Southern California never ceases to amaze. No matter how many Sunday drives I take around the region, I am still finding new and exciting getaways. Such was the case last week when a couple friends and I headed to Wrightwood and took a few memorable turns along the way.
The adventure began when we pulled off the northbound I-15 Freeway near the Cajon Pass and Devore and ended up on Old Route 66. This lost portion of the historic highway parallels the freeway for a spell while it twists and turns its way through the rocky San Gabriel Mountains.
After a few minutes we spotted a white monument on the side of the road and pulled over to investigate. It turns out we were driving through a split that divides the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountain ranges. This ancient route was traversed by Native Americans, early settlers, horse thieves and railroads, before Route 66 and the freeway came along. The pass was also called the Salt Lake Trail, as it was used extensively by the Mormons, who founded San Bernardino in 1851.
While reading a roadside plaque, we heard thunder coming in the form of a mile-long Southern Pacific train. Looking up, we saw the iron horse directly in front of us, just across a deep gully with a flowing stream at the bottom.
Continuing our trek up to Wrightwood, we turned off Route 66 onto Lone Pine Canyon Rd and discovered an old, abandoned outpost known as Clyde Ranch. Built in the 1870’s by the Clyde family, the cabin and surrounding 160-acre settlement was said to be a retreat for Wyatt Earp and his brother Virgil, who grew up in the nearby city of Colton. Story has it that the legendary Earp brothers would ride their horses from Colton, through the Cajon Pass to visit the Clydes and hunt deer.
From the ranch we continued up Lone Pine Canyon Rd and began to see snow along the side of the road and clinging to the mountainsides. We then found ourselves driving through a residential area of cabins and lodge homes, before popping out into the tiny town of Wrightwood.
Located at 6,000 feet in the east end of the San Gabriel Mountains, Wrightwood is best known for its popular ski resort Mountain High. But the place is also a charming little town with quaint shops and restaurants and a host of outdoor activities at hand. And no traffic lights!
When we got to town, it was 56 degrees, the sun was shining, and a brisk breeze was blowing through. There was ice on the ground and snow on rooftops. There was smoke coming from the chimney of a local restaurant named Evergreen Café. We took this as signal to pop in for lunch. We did and were treated to a hearty meal of hot chili and chicken-fried steak.
After lunch we drove up Angeles Crest Highway, which cuts through town. We took this until we found a spot on the side of the road where people were playing in the snow. This looked too fun to pass up, so we parked and followed a trail to an area packed with families sliding around on inner tubes and makeshift sleds.
Continuing up Angeles Crest Highway, we stopped at Mountain High Ski Resort (www.mthigh.com) and watched snowboarders and skiers glide down the mountain. Billed as Southern California’s closest winter resort, Mountain High consists of three separate mountains: Mountain High East, West, and North. Back on Angeles Crest, we winded our way to picturesque Jackson Lake. Covering about seven surface acres, the tiny lake was frozen when we arrived and was being used by ice skating ducks.
On the way home from Wrightwood, we turned off Lone Pine Canyon Rd and took my Jeep down a tiny trail called Swarthout Canyon Rd. This exciting desolate road is as fun as it is bumpy and unforgiving.
On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern Seaboard and wreaking havoc on anything caught in its destructive path, including two 500-foot oil tankers. The SS Pendleton and SS Fort Mercer, bound for Boston, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine, respectively, were both ripped in half by the storm, stranding their crews at sea. The senior officer aboard the stern of the Pendleton, chief engineer Raymond Sybert (Casey Affleck), soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and keep the ship afloat as long as possible.
The Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts was busy helping local fishermen protect their boats from the storm when they received word that the Fort Mercer was in trouble. Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana), the recently appointed station chief, immediately dispatches his best men to aid in the larger rescue effort already in progress. When Cluff learns that a second ship, the Pendleton, was also damaged and is now adrift in nearby waters, he orders coxswain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) to quickly assemble a crew and take out the CG36500 lifeboat to look for survivors.
Webber and three men board the 36-foot motorized, wooden boat and set off on the perilous mission with bleak prospects, at best, and before they even clear the Chatham Harbor, the boat’s windshield and compass are destroyed. Yet the men persevere, and despite hurricane- force winds, 60-foot waves, frigid temperatures and zero visibility, miraculously locate the Pendleton and rescue 32 of its 33 men in the midst of the turbulent storm, returning a total of 36 men home on their battered 12-seat lifeboat.
During a recent press junket, we had the opportunity to hear from Chris Pine and Ben Foster about what made this movie so special and unique.
Q: You mentioned that this role was unlike anyone you’ve ever played before. What was different about Bernie to you and was that what made the role appealing?
Chris Pine: Yeah, when I first met Craig, he kept on mentioning Rocky as kind of the touchstone for the character. I thought that was a very adept, adroit perceptive way in. Especially how Scott wrote the script. He’s a kind of, he’s not the sharpest or swiftest guy in many ways, but he’s also very adept at his job. He knows that boat. He knows those waters and as much as he’s racked by fear and doubt, he does really know how to use his hands. His body. He’s a soft guy. There’s no complexity above and beyond what you see with Bernie.
Q: How difficult was it for you to capture that accent, the Boston accent?
Pine: I had this little audio recording that was kind of my touchstone and that was my version of Bernie. So the moment that I would ever ask like, so what do you think? I would have about seven people in my face going well now that vowel, no, you can’t do that.
Ben Foster: He called it. It was really hard and particularly shooting there. What he did it’s bold.
Q: Was there anything in your personal life that helped motivate you or feel your portrayal of the character for both of you guys?
Foster: What we do is a job and it’s not that exceptional. It’s a great privileged job, no question. But you do a thing. And being around these men and women who do this for a living the Coast Guard, the real Coast Guard the real military, people that are in the service industry, journalist who actually ask questions because they care. Wherever care is involved, it’s so humbling.
Q: How do you feel shooting the storm scenes because we’re hearing that a lot of water was thrown at you? How did you focus? Was it challenging?
Pine: I guess it’s a pain in the ass in the beginning. But then it’s in many ways, kind of makes the job a lot easier because you don’t have to act all that much and you just focus on getting the job done.
“The Finest Hours” is a heroic action-thriller based on the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard. Presented in Digital 3DTM, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale.
Directed by Craig Gillespie, “The Finest Hours” stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz, Kyle Gallner, John Magaro and Eric Bana and is produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a., and Dorothy Aufiero, p.g.a., with Doug Merrifield serving as executive producer. The film is written by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson, based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias.
Ubisoft released Sandstorm Pirate Wars™, an expansive action RPG, now available to download on smartphones and tablets. Developed by Ubisoft Barcelona, the game challenges players to use competitive tactical skills to take on pirates in a post-apocalyptic world where only the fiercest and smartest will survive.
Sandstorm Pirate Wars sets players in the midst of a catastrophe-stricken Earth. Equipped with a sand cruiser and customized weapons, players will interact with hundreds of exotic and eccentric characters and take on ruthless pirates. In this desolate setting, players must find out who will help them, who will mislead them and who is a threat.
Players choose from four vessels, each with their own set of unique weapons, to deploy cannons, lasers, machine guns and battle drones, all while immersed in a stunning 3D world presented with high-quality HD graphics and special effects. Additionally, players can earn in-game currency to upgrade vessels, customize weapons and strengthen battle skills. Create an unbeatable battle strategy to defeat lurking pirates or compete with friends to put your skills to the test and be the top player in your league.
“When we started working on the project, we wanted to make a game that we would like to play ourselves, something new and different, with mechanics never before seen on mobile,” said Carlos Peris, producer. “An absorbing storyline was required, but also a strong, real-time PvP mode to please the most competitive players.”
Sandstorm Pirate Wars is NOW available on the App Store® and on Google Play™.
Sometimes all the pieces fit. Sometimes form follows function in an artist expression. Such is the case with the new Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, which reopened last month after a $100 million renovation.
Built to house some of the world’s rarest and coolest cars and motorcycles, the structure is not only a giant warehouse, but it also a massive, sweeping architectural statement unto itself. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) Associates, the building’s new façade was inspired by the form of a car, creating a new “body” around the chassis of the existing museum that evokes images of race car speed and the curves of an automobile.
Reopened to the public on December 6, the Petersen features a constantly rotating exhibit of priceless and historic vehicles. To keep the things “fresh,” museum owners decided not to display their entire collection at once. Instead, about half of the 300-plus cars and motorcycles are on display at any one time in the roughly 100,000 sq-ft facility. The other half of the collection sits in on-site storage, awaiting a chance to go on exhibition.
One of the highlights of my recent getaway to the Petersen was the exhibit entitled “Rolling Sculpture,” which showcases autos from the 20s and 30s, when “manufacturers began to use the styling of a car as a means by which to distinguish it in the marketplace.” In this area I discovered a humongous, shiny and new-looking, 1933 Duesenberg SJ that was built to “outclass” any other car on the road. Boasting a supercharged 320-horsepower straight-eight engine, this beast was made for the wealthy and came with a staggering $20,000 price tag.
Another current exhibit is “Two-Wheeled Transportation,” which displays gorgeous motorcycles from the present back to the turn of the 20th Century, when they were little more than modified bicycles with primitive single-cylinder engines. One of the coolest motorcycles I examined was a 1927 Big Indian Chief, once owned by actor Steve McQueen. Equipped with a 24-horsepower engine, the bike could reach 90 mph and cost $350 new.
And speaking of Steve McQueen, the actor’s 1957 Jaguar XKSS is also being exhibited at the Petersen. Dubbed the “Green Rat” by McQueen, the rare Jaguar is one of only 16 such models built.
Of all the flashy, space-age, historic and experimental autos that I viewed at the Petersen Automotive Museum, one of my favorites was the 1961 International Scout 80, which was designed as a farm truck. Built with a half cab and a fold down windshield, this boxy, unassuming off-roader, is the perfect combination of simplicity and ruggedness.
Besides classic cars, the museum also features a gift shop, a soon-to-arrive dining facility, and an interactive Xbox game room, where visitors can get behind the wheel and experience the intense thrill of racing a car in one of 10 racing simulators that simulate famous tracks around the world.
After touring the three levels of exhibits, I walked outside and down the street to get a good look at the museum’s iconic architecture. The design is highlighted by a corrugated aluminum rain screen that wraps around the building, while “ribbons” of angel hair stainless steel and red painted aluminium flow around the structure.
“Sitting atop the existing structural system like the body of a car mounted to its frame, the steel ‘ribbons’ evoke a sense of speed and movement and are brushed to avoid creation of glare,” says the architect’s website. “The design offers a contemporary interpretation of the mid-century, space age “Googie” architectural style that characterizes Los Angeles. The result is one of the most significant and unforgettable structures in Los Angeles.”
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; $7 for children; free for under 3 yrs. For more information, visit: www.petersen.org
When Dreamworks Animation released the first Kung Fu Panda back in 2008, I really had no expectations. There just didn’t seem to be a lot of potential in the idea of a panda bear who learned kung fu. Thanks to some perfect voice casting, an incredibly clever script, and creative directing techniques, they took a logline sounding like a rejected SNL skit and turned it into one of the best films in their catalog. After the second film failed to live up to the high standards set by the first one, I was a little apprehensive going into this third film in the franchise. There was no need for worry, as they somehow made a film that is at least as good, if not better, than the original.
These films work in large part thanks to the expanding mythology of the universe that the filmmakers have created. The mysticism behind the Kung Fu in this world creates a supernatural backdrop that elevates the film beyond a “Karate Kid” of the animal world. Opening in the spirit world, we are quickly introduced to the idea that this story is going to reach far beyond the Earthly confines one would expect. There, a supernatural battle breaks out that is far greater in scope than anything these films have presented before. Because this is in another realm, the rules of physics don’t apply, and it’s sequences such as these that make animation such a breathtaking medium.
It isn’t just the scope of the world that makes these films so strong. The scope of the characters is equally important. Po, the Dragon Warrior Panda (expertly voiced by Jack Black), is a perfect example of this. Having begun the series as a bumbling, perpetually hungry, buffoonish stereotype, they have expertly pushed his character forward so that he has retained the simplistic trademarks of the character, while evolving him towards his ultimate destiny as a Kung-Fu leader. With the assistance of a series of other kung fu masters, he is able to embrace his true calling and, as required in any children’s film such as this, save the world.
Po (voiced by Jack Black) frolicking in the panda village’s hot spring in DreamWorks Animation’s KUNG FU PANDA 3.
Having been raised by a stork, Po has naively believed that this was his birth father. With seemingly no other pandas in the world, Po has had no way of knowing that he wasn’t simply one of a kind. With the arrival of another panda claiming to be Po’s biological father, we are introduced to an entirely new corner of this world; a secret Panda village. This is where the film is elevated beyond the others. While there is an epic supernatural battle brewing, there is also this very personal, character-driven piece of mythology that changes the context of everything we have come to know before. As it is revealed that these two plot threads are destined to converge together, the stakes become elevated in a way not usually seen in children’s films such as this.
Considering the scale of the film, it’s all presented in a very lighthearted way, with constant humor, both visually and verbally. The audience I saw the film with was completely on-board, laughing and cheering throughout. My 3-year old daughter was engrossed, occasionally scared, and always entertained. This is big entertainment, both exciting and funny. With beautiful animation that cleverly blends multiple styles and techniques, along with truly innovative directing, Dreamworks Animation continues to push themselves in exciting ways.
Ride for Dime Dimebash, a benefit honoring “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, rocked the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood on Friday Jan 22. The sold-out event sponsored by Monster Energy featured exclusive collaborative performances by hard rock and metal legends, including members of Pantera, Slayer, Alice in Chains, Black Label Society, Hatebreed, Type O Negative, Danzig, Machine Head, Stone Sour, King’s X, Devil Driver, Prong, Kyng, and Armored Saint.
Openers Mothership from Dallas, Texas took the stage followed by Revolution Mother of Long Beach. Both bands got the crowd energized for an epic night of head banging. The intimate crowd started a mosh pit while musicians rolled out song after song. Surprise guest, Foo Fighter David Grohl filled in for Jerry Cantrell who had an emergency. He joined members of Pantera and Slayer as well as Metallica for an insane version of “Ace of Spades”. Dimebag’s longtime partner Rita Haney and James Dio’s wife Wendy Dio were also in attendance.
Proceeds from the event benefited the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. The Fund is dedicated to support research and education that furthers early detection, prevention and treatment of prostate, colon and stomach cancers. The Fund’s philosophy stems from the notion that “Knowledge Equals Power.” Early detection allows people to effectively plan strategies to deal with the disease early on and affords a better chance to overcome the cancer.
This amazing night of music and performances to fund a cause seeking to end a cancer that affects too many!
Even though the event is over, you can still donate to the Ronnie James Dio Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund by going to www.ronniejamesdio.com.
Known for its Chef-created sandwiches, Sessions West Coast Deli will introduce a new breakfast menu with expanded offerings, including breakfast burritos and gourmet toasts. The expanded breakfast menu, which launches on Sunday, January 24th, will serve to offer the communities it serves a greater selection of culinary-focused early-morning options, in a relaxed, beach-inspired environment.
Playing off of its already celebrated menu, the breakfast menu offers a Morning Zephyr, which adds farm-fresh eggs and bacon to the marinated vine-ripened tomato, wild baby arugula, fresh mozzarella, basil aioli, pickled red onion, and balsamic reduction found on the restaurant’s award-winning Summer Zephyr sandwich. Taking a step back from its between-the-bread counterparts, new breakfast burrito offerings feature 13” flour tortillas packed with fillings such as scrambled eggs, jalapeno jack cheese, carnitas style pork, potato mash, pickled onion, habanero puree, guacamole, and lime crema. Another noteworthy new addition to the menu includes a selection of three gourmet toasts, including Sessions’ riff on the popular Avocado Toast with avocado, marinated cherry tomatoes, goat cheese crumbles, arugula and balsamic reduction on toasted ciabatta.
As with menu items at Sessions, all of the new breakfast offerings will include ingredients from the West Coast Deli’s scratch kitchen, where housemade sauces, sides, salads, and soups are prepared in-house daily. All sandwiches and toasts are made to order with fresh, locally grown produce, humanely and naturally raised meats, and locally baked breads delivered daily from local artisan, OC Baking Company. In addition, the restaurant proudly serves a selection of locally roasted coffee beverages from Kean Coffee.
Following is an overview of Sessions’ new breakfast menu to be offered daily at both locations:
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
THE AL CAPP – A nod to our neighbor Al Cappuccino in Newport – an everything bagel topped with cream cheese, freshly sliced cucumber and tomato and topped with lemon pepper.
RISE & GRIND (BREAKFAST BLT) – Toasted brioche topped with scrambled eggs, 2 slices of bacon, 2 slice of white cheddar then covered with house-marinated tomato, lettuce and basil aioli.
BEC – Simple breakfast sandwich on toasted brioche with scrambled eggs and 2 slices of white cheddar.
WAKE & BAKE – Scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, pepper jack, housemade guacamole and jalapenos topped with cream cheese on toasted brioche.
McSESSION – Smoked bacon and scrambled eggs topped with white cheddar and housemade sriracha syrup, served on toasted brioche. Pure awesomeness. Tip: Try it on French Toast!
GREEN EGGS AND HAM – Ham, swiss and scrambled eggs on toasted brioche and finished with fresh arugula that has been tossed with housemade fresh basil pesto
MORNING ZEPHYR – the breakfast counterpart to our award-winning Summer Zephyr! We use the same fresh mozzarella, marinated tomato, pickled red onion, arugula, balsamic reduction and fresh basil aioli, and add scrambled eggs and bacon, all on toasted brioche!
FULL MONTY – Ham, swiss and scrambled eggs are placed on french toast and finished with wild strawberry jam and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
THE TAYLOR – Farm-fresh scrambled egg, smoked provolone, breakfast sausage, marinated vine-ripened tomato, wild baby arugula, and housemade fresh basil pesto.
BREAKFAST TOASTS
AVOCADO TOAST – our take on this popular breakfast toast includes avocado, marinated cherry tomatoes, goat cheese crumbles, arugula and balsamic reduction on toasted ciabatta.
RICOTTA TOMATO TOAST – our own herbed ricotta with marinated tomatoes, housemade pesto and parmesan cheese on toasted ciabatta.
NUT AND HONEY – our own herbed ricotta, walnuts and rosemary sprigs, simply drizzled with honey, all on toasted ciabatta.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS
BREAKFAST SESSION – Farm-fresh scrambled eggs, jalapeno jack cheese, carnitas-style pork, roasted potatoes, pickled onion, habanero puree, guacamole, and lime crema on a flour tortilla.
CALZONA – Farm-fresh scrambled eggs, smoked provolone cheese, Italian salami, and roasted potatoes on a flour tortilla, served with housemade red pepper marinara.
GRINGO – Farm-fresh scrambled eggs, white cheddar, avocado and roasted potatoes on a flour tortilla, served with homemade tomato salsa and roasted tomatillo salsa.
SWEETS AND BREADS
BAGELS – Plain or everything varieties with an option to add: cream cheese, butter, and/or jelly.
CROISSANT – Plain croissant heated and served with choice of butter or jelly. Tip: add Nutella!
FRENCH TOAST BITES – French toast, tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with maple syrup
OATMEAL – Housemade oatmeal, served with Sessions’ Signature Crumble, a mixture of brown sugar, crushed walnuts and dried cranberries
“As the first ‘West Coast Deli’ in the country, we have the flexibility and freedom to enhance our menu based on our guests’ desires and needs – this gave way to the addition of breakfast burritos and gourmet toasts, both of which satisfy an important demographic we see early in the day,” commented Matt Meddock, Partner in Sessions West Coast Deli, who looked to Sessions’ Culinary Director Max Schlutz to create a menu that spoke to a variety of preferences seen locally. “We aim to support our local community with the products we serve, from our bread from artisan baker, OC Baking Company, to our coffee, which is roasted a few miles away at Kean Coffee.”
Sessions West Coast Deli is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at its two restaurants, located in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. For hours of operation, full menu, and other information, please visit http://www.sessionssandwiches.com.
ABOUT SESSIONS WEST COAST DELI
In Spring 2014, when Sessions West Coast Deli opened its first location in Newport Beach, its owners had one mission: to serve the best sandwiches to ever hit the lip. As a neighborhood-casual concept designed to serve its immediate community, Sessions embraces the area’s surf culture as it presents a menu of gourmet, culinary-focused sandwiches in a relaxed environment. The term “West Coast Deli” perfectly describes the marriage of a high-quality deli menu with a chill vibe that appeals to area locals and tourists, alike.
In Summer 2015, Sessions opened its second Orange County location on the waterfront in Huntington Beach. The opening of this location reinforced Sessions’ dedication and commitment to its community by becoming a local hub for surfers, skaters and area beachgoers looking for great sandwiches.
Unlike most sandwich shops in the region, Sessions proudly boasts a scratch kitchen with housemade sauces, sides, salads, and soups prepared daily. All sandwiches are made to order with fresh, locally grown produce; humanely and naturally raised meats; and locally baked bread delivered daily from local artisan, OC Baking Company. In addition, the restaurant proudly serves a selection of locally roasted coffee beverages from Kean Coffee.
Sessions West Coast Deli – Newport Beach Peninsula
2823 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Open Daily
7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sessions West Coast Deli – Downtown Huntington Beach
414 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
From the innovative minds of Disney•Pixar comes a hilariously heartwarming adventure about the power of confronting and overcoming your fears and discovering who you are meant to be.
The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely, and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In this epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, an apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.
Bonus Features: Digital HD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)
THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team – Sanjay loves the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance quickly turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.
TRUE LIES ABOUT DINOSAURS – We know – it’s preposterous to think Apatosaurs spoke English. Learn more about what separates the fictional dinosaurs of “The Good Dinosaur“ from what scientists know about real dinosaurs.
RECYCLOSAURUS – Pixar takes creative competition seriously. Maybe a little too seriously. Watch as “The Good Dinosaur” crew competes to see which department can create the best dinosaur ever…using only discarded items from the studio’s “free table.”
THE FILMMAKERS’ JOURNEY – Finding your way from an idea to a film takes a lot of exploration. Director Peter Sohn and his fellow filmmakers talk about the challenging, inspiring, and unexpectedly emotional experience of making “The Good Dinosaur.”
EVERY PART OF THE DINOSAUR – The filmmakers talk about the special animation challenges of “The Good Dinosaur” – including figuring out how to animate a dinosaur who’s really a boy, and a boy who’s got the spirit of a dog.
FOLLOWING THE T-REX TRAIL – Follow the filmmakers as they travel to a working cattle ranch and meet the McKays, a close-knit family whose work ethic, generosity, and stories inspired the T-Rex ranchers of the film.
COMMENTARY – Commentary from director Peter Sohn, story supervisor Kelsey Mann, supervising animator Mike Venturini, director of photography/lighting Sharon Calahan, and supervising technical director Sanjay Bakshi.
DINO BITES – Montage of original animated pieces produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”
HIDE AND SEEK – A short animated clip produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”
DELETED SCENES –The Attack – An idyllic introduction to the family farm is cut short when a savage predator attacks the newborn Arlo. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.
–Building the Silo – An admiring Arlo is thrilled to follow along as his father builds a silo for the family farm. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.
-Waiting for Poppa – Arlo awaits the return of his beloved father on a stormy night, only to be greeted with tragic news. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.
Blu-ray 3D & DVD: THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team
Digital Exclusive:
JUST LISTEN – Trace the development of the unique soundscape of “The Good Dinosaur,” from the wilds of British Columbia as Sound Designer Craig Berkey collects sounds, to the recording studio where Jeff and Mychael Danna use instruments from around the world to create the music.
International superstar Shakira is lending her Grammy®-winning voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star in Zootopia.
The all-new original song, “Try Everything,” was written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate.
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) honored Graham Nash with its “Music for Life” award for his 40-years of legendary musical contributions that continue to shape our culture. NAMM’s President and CEO Joe Lamond presented Nash with the “Music for Life” award during the NAMM Show’s opening Breakfast of Champions. Nash will headline the NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage with a performance at the close of the NAMM Show’s opening day.
“The fact is that when music is a part of the school program students are less likely to join a gang, less likely to get into trouble, feel better about themselves and get better grades,” Nash said. “So let’s keep music in schools.”
The “Music for Life” award is NAMM’s highest honor recognizing individuals and organizations that demonstrate, support and exemplify NAMM’s vision that the joy of making music is a precious element of daily living for everyone. Previous recipients have included musicians Stevie Wonder, Yoko Ono, Henry and Felice Mancini, Smokey Robinson and others, as well as Members of Congress, governors and business leaders.
Legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Crosby, Stills, and Nash and with the Hollies and was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame twice. Among his many accolades, he is also a GRAMMY AwardTM winner, New York Times bestselling author, internationally renowned photographer and visual artist, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth.
ANAHEIM, CA – JANUARY 21: Singer-songwriter Graham Nash perfroms on stage at the 2016 NAMM Show Opening Day at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 21, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAMM)
The creator of iconic songs including “Our House” and “Teach Your Children” is a powerful voice for peace and social and environmental justice regularly lending his voice to philanthropic endeavors. The No Nukes/Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) concerts he organized in conjunction with fellow musicians Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt in 1979, remain seminal benefit events.
The Graham Nash: This Path Tonight Tour 2016 kicks off the week after his appearance at the NAMM Show. Nash’s upcoming studio album, This Path Tonight is set to release April 15, 2016.
The NAMM Show gathers more than 95,000 members of the music product industry from around the world to preview new music products from 5,000 brands across every category.
Direct from Broadway, Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, and more from the original Broadway cast are taking IF/THEN across the nation and are currently at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa for a “hurry before your too late” stint! My words will not accurately express the true power or talent that this show exemplifies. IF/THEN is able to capture the best in Menzel and deliver a breathtaking experience that can only be felt in person. Though, if you want to see this you only have until Sunday January 24th!
I was as giddy as girl in her twenties running into Justin Timberlake to see Idina Menzel perform live. Not so much that I gush over her, but because I understand the amazing talent she embodies and have loved much of her past work. Okay, full disclosure, I love RENT and have enjoyed WICKED, plus you can claim you hate “Let It Go” as much as you want… but admit the second time you heard it you wanted to belt it out just as loud as her. On top of that, Anthony Rapp (RENT, stage and film) plays opposite of her. So needless to say, I was a little hyped up and IF/THEN didn’t disappoint!
The entire show is incredibly engaging taking on two possible scenarios all based off one single event that takes place in a park. It’s not your average Broadway show and definitely tries to be a little different, just like other works from Director Michael Grief, who actually cast Menzel in her iconic role as Maureen in RENT. This however can create a convoluted, and sometimes challenging, story to follow. Fortunately Grief has been fortunate enough to have tremendous music and lyrics from Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey who have all worked previously together on NEXT TO NORMAL.
IF/THEN follows a newly divorced 38-year-old urban planner, Elizabeth (Idina Menzel), who has moved back to New York City for a fresh start. The inciting incident starts quickly as Elizabeth is with her friends Kate (LaChanze), A lesbian kindergarten teach, and Lucas (Anthony Rapp), a city activists and former lover who sometimes swings the other way, in Madison Square Park. Whilst hanging with her friends there are two alternate scenarios that play out for Elizabeth. Kate suggests that “Liz” stays to listen to the musician in the park and ends up bumping into Josh (James Snyder), a corky military stud recently returned from duty. From here “Liz’s” life follows a life with Josh while the other scenario has Lucas suggest that she go by “Beth” and encourages her to answer a life-changing career phone call missing Josh all together.
Clearly by the synopsis alone you can see that it can be a bit difficult to follow. While I did hear from others before the show that it was tough for them, I never really had any problems keeping up with it. Of course having the distinction between Beth and Liz will help you follow, but ultimately it was the music that helped me. Definitely a strong suit of IF/THEN would not only be the crescendo of melody throughout the musical but also the crystal clear lyricism and creative staging.
I highly recommend listening to some music prior to viewing if possible. I always find that helps if you aren’t too familiar with a show, but also gives a sense of what to expect. With any quick listen you will hear how straight forward much of the music is yet somehow inventively unique and fluid. Many of the songs flow so well I felt it seemed easier to stay in tune to every lyric, which is not typical for many of the musicals. In fact, I felt that while the music is beautiful, the vocals are truly the star. It helps that I could clearly understand every word with better than normal sounding acoustics and perfect audio. This wont be a reason to go see a show alone, but it sure was appreciated and worth a mention.
Every performance seemed to be on point with nothing negatively standing out. The whole ensemble, which I’ll get into later, was fully engaging. Everyones voice seemed perfect for these untrained ears. As for Idina, my God, she blew the roof off. I was patiently waiting for my “Defying Gravity” moment and as I awaited with many close calls, it came with full steam. The prized possession of this show being “Always Starting Over” does not let down. I have NEVER gasped so hard for air after a single song in my life. The note seemed noticeably longer than that of the recorded version.
While getting to that point there will be a plethora of impressive solos and duets creatively done portraying the two different stories within in one song. “I Hate You” expressed so much emotion and the infamous “What the Fuck?” was so much more than expected in person. Yes, that is the name of one of the songs so here is your warning; IF/THEN contains a TON of explicit language. Consider yourself warned.
Given the very nature of the previous song title, the show has some hilarious moments throughout, but may make some crowds squeamish. It’s nowhere near the content of The Book of Morman so you have nothing to fear there.
There is something to be said about every character delivering exceptional performances. It’s a rarity, but it’s the professionalism and utter talent of this cast that made it possible. I quickly noted to myself that Menzel gives a performance that has something lacking to many other onstage musicals, incredible acting. She had impeccable comedic timing and was entirely convincing every moment. There was no sense of overacting here. Anthony Rapp was himself, I mean, I love this guy, but his performance wont seem much different if your mostly familiar with him in RENT. You kind of know what to expect.
I’m searching for some real critique so this seems legit, but my biggest grief was just some slowness in the second Act and some mindless songs that I didn’t care for. I’ll leave that for you to decide. It’s on the longer side, though I never found myself losing interest.
Staging was more abstract but inventive and different. It never feels cheap or lazy, but rather lets the actors be the focal point. There are quite a few quick costume changes to help switch from scene to scene and from scenario to scenario in which I found very entertaining.
Something to consider before you get hesitant on a show you may not know much about, this show is essentially the same as the Broadway show that recently played from just 2014 to March 2015. The four main actors and some other supporting cast were all apart of the original cast therefore you get to essentially see a Broadway show in its true form on the West Coast. While this is a national tour, it stays true to the original Broadway production opposed to many other traveling companies. PLUS, Idina Menzel’s last show with this tour is Sunday!
In fact, director David Stone has said that IF/THEN wouldn’t be touring if Idina didn’t choose to launch the tour. It’s been said that IF/THEN is believed to be the first musical of the modern Broadway era to have a national tour with all of its major principal cast assembled. That note alone should be reason enough to make it out. However, there is something profound knowing that you are watching a musical that not TOO many people have had the chance to see yet.
Even at the very end, after some emotional thoroughfares, the spotlight faded just after Menzel delivers a very deeply satisfying grateful smile and humbled look up to the audience with an ever so subtle sense of accomplishment of her performance. I may have been looking too much into this one particular moment, but it fit the ending to this emotional second half so well. I felt that Menzel was just happy that she has brought this show to another audience, or… she was just happy that it was over for that performance. Who knows, but I’ll believe the former.
IF/THEN is a strong show with a consistent flow and unchallenged talent. If delivers a powerful message and an important reminder to not focus on the “what ifs” and “if only’s”. It’s not a straight forward takeaway, and for that I’m grateful. It will still have you thinking, but I cannot imagine you leaving without saying “Wow!” Without any exaggerating, I didn’t hear one negative reaction while we slowly walked out of the theater.
It’s going to be quite the weekend at The Center with several events and a top-notch off-Broadway show that I hope I’ll get to see again someday. Segerstrom Center for the Arts may be a good stop this weekend if you’re looking for a nice evening out.
IF/THEN is playing until Sunday 1/24. Tickets are starting at $29.
Research is the foundation for all of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ films—something executive producer John Lasseter believes is required to create a great story. So when the filmmakers behind “Zootopia” decided to create an all-animal world, they went into the wild—literally—when it came to research. “We did about 18 months of really solid research into animals,” says director Byron Howard. “We studied how they interact in the wild, how they socialize and how their individual communities are built in the natural world.
“We found that the majority of animals—90 percent—are prey,” continues Howard. “Only 10 percent are predators. So while we always assumed that predators ruled the animal world, they’re actually the minority. We talked to anthropologists and sociologists and took a look way back through human history—any time you have a majority and minority, social issues arise. We learned and observed that animals of all kinds tend to stay with animals that look like them; they find refuge and protection within their individual groups and tend to avoid animals that are different.”
So the research led the filmmakers to a story that deals with stereotypes and bias. “We set out to make a funny animal movie,” says Howard. “But the more digging we did, we saw an opportunity to talk about something important—while still having great fun with the world, the characters and the story.”
We had the opportunity to sit down with Character Design Supervisor Cory Loftis, Character Look Supervisor Michelle Robinson, Character CG Supervisor Dave Komorowski and Simulation Supervisor Claudia Chung Sanii as they showed us how Disney character design and appeal merged with revolutionary work in Look and Simulation. With over 1,000 unique animals the Disney Animation team ran into many challenges along the way by creating gnus to shrews, lemmings to leopards, rabbits to rhinos, Zootopia is home to animals of all shapes, sizes, stripes and spots.
The Animators blended human anatomy and animal anatomy which kept the teams super busy. Some of the animals don’t even wear pants due to their size and design. It’s also important for the audience to relate to the film. This was achieved by adding emotions to the animals, from moving fur to the eye brows to how clothes move and the way the animals walk and talk. Wind was also added to make us feel the emotions of these characters.
According to director Rich Moore, the key was in finding the right balance. “We worked very hard to find that sweet spot—telling a very rich story that’s entertaining, has heart and says something meaningful.”
“We talked to an incredible bias expert, Shatki Butler,” adds producer Clark Spencer, “who said that it is hard to be biased against someone once you get to know him. That fundamental idea folded beautifully into our story of a bunny and a fox, natural enemies, both assuming something about each other, but learning their assumptions are completely wrong once they are forced to team up.”
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.
At this year's Annecy’s International Animation Film Festival, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios offered a series of surprises that thrilled festival goers.
Jared Bush, Walt Disney...
