Nintendo Invites Everyone to Enjoy its Summer Paradise at San Diego Comic-Con

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July 14, 2016

If you’re heading to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con between July 21 and July 24, Nintendo invites you to the Play Nintendo Family Lounge to experience the latest and greatest video games, compete in tournaments for a chance to win prizes (while supplies last) and take photos with iconic characters. This must-see space will be on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, just a few steps away from the San Diego Convention Center. When visiting, you will be surrounded by all of your favorite characters and franchises, including Splatoon, Mario Kart and Pokémon, as well as new and upcoming games like YO-KAI WATCH 2, Style Savvy: Fashion Forward and more. Additionally, San Diego Comic-Con attendees with a show badge can also visit Nintendo’s Booth in the San Diego Convention Center to get inked through various Splatoon game-play activities and competitions.

The Play Nintendo Tour, which has been traveling the country all summer, will be integrated into the Play Nintendo Family Lounge. The one-of-a-kind tour offers a fun and engaging way for gamers to experience the hottest Nintendo 3DS games. You’ll be able to hop into a Yoshi egg to play Yoshi’s New Island, recline on a giant banana while checking out Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D or relax in a pink beanbag chair to play Kirby: Planet Robobot. Your inner shutterbug will be in heaven as you take photos next to a huge Kirby figure, beside an oversized Yoshi egg, inside a barrel flanked by Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, under a blue Spiny Shell from Mario Kart 7 or next to a giant Poké Ball from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

“San Diego Comic-Con is the perfect venue for fans of all ages to experience what Nintendo has to offer,” said Cindy Gordon, Nintendo of America’s Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “This year, we have such a wide variety of activities to take part in that there’s truly something for everyone.”

The Play Nintendo Family Lounge will be open to the public July 21-23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and July 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The current schedule of events includes the following:

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 12 & Under Tournament (July 23): Nintendo fans that are 12 years old or younger and have parental consent can participate in a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U tournament at 2 p.m. on July 23. The tournament will be live-streamed on the Nintendo Twitch channel, so even people that can’t be there have a chance to keep an eye on the action. Tournament slots are limited for the one-day event, and fans will be able to sign up the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis. The Grand and First Prize winners will each receive a prize pack filled with Nintendo products and merchandise.
The Play Nintendo Challenge (July 21-22, July 24): Play through three elimination rounds composed of three different Wii U games (Splatoon,Mario Kart 8 and Pokkén Tournament) in a group to see if you can emerge victorious! Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The Play Nintendo Challenge runs all day and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Winners will receive an exclusive champion Nintendo T-shirt. Players who participate may receive other giveaways while supplies last based on how far they make it in the challenge.
YO-KAI WATCH Voice Actor Event (July 22): Actors Alicyn Packard, J.W. Terry and Melissa Hutchison, who provide the voices for Jibanyan, Whisper and Komasan, respectively, in the YO-KAI WATCH video game and animated TV series, will be conducting a Q&A session, doing live voice demos and a table read of a scene from Season 2 of the animated TV series from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT. Select attendees will also have an opportunity to receive an autograph or take photos with the actors.
Pokémon Fan Gathering Area (July 21-24): Meet up with fellow Pokémon fans to catch, battle, and trade Pokémon with Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, and pick up some cool swag (while supplies last) and relax in our Pokémon gaming zone. The gathering area will be open during show hours.
Photo Opportunities (July 21-24): At various times during all four days, popular characters like Mario, Luigi, Pikachu, Kirby and Jibanyan from theYO-KAI WATCH series will make surprise appearances to take photos with fans.

And, of course, there will be playable Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games available during all days of the convention. These include:

Nintendo 3DS

Monster Hunter Generations from Capcom – Launching July 15
Metroid Prime: Federation Force – Launching Aug. 19
Style Savvy: Fashion Forward – Launching Aug. 19
Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice from SEGA – Launching Sept. 27
YO-KAI WATCH 2 – Launching Sept. 30
YO-KAI WATCH – Now available
Yoshi’s New Island – Now available
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D – Now available
Kirby: Planet Robobot – Now available
Mario Kart 7 – Now available
Pokémon Omega Ruby / Pokémon Alpha Sapphire – Now available
New Super Mario Bros. 2 – Now available

Wii U

Splatoon – Now available
Mario Kart 8 – Now available
Pokkén Tournament – Now available

On the San Diego Comic-Con show floor, attendees with a badge will be able to get inked by playing a variety of modes in the Splatoon game from July 21 to July 24 at the Nintendo booth (BOOTH #235).

Splatoon Multiplayer Battles (July 21-24): Fans of the kid or squid variety can show off their Splatoon skills in 4v4 multiplayer matches throughout the day.
Splatoon Splatfest (July 22-23): On Friday and Saturday, come enjoy the last Splatfest competition by battling for Callie or Marie in Splatoon.
Splatoon amiibo Challenges (July 21-24): Get an up-close view of the latest amiibo lineup for Splatoon and experience the challenges and bonus content that they unlock.

YoKaiBonySpirits_1

Visitors to the Play Nintendo Family Lounge will be able to experience the YO-KAI WATCH 2 game before it is released. When the game launches on Sept. 30, fans will have multiple purchase options. In addition to being able to select between YO-KAI WATCH 2: Bony Spirits and YO-KAI WATCH 2: Fleshy Souls – each version featuring a select number of unique Yo-kai to befriend and battle – players will also receive special bonuses depending on whether they buy the physical or digital versions. Picking up a physical version in stores will net you an exclusive Yo-kai Medal from Hasbro that gives Jibanyan a powerful new in-game Soultimate Move when scanned into the game. Meanwhile, downloading the digital version will allow players the opportunity to battle and befriend new Yo-kai: Sailornyan or Robonyan F. The Yo-kai and Medals will also be different based on the version of the game purchased.

YoKaiFleshySouls_1

Style Savvy: Fashion Forward, the upcoming Nintendo 3DS game lets you take the fashion world by storm, launches Aug. 19, but you don’t have to wait until then to play. A free demo for the game will be available in Nintendo eShop starting Aug. 4, but visitors to the Play Nintendo Family Lounge get an opportunity to check it out early. Kicking off on Aug. 5, fans with the demo can participate in the first Style Savvy: Fashion Forward Miiverse contest themed “Black and White,” which asks fashion designers in the making to submit their best look based on the contest theme for bragging rights. Similar Style Savvy: Fashion Forward contests will be hosted through Miiverse after launch. More details about these contests will be announced in the future.

The Play Nintendo Family Lounge is located on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina hotel just off the main lobby at 333 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com/.

Relive Past Glories with Nintendo’s Ultimate Retro Gaming Experience

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 14, 2016

If you see a Nintendo Entertainment System on store shelves this holiday shopping season, you haven’t entered a time machine. (Unless everyone around you is wearing acid-washed jeans and neon leg warmers. If that’s the case, you may have unknowingly walked through a rift in the space-time continuum.) The most likely scenario is you are setting eyes on the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition, launching in stores on Nov. 11 at a suggested retail price of $59.99. That’s right: The NES is back! But this isn’t the same NES that you fondly remember. This new nostalgia-fueled system is a near-identical, mini replica of Nintendo’s original home console and plugs directly into your high-definition TV using an included HDMI cable. The console comes complete with 30 NES games built in, including beloved classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, PAC-MAN, and Kirby’s Adventure.

We wanted to give fans of all ages the opportunity to revisit Nintendo’s original system and rediscover why they fell in love with Nintendo in the first place,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. “The Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition is ideal for anyone who remembers playing the NES, or who wants to pass on those nostalgic memories to the next generation of gamers.”

The system comes packaged with an HDMI cable, an AC adapter and one NES Classic Controller, which is patterned after the iconic design of the original NES controller. But you really just want to know the full list of 30 games, right? Feast your eyes on the fantastic collection of NES classics included with each and every system:

Balloon Fight™
BUBBLE BOBBLE
Castlevania™
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest™
Donkey Kong™
Donkey Kong Jr. ™
DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE
Dr. Mario™
Excitebike™
FINAL FANTASY®
Galaga™
GHOSTS’N GOBLINS®
GRADIUS™
Ice Climber™
Kid Icarus™
Kirby’s Adventure™
Mario Bros. ™
MEGA MAN® 2
Metroid™
NINJA GAIDEN
PAC-MAN™
Punch-Out!! ™ Featuring Mr. Dream
StarTropics™
SUPER C™
Super Mario Bros.™
Super Mario Bros. ™ 2
Super Mario Bros. ™ 3
TECMO BOWL
The Legend of Zelda™
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link™

There’s a little something for everyone: a nice mix of timeless favorites, cult classics and maybe even some games that you never got around to playing. Each is sure to bring back memories and produce plenty of new ones. You can even enjoy playing several of these games with two players by attaching a second NES Classic Controller, which will be sold separately at a suggested retail price of $9.99. A Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro can also be used (each sold separately).

When connected to a Wii Remote controller, the NES Classic Controller can also be used to play Virtual Console NES games on a Wii U or Wii system. Playing these retro games using a retro controller makes the experience that much more authentic. And if you ever need to step away from the NES Classic Edition in the middle of a tough level (or take a break to call one of Nintendo’s helpful Game Counselors*), don’t worry about losing any hard-earned progress. Each game has multiple suspend points, so you can start where you left off at a later time, no passwords needed.

What’s old is new again with the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition. Relive past glories. Finish off that boss you never beat. Save the galaxy and rescue the princess!

Halloween Time Returns to the Disneyland Resort, Sept. 9 through Oct. 31

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 14, 2016

Halloween time, a season for fun-loving spirits of all ages, adds spooky excitement to the Disneyland Resort from Sept. 9 through Oct. 31. Special Halloween-themed attractions–Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy–return to Disneyland Park, while the haunts who reside year-round at The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror invite guests to “drop in” at Disney California Adventure Park.

The separately ticketed Mickey’s Halloween Party also arrives at Disneyland in September with a thrilling new surprise: The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides through the park, bringing new chills to the family friendly party. The character is from Disney’s animated feature, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.”

Currently at the Disneyland Resort, guests continue to enjoy the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, with sparkling décor in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, plus a dazzling array of after-dark shows, all of which are presented nightly through Labor Day, September 5.

As the summer season turns to fall, Mickey’s Halloween Party will begin Friday, Sept. 23, for 17 select nights. The after-hours party treats guests to unforgettable entertainment including the sensational “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, a guest favorite that is exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party. Adults and children are encouraged to dress in costume for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland for a scary good time. Guests may check www.Disneyland.com for Mickey’s Halloween Party costume policy guidelines prior to their arrival.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* go on sale for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa card holders on Thursday, July 21. General public ticket sales begin Thursday, July 28.

Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event, include:

New for Mickey’s Halloween Party in 2016, The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides his ghostly black steed and carries his flickering jack-o-lantern through the heart of Disneyland, heralding the arrival of Mickey’s Halloween Party character cavalcade, presented on the 17 nights of this special party.
Entry to Disneyland Park before the party is included with a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket. Guests have the opportunity to play in Disneyland park for three hours before the party starts, and then go trick or treating – for candy and healthy treats – in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.
The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party, is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington.
Party guests will rock out at Tomorrowland Terrace in a family-friendly dance party.
Guests can “Party Like a Villain” as Disney villains appear in select locations for photos and character greetings. Mickey Mouse and his pals will appear as well, dressed in their Halloween costumes.
Enhancing the eerie atmosphere along Main Street, U.S.A., animated Halloween images – ghosts, bats, pumpkins and skeletons – appear and disappear mysteriously on the facades of buildings throughout the evening.
The ghoulish Cadaver Dans quartet performs Halloween tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft, on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland.
Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, will be open to party guests.

On select, non-Mickey’s Halloween Party nights, guests visiting Disneyland will enjoy a special treat: the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular. In addition, the dynamic “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” will march down Main Street, U.S.A., each day throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

Guests in search of Halloween chills may “drop in” to visit the ghostly full-time residents of The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure. Here, in the remains of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, dwell the spirits of hotel guests who disappeared during a “supernatural” event on Halloween Night in 1939.

With the arrival of Halloween time, Jack Skellington makes his annual appearance in Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” and transforms the Mansion with a collision of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer. Oct. 3, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of this special attraction’s premiere in Disneyland.

Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland draws guests back again and again during the Halloween season. The unique Halloween-themed experience launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe, where ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

In Frontierland, the traditional Dia de los Muertos is observed through Tuesday, Nov. 1, with a holiday skeleton display in the plaza near the entrance of Rancho del Zocalo.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 23; Monday, Sept. 26, Wednesday, Sept. 28; Friday, Sept. 30; Monday, Oct. 3; Wednesday, Oct. 5; Friday, Oct. 7; Monday, Oct. 10; Wednesday, Oct. 12; Friday, Oct. 14; Monday, Oct. 17; Wednesday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 21; Monday, Oct. 24; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Oct. 29; and Monday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $89 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31, are $99 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.

For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, see http://www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. Guests may visit the site for additional details.

*Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. May not be combined with other discounts. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Skyspace LA Opens 1,000 ft Above Downtown Los Angeles

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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July 13, 2016

The US Bank Tower in Downtown Los Angeles is not only the tallest building in town – and west of the Mississippi – but now it is also the only skyscraper around with a thrilling, exterior slide 1,000 ft above the ground.

The 47,300-sq-ft Skyspace LA project, which opened June 25, is highlighted by California’s highest open-air observation deck, and an exterior glass slide between the 70th and 69th floor. Located 1,000 ft above the city, Skyspace LA offers 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and much of Los Angeles County. From the decks I could see Catalina Island, the San Gabriel Mountains, Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood sign, and much more.

The 45-ft-long super slide was designed by M. Ludvik & Co., an engineering firm from New York that specializes in high-strength glass. For this project they used stainless steel and 1.5-inch-thick triple-laminated hurricane glass. It may sound thin, but it is rated to hold 7,000 lbs.

Visitors enter the cubed opening of the all-glass slide on the 70th floor and slide for four seconds down to the 69th. To begin, they sit on a small carpet and inch forward through what looks like an airport baggage scanner. When I took the plunge I tried not to look straight down, as 1,000 ft up can be pretty scary. But I made it and it was definitely worth the hype.

Besides the slide, Skyspace LA also consists of two, 2,500 sq-ft observation decks and modern interiors across four levels, including an outdoor terrace on the 69th floor, an elevator transfer floor and a lobby area. This portion of the project was created by world-famous architecture firm Gensler.

During my Skyspace LA visit I met a couple Gensler team members, who gave me a little background on the attraction. John Adams, project principal for Gensler, told me that with this new creation, Angelinos can now get a vantage point of LA that was previously reserved only for executives on the top floors of the city’s tallest building. “This project takes a mono-functional office building and creates something that is not just for work, but is also for play and a different kind of experience,” says Adams.

Audrey Wu, Gensler project architect, told me that to fully take advantage of the views, they designed an infinity edge for the roof terraces “so you have the sensation of the edge just dropping off and you are just separated by a plane of glass with 1,000 ft below you.” The edges of observation terraces are lined with seven-ft high low-iron glass balustrades that visually disappear. Similar to the slide, only a plane of glass separate visitors from the 1,000-ft drop.

As part of their work, Gensler also redesigned the building’s 54th floor with an infinity mirror floor “opening,” and a giant picture wall that takes photos of guests and pixelates them into a dissolving, “Star Trek” like image.

Another architectural highlight is the Monumental Stair on floor 69. This gravity-defying showpiece features a custom center stringer, triple cantilevers, floating treads made of 1″ think steel plates and Italian quartzite and low-iron glass guardrails cantilevered off the sides of the treads with high-strength blackened stainless steel.

The US Bank Tower, which was built in 1989, is currently the tallest building around, but next year the new $1 billion Wilshire Grand mixed-use hotel and office project will surpass it in overall height and rise to 1,100 ft. The Wilshire tower will take the “tallest title” thanks to a distinctive architectural spire at the top, but as Wu informed me, the US Bank Tower will still have the highest occupiable floor.

Skyspace LA is at the top of the US Bank Tower in Downtown LA, at 633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, 90071. Admission starts at $19 for entry to the observation decks and the four levels of Skyspace. To ride the slide, a combo adult ticket is $33. All tickets are timed and available in 30 min intervals. For more info, visit: www.skyspace-la.com or call 213.514.8683.

Watch this short video about Skyspace LA:

Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK on Digital HD Aug 23 & Blu-ray Aug 30

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 7, 2016

Audiences were mesmerized by Disney’s live-action epic adventure “The Jungle Book,” which has earned more than $911 million at the global box office to date. Critically acclaimed, Jon Favreau’s stunning live-action reimagining of Walt Disney’s animated classic, will be available early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on August 23, and on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on August 30.

Venture behind the scenes with in-depth bonus features that reveal the innovative filmmaking technology used to create the richly immersive jungle world and characters; Follow the journey of the film’s only on-screen actor, charismatic newcomer Neel Sethi (Mowgli); Delve into a candid and humorous scene-by-scene audio commentary with director Jon Favreau and meet the all-star voice cast who help bring the film’s colorful characters to life, as well as the musicians who accent the adventure with a majestic music score.

The all-star cast includes Bill Murray (“Lost in Translation”) as the voice of Baloo, Sir Ben Kingsley (“Learning to Drive,” “The Walk”) as Bagheera and Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) as the voice of mother wolf Raksha. Scarlett Johansson (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”) gives life to Kaa, Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”) provides the voice of alpha-male wolf Akela, Idris Elba (“Beast of No Nation”) roars as the voice of Shere Khan, and Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”) lends his iconic voice to King Louie.

Bonus features include*:

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:

“The Jungle Book” Reimagined – Favreau sits down with producer Brigham Taylor and visual effects supervisor Robert Legato to discuss “The Jungle Book” and reflect on the years they devoted to the reimagining of this timeless tale. Discover how Rudyard Kipling’s original stories and the classic animated film influenced their unique approach, witness the technical wizardry that enabled the team to create a believable and thrilling movie-going experience, and learn how they borrowed a page from Walt Disney’s innovation playbook to make it all happen. Lastly, meet the all-star voice cast who help bring the film’s colorful characters to life, as well as the musicians who accent the adventure with a majestic music score.

I Am Mowgli – Follow the extraordinary journey of 12-year-old Neel Sethi, who was selected from thousands of hopefuls worldwide to play Mowgli “alongside” some of today’s biggest movie stars. Get a glimpse of Neel’s life before Hollywood came calling, check out his audition that sealed the deal, and see how a close-working relationship with Favreau brought out his best. Plus, Neel shares how filming “The Jungle Book” was one wild ride, from working alongside imaginary animals to performing some super-fun stunts.
King Louie’s Temple: Layer by Layer – So, exactly how do you create a musical number featuring one man-cub, a massive, legendary ape and an army of wild and wily monkeys in the Seeonee jungle? Viewers are granted rare and unique access to the development of the “I Wan’na Be Like You” sequence in which King Louie attempts to coerce Mowgli into giving up Man’s deadly “red flower” (fire). A fast-moving musical progression reel showcases storyboards, animatics, Christopher Walken’s recording session and visual effects layers, which ultimately merge to form one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
Audio Commentary – Favreau delivers his scene-by-scene perspective on the live-action adventure “The Jungle Book” with all the candor and humor you’d expect from this multi-talented actor-writer-director-producer.

DVD

King Louie’s Temple: Layer by Layer – So, exactly how do you create a musical number featuring one man-cub, a massive, legendary ape and an army of wild and wily monkeys in the Seeonee jungle? Viewers are granted rare and unique access to the development of the “I Wan’na Be Like You” sequence in which King Louie attempts to coerce Mowgli into giving up Man’s deadly “red flower” (fire). A fast-moving musical progression reel showcases storyboards, animatics, Christopher Walken’s recording session and visual effects layers, which ultimately merge to form one of the film’s most memorable scenes.

*Bonus features may vary by retailer

Note: The 3D version of The Jungle Book will be available later this year.

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2,” “Chef”) and produced by Favreau and Brigham Taylor (executive producer of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” “Tomorrowland”), “The Jungle Book” is a live-action epic adventure based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories, inspired by Disney’s classic 1967 animated film and centered on Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

The film’s musical score, composed by Emmy® winner and Oscar-, BAFTA- and Annie Award-nominee John Debney (“Elf,” “Iron Man 2”), features a classic orchestral sound accented by ethnic instruments and pays homage to the original film by highlighting snippets of the classic songs we all know and love.

Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" Teaser One-Sheet

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 7, 2016

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Oscar® winner Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast” is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

Here is the Teaser Trailer again if you missed it!

Movie Review "The Legend of Tarzan"

By

Joel Covey

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June 30, 2016

Warner Brothers and David Yates (the last four Harry Potter films) have come together to bring yet another incarnation of a loin cloth wearing, chiseled stomach showing, ape nurtured Tarzan in the most unpredictable of ways. THE LEGEND OF TARZAN is not yet another origins film but rather a continuation of a story we all know too well. The film begins with a refreshing story of Tarzan and Jane after they have left the jungles of Africa and have settled back in England. This is no children’s movie and contrary to some popular belief, contains a much richer plot and synopsis to deliver a refreshing take on the beloved Tarzan while allowing for the audience to grow even more fond of the wild man meets England menagerie. A star-studded talented cast with a more adult-oriented story, stunning CGI-filled scenery and more action sequences than a Die Hard film allows for an shockingly entertaining summer blockbuster without a dumbing down of a screenplay for wider audience.

Before reading forward, the movie is lightly based on the books and treads lightly and further themes that were later written in the world. While I stress the plot is stronger than many other Tarzan related films, it is nowhere near that of the many added stories and characters that are represented in the books, but perhaps we are headed to a more in depth look at a character most audiences only know of his raising.

With rigid jaw-line Alexander Skarsgard playing Tarzan, the absolutely adorable yet non-damsel is distress Margot Robbie playing Jane, the never-ending one-liner giving Samuel L. Jackson playing comedic relief giving Doc Williams, and the ever popular Oscar Award Winning Christoph Waltz playing the mute yellow suit wearing nemesis Leon Rom, it’s a no doubter that this cast of characters have come together because they actually saw something a little special about this telling.

Many are searching far too deep for stronger meaning or perhaps for something too Academy Award winning worthiness for a film stuck in between other such giants of what encompasses the summer movie market. The Legend of Tarzan is far from legendary, but I’d be damned if one should not find it entertaining, exhilarating, or downright clever at times.

Facing dilemmas of being too serious like a gritty super hero moving from Christopher Nolan or too light hearted like a silly Dwayne Johnson mummy action flick, David Yates fights for something in the middle. Suffering from cringeworthy one-liners that could contend with SAN ADREAS’s worse to some CGI blunders lacking simple shadows for believability, the movie does fortunately know what it’s trying to be. Yates visionary take on the beautiful vine covered canopy of leaves and impressive landscapes to cleverly thought out cinematography takes note on what could have otherwise been just another forgettable “been there done” that action flick.

Years after the once only known as Tarzan, John Clayton III now Lord Greystoke has left Africa behind with now wife Jane, he has been invited back to the jungle in a near publicity stunt with the royals of Congo. In doing so, John Clayton returns to a child home where the friendships with man and animal are countless but the enemies made even stronger. Filled with greed, Captain Leon Rom returns for his search of diamonds and wealth as well as to fulfill a promise of delivering Tarzan to the deadly and powerful Chief Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou).

Despite some rather crude jokes that will fly over any child’s heads, The Legend of Tarzan can be taken quite seriously. Dealing with themes of slavery and the blood diamond trade, this version of the tale remains grounded. In an otherwise unbelievable story, the films benefits from real-life themes that were played out in the late 19th century. Perhaps I found this subplot far more intriguing them some, though I did feel this new storyline helps take away any Disney-fied misconceptions of this tale making it far more bearable for an adult audience. Once again, while it’s not terribly violent, it’s probably not the most kid engaging film of the summer and your 7-year-olds you are debating on bringing may become quite squirmy.

The screenplay is rather creative a chronological telling yet still presents several flashbacks to help understand this version of Tarzan’s history. Small added details that sometimes feel forced are actually welcomed with additions like Tarzan’s bones structure has formed differently from walking on his knuckles to subtle details as to how he greets animals to show affection.

Christoph Waltz adds another layer of genius acting with added tension in several dialogue driven scenes, but everyone does quite well. Besides the very forced comedic relief scenes with Samuel L. Jackson, there are no standouts in poor performance. The audience is even fortunate enough to not have to deal with a badly spoken caveman type Tarzan character.

The Legend of Tarzan offers more than the standard meaning of family or overcoming the monster story-type many moviegoers are probably expecting. While the meaning behind the story may not drive home a moral high ground, it instead delivers a new feel to the genre that perhaps is leading to a new era of cheesy summer blockbusters now containing a little more seriousness, maybe a little more meaning, to what could otherwise just be another man raised in the woods movie

Disney Welcomes "WRECK-IT RALPH" Back to the Big Screen for a Smashing Sequel

By

Robbie Bulus

-

June 30, 2016

Wreck-It Ralph is heading back to the big screen, and this time, he’s wrecking the internet. The Oscar®-nominated Walt Disney Animation Studios team from the original film is reteaming for the follow-up, including director Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “The Simpsons”) and producer Clark Spencer (“Zootopia,” “Bolt”). Phil Johnston (writer, “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Zootopia,” “Cedar Rapids”) joins Moore as director and a writer on the project. John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman return as the bad-guy-turned-good, Ralph, and the girl with the game-winning glitch, Vanellope von Schweetz. The untitled sequel will hit theaters—literally—on March 9, 2018.

The filmmakers and Reilly made the announcement on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/Disney/videos/10153760073335954/

“From the moment we started working on the first ‘Wreck-It Ralph,’ we knew there were so many possibilities with these characters,” said Moore, who has been developing it since shortly after the release of the first film, and while directing this year’s critically-acclaimed hit “Zootopia” with Byron Howard. “This time, Ralph’s wrecking wreaks havoc on the Web—as only he can do. Characters we loved in the first film are back and we are ecstatic to be working with them—and the actors who voice them—once again.”

“The world of the internet is the perfect place to send Ralph and Vanellope,” said Johnston. “The scope and scale are so vast and the possibilities for comedy are endless.”

“Ralph is a character very near and dear to my heart,” added Reilly. “I’m really looking forward to playing the big lug again. Making the first ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ was one of the most special experiences I’ve ever had and I’m really looking forward to bringing him back to life. So many kids I’ve met all over the world are excited to see him again, too. They tell me all the time!”

When “Wreck-It Ralph” opened on Nov. 2, 2012, it turned in the highest opening weekend ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film at the time of release. Nominated for an Oscar® and Golden Globe® for best animated feature, “Wreck-It Ralph” won the PGA Award for outstanding producer of an animated theatrical motion picture as well as five Annie Awards, including best animated feature, director, cast and screenplay. The film was named best animated feature by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, earned outstanding achievement in casting for an animated feature by the Casting Society of America, and won the Kids’ Choice Award for favorite animated movie.

DISNEY CROSSY ROAD WRECKED
At 12 p.m. PT today, Disney’s hit mobile game, Disney Crossy Road, will be wrecked by Ralph in celebration of the announcement. As fans play through the 12 different Disney and Pixar worlds of Disney Crossy Road, Ralph may appear and ‘wreck’ part of their gameplay.

“Wreck-It Ralph has been one of the most popular worlds to play in Disney Crossy Road, so it made perfect sense to celebrate Ralph’s return by letting him go outside his world and ‘wreck’ other parts of the game,” said Chris Heatherly, SVP & GM, Disney Apps and Games. “We are big fans of the first film, as are our players, and can’t wait to see how the next chapter unfolds.”

“GIGANTIC” DATE-CHANGE
The animated feature “Gigantic,” originally announced as Disney’s March 9, 2018, release, will be released on November 21, 2018.

It’s “Game On!” with Nintendo Treats at Yogurtland Stores This Summer

By

Robbie Bulus

-

June 24, 2016

After delighting fans for years with colorful visuals, memorable music themes and the familiar feel of iconic controllers, Nintendo is tackling a new sense: taste! Nintendo is partnering with popular frozen yogurt chain Yogurtland this summer to take families on a flavor-filled adventure that is sure to surprise and delight more than just their taste buds. When stepping into select Yogurtland locations between July 1 and Sept. 8, visitors craving the sweet and refreshing taste of frozen yogurt will be met with the sweet and refreshing faces of some of Nintendo’s most recognizable superstars. Classic characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi and Bowser that star in popular Nintendo 3DS games like Mario Kart 7 and New Super Mario Bros. 2 will adorn the walls, cups and collectible biodegradable spoons that can only be found at the self-serve store. Visitors can even power-up their palates with Nintendo-inspired flavors like Mario’s Chocolate Gelato, Luigi’s White Chocolate Pistachio and Toad’s Rocky Road that are as delicious as they sound.

“Like Nintendo, Yogurtland offers a one-of-a-kind experience, high-quality products and a universal appeal for people of all ages,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “By bringing Nintendo characters to Yogurtland shops, we’re making the summer more fun for everyone.”

This Yogurtland partnership continues Nintendo’s plan to expand its brand beyond its classic video games and systems to reach audiences in new ways. This new relationship with Yogurtland offers families the chance to partake in a refreshing summer activity while surrounding themselves with characters featured in some of the most popular games on Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo 3DS and the kid-friendly Nintendo 2DS are the ideal hand-held systems to take on every family adventure this summer. They are great for long trips, relaxing by the pool or even the occasional jaunt to the local Yogurtland store. In fact, Nintendo encourages people to take their portable systems with them when visiting Yogurtland so they can play the hottest games while they enjoy their cool treats.

“This summer’s flavor-filled adventure at Yogurtland is all about family moments – creating and remembering them,” said Yogurtland CEO and founder Phillip Chang. “This exciting promotion brings together multiple generations of frozen yogurt and video game fans to inspire summer fun.”

To expand the fun experience outside of the store, Yogurtland is also hosting a sweepstakes that offers the best treats summer has to offer. By visiting https://www.yogurt-land.com/, fans of Nintendo, Yogurtland and winning cool prizes can enter for a chance to win a Wii U system and one year of free frozen yogurt. All participants have to do is visit the website starting on July 1 and follow the simple steps to enter. One grand prize package will be rewarded every week during the 10-week promotion. By entering the sweepstakes, you are also eligible for instant giveaways, including unlimited frozen yogurt cups, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, as well as shiny new Nintendo 3DS systems that come with one game.

Founded in 2006 in Fullerton, California, Yogurtland has more than 300 locations in 19 states, with additional stores opening in the next six months. Continually evolving the popular frozen yogurt trend, Yogurtland has built a growing business by redefining dessert and delivering the ultimate self-serve culinary experience using the highest quality ingredients and flavors. Each location offers 16 constantly rotating and unique flavors of frozen yogurt to choose from, as well as more than 35 different types of toppings like sauces, fresh fruits and a variety of snacks for visitors to add to their frozen yogurt creations.

Disney's Beauty and The Beast 25th Anniversary Edition Coming soon to Digital and Blu-ray

By

Robbie Bulus

-

June 24, 2016

Relive the magic and the music with four versions of the film plus all-new bonus features!

Twenty-five years ago, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” broke ground as the first animated feature film to receive an Academy Award® nomination for best picture, and now this tale as old as time joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Sept. 6 on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere, and on Sept. 20 on Blu-ray™ and DVD.

The beloved animated classic has truly stood the test of time and now a whole new generation of viewers are invited to be our guest and fall in love with this enchanting tale, its captivating characters and unforgettable, award-winning music score and original song, “Beauty and the Beast.”

Walt Disney Pictures’ magical animated classic “Beauty and the Beast” captures the magical journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), an independent and intelligent, modern-day heroine who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

“Beauty and the Beast” was nominated for six Academy Awards® and was the first animated feature to receive an Academy Award® nomination for best picture. It won two Oscars®, including best song, by the renowned Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and best original score (Menken), as well as a Golden Globe Award® for best comedy/musical.

The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition features four versions of “Beauty and the Beast.” The Blu-ray release will include the original theatrical film; an extended version with the “Human Again” song sequence and a never-before-released on home entertainment sing-along version. The original work-in-progress version will be available digitally and on Disney Movies Anywhere.

There is also a host of all-new bonus extras including a rare opportunity to gather around the piano with some of Disney’s greatest composers, including Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”), Stephen Schwartz (“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Pocahontas”), Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“Frozen,” Disney’s upcoming “Gigantic”), Robert Lopez (“Frozen,” Disney’s upcoming “Gigantic”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Disney’s upcoming “Moana”) as they sing and share how they’ve personally been inspired by the film’s award-winning music; a look at how Walt Disney himself sought to adapt this famous fairytale; a nostalgic look back with Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle; behind-the-scenes access into the recording booth with the cast; and a sneak peek at Disney’s upcoming live-action re-telling of “Beauty and the Beast,” arriving in theaters in 2017.

Bonus Features:

BLU-RAY, DIGITAL HD* & DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE:

Menken & Friends: 25 Years of Musical Inspiration – Get a front-row seat for an intimate discussion between legendary music composers from classic and future Disney films, including Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”), Stephen Schwartz (“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Pocahontas”), Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“Frozen,” Disney’s upcoming “Gigantic”), Robert Lopez (“Frozen,” Disney’s upcoming “Gigantic”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Disney’s upcoming “Moana”). Discover how the composers are personally connected, how they first experienced “Beauty and the Beast” and how they find inspiration for their own films. And watch as they pay tribute to the film’s award-winning music score and the man who has inspired them all—Alan Menken.
#1074: Walt, Fairy Tales & Beauty and the Beast – Long before “Beauty and the Beast” became the instant classic we know and love, Walt Disney made two attempts—between the 1930s and 1950s—to adapt the famous fairy tale into an animated film. Discover what Walt and his team was dreaming up through Walt’s actual voice recordings, archived artwork, story notes, and learn why the project was sidelined for decades.
Always Belle – The original voice of Belle, Paige O’Hara, reminisces about earning the role of the beautiful bookworm in “Beauty and the Beast” and recalls how the iconic character changed her life and continues to inspire fans both young and old.
The Recording Sessions – Go in the recording booth with the cast of Beauty and the Beast and see what went into adding voices to the characters and the lines we know and love.
25 Fun Facts About Beauty and the Beast – Disney Channel’s Gus Kamp and Kayla Maisonet host this entertaining countdown featuring little-known fun facts, anecdotes and hidden Easter Eggs (references to Disney animated films and characters) from one of the most cherished animated films of all time.
“Beauty and The Beast” Sneak Peek – An exciting first look into the live-action re-telling of “Beauty and the Beast,” which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

DIGITAL HD* & DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE:

Classic Bonus Features – These offerings from prior home entertainment releases include over five hours of bonus material, such as an alternate version of “Be Our Guest” and the “Beauty and the Beast” music video performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson, and deleted scenes.

* Bonus features may vary by retailer

New Disney•Pixar "Finding Dory" Video clip featuring Baby Dory

By

Robbie Bulus

-

June 20, 2016

Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?

Here is Baby Dory:

Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.

“Finding Dory” is now playing in theaters!

Disney•Pixar's “Finding Dory” Press Conference unites the Voice Cast and Filmmakers

By

Robert Rivera

-

June 16, 2016

Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” finds Dory living happily in the reef with Marlin and Nemo about a year after their life-changing adventure. When Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her, she recruits Marlin and Nemo for a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute (MLI), a rehabilitation center and aquarium.

In the effort to find her mom and dad, Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents: Hank, a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip; Bailey, a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny, a nearsighted whale shark.

“It’s amazing to me that Dory has resonated with people so much,” says Ellen DeGeneres, who lends her voice to the funny fish whose motto “Just Keep Swimming” has inspired and motivated audiences worldwide. “Dory was such a big part of ‘Finding Nemo’ that it makes sense that people might wonder about her journey. We want to see how it worked out for her. Are Marlin and Nemo her family now? Does she have a family and will she ever remember them?”

At the recent press conference, the voice cast from Finding Dory gave us an insight on their characters and what this movie means to them. Watch the video below of the full conversation.

Director Andrew Stanton is always on the lookout for a new story. His imagination has taken him under the sea and beyond the stars, but this time, a character from his past unexpectedly swam straight into his subconscious. “I realized that I was worried about Dory,” he says of everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang. “The idea of her short-term memory loss and how it affected her was unresolved. What if she got lost again? Would she be OK?”

“Finding Dory” reveals that Dory has a loving mom and dad who dote on their daughter, patiently helping her manage her short-term memory loss. “They don’t try to change her,” says Stanton. “They just want to help her own who she is. Being a parent and seeing my kids grow up and enter the world, I realize that kids are all born with certain temperaments, flaws, quirks—and it’ll always be who they are. You probably spend most of your time as a parent worrying about those things, too—you don’t lose sleep over the things they do well. The best quality I could give Dory’s parents is that they never doubt her.”

Adds producer Lindsey Collins, “Dory seems so happy, but she was never really grounded until she met Marlin. Their happenstance meeting and subsequent friendship marked the first time since she was a kid that she had a family.”

“The story is really about Dory finding herself—in every way,” says Stanton. “She’s compelling and vulnerable and has yet to recognize her own strengths.”

Watch Producer Collins and Director Stanton in the full video below why it took 13 years to make this movie.

Directed by Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and co-directed by Angus MacLane (“Toy Story OF TERROR!”), the film is produced by Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”) and executive produced by John Lasseter. Victoria Strouse (“October Road”) wrote the script with Stanton. With music by veteran composer and longtime Stanton collaborator Thomas Newman (“Bridge of Spies,” “WALL•E,” “Finding Nemo”), “Finding Dory” is now playing in theaters.

Click here to Read our Movie Review.

Socalthrills.com

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Disney Welcomes "WRECK-IT RALPH" Back to the Big Screen for a Smashing Sequel

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Disney's Beauty and The Beast 25th Anniversary Edition Coming soon to Digital and Blu-ray

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