“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? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) 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.
Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.
Fans can meet their favorite ABC Family stars and collect exclusive pin sets at D23 EXPO 2015, the ultimate Disney fan event, August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
ABC Family will give away exclusive pin sets each day at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, from our much anticipated new series “Shadowhunters” on Friday, August 14, from the network’s hit series “Pretty Little Liars” on Saturday, August 15 and from the network’s annual event 25 Days of Christmas on Sunday, August 16.
Fans can also meet some of their favorite network stars throughout the weekend in the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
11:00 – 11:50am
“Young & Hungry” stars Jonathan Sadowski and Aimee Carrero
1:00 – 1:50pm
“The Fosters” stars Sherri Saum and Hayden Byerly
5:00 – 5:50pm
“Switched at Birth” stars Constance Marie and Lea Thompson
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
12:00 – 12:50pm “Stitchers” stars Emma Ishta, Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Allison Scagliotti
6:00 – 6:50pm “Baby Daddy” stars Jean-Luc Bilodeau, Chelsea Kane and Melissa Peterman
Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.
On Tuesday July 14, guests celebrated the launch of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood’s new 25,000 sq ft expansion, Stage 48: Script to Screen, ahead of its official opening on July 16th. Based on the studio lot, which is home to more than 90 years of much-loved entertainment, drama and action, Stage 48 gives guests unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the world of film and TV production.
Guests experience an insider’s view of Hollywood as they design their own Batmobiles and movie costumes, step onto original sets, try out green screen technology, and follow the journey through post-production and into the glory of awards season.
At the red carpet preview of Stage 48, guests had the opportunity to get up close to sets, props and costumes from some of Warner Bros.’ most beloved movies and TV shows.
Celebrated Actor and Director Clint Eastwood joined invited guests last night for the exclusive preview, declaring Stage 48 “a terrific tour.”
Talent was spotted testing out the orange couch on the original Central Perk set from “Friends” and seen riding a Bat-Pod from “The Dark Knight” series at the green screen experience.
Celebrities also enjoyed a coffee from the Studio Tour’s brand new Central Perk Café before exploring an authentic space capsule from Oscar®-winning epic “Gravity.” Guests also appeared to shrink as they took a seat at a recreation of the table used in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings,” which relies on an optical illusion to make cast members appear significantly smaller or larger than they actually are.
Special appearances by stars from TV shows featured on Stage 48 included Jon Cryer, who starred as Alan Harper in all 12 seasons of “Two and a Half Men” and was spotted at the show’s famous living room set.
Stage 48 offers “a window into how we actually work,” said Cryer.
Along with the launch of Stage 48, which includes a shop themed with props from Warner Bros.’ film and TV classics, newly enhanced elements have been added throughout other areas of the experience including specially recorded messages from the stars of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and the wildly successful “Pretty Little Liars”.
Stage 48: Script to Screen is now open and entrance is included in the standard ticket price.
Enjoy our Photo Gallery from the VIP Night.
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If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how can one describe the spectacle of the Pageant of the Masters? The answer is that it can’t truly be described; it must be seen in person to fully appreciate its magnificence.
In a nutshell, the Pageant of the Masters is a world-renown stage show that incredibly recreates and brings to life famous paintings with a group of live, motionless models and beautiful backdrops, set within huge picture frames on a massive outdoor stage, with a professional orchestra, live narration, and sophisticated lighting.
The Pageant of the Masters recreates classic paintings, such as Homer’s, “The Country School”
The pageant is part of the larger Festival of Arts, a summer-long celebration of art and artists. This year’s festival showcases the works of 140 of Orange County’s best original painters, sculptors, ceramists, jewelers, and photographers.
Now in its 82nd season, the festival is located in Laguna Beach, two blocks from the ocean, in a rustic canyon setting. In addition to the art, the event offers free daily art workshops for the whole family, live Jazz and blues, wine tastings, cooking classes, restaurants and more.
The Festival of Arts also offers fine food, local art and live music in a park-like setting
But the highlight of the festival has to be the Pageant of the Masters, where each night a 90-minute show of tableaux vivants or living pictures take the 2,000-seat Irvine Bowl Park stage in the corner of the festival grounds. The “pictures” are remarkable re-creations of classical and contemporary masterpieces, “painted” with real people (including a bunch of adorable kids), who are painstakingly made-up with costumes and makeup to look exactly like images in classic paintings. The painting are then filled with authentic backdrops and wrapped by giant picture frames.
The “pictures” are “painted” with real people
When the curtain is lifted, each 90-second-long picture is accompanied by an orchestra, with an original score; a live narration; and sophisticated lighting. The theme of the “paintings” at this year’s Pageant of the Masters is “The Pursuit of Happiness,” and it explores the many sources of happiness, both ancient and modern.
I attended opening night on July 7 and was left breathless at the artistry of it all.
The first “painting” of the night was an amazing recreation of Winslow Homer’s 1871 oil classic, “The Country School.” This work depicts a small, rural country school house with barefooted kids reading books and listening to a beautiful young teacher.
Another fabulous work on display is 1891’s “The Moon at a Vacation House” by Japanese artist Chikanobu, which shows colorful geisha’s girls strolling beneath a full moon, past bonsai trees and a bamboo house. Then there was the playful “Snap the Whip,” by Homer, which depicts a group of children playing a game in a field in front of an old red schoolhouse.
My favorite masterpieces of the night was “Betsy Ross Presenting Flag” by American painter Edward P. Moran. Painted on oil in 1917, this beautifully detailed piece shows Betsy Ross and two children presenting the US flag to George Washington.
The Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters runs July 8 through August 31. The address is 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, 92651. The festival is open daily, 10 am – 11:30 pm. Festival admission is $4 – $10. Pageant of the Masters has performances nightly at 8:30 pm. Ticket prices range from about $20 for the least expensive to about $225 for premium Saturday night seats. For more information, call (949) 494-1145 or visit: www.foapom.com
Be among the first to learn the secrets of what’s ahead on ABC’s most anticipated new and returning fall series; hear from some of the fairy tale residents of “Once Upon a Time” and the very talented performers from the new series “The Muppets”; and meet some of your favorite ABC stars in person during special signing sessions at D23 EXPO: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where all the worlds of Disney come together, August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Panels and Presentations
The Magic Behind The Muppets
Friday, August 14, 10:00 a.m., Stage 23
Calling all Muppet fans! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with the Muppets? Here’s your chance to find out firsthand when ABC presents a panel on the magic and art of being a Muppet Performer. Join these creative artists and some of your favorite characters, along with a few surprise guests, for a rare and unforgettable demonstration of what it takes to bring these iconic and enduring personalities to life.
Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen
Saturday, August 15, 6:00 p.m., Stage 23
“Once Upon a Time’s” savior has gone dark! As Emma Swan transitions into her role as the Dark One, join the resident fairy tale characters as they cope with Emma’s new role and begin the search for Merlin. This is a journey that will take our heroes from the Enchanted Forest to Camelot and along the way bring many surprises, including Merida from “Brave,” as “Once Upon a Time” introduces its first Pixar character. Join co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (“LOST”) and Adam Horowitz (“LOST”) along with series stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla as they discuss the upcoming season of unexpected twists, evolving characters, new adventures and new rivalries. This panel is sure to bring some surprises you don’t want to miss and an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming season premiere! The Q&A with this fairy tale team will be moderated by D23’s Jeffrey Epstein.
On The Show Floor
Autograph Signings
Meet and receive autographs from some of your favorite ABC stars at the Disney | ABC TV Pavilion booth, located on the show floor. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change):
Friday, August 14
12:00-12:50 p.m.
“Dancing with the Stars” pro dancers Witney Carson (Season 19 champion) and Allison Holker (Season 20 runner-up)
Saturday, August 15
4:00-4:50 p.m.
“black-ish” stars Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown and Marsai Martin
5:00-5:40 p.m.
“Once Upon a Time” stars to be announced
Sunday, August 16
10:00-10:50 a.m.
“Fresh Off the Boat” stars Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler and Ian Chen
5:00-5:50 p.m.
“The Goldbergs” stars Sean Giambrone and Hayley Orrantia
“Once Upon a Time” Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection
Limited Edition of 300, $129.95
Inspired by ABC Studios’ television series “Once Upon a Time,” this collection brings to life the beauty, magic and charm of the iconic fairy tale characters from the show. Exclusively available at Disney Store at D23 EXPO.
Doll Collection Autograph Signing Opportunity with Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen)
Ginnifer and Lana will sign the “Once Upon a Time” Doll Collection, available exclusively at Disney Store at D23 EXPO. This autograph session will take place on Saturday, August 15 from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO show floor, and is exclusively for those guests who have purchased one of the dolls.
Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.
With the IMF disbanded, and Ethan (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, the team now faces off against a network of highly skilled special agents, the Syndicate. These highly trained operatives are hellbent on creating a new world order through an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be a member of this rogue nation, as the group faces their most impossible mission yet.
Why do the Stunts Look Real? Because They ARE Real!
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION In Theaters July 31, 2015
Legendary and Universal Pictures’ much-anticipated Crimson Peak, directed, co-written and produced by celebrated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, will come to life in a terrifying new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze beginning Friday, September 18, 2015, at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Crimson Peak opens in theaters on October 16.
“Guillermo del Toro Presents Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness” will be unearthed as a three-dimensional living representation of the film, designed to send guests spiraling through the chilling world and in the footsteps of Crimson Peak’s lead character, Edith Cushing, first as they venture from her home in America, then to the decaying and haunted Allerdale Hall mansion in a remote English countryside. With a foreboding “Beware of Crimson Peak” message that echos from Edith’s past, guests will navigate a labyrinth of paranormal tortured souls who have born witness to the estate’s dark history of unspeakable acts …and who continue to reside in vengeful, ghostly forms.
“I am a devoted fan of Universal Studios’ ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’ and I am honored to partner with them to create a real-life version of my Gothic Romance, Crimson Peak,” said Guillermo del Toro. “It’s a thrill to work with the movie studio that gave birth to the modern horror movie genre. I can’t wait for movie-goers to enter the haunting world of Crimson Peak as they navigate this haunting maze. I can assure you, I will be first in line to experience the scares of it myself.”
“Guillermo del Toro is a leading visionary in film, and Crimson Peak provides endless opportunities to immerse guests into the terrifying world that he created,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “From the haunting score by Fernando Velázquez to the incredibly detailed set design and scream-inducing ghosts, we will recreate an authentic experience that will have guests feeling as trapped in our ‘Crimson Peak’ maze as the film’s lead character.”
About Crimson Peak: When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay: a place filled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak.
From the imagination of director Guillermo del Toro comes a gothic romance starring Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Hunnam. www.crimsonpeakmovie.com
Walt Disney World Resort announced that four new food and beverage marketplaces will open in Future World during the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015. It’s the first time in the festival’s 20-year-history that global marketplace experiences, now numbering more than 30, have expanded from the park’s World Showcase into Future World.
During the 53-day festival, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese area featuring the Cheese Studio and Wine Studio marketplaces will evoke the ambiance of Napa Valley with grape vines and welcoming pergolas along the walkway to Future World West.
At the Cheese Studio, a cheese sample platter will be served on an artist’s palette to pair with wines.
The Wine Studio will serve premium wines on tap and showcase palate-pleasing wine varietals organized by color in artful displays.
At the new Next Eats area near the Epcot Character Spot, Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces will be inspired by ABC’s Emmy-Award® winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” starring co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. “The Chew” announced July 2 that the show will broadcast from Epcot during the festival.
At Sustainable Chew Marketplace, guests can taste delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” co-hosts.
At Chew Lab, food science meets the hottest culinary tech trends to present innovative dishes like the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.
“The Future World festival marketplace expansion gives our guests more reasons than ever to help us celebrate 20 delicious festival years,” says Jens Dahlmann, general manager of Epcot Food & Beverage. “Adding even more sizzle, our collaboration with ABC’s ‘The Chew’ brings the cachet of a major daytime network television series and its celebrity hosts.”
More news to celebrate:
One of a series of popular Party for the Senses premium events will be the first-time Yelloween Masquerade Party for the Senses 31, an elegant, dance-the-night-away, gourmet tasting party with Champagne, wine, craft beers and specialty cocktails paired with food. Guests will be encouraged to masquerade in chic yellow and black. Reservations will open July 30, 2015, for festival premium events also to include the Mexican Tequila Lunch, Japanese Craft Beer Tasting, French Family Meal Traditions and dozens of events including Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining.
“The Chew” cast will host a new premium event: the Rockin’ Burger Block Party 8, with specialty burgers and sliders inspired by top names in the music industry such as Dave Matthews and his Dreaming Tree Wines and Carlos Santana’s Casa Noble Tequila. Two additional Burger Block Parties are set for Sept. 25 and Nov. 6.
The Dominican Republic Marketplace will return with fresh flair, serving new dishes including Pescado con Coco – seared grouper, pigeon peas with rice and coconut sauce. And at the Festival Center, the new Monday-through-Thursday “Spotlight on Dominican Republic” will showcase the country’s culture, crafts and culinary delights with artists and chefs at the Festival Center.
Two 20th-year celebratory wines were created just for this fall’s festival: a Napa Valley Festival Chardonnay and a Paso Robles Festival Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will be able to purchase tastes of both wines at the Sustainable Chew marketplace, and the Festival Center Wine Shop will carry bottles.
At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20th-year festival story.
Included with Epcot Admission:
Back to Basics series, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, and other special beverage and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Reservations will open July 30, 2015, for all premium events including the new Rockin’ Burger Block Party. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com beginning July 15.
Fans at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H were treated to a special look behind the scenes of Star Wars:The Force Awakens by director J.J. Abrams, producer and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan. The filmmakers were joined on stage by cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to the surprise and delight of fans.
At the end of the Hall H presentation, the entire Hall H audience of more than 6,000 fans were all invited to continue the celebration and join cast and filmmakers at a surprise Star Wars Fan Concert. The San Diego Symphony performed the classic Star Wars music from John Williams at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Stay connected with StarWars.com and the official Star Wars app. All Star Wars, All the Time, Anywhere.
Summer is here and you know what that means, Segerstrom Center’s Movie Mondays will return for the ninth year. Each year, thousands of film lovers gather on the Center’s Arts Plaza to enjoy evenings of free fun-filled activities, outdoor dining and screenings of five films on consecutive Mondays. Movie Mondays 2015 kicks off on July 13 with the zany musical and two-time Academy Award®-nominee Little Shop of Horrors.
Movie fans look forward to these annual FREE alfresco Movie Mondays on the Center’s Arts Plaza. Families and fans from all over the Southland arrive early to stake their places on the plaza and enjoy early dinners, music and people watching. Since the movies are projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall, everyone has a great seat. Set-up begins at 5:30 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.).
Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items, snacks and picnic suppers. Each Monday will also feature different food trucks serving culinary sensations throughout each screening. Barbecues and similar food preparation are not permitted. Prior to the show (starting around 7:30 p.m.) there are audience participation events.
Three scouts and lifelong friends join forces with one badass cocktail waitress to become the world’s most unlikely team of heroes. When their peaceful town is ravaged by a zombie invasion, they’ll fight for the badge of a lifetime and put their scouting skills to the test to save mankind from the undead.
How to earn your WILDLIFE badge
How to earn your SELF-DEFENSE badge
How to earn your EMERGENCY READINESS badge
How to earn your FIRE BUILDING badge
How to earn your PHOTOGRAPHY badge
Cast: Tye Sheridan, David Koechner, Cloris Leachman¸ Halston Sage, Logan Miller, Joey Morgan, Sarah Dumont
SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
In Theaters October 30, 2015
Directed by Christopher Landon
During a jam-packed panel event at San Diego Comic-Con hosted by acclaimed voice actor John DiMaggio, the voice of beloved Delta squad leader Marcus Fenix, Xbox and The Coalition shared insights on the development of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, the stunningly remastered and modernized version of the shooter that defined the first generation of HD gaming. The team also debuted a behind-the-scenes look at how they recreated some of the most iconic cinematics in the game.
In addition, speakers at the panel revealed the Xbox One Gears of War: Ultimate Edition Bundle, available for pre-order today and launching in the U.S. starting Aug. 25 while supplies last. The bundle will be available at select retailers, including Microsoft stores and microsoftstore.com, and includes an Xbox One 500GB Console, an Xbox One Wireless Controller featuring a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, a full digital game download of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, early access to the 2016 Gears of War 4 Multiplayer Beta, the Superstar Cole multiplayer skin, and a 14-day Xbox Live trial.
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition remasters the classic Xbox 360 game that kicked off the Gears series. Relive the first pulse-pounding adventure starring Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad, his battle-hardened brothers in arms. Everything that made Gears such an instant classic is back, along with plenty of gameplay improvements from the series’ more recent installments, in a beautiful HD package. We recently took Gears of War: Ultimate Edition for a spin at June’s E3 Expo, so check out our coverage for more… and to get pumped for the Ultimate Edition Bundle on Xbox One!
Available at $349 USD, the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition bundle offers an incredible value for fans with a feature-rich game rebuilt from the ground up in breathtaking 1080p, including 60FPS competitive multiplayer with 19 maps and six game modes, as well as five campaign chapters never released on console. In addition, with recaptured and rebuilt cinematic sequences, remastered 7.1 surround audio, and seamless matchmaking, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is the landmark original game at its very best and one of the hottest titles from the greatest holiday games lineup in Xbox history.
