This Halloween weekend, Celebrate with Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie and more as Disney’s beloved classic THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS returns for a limited engagement exclusively in over 200 Regal cinemas locations nationwide! Now is your chance to see this Classic Disney movie Friday, October 28th – Monday, October 31st.
The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life – he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.
Tickets are now on sale at select Regal theaters. Participating theaters include locations in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. For tickets and information, visit: http://regmovi.es/tnbc2016.
Marvel has done it again with its much-anticipated DOCTOR STRANGE, a new original film that brings one of the hottest international stars, Benedict Cumberbatch, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With the introduction of this unique Super Hero, vested with powerful magical powers and skills, the Marvel Cinematic Universe opens up a host of new, electrifying stories and exciting, mystifying, never-before-seen action.
The story follows world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange, whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange— armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
Cumberbatch (Stephen Strange), director/co-writer Scott Derrickson, Tilda Swinton (Ancient One), Benedict Wong (Master Wong), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer) and Marvel creative honcho Kevin Feige sat down with the press recently to answer some questions about the film.
While most of the questions asked focused on Cumberbatch and his experience with the role, we were treated to some firsthand stories. Cumberbatch recounted leaving set in full costume to visit a comic store in New York City. Derrickson filmed the encounter on his iPhone and of course, the crowd begged for it to be released. Cumberbatch said the shop offered him a job if he kept his American accent. They recall the happy accident here:
Swinton was asked about learning the hand motions to perform the sorcery in the film, and she struggled with doing so without blocking her face. The actors had no idea how phenomenal the visuals accompanying their performances would be.
Feige confirmed that while more Doctor Strange films are planned, the character will be in the upcoming two-parter AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. And if the post-credits scenes are to be believed, well…my lips are sealed.
Cumberbatch compared Strange to Sherlock, the role that catapulted him to worldwide fame:
Rachel McAdams asked what it was like to play a nurse, and if she felt left out of all the magic and sorcery.
Catch DOCTOR STRANGE in 3D nationwide November 4th!
Looking for a new Halloween experience this year? October 28th and 29th, Warner Bros. Studio will offer for the first time ever, Horror Made Here: A Halloween Screening and Twilight Tour. This is a limited engagement and an experience that is unlike any other.
Beginning at twilight not only does the tour take guests around exterior sets where scenes from iconic horror movies such as “The Exorcist”, “Gremlins”, “House of Wax”, and “Monster Squad” were filmed, but also you’ll be able to hear tales and ghost stories about paranormal happenings around the studio. A paranormal investigation team called Ghost Watch Paranormal was brought in to investigate some of the mysterious events. Ghost Watch Paranormal investigated the soundstage where “The Conjuring” was filmed, and even captured a mysterious voice on their recorder which was shared with us at the preview.
Finally to complete the tour segment, guests will get a tour of one of the floors in the massive prop house at the studio. After the tour guests will enjoy a special screening of “The Conjuring” (Friday Oct. 28) and “The Conjuring 2” (Saturday Oct. 29). Last but not least there will also be a special prop display in Stage 48 featuring props from a wide variety of horror films. You will also have the opportunity to see Annabelle, the doll from “The Conjuring” in person.
Tickets are still available for $75 per person, which includes the tour, screening, and movie-themed treats. Parking is available on site for $10. Both screenings featured are rated R, guest under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or over. Valid ID will be required upon entry.
CLICK HERE for more info and to get your tickets now!
Marvel Studios continues to surprise and delight with the newest entry into its unprecedented Cinematic Universe, DOCTOR STRANGE. Based on the lesser known hero who originated with Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s comics, this is an origin story that adds Stephen Strange to the pantheon of heroes protecting Earth from God knows what.
I had concerns while settling into my seat. I feel like I’ve now seen about a thousand super hero origin stories, and while Marvel Studios has yet to let me down, I had doubts. How can they make this feel fresh on film #14?
Director and co-writer Scott Derrickson does it. The film is relentlessly weird, rarely pausing to explain the trippy visuals – rather, you learn what you’re looking at as Strange does. This means there are several sequences that push the boundaries of VFX and since you can’t explain what you’re looking at, you are put in the same position as the film’s hero – wonderment. The intricacy of the effects here make INCEPTION look like a B-movie, and the film is definitely best experienced in digital 3D. Be warned – if you’re prone to motion sickness, the 3D presentation may not agree with you.
The story is simple enough. After an injury leaves him hopeless, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) journeys to Nepal in hopes of obtaining miraculous healing. There he finds the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who trains him in the ancient mystical arts. Soon he is caught in the crossfire of a raging zealot (Mads Mikkelsen) bent on total destruction, and before he is ready, Strange is thrust into an epic battle for humanity.
Benedict Cumberbatch (SHERLOCK, THE IMITATION GAME) scores as Strange. His arrogance, desperation and fantastic American accent bring the sorcerer to three dimensional life. His pain is palpable, and if this movie doesn’t convince you to not text and drive, you’re hopeless.
Tilda Swinton (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE) is perfection as the Ancient One. Her casting was controversial, as the original character was an elderly Asian man. The character was changed for the film to be a Celtic sorceress who holds secrets of her own, and Swinton is funny, engaging and fittingly creepy as the Sorcerer Supreme.
Rachel McAdams (MEAN GIRLS, THE NOTEBOOK) plays Strange’s on-again-off-again love interest, Christine Palmer. While her character doesn’t really exist in the comics, McAdams’ presence grounds the story in reality despite the ludicrous off-the-wall magic surrounding her. Benedict Wong (THE MARTIAN) provides comic relief as combination librarian/bad-ass Wong, and Mads Mikkelsen (HANNIBAL) adds more depth to his villainous turn than most Marvel bad guys, who tend to be on the forgettable side. Chiwetel Ejiofor (TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE) is unpredictable and welcome as the overly righteous Mordo.
It’s another home run for Marvel Studios, and DOCTOR STRANGE continues to prove there’s life after Iron Man for the Cinematic Universe. As always, don’t leave when the film is over, as there are two scenes during and after the credits that provide clues to future Marvel films. Dr. Strange will return in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR as well as his own sequel down the line.
Like GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, DOCTOR STRANGE takes a comic book second stringer and makes him a headliner. Open a portal to your nearest theater November 4th to catch him in action.
To celebrate his upcoming birthday, Mickey Mouse is embarking on a trip around the world, where he will make surprise appearances in iconic, real-world locations to delight his fans and friends. These magical moments chronicling Mickey’s global adventures will be captured and shared on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Facebook page, culminating with the debut of a video highlighting Mickey’s travels featuring an upbeat new song, “What We Got.” The video will debut on the big day: November 18. Mickey fans are encouraged to join the celebration on social media using #HappyBirthdayMickey.
In advance of Mickey’s birthday, Disney has launched the Mickey Mouse Instagram account (@MickeyMouse). Following on the popularity of the Mickey Mouse Facebook page, which has more than 13 million followers, Mickey’s Instagram page will showcase videos and images including Mickey’s global travels, as well as his appearances in Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.
On Mickey’s birthday, select locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as Disney Stores in the United States, will be distributing commemorative “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons. Disneyland Park in Anaheim will host a special pre-parade birthday celebration for Mickey, and at Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, characters and performers will dance in a special birthday-themed edition of the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party.
Also on November 18, Disney Channel will air the Emmy®-winning new Mickey Mouse shorts throughout the day and premiere two new cartoon series featuring Mickey Mouse. On Mickey Meows Club, the feline hosts of a web-based talk show provide their own “cat”-mentary on Mickey’s incredible performances in their favorite shorts. Mickey’s How Not To will provide viewers with a humorous series of informative tips on how not to do things, using Mickey’s funniest fails and moments from the latest cartoons. Plus, that day Disney Junior will debut the teaser for the upcoming series Mickey and the Roadster Racers.
In addition, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Oh My Disney, Babble, and other Disney sites will be posting Mickey-related videos, galleries, stories, crafts, recipes, and shareables leading up to and on his birthday.
Mickey’s birthday is celebrated in honor of the release of his first theatrical film, Steamboat Willie, on November 18, 1928 at the Colony Theatre in New York City. Since then, he has starred in more than 100 cartoons and can currently be seen on Disney Channel in the Mickey Mouse cartoon series.
Electronic Arts Inc. and PopCap Games has announced that Plants vs. Zombies™ Heroes,the next great PvZ adventure that takes you beyond the backyard, is now available worldwide.
Plants vs. Zombies Heroes is an all-new collectible card game from the makers of the beloved Plants vs. Zombies franchise that, for the first time on mobile, lets players choose their favorite super-powered plant or zombie hero and assemble a team to battle against friends and foes. Players can collect hundreds of new and familiar PvZ characters, build a winning team, and take to the arena in ranked or friendly multiplayer matches. A comic-style single player adventure also takes players on a journey through 80 adventures and 400 levels as they hone their skills, discover new characters, and confront mighty opponents along the way.
“Plants vs. Zombies Heroes started a few years ago as a paper card game prototype and a fun way for our team to enjoy playing with their favorite PvZ characters in their spare time,” said Brian Lindley, Senior Producer, Plants vs. Zombies Heroes. “Since then it has evolved into a hilarious, crazy, over-the-top collectible card game that’s fun for everyone but packed with depth, secrets and strategy. We can’t wait for our fans to start playing.”
PvZ Heroes introduces tons of new characters in addition to familiar faces, including Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 favorites Super Brainz, Citron, Imp and Z-Mech, Rose and more. 20 heroes each offer their own super powers, signature styles and unique abilities that let players define a winning strategy and play their own way. Over 200 collectible character cards allow players to construct winning decks, test new strategies, and upgrade their decks as they collect and craft new characters.
In addition to being able to play as plants or zombies for the first time on mobile, PvZ Heroes also lets players battle against other players in friendly or ranked competitive multiplayer matches. Outside of the arena, players can journey through the universe of PvZ Heroes in an epic single player adventure, complete quests and defeat challenging bosses to earn rewards and grow their collection. Cross-device play lets fans take their team with them everywhere and play on any device.
Download Plants vs. Zombies Heroes for free* now on the App Store or Google Play.
To celebrate the launch of Plants vs. Zombies Heroes,Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 and Plants vs. Zombies 2 are kicking off the Lawn of Doom events, introducing Halloween-inspired content and customization. Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 commences a daily, time-limited Halloween treasure chest hunt from now until October 31, as well as a unique boss hunt and 14 new spooky fun customization items. For full details on the Lawn of Doom in PvZ Garden Warfare 2, visit the blog. Plants vs. Zombies 2 introduces 12 new Halloween costumes and the return of fan-favorite Halloween plants Jack O’ Lantern and Ghost Pepper, plus the awesome new Witch Hazel.
*Network fees may apply. In-app purchases available.
Hotel Maya is so close, yet feels so far away. Located on the marina in Long Beach, the property reminds me of a hip, Miami Beach location. I say this not just because the hotel was used as a backdrop for the television show CSI Miami, but because it captures such a cool and relaxing vibe.
I escaped to Hotel Maya last week and coupled my overnight stay with an exciting and delicious dinner aboard the historic Queen Mary. The result was an memorable and easy getaway.
Situated near the giant bow of the Queen Mary, and squeezed between a beautiful bay full of colorful boats and hundreds swaying palm trees, Maya is an enchanting fusion of Latin American and Southern Californian design, with a modern flare inspired by the colors of land and sea.
The DoubleTree hotel by Hilton sits on 11 waterfront acres across the bay from Downtown Long Beach and its iconic skyline. The place resembles a Latin American resort, with sloping, pyramid-like lines, bold colors, lush gardens and inviting public spaces. It has everything one might expect from a boutique hotel, including what I call the “three C’s:” charm, chic and chef. The latter refers to Fuego, the hotel’s award-winning, eclectic Latin waterfront restaurant, which specializes in the coastal cuisines of Mexico, Latin America and South America.
My room at Maya came with two queen beds and a large patio overlooking the gorgeous bay, 35 steps away. I know it is 35 steps because I opened the glass patio door and counted the steps myself, walking across the grass and over the hotel’s white sand beach to get to the water’s edge.
The room also boasts the cloudlike comfort of the DoubleTree Sweet Dreams beds, richly appointed bathrooms, with plush bathrobes, a 37″ TV an efficient workstation with ergonomic chair, and wireless high-speed Internet.
Beyond the room I found many things to enhance my stay. I swam in the pool and relaxed beneath a canopy, while watching yachts bob just out of reach. I worked out in the state-of-the-art fitness center, examined the hidden Hookah Lounge, and took the hotel’s shuttle to the Queen Mary.
At the Queen Mary I joined some friends for dinner at Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Lounge, the legendary vessel’s signature five-star restaurant. Named after one of the ship’s most important passengers, Sir Winston Churchill, the restaurant boasts incredible seaside views and a mystic and historic elegance that must be experienced to truly understand.
My meal at Sir Winston’s began with fine red wine and a lobster bisque with truffle scented tamale roe butter. For the main course I devoured an incredible surf and turf plate with succulent lobster and perfectly cooked steak, accompanied by fresh veggies.
While dining, I listened to waves splash against the ship’s hull and I thought of the all the history that went on inside this magical ocean liner, which this year is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its maiden voyage.
After dinner my friend and I took the shuttle back to Hotel Maya and concluded the night with a drink at Fuego Restaurant. While sipping modern and potent Mojitos, we watched the city lights bounce off the bay and reflect off the bow of the majestic Queen Mary.
Hotel Maya is located at 700 Queensway Dr., Long Beach, 90802 for more information or reservation, call (562) 435-7676 or visit: www.hotelmayalongbeach.com. For more info on dining aboard the Queen Mary at Sir Winston’s, visit:www.queenmary.com. For more information on visiting Long Beach, go to: www.visitlongbeach.com
Discovery Cube in Orange County was the site to celebrate the release of Ice Age: Collision Course on Blu-Ray, DVD and Ultra HD Disc. The morning began with breakfast and photo opportunities with Scrat at the Bean Sprouts Restaurant inside the Cube.
Director, Galen Chu and Story Artist Jony Chandra were on hand to share various aspects of the film. Chu talked the latest installment in the Ice Age Films leading them into space. Through a series of film clips and stills, along with deleted scenes, Chu walked us through scenes showing how well the Ice Age characters and the theme fit. Trying to incorporate the usual antics of Scrat and the gang, into the space theme led to the use of purple as the main theme color adding depth and a sense of outer space-ness to the film.
Story Artist Jony Chandra gave the audience a step by step lesson on drawing Scrat which was the highlight for many. Visit the Ice Age website to learn how to draw the Ice Age Characters and enjoy games, videos and more!
UCLA Professor, Abby Kavner shared her love and collection of rocks and while teaching us about the real world impact that Scrat’s antics in space could cause.
Rounding out the event was a tour of the Cube with a demonstration in several of the exhibits that tied into the film. The Mission Control exhibit is hands-on control room like the one located at the Jet Propulsion Lab where we were able to land a rover on Mars. The Science of Hockey exhibit taught us all about the mathematical side of the game and allowed the little visitors to practice being a goalie. The third exhibit talked about our global warming and the effects on our planet. Along with the many other learning tools and displays, The Discovery Cube is a great place to visit for a fun day of learning.
The event was a huge success for my family in combining the learning aspects with the fun of the new film. Ice Age: Collision Course is NOW available on DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD Disc.
Ice Age: Collision Course brings back Scrat who is once again pursuing the elusive acorn. This time around, Scrat’s adventures set off cosmic events, sending Buck, Manny, Ellie, Sid, Diego and the rest of the herd on an action packed adventure to survive the “Scrat-tastrophe!” Grab your copy today.
An all-new nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 14, sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve.
The façade of the Chinese Theater comes alive with the merriment, music and sparkle of the Walt Disney World Resort 2016 holiday season. On, above and around the theater are state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and even snow. Adding to the immersive experience is a new musical score featuring familiar holiday tunes with an original twist. It’s a holiday show that couldn’t be more merry and bright.
The 2016 holidays season brings a all-new nighttime spectacular to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!.” The facade of the Chinese Theater comes alive with state-of-the-art projections, and guests will experience special effects, fireworks and even snow on, above and around the theater. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will run Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, 2016. (David Roark, photographer)
It’s also a cranberry-red situation for elves Wayne and Lanny from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” as the duo leads a top-notch team on a search-and-rescue mission for Santa.
Snowy fun and holiday cheer set to the twinkling tunes of the season bring together holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” – even a journey into Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – all building to a festive finale that’s “So tinsel!”
A special message from Santa Claus will cap off this unforgettable spectacular for the whole family.
“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will run from Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, adding a sparkling finale to any holiday visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Dessert Parties Make the Holidays Even Sweeter
More holiday cheer is in store for guests who book a new dessert party that will be offered nightly during the show’s run. The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party features holiday inspired snacks, decadent desserts and specialty beverages in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater.
Beginning one hour before each performance of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the party is $69 for adults, and $39 for children, including all taxes and gratuities.
More Holiday Cheer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
During the holiday season, “Tinsel Town” takes on a completely different kind of meaning at this theme park that celebrates the magic of movies and television. A giant Christmas tree towers over the main entrance, holiday displays capture the imagination, and colorful garlands and lights sparkle.
In the spirit of bygone days and Old St. Nick visits to great department stores across the country, guests can share their wish list with him at the Once Upon a Time shop, a vintage setting along Sunset Boulevard.
To learn more about holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com/holidays, and contact me for a FREE Vacation Quote. Email me at: [email protected].
Disney has launched a new update for Disney Emoji Blitz, adding Halloween-themed emojis and items to the game, and the ability to share emojis as stickers in iMessage after unlocking the emojis through gameplay. Since launching this summer, the hit mobile game Disney Emoji Blitz has become a fan favorite with its fast-paced match-3 gameplay featuring more than 600 Disney and Pixar emojis and items.
Game Updates
Players with iOS 10 can now share Disney and Pixar emojis as stickers in iMessage, accessible through the game. Additionally, throughout October, Disney Emoji Blitz is getting into the Halloween spirit with wicked new content:
· New Characters: Collect and use Hatbox Ghost and Abominable Snowman, characters inspired by attractions at Disney parks
· New Halloween-Themed Items: Collect a new set of Halloween-themed emojis, such as a Mickey Mouse jack-o’lantern and candy corn, and earn more than 60 prizes while progressing through new Halloween item cards
Disney Emoji Blitz is available for free download with in-app purchases on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Disney Emoji Blitz has passed some exciting milestones since its launch this summer. Fans have played the game 500 million times and counting, spending over 1 billion minutes in the game. In addition, players continue to share the fun, sending 35 million emojis to their friends through the Disney Emoji Blitz keyboard. Check out an infographic of the game’s exciting milestones below:
From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker. Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016.
The Haunted Mansion is an iconic attraction with locations in each of the six Disney destinations, and each boasts 999 happy haunts that are ready to welcome one more. While the ride itself is loved by all who take a seat in the doombuggies, the rumors surrounding the mansions have long been known to frighten park attendees and staffers, alike. See the infographic below.
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...
