled cake, and a cherry. All shakes can be made with a vegan dairy-free ice cream base and lactose-free whipped cream.
5. Beignets at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Hurray for beignets, as Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and Express locations just reopened! Indulge in this classic taste of New Orleans with these delicious French donuts which are made fresh throughout the day, deep-fried and topped with powdered sugar. They are available in the restaurant and to-go from the Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express window.
6. Cool Shades at Sunglass Icon
Stay cool and look cool in these classic Ray-Bans with a touch of Mickey Mouse! These functional and stylish sunglasses, named Justin Mickey A20, feature Mickey Mouse character art and limited-edition engraving on the temples, officially making the Justin Mickey the latest addition to the Ray-Ban x Disney collection.
7. Sunny and Seaside Pandora Charms
Summery and precious, add these charms to your collection: the Pandora Passions Pave Ice Cream Cone Sapphire and CZ Charm, the Pandora Tropical Starfish CZ Charm, and the Pandora Me My Summer Sun Crystal Charm.
8. Summer Sandals and Beach Towels at California Sole
California Sole is the place to give your feet a treat! Slip into a comfy pair of OluKai, Reef, Sanuk, Vans or Havaianas, and add a Pura Vida bracelet for that breezy, beachy, California look. Get the Nomadix go-anywhere towel and take it with you to the beach, yoga or camping. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, sand-resistant, and is made from recycled plastic bottles.
9. Beachwear at Curl Surf
Curl Surf has you covered for summertime fun. Stop by to check the newest selection of Roxy, Quiksilver, Levi’s, and Billabong, along with graphic tees, swimwear, shorts, and sandals. (Adding water is optional!)
10. Refresh at Rinse Bath & Body Co.
Stop by Rinse’s kiosk in the Downtown Disney District, where your clients can pick up natural products scented with essential oils, including the Lavender Refreshing Spray to spritz your skin and the Peppofoot Stick!
Be sure you familiarize yourself with the health and safety measures before visiting. Visit the official Disney Site to learn important details, including that all guests, ages 2 and older, must wear a face covering. More updated info here: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/
During the month of August, Downtown Disney District hours are extended to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Tom and Jerry are transported into the magical world of “The Nutcracker” in Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale Special Edition, the heartwarming animated holiday film, which will be released in a new special edition Blu-ray and DVD on October 27, 2020, by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Bugs Bunny 80th Anniversary Collection” Coming Soon!. Join Tom and Jerry as they find themselves in a dazzling winter wonderland that has been brought to life through holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music. It’s a hilarious, action-packed adventure the whole family can enjoy together.Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale Special Edition will retail for $19.98 SRP ($24.98 in Canada) for the Blu-ray™ which includes a Digital Code (US and Canada) and $14.97 SRP ($18.94 Canada) DVD.
Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale Special Edition will also be available to own on Digital for $14.99 SRP (US and Canada) on October 27, 2020.
Produced by Spike Brandt (Duck Dodgers) and Tony Cervone (Space Jam), Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale Special Edition tells the story of Jerry Mouse, who is a devoted fan of “The Nutcracker” and is magically transported into his own version of the classical ballet one Christmas Eve. The film is inspired by classic Tom and Jerry cartoon shorts that were originally created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It is a heartwarming, and hilarious take on the world-famous holiday ballet about a little girl who goes to the Land of Sweets on Christmas Eve with her favorite gift, a toy nutcracker, which ultimately transforms into a handsome prince.
After watching the season’s final performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet on Christmas Eve, Jerry dreams of dancing with the beautiful prima ballerina, who captivates him with her graceful performance. After the theater patrons leave, Jerry climbs onto the stage and begins to dance on his own, as Tuffy Mouse cheers him on. Through the magic of Christmas Eve, Jerry is suddenly transformed into one of the dancers. Costumed to look like regal prince, he takes center stage, which turns into a winter wonderland, as all the toy props around him come to life, and music from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” begins to play. A petite music box ballerina springs to life and joins Jerry as the two of them dance their way into the Nutcracker’s magical realm. It seems as though Jerry’s “The Nutcracker” fantasy has finally become a reality. That’s until Tom and his band of alley cats enter through the theater’s stage door, capture all the toys and lock the beautiful ballerina in a cage.
“For many, The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition and this entertaining film captures the essence of that classic story with its own unique adaptation,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation and Family Marketing. She added, “Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale Special Edition is a timeless story and it is the perfect holiday movie that kids and adults can watch together. Now fans can enjoy this fun film in gorgeous high definition. This release is a must-have holiday title for your home entertainment collection.”
Bonus Episodes:
Tom and Jerry The Night Before Christmas
Tom and Jerry: Santa’s Little Helpers
Digital
Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale Special Edition will be available to own on Digital on October 27, 2020. Digital allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital is available from various retailers including Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, PlayStation, Xbox and others.
On Friday, September 25, Disney+ debuts its next original series from National Geographic, “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” giving viewers an all-access pass to explore the magic of nature within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT. Narrated by the award-winning fan-favorite Josh Gad (“Frozen,” “Frozen II”), the eight-episode docu-series is the ultimate tribute to the parks’ magnificent array of more than 300 species and 5,000-plus animals and the herculean tasks their animal care experts undertake to keep things running day and night.
Since Walt Disney first introduced the world to Mickey Mouse in 1928, animals have been at the heart of Disney storytelling. We’ve ventured deep into the forests with Bambi; swung through the jungles of Africa with Terk and Tantour; stood atop Pride Rock with Simba; and swam under the sea with Sebastian. Now, through “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” Disney+ viewers peek behind the curtain of the most-visited theme parks in the world to explore Earth’s iconic animal kingdoms with Disney’s dedicated and highly skilled animal care experts and veterinary teams as guides.
The docu-series introduces viewers to enchanting animals that have their own unique personalities and family dynamics, inviting fans of Disney, nature and animals to spend time with all the parks’ residents in brand-new ways, including the following:
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail — Hang out with the newest member of the gorilla troop, baby Grace, named after the GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and help her dad and troop leader, Gino, celebrate his 39th birthday.
Harambe Wildlife Reserve — Meet animal keeper Rory and come face to knee with his best friend, supermom Masai giraffe Kenya; play fetch with black rhino Badru and his keeper, Katie.
Kilimanjaro Safaris — Swing past a day spa as keeper Nicole gives two hyenas a bath in the hopes that they’ll be as endearing to guests as they are to her; watch Dakari, the alpha male African lion, reign over his land; and meet Kinsey, the alpha lioness, who’s the real ruler of the pride.
Discovery Island — Stop by the love nest of Carri and Bones, an endangered vulture couple, as animal keeper Tricia sets the mood for mating and steps up as eggsitter.
Tiger Temple — Witness animal care experts employing extra creativity to keep critically endangered Sumatran tigers Anala and Sohni entertained.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT — Plunge in with some of the 3,000 ocean animals that call it home, including an injured wild sea turtle, Harry; rescued manatees Lil’ Joe and Lou; Darby, a pregnant spotted eagle ray; and aquarist Amanda, who is also expecting.
“‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ captures the spirit of these two world-famous parks and its animals and ushers that feeling directly into viewers’ living rooms,” says narrator Josh Gad. “Each episode, we get to know these animals intimately and are immersed in the magic of Disney, and it’s been a joy-giving voice to this ultimate adventure.”
“Whether you have visited our parks hundreds of times, or you are being introduced for the first time through “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” viewers will get an unparalleled, all-new experience as they meet some of the most intriguing animals in our care,” says Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks. “I’m extremely proud of the work our team does to accomplish and deliver on Disney’s commitment to best-in-class animal care and conservation as we aim to live in harmony with nature and protect the wondrous wildlife on our planet.”
Filmed across five months, the series incorporates cutting-edge technology, including custom-built GoPro enclosures, 18-foot cranes and underwater camera systems, to highlight the magic found in every crevice of the kingdom. “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” dives into the details of each park, unveiling the multifaceted aspects of animal care, operations and Imagineering. Viewers get up close to veterinarians working in one of the world’s most advanced animal health facilities as they solve a menagerie of medical mysteries and revolutionize the care they give to their animals.
Groundbreaking conservation remains a critical component of The Walt Disney Company’s mission, and “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” also highlights the parks’ commitment to protecting the magic of nature. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $100 million to support nonprofit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. In addition, Disney Conservation Team Wildlife works hand-in-hand with the animal care teams to deliver best-in-class scientific programs to conserve wildlife in Disney’s backyard and beyond and inspire people from around the world to care for the planet through everyday actions.
