The La Brea Tar Pits is the only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site found in an urban location in the world (photo by Greg Aragon)
Los Angeles has many fascinating sights, but nothing can match the history of mystery of the La Brea Tar Pits. This area of bubbling asphalt along Wilshire Blvd has intrigued scientists and visitors since it was discovered more than 100 years ago. As of today it is the only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site found in an urban location in the world.
I recently took an expedition to the La Brea Tar Pits to examine the fossil remains and to also see the new Second Home Serpentine Pavilion, a colorful temporary structure that is both a giant piece of art and a functioning public space.
My tour of the tar pits began in the main gallery, where I encountered large ground sloths, massive mammoths, and menacing saber-toothed cats. I also got a chance to look inside a real working lab to watch scientists prepare specimens found on site.
The biggest and most impressive display in the gallery is the Columbian mammoth. Standing nearly 14 ft-tall and weighing some 17,000 pounds this giant proboscidean mammal roamed what is now Los Angeles between 11,500 and 1.6 million years ago. The Columbian mammoth is recreated at La Brea Tar Pits with actual skeletal remains and also with a giant, life-sized model.
The giant Ice Age bear and the saber tooth cat were unearthed at the tar pits (photo by Greg Aragon)
Another ancient animal found onsite is the giant ice age bear, which lived 12,000 to 1.5 million years ago. With the help of a giant replica, the museum brings this massive creature to life, giving visitors a scary glimpse of the largest carnivore during the last ice age.
The discovered bones of other extinct animals on display include the American Lion, which resembled today’s lions; the extinct camel, which lived about 45 million years ago; the California saber-tooth cat, with its huge fang-like teeth; the Dire Wolf; and the American mastodon.
So visitors can get an idea of how the bones are cleaned and prepared, there is a working lab in the middle of the museum that is surrounded by windows so guests can watch paleontologists at work.
While touring the museum I learned a lot of history about the tar pits. Over the last 50,000 years, Ice Age animals, plants, and insects were trapped and preserved in sticky tar, which is actually asphalt. More than 100 excavations have been made at the Tar Pits since the early 1900s, and most of the fossils discovered here are housed onsite. The discoveries range in size from huge, extinct mammoths and sloths to “microfossils,” or tiny remains of plants and animals that give us clues about how ancient ecosystems and climates changed. Since opening, the museum has excavated over 3.5 million fossils from the Tar Pits, and they are still digging.
Besides all the incredible bones on display, the museum is also showing a movie called Titans of the Ice Age, which is an additional $5 on top of admission. In this mesmerizing 3D adventure, narrated by Christopher Plummer, viewers will discover an icy world on the brink of extinction, where humans share the frozen tundra with majestic beasts. The movie is a great way to see how these magnificent creatures lived 10,000 – 50,000 years before humans, and how they became trapped in tar, preserved in time, and are being unearthed today at the Tar Pits.
Outside the museum are actual bubbling tar pits, including the large Lake Pit that welcomes visitors near the front entrance. Leftover from asphalt mining work in the 1800s, the pit is highlighted by mammoth trapped in tar.
The Serpentine Pavilion allows the public to experience architecture “through shape, light, transparency, color, and materials” (photo by Greg Aragon)
Across the lawn from this pit is the new Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Spanish architect selgascano. Organized by Second Home, a London-based workspace business, the 866-sq-ft chrysalis-like structure is covered in a translucent, multi-colored fabric membrane, allowing the public to experience architecture “through shape, light, transparency, color, and materials.”
The pavilion offers the public a flexible, multi-purpose social space in which to enjoy public programs and events focusing on the intersection of art, design, science, and nature. The Second Home Serpentine Pavilion will be at La Brea Tar Pits from June 28 to November 24, 2019.
The La Brea Tar Pits is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036. Adult admission is $15 and parking is $15. For more information, call 213.763.3499 or visit www. tarpits.org
Summer is here in sunny, beautiful California! There’s no better way to spend your summer vacation than by visiting Disneyland Park! Here are 10 ways to maximize the fun on your Disney trip this season.
1. Visit a galaxy not so far away and head on over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Explore all the planet of Batuu has to offer. Immerse yourself in one of a kind experiences. Guests can build their own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop or build their own droid at the droid depot. Then, hop aboard the Millennium Falcon and our your pilot skills to the test on Smugglers Run. After you’ve proven yourself to Hondo Ohnaka, head over to Oga’s Cantina for unique libations and an exciting atmosphere!
2. If you can’t get enough of Star Wars, head over to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland where you can experience the return of Hyperspace Mountain.
3. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Haunted Mansion attraction in New Orleans Square. Guests can choose to take part in an after-hours celebration, The Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years of Retirement Unliving.
4. Celebrate with a splashdown at Splash Mountain at Disneyland! This attraction is celebrating its 30 year anniversary.
5. Another anniversary worth celebrating is the 64th Anniversary of Disneyland Park! On July 17th, visit Disneyland to watch “The Happiest March on Earth”.
6. Speaking of marching, there is still time to enjoy Mickey’s Soundsational Parade but its run ends on July 17th. Starting July 18th through August 1st, catch “Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade”.
7. Disneyland Park will light up the night with the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade. This nighttime spectacular will from August 2nd through September 30th.
8. For the more adventurous types, hop on board the wildest ride in the wilderness! Enjoy the thrills of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, located in Frontierland.
9. As night falls, watch the newly refurbished Sleeping Beauty Castle light up as you await the nightly fireworks.
10. The night sky comes to life with the return of the Disneyland Forever firework spectacular! There’s no better way to end your summer nights!
Revel in all the excitement and magic the Disneyland Park has to offer this summer!
It’s official Universal Studios Hollywood’s mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” is now open and It Just Got Real.
Inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s JURASSIC WORLD blockbuster films, this spectacular new thrill ride features the film’s stars, Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong, who reprise their roles as Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Dr. Henry Wu, and soars to new heights with the addition of iconic dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus.
“Jurassic World—The Ride” captures the essence of the blockbuster movies and comes to life in collaboration with the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall.
The elaborately themed all-new “Raptor Encounter” where Blue, the beloved Velociraptor from the JURASSIC WORLD movies, engages with guests in daring face-to-face encounters, along with the addition of two new dinosaurs, a Baby Raptor with her Raptor Handler and a life-size Triceratops who greet guests outside the “Jurassic World—The Ride” entrance, further enhance the entire experience. Plus, a new interactive “Dino Play” area is designed to inspire children of all ages to explore and excavate giant dinosaur fossils.
Costa Rican-inspired cuisine and flavorful Tiki cocktails served at Jurassic Café and all-new tropical Isla Nu-bar add to the dynamic guest experience while an array of souvenir collectible, limited edition and one-of-a-kind dimensional dinosaur sculptures from the Jurassic Outfitters store invite guests to savor a piece of this exciting thrill ride even after they have gone home.
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
Nintendo introduced the all-new Nintendo Switch Lite, a device designed specifically to play Nintendo Switch games in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch Lite system launches Sept. 20 at a suggested retail price of $199.99 and will be available in three different colors: yellow, gray and turquoise. A carrying case and screen protector set for Nintendo Switch Lite will also be available.
“Adding Nintendo Switch Lite to the lineup gives gamers more color and price point options,” said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. “Now consumers can choose the system that best suits how they like to play their favorite Nintendo Switch games.”
The flagship Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 and offers three different play modes: playing in TV mode by placing the system into a Nintendo Switch dock, playing cooperatively or competitively in tabletop mode by sharing Joy-Con controllers and playing in handheld mode. The system comes with either Gray Joy-Con controllers or Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers.
Nintendo Switch Lite has integrated controls and is smaller than the flagship version of Nintendo Switch. It has no kickstand and, as a dedicated handheld gaming device, does not support video output to a TV. Therefore, it does not come with a dock or HDMI cable. For a full list of the differences between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/compare.
The new device can play all games in the robust Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode, although some games will have restrictions. Compatible game modes will be listed on the back of game packaging and in Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo’s newest mobile game is now available for iOS and Android devices. In this free-to-start puzzle and virus-matching puzzle game, meddlesome viruses have the in-game world in a panic, and Dr. Mario and friends must eliminate them by matching capsules with viruses of the same color.
“The Dr. Mario franchise first appeared in 1990, and this new installment brings the series’ colorful cast of viruses and Mushroom Kingdom doctor characters to an expanded audience on mobile devices,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “With Dr. Mario World, there will always be a doctor in the house, on the bus, in the car and anywhere your mobile devices go.”
In the Dr. Mario World game, players must plan their approach carefully, as each puzzling combination of viruses in each stage must be cleared using a limited number of capsules. Luckily, Dr. Mario isn’t the only one on call to take on the viruses. A full office of doctors, including Dr. Peach, Dr. Bowser, Dr. Toad, and many others, will be available to help players overcome the pesky viruses through various virus-busting skills. Other classic characters from the Super Mario universe like Goomba, Koopa Troopa, and Shy Guy will also appear as assistants, providing doctors with valuable passive skills and effects. Players can even select up to two assistants at once! More than 200 stages across various worlds will be available at launch, with new doctors, assistants, stages, and worlds continuing to be added to Dr. Mario World after launch.
Dr. Mario World can also be played together with friends and family around the world. In Versus Mode, players can turn up the intensity by challenging their friends or any other players online to a one-on-one showdown in real-time. By linking Dr. Mario World to Facebook or their Nintendo Account, players can not only see the Stage Mode progress of their friends but also earn and receive stamina-giving hearts to use to play Stage Mode. Linking to a Facebook or Nintendo Account is not required to challenge other players in Versus Mode. To view multiplayer gameplay in action, check out the video below.
The new Craftsman Bar and Grill has finally made it’s way to the Disneyland Resort! Inside the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, this lounge is serving up some mouthwatering eats and intriguing drinks.
What makes Craftsman really unique, is the architecture. It fits right in with the rest of the hotel and there are nods to the California Arts & Craft movement wherever you look. The stonework contrasted with the sleek wooden tables give a rustic, yet comfortable feel. The bar and lounge seating allow you to sit poolside and enjoy your meal. If you know where to look, iron symbols of California can be found in the lounge area. See if you can spot the California quail, butterfly, and honeybee.
When it comes to unique eats and signature cocktails, Craftsman Bar and Grill has got you covered. Sticking with the California theme, they serve some juicy Cali Sliders. These sliders come with tomato, spicy Swiss cheese, and an artichoke aoili. Yum! To wash it all down, try Craftsman’s Pineapple Ginger Margarita!
If you’ve got a sweet tooth like I do, then you’re going to want dessert. Guests can choose a refreshing Root Beer Float to sip on by the pool or get their hands on the Salted-Chocolate Chip Cookie Fingers!
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Craftsman Bar and Grill! Lounge poolside and enjoy all that this new hot spot has to offer!
For more information about Craftsman Bar and Grill, visit Disney Parks Blog
The mission briefing has arrived and the details surrounding the epic reveal of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance have been unveiled. The Disney Parks Blog has just dropped the news that the second attraction coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at the Disneyland Resort early next year. No Bothan Spies were harmed in gathering these transmissions.
Rise of the Resistance will make its debut at the Walt Disney World Resort on December 5th, 2019. Meanwhile, fans on the West Coast will get their chance to experience the immersive and highly interactive adventure on January 17th. When the ride opens, guests will be recruited by Rey and General Organa at a secret base, ultimately to be captured by the prying eyes of The First Order. With the help of some heroes of the Resistance, guests will break out and put their skills to the ultimate test in a daring escape, all the while staying ahead of Kylo Ren in his attempts to uncover the secrets of the Resistance.
A special first look at the stunning artwork for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance!
It’s all part of the ever growing expansion of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, now open at the Disneyland Resort. You can catch up on all things Batuu by checking out our full Galaxy’s Edge coverage. More details to come. Make sure to stay tuned!
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort brings guests of all ages under its spell, with spooktacular experiences themed especially for the season from Sept. 6 through Oct. 31, 2019.
Halloween magic will enchant guests at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as favorite experiences are transformed into dreadful delights. With seasonal attraction overlays, Halloween-themed décor and food and beverage offerings, plus encounters with dastardly Disney villains, happy haunts seem to materialize around every corner.
New this year is the after-hours, separate-ticket event, Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, at Disney California Adventure. This unforgettable night of Halloween fun is packed with exclusive new entertainment, from the highly anticipated“World of Color” spectacular – “Villainous!,” to a stage show with Mickey Mouse, a mysterious Disney villains walk-through experience and more.
Additionally, both parks feature seasonal experiences inspired by the spirit of Día de Los Muertos, with Plaza de la Familia and A Musical Celebration of Coco at Disney California Adventure, and a colorful Day of the Dead tribute in Frontierland at Disneyland.
Disney California Adventure Park
Oogie Boogie, from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” gives his twisted tale of a forever Halloween at Disney California Adventure, as his oversized silhouette beckons guests through the main entrance of the park. Guests will experience new Halloween magic this year on the facade of Carthay Circle as bats swarm, energy pulses from within and projections transform the iconic tower structure with spellbinding moments. Guests will also encounter a 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman holding his jack-o-lantern head to the sky on Buena Vista Street.
The citizens of Cars Land celebrate Halloween by turning Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams. The entire land is transformed with a special Haul-O-Ween makeover as the townsfolk of Radiator Springs don Halloween costumes and decorate their respective homes for the season.
Guests will encounter Lightning McQueen, Mater, Cruz and Red in “car-stume” as they get ready to go “trunk-or-treating.” Popular Cars Land attractions transform as well: Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree takes on a spooky tone as Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters gets a seasonal twist to become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, bringing Halloween adventure to this popular attraction. As the sun sets, the attraction’s exterior goes dark and then suddenly powers back up with lighting effects, a signal that something has gone awry. The Guardians have successfully escaped The Collector’s Fortress, but have accidentally left Groot behind. Guests help Rocket distract the creatures on the loose so he can rescue Groot in this exciting seasonal overlay.
Credit: Disney
Plaza de la Familia also returns to Paradise Gardens Park, for a celebration inspired by the spirit of Día de Los Muertos. This immersive and festive experience celebrates Disney and Pixar’s beloved film, “Coco,” and the everlasting bonds of family with exciting live entertainment, craft making, delicious food, interactive experiences, and special merchandise.
Several times daily, A Musical Celebration of Coco brings together the traveling Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia. Singing host Mateo is joined by the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas, authentic folklórico dancers, and townspeople from Coco’s Land of the Dead in this festive performance. The troupe is joined by the adventurous Miguel, who is brought to life in a whimsical style inspired by Mexican folk art. The group entertains guests with beloved songs from the film, transporting everyone into the story of young Miguel’s fantastical journey.
Disneyland Park
The Halloween fun continues at Disneyland, where guests will enjoy beautiful décor on Main Street, U.S.A., including a giant Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern and a Pumpkin Festival.
Haunted Mansion, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer, transforms into its annual holiday theme – Haunted Mansion Holiday – inspired by the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The seasonal attraction celebrates the collision between Halloween and Christmas as Jack Skellington offers his unique take on the holidays.
Credit: Disney
And for the first time in nearly a decade, all guests visiting Disneyland during the Halloween season will get to enjoy a version of the supernatural projection and special effects show – “Halloween Screams.” This nighttime spectacular, a fan favorite most recently shown at after-hours Halloween parties at Disneyland, adds to the spooky fun on most nights of the season, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington. On select nights, “Halloween Screams” will go sky high when the show is enhanced with the addition of fireworks.
Additionally, to commemorate the celebration of Day of the Dead, guests will encounter the colorful Día de Los Muertos tribute in Frontierland, an exhibit that features a musical trio of iconic skeleton figurines, brightly colored flowers, and other decorative items.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party
The new Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party adds to the spooky fun of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Oogie Boogie Bash, which takes the place of Mickey’s Halloween Party, begins Sept. 17 for 20 select nights at Disney California Adventure. At Oogie Boogie Bash, Oogie Boogie casts his spell, and he summons the Disney villains to scare up some thrilling surprises. All of Disney California Adventure takes on Halloween flair for the party, from special music and décor to character encounters, treat trails and new live entertainment experiences.
Highlights of this new separate-ticket event include:
“Villainous!” – The new “World of Color” show, exclusive to Oogie Boogie Bash, weaves a Halloween tale about a young girl named Shelley Marie, an all-new character created for this show. She has a decision to make about her Halloween costume and finds herself wondering if she could really be as strong and unique as some of her favorite Disney characters. This twisted tale carries Shelley Marie on an unforgettable journey, exploring the villainous side of Disney characters through fountains, lights, lasers, projections and special effects. “Villainous!” shows guests that, deep down, there’s a little villain in all of us.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – The popular trail transforms into a wondrous and ethereal world of Disney villains unlike anything seen before. This new experience unfolds in a series of scenes, each creating a hauntingly beautiful dream-space of color, sound, light, and shadow, as stories emerge from the darkest night to create an enchanting world.
Immersive treat trails – Throughout Disney California Adventure, guests may enjoy trick-or-treating under the watchful eyes of iconic characters such as the Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” or even Oogie Boogie himself.
More after-hours festivities – Guests will also enjoy character encounters; the “Frightfully Fun Parade”; Mickey’s Trick and Treat show, and more.
As an added value, entry to Disney California Adventure before the party is included with an Oogie Boogie Bash ticket. The party begins at 6 p.m. PT and guests have the opportunity to play in Disney California Adventure for three hours before the party starts on Tuesday and Thursday nights (excluding Oct. 29 and Oct. 31) or four hours on Sunday nights, plus Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.
For additional details and to purchase tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, guests may visit Disneyland.com/HalloweenParty.
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and the Downtown Disney District
Spooky fun and full of delight, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and the Downtown Disney District will also be in the spirit with terrifyingly tasty treats, themed displays and ghostly entertainment, all sure-fire ways to extend the Halloween Time experience, before, during or after a great day at the parks. At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, guests may be spellbound by the large confectionary sculpture of Oogie Boogie in the lobby and can enjoy sweets from the Halloween holiday cart. The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will also have themed décor and hotel guests will have a howling good time with complimentary trick-or-treat festivities across all three hotels. For eerie musical entertainment, a capella performers stroll throughout the hotels and Downtown Disney District harmonizing tunes such as “I Put a Spell on You” and “Grim Grinning Ghosts.”
For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, visit Disneyland.com/Halloween.
Lucasfilm is preparing to bring the world of Star Wars to fans in a new way this summer at the D23 Expo, revealing the details on an exclusive pavilion that will showcase one of the most menacing forces of villainy in the galaxy: The Stormtrooper.
The exhibit will showcase the evolution of the stormtrooper, featuring several screen used costumes that span the course of the Star Wars saga. The exhibit will be available on all three days of the event, bringing fans up close and personal with the unique styles and power of each costume. The display will also feature the Sith Trooper, which was just announced by Lucasfilm to be featured in the upcoming conclusion to the Skywalker Saga, The Rise of Skywalker.
Younger fans will also get the chance to take part in a special interactive series of activities featuring Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures. The short form animated video series will take young padawans on their first steps in the larger world of Star Wars.
Star Wars will definitely be a force to be reckoned with, especially during the Disney+ panel on Friday, August 23rd. The panel, which will take place in Hall D23 at 3:30PM, is slated to feature an exclusive sneak peek of Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian series. Joined by special guests, Favreau will take the stage in once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.
Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.
Stay tuned for all the exciting details coming your way at this year’s D23 Expo!
It is time! The sun has risen on the future of Disney’s live action film slate, welcoming the monarch of all tales, The Lion King, to ascend to the throne with thunderous applause. Brought to life by Jungle Book and Iron Man alum, Jon Favreau, The Lion King is cinematic eye candy at its best, bringing top notch special effects front and center in a breathtaking package of stunning imagery that pushes the boundaries of anyone’s wildest expectations.
Just like The Jungle Book, The Lion King delivers on high expectations, diving into the whirlpool of next generation visual magic that is a mix of digital sorcery and real world dynamics. Even from the film’s trailer, you can get a strong sense that the final product is absolutely breathtaking. Nothing else comes close, and it really brings a strong impression that leaves a lasting impact.
The other element to pay attention to is the film’s fierce loyalty to the original story. The film doesn’t throw it all away, and instead brings back the same tone and structure from the original animated film. Though, in doing so, Disney has created a double edged sword that needs a delicate balance to hold it all together. As a devoted fan of the original movie, and someone who considers The Lion King to be the best Disney animated feature of all time, it’s a tough act to follow. No matter how diligent you can be with the original source material, every beat of the drum has to have the same rhythm, and even more than that, needs to create a fresh sound to go along with it. Otherwise, why wouldn’t you just throw on the original instead?
This film definitely keeps that in mind, throwing in some fresh takes while retaining the original charm and luster of what came before it. The biggest takeaway is the humor, which knocks it right out of the Pride Lands. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen virtually stole the entire movie, right alongside John Oliver, who each fit their parts perfectly, not only honoring the great actors who came before them, but bringing in a brand new take that was really refreshing and delightful.
One easter egg in particular is an absolute riot, since it fits so perfectly with what you’d expect from Timon and Pumbaa while still being distinctively unique to Rogen and Eichner’s performances. The fourth wall crumbles down due to incessant laughter, and it’s all thanks to the genius of these two. Though, for the sake of not spoiling the fun, you’ll have to venture into the theater yourself to discover more.
The power of Mufasa’s death is also just as strong, really bringing forth the tears in all their melancholy glory. James Earl Jones is just a great in this role as he has ever been, which still leaves the audience desperately hoping to save him from his awful fate. From start to finish, you really get the essence of what makes Mufasa such an enduring character. He’s strong, yet vulnerable, proud yet humble. It’s a character that wouldn’t be possible without James Earl Jones, and bringing him back for this really made all the difference in the world.
Though, as fun as this adventure may be, one of The Lion King’s biggest weak spots is pacing. At many points, the plot rushes to the next scene, not taking the opportunity to savor the moment for its full potential. The musical numbers are the easiest examples, since each one doesn’t have nearly the same build up in scene as you’d get from the original. What made the original so iconic was the drawn out theatrics of the music in scene. “Be Prepared” had jokes, chilling homages to tyrannical leaders like Stalin or Hitler, in your face intensity with brilliant greens and oranges. You don’t feel that same driving force in this adaptation at all. The songs don’t carry the same weight, and for many, that is a flaw that will cause some major strain.
On the other paw, Disney also wasted a fantastic opportunity to weave in new pieces of story. Some of the stronger live action adaptations, such as Disney’s Cinderella, thrived off of adding new elements that develop more backstory. Very little time was used to flush out a few additional scenes, but they all served a greater purpose of expanding the familiar world into something much more diverse and detailed. Having those additional moments also helps control the flow of the film, keeping it from rushing too far forward. A few new scenes, or even some expanded dialogue could have really made a huge difference in the final product.
Nonetheless, the overall picture is a monumental undertaking, and one that definitely honors the original. The Lion King is a treat, and a welcome addition to the Disney library. Whether its your first introduction to the story, or a reminder of the glory days of the Disney Renaissance, it’s definitely something to be proud of. Hakuna Matata!
D23 has just dropped a bombshell, revealing that pop superstar, Christina Aguilera, will be honored as a Disney Legend at this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim! Aguilera, who has been with Disney since the beginnings of her career with The All New Mickey Mouse Club, will be joining the full list of honorees for this year’s Disney Legends Ceremony, which will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, August 23rd, in Hall D23.
The ceremony will be hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO, Bog Iger, kicking off a full weekend of exciting news, surprises, and celebrations that revolve around all things Disney. Take a look at the full list of this year’s honorees, all joining a legendary short list of icons that will forever be a part of Disney history!
WING CHAO For 37 years at Disney, Wing T. Chao played a vital role in designing and developing exceptional and inspirational projects, worth more than $12 billion, at Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Wing served as vice chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development as well as executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master planning, architecture, and design. Wing directed development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and many of the world’s most renowned architects and designers. He also developed and built projects, including resort hotels, parks, cruise ships, entertainment venues, water attractions, convention and exhibition centers, sports stadiums, restaurants, retail spaces, recreational complexes, office spaces, and two new-town communities, at The Walt Disney Company’s properties in California, Florida, Hawai‘i, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other locations worldwide.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR. is a two-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner who has appeared in more than 80 films. Considered one of the industry’s most talented and respected actors, Robert has embraced both dramatic and comedic roles, including his Disney debut in the 2006 remake of The Shaggy Dog. After numerous standout performances, Robert then went on to help launch Marvel Studios with his celebrated performance as Tony Stark as Iron Man. His role has spearheaded the iconic blockbuster franchises Iron Man and Avengers, for which he’s starred in three Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk (2008), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017); and four Avengers films, including the most recent, Avengers: Endgame (2019), which shattered box office records and became the largest-ever film debut, bringing in $1.2 billion worldwide in its opening weekend. Robert will next star in the title role in 2020’s The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle and is in pre-production on the third installment of the successful Sherlock Holmes franchise.
JON FAVREAU started his career with appearances in film and television and has since become one of Hollywood’s most successful producers and directors. Jon’s first roles included appearances on TV shows such as Seinfeld and Friends, but his big break came with the Miramax indie film Swingers (1996), for which he wrote the screenplay, starred, and co-produced. His directing credits include Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), the live-action remake of The Jungle Book (2016), and this year’s reimagining of The Lion King. Jon also made appearances in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark’s loyal bodyguard, Happy Hogan. As an executive producer for Marvel Studios, John holds credits on such films as Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Iron Man 3 (2013), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). He has also voiced characters for Disney television shows and feature films, including Hercules (TV, 1999), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV, 2000), G-Force (2009), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV, 2010–13), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Jon is writing and executive producing the live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian for Disney+, which will premiere this November.
JAMES EARL JONES started his acting career with television and film roles, including appearances in As the World Turns (1966) and Dr. Strangelove (1964). But the Oscar®, Emmy®, and Tony® Award-winning actor is well known for his iconic voice acting, beginning with the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). This villainous vocal performance was reprised in subsequent Star Wars films, including most recently in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and TV shows like Star Wars Rebels (2014–18). His voice can also be heard in Disney Parks around the globe, including recurring vocal performances as Darth Vader for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Other Disney credits include ABC’s Recess in 1998 as the voice of Santa Claus, narrator for the Disneynature film Earth (2009), segment host for Fantasia/2000 (2000), and as the celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland. Audiences also recognize the actor’s basso profundo as that of Mufasa in The Lion King (1994), a role James Earl would return to in The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride (1998), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2015), and this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
BETTE MIDLER When the Disney studio set out to expand the breadth of its film production with Touchstone Pictures, it was Emmy, Grammy®, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Bette Midler who helped lead the way to box office success for the new division. She appeared in a string of hit comedies, including Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Ruthless People (1986), Outrageous Fortune (1987), and Big Business (1988). Touchstone’s 1988 drama Beaches not only proved to be a smash with audiences, but it also included Bette’s platinum-selling rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Other Disney films followed, including Stella (1990) and Scenes from a Mall (1991), as well as a memorable vocal performance as the spoiled poodle Georgette in Oliver & Company (1988). Bette is well known to Disney audiences for her role as the witchy Winifred in the perennial Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (1993). She also starred in The Lottery (1989), a short film produced for the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida for guests of the park’s Backstage Studio Tour.
KENNY ORTEGA is a multi-award-winning director, choreographer, and producer. His first work with Disney was choreographing the TV special Disney’s Totally Minnie (1988), followed by Mickey’s 60th Birthday the same year, and he would go on to direct three episodes of Touchstone Television’s Hull High in 1990. In 1992, Kenny directed his first feature film, the beloved Disney musical Newsies, which was followed, in 1993, by the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. In 2006, he helmed the Disney Channel smash hit High School Musical, and the success of the first film would bring him back to direct—and choreograph—the sequels High School Musical 2 (2007) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008). Kenny also produced and staged the High School Musical: The Concert tour, as well asthe Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers Best of Both Worlds Tour. His other Disney credits include directing the 2014 short The Making of Frozen, The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006), and, most recently, the international phenomenon Descendants (2015), Descendants 2 (2017), and Descendants 3, which will be released this summer.
BARNETTE RICCI started her career with The Walt Disney Company as a choreographer at Disneyland. In the late 1960s, Barnette created and directed Kids of the Kingdom before going on to choreograph and direct many parades, including Christmas parades, America on Parade, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. She worked on the grand openings of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, and Tokyo Disneyland and directed popular stage shows such as Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland and the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Perhaps her biggest project to date is the creation of Fantasmic! Debuting at Disneyland in 1992, the production combines state-of-the-art special effects with live performers along the Rivers of America. The show continues a successful run at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and now Tokyo DisneySea. Following Fantasmic!, Barnette moved to The Walt Disney Studios as the vice president/show director of Special Events. After more than 40 years with The Walt Disney Company, Barnette retired in 2013.
ROBIN ROBERTS In 1990, Robin joined ESPN and would quickly become a frequent contributor to the network’s programming. In her 15 years at ESPN, she contributed to NFL Primetime and hosted SportsCenter and In the Game with Robin Roberts. Robin began making appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) in 1995, and in 2005 left ESPN to join the show full-time as co-anchor. Since joining GMA, the show has won four Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program. For ABC, Robin has hosted In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, as well as ABC’s red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards, and has created original broadcast and digital programming for the network through her production company, Rock’n Robin Productions. In 2007, Hyperion publishing released Robin’s first book, From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By. Among Robin’s many awards are the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, membership in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and being named one of Glamour‘s Women of the Year.
DIANE SAWYER is an ABC News anchor, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time with original reporting, primetime specials, long-form interviews, and in-depth investigations. One of the most respected journalists in the world, she has traveled the globe delivering breaking news reports, and has conducted interviews with almost every major newsmaker of our time. Her primetime documentaries have won critical acclaim for shedding light on difficult and previously under-reported topics, including her reporting on the realities of poverty in America. Diane’s reporting has been recognized with numerous awards, including duPonts; Emmys; Peabodys; the grand prize of the premier Investigative Reporters and Editors Association; an IRTS Lifetime Achievement Award; and the USC Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award. In 1997 she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. After more than a decade in television news, Sawyer joined ABC News in February 1989 as co-anchor of Primetime. She was named co-anchor of Good Morning America in January 1999, and held the post until taking over the World News anchor chair in December 2009.
MING-NA WEN can currently be found saving the day as Agent Melinda May, aka “The Cavalry,” on the ABC series Marvel’sAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ming-Na is also known for her seven years playing Jing-Mei Chen on ER. She found success on the big screen when she appeared in the acclaimed Hollywood Pictures adaptation of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Five years later, she would find animation immortality as the title star of the Disney classic Mulan, a role for which she would receive an Annie Award. Ming-Na returned to the role of heroic Fa Mulan in a slew of projects, including an animated sequel, video games Kingdom Hearts II and Disney Infinity, on television’s House of Mouse and Sofia the First, and in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Ming-Na has been well known to audiences for her television projects, including her voice work in Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb, Disney XD’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Milo Murphy’s Law, the six-part digital short Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and a recurring role in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.
HANS ZIMMER has scored more than 160 projects which, combined, have grossed more than $28 billion worldwide. Hans has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes, three Grammys, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. In addition to his long list of credits, including notable projects such as Gladiator and The Dark Knight trilogy, Hans has had a great history with The Walt Disney Company. His early work for them includes additional music for White Fang (1991) and co-writing music for Cool Runnings (1993). His groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning instrumental score for The Lion King (1994) was followed by many memorable projects, including Crimson Tide (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Rock (1996), Pearl Harbor (2001), King Arthur (2004), and Iron Man (2008). Hans is the guiding force behind the music of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, serving in various composing, editing, and producing capacities for The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), and On Stranger Tides (2011). Hans composed the music for this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
Stay tuned for even more exciting details as SoCalThrills will be providing complete coverage at this year’s D23 Expo. Limited tickets are still available, which you can purchase by visiting the official D23 Expo site!
With Disney’s The Lion King pouncing into the world of live action, Walt Disney Studios has brought together the entire voice cast in an epic group photo. The ensemble brings together a large array of talent, including the iconic James Earl Jones, who is reprising his role as the mighty Mufasa.
The new film, directed by Jungle Book director, Jon Favreau, brings the “Circle of Life” onto the big screen in a revolutionary new way, using some of the same techniques used to bring the world of The Jungle Book to life. For those not familiar with the tale of The Lion King, the story follows the young Simba, destined to be the king of Pride Rock, as he faces the dark reality of betrayal from his own uncle, Scar, who wants to take control of the entire Pridelands.
To celebrate the new film, fans can also experience a limited time celebration of The Lion King at Disney California Adventure with a brand new stage show, right on the waterfront of Paradise Bay. Limited time merchandise and other opportunities will also be available, so don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the celebration.
The Lion King takes over the silver screen on July 19th, 2019.
In an exciting new collaboration with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the Winchester Mystery House is launching "Festival Fright Nights." This all-new Halloween event will...
