Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ:STX), a world leader in storage solutions, today unveiled a high-design ultra-slim external drive that evokes the legacy form factor of 2.5-inch internal hard drives. The new Seagate Seven™ drive is the slimmest way to carry 500GB of data, with the name representing the 7mm depth of the 500GB drive. The simplicity of the industrial design of the Seagate Seven pays tribute to the roots of computer storage while simultaneously celebrating the latest advancements in storage innovation. The premium all-metal enclosure highlights the essence of a bare hard drive, Seagate’s core competency for over 35 years.
“Seagate has been providing the world with storage since the modern origins of computing history,” said Mark Whitby, senior vice president of Seagate Branded Group. “Seagate Seven is designed to speak to this history, while looking forward to the future of where storage technology is headed. We believe that Seagate Seven will resonate with those who want the latest trend in mechanical design while inspiring the user to create great experiences and memories.”
The stunning Seagate Seven portable drive celebrates over 35 years of storage expertise and innovation. This statement product combines advanced storage research and development with world-class industrial design to create the slimmest way to carry 500GB of data. The Seagate Seven enclosure is made entirely of steel, not only to achieve the thinnest external drive, but also for a premium appearance inspired by a bare drive, the very essence of storage.
Seagate leveraged the latest of the company’s drive technologies and manufacturing processes to create the world’s thinnest external hard drive. The deep draw process allows for the all steel enclosure to be shaped in a method that the material could not be any thinner and still hold the structural integrity needed to perform as an external portable storage device. The steel encasing also provides a rigidity, which allows for the incredibly thin design to be functional. The low profile motor technologies used in the bare drive are designed to include extreme Gyro handling capabilities with tablets and thin computing in mind. This is a true benefit when considering that Seagate Seven is a storage device that people will carry with them in their bags or pockets.
Pricing and Availability:
Seagate Seven is a 500GB portable hard drive that will be widely available in mid to late January for a suggested retail price of $99.99. As of launch, pre-orders can be made on Seagate.com and Amazon.com.
Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a world leader in storage solutions, today unveiled two new storage products for the home, Seagate® Personal Cloud and Seagate® Personal Cloud 2-Bay. Seagate Personal Cloud provides the accessibility of cloud storage with the peace of mind that content is stored safely at home. What differentiates these two Personal Cloud drives apart is how easily they can stream content to smartphones, set-top boxes, tablets, PCs or televisions via the Seagate Media application. Additionally, when used in conjunction with the acclaimed Seagate Mobile Backup app and Dashboard software, Seagate Personal Cloud also serves as a central backup device for PCs, Mac computers, USB drives, iOS and Android mobile devices.
Seagate Personal Cloud demystifies the often frustrating process of finding, accessing and enjoying photos, videos and music on the device of your choice. Once connected to a wireless router and after a free download of the Seagate Media app, users will be treated to an intuitive, media-rich browsing experience that makes playback of content an effortless and enjoyable experience. Unmatched in the number of compatible platforms and ease-of-use, the Seagate Media apps support the following devices:
TVs and Blu-ray players: LG Smart TVs (2012 or later) and Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players (2012 models or later with SmartHub)
Streaming media players: Roku, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV (via Apple AirPlay)
Smartphones: iPhone, Android
Tablets: iPad, Android™, Kindle, Windows 8/RT
Seagate Personal Cloud can also stream directly to DLNA-based devices, including the Sony PlayStation 3 or later, and Microsoft Xbox 360 or later.
When away from home, users will have the ability to securely retrieve and share content stored on the Seagate Personal Cloud drive. By way of the Seagate Media app, users can browse and enjoy content directly from their Personal Cloud drive in the same manner they would do when at home.
For those who are comfortable with storing their data in public cloud services, Seagate Personal Cloud drives can be configured to complement a public cloud service with two types of applications, backup and synchronization. Personal Cloud drives can be set up to automatically back up to popular providers including: Amazon S3, Box, Baidu, DropBox, Google Drive, HiDrive and Yandex.Disk, while delivering an additional level of offsite protection. Alternatively, a synchronization option is available for Baidu, DropBox and Google Drive for those who simply need a secondary copy of their most current data from their service.
“Given the abundance of handheld computing devices there has been a trend of accessing content and content via cloud storage,” said Stephen Baker, vice president of Industry Analysis for The NPD Group. “A product like the Seagate Personal Cloud offers a new approach at cloud storage allowing consumers to take advantage of low-cost cloud opportunities while still remaining in control of their content and access it from anywhere.”
Recognizing that storage needs will continue to evolve, Seagate designed Personal Cloud devices with a built-in app manager that enables the ability to install additional features after purchase. An app-store like experience delivers a variety of apps including WordPress, BitTorrent Sync and ElephantDrive. Seagate has also created a software development kit (SDK) for its app manager to enable 3rd party developers to create new and exciting use cases for Personal Cloud drives.
Seagate Personal Cloud is also designed to automatically and continuously back up every computer in the home. For Windows-based PCs and Mac computers, the Seagate Dashboard software provides a best-in-class way to protect your content. Personal Cloud devices also work seamlessly with Apple Time Machine software.
Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay
The Personal Cloud 2-bay device is for users that want more than one backup of their most important content in the unlikely event of a drive failure. The Personal Cloud 2-bay—designed with two internal drives—is configured out-of-the-box to automatically duplicate all content stored on one drive to a secondary drive for double protection and greater peace of mind. Alternatively, for users that are seeking maximum capacity, the Personal Cloud 2-bay product can be re-configured by the user into a single volume of storage.
Availability
Seagate Personal Cloud will be shipping to retailers later this month in 3TB, 4TB, and 5TB capacities. Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay will be available in 4TB, 6TB and 8TB capacities. Both configurations of Seagate Personal Cloud can be found at Amazon, Seagate.com and BestBuy.
Seagate Technology plc, the pioneer in wireless storage, continues to grow its family of wireless storage solutions with the debut of Seagate® Wireless, a 500GB portable wireless drive designed for streaming and offloading of media from mobile devices. The new Seagate Wireless offers more space to carry everything consumers want on their mobile devices and alleviates the challenge of running out of storage space on smartphones and tablets. Seagate Wireless provides a solution to stream your favorite HD video on your Android Tablet or Smartphone, iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 computers and Windows RT tablets.
The new Seagate Wireless drive comes in a range of vibrant colors. There is a color to coordinate with one’s wardrobe, mood, or mobile accessories. Available Seagate Wireless color options include lime green, cool blue, slate grey, fire-engine red and white.
With space for up to 200 HD movies, people will never be without entertainment, even when on the road without Internet access. By freeing up precious space on people’s tablets and smart phones, the Seagate Wireless drive will become a mobile devices’ favorite companion. Enjoying saved content is now a social activity when using Seagate Wireless, which provides the capability to share the contents of the drive with streams for up to three connected devices simultaneously.
“Seagate pioneered the product category of wireless storage devices and is pleased at how the category has grown over the years,” said Patrick Connolly, vice president of Seagate branded innovations. “The latest generation of Seagate Wireless extends that legacy and makes the wireless streaming experience broadly available to far more consumers.”
Seagate Wireless storage is accessed through the free mobile Seagate Media app for Apple iOS, Android, Kindle Fire HD, Windows 8 tablets. Mobile devices connect to Seagate Wireless over a Wi-Fi connection, which the battery-powered drive emits once powered on. Simply connect to the drive by searching for Seagate Wireless in available Wi-Fi networks from any device. The drive emits its own Wi-Fi signal, eliminating the need to be within range of an existing network connection.
Additionally, Seagate Wireless can be used to enjoy video, photos, music and even documents on the big screen via Apple Airplay, Google Chromecast, or an app designed specifically for Samsung and LG Smart TVs and Roku players.
Pricing and Availability:
Seagate Wireless will be available from Amazon, Best Buy and Seagate.com by early February for a MSRP of $129.99. Seagate Media app is currently available for free from popular app stores.
Rock 2015 in style with Spider-Man, Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, Aladdin, Donald and Mickey in a handful of special New Year’s-themed Toy Box screenshots. The four screenshots feature:
Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey celebrating the New Year with his friends Aladdin, Jasmine and Tinker Bell
Spider-Man, Venom and Hulk hoisting up the numbers “2015,” while Spidey swings through with confetti
Rocket Racoon jumping on his bike to the delight of Spider-Man and Black Widow
Baymax and Donald Duck hanging out while Maleficent stirs up some concoctions to start off the year
About Disney Infinity
Disney Infinity is an interactive gaming platform where players have unprecedented freedom and endless opportunity to create stories and play experiences starring the beloved characters from across the worlds of Disney. Building on the success of last year’s launch, Disney Interactive introduced a new entry in the franchise called Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes in September. In the all-new game, players use real-world interactive figures to activate original storylines (Play Sets) in the virtual game worlds of popular Marvel franchises and create their own adventures using any combination of characters from the Disney Infinity universe in the Toy Box mode. Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes is rated E-10+ by the ESRB.
Move aside and make way for Lola’s grand entrance! The high-heeled, electric-SEXY-red KINKY BOOTS has stepped onto the runway at Segerstrom in Costa Mesa. The unlikely duo of a shoe-making businessman and one hellofa drag queen come together to help audience see that when you change your mind about someone, you can change the world.
Winner of six Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, this uplifting inspirational story features a Tony-winning score by CYNDI LAUPER, direction and Tony-winning choreography by JERRY MITCHELL (50 Broadway, Off-Broad, West End and touring productions), and derived from the book by four-time Tony winner HARVEY FIERSTEIN. KINKY BOOTS is inspired by a true story and is based off the Miramar motion picture of the same name.
To quickly understand the story, but not to diminish it in any way, it’s BILLY ELLIOT meets TOMMY BOY. KINKY BOOTS tells the emotional story of mans journey of overcoming prejudice and another mans challenge of saving his late fathers shoe business. Lola, a fabulous crossdressing entertainer, quickly becomes in need of some sturdy stilettos after an altercation in a dark alley. There she comes into contact with a man on the verge of losing his shoemaking business, Charlie aka Mr. Price, with the heel of her shoe, literally.
The two must work closely together as Charlie breaks into a new niche market, the sturdy high-heeled boots for grown men market. It’s, however, the acceptance and confidence that is needed from Charlie’s old-fashioned employees and over demanding girlfriend to get these off-kilter dreams a reality.
The musical basically follows the screenplay of the movie by the same name with only slight modifications and subtle differences in characters for better stage presence. The biggest differences will be seen within the girlfriend and Charlie’s hair color/body type. Otherwise, the characterization and scenes will feel similar despite a boxing match rather than arm-wrestling match better suited for cameras.
We begin with an introduction to the shoe factory the majority of the show will take place, Price & Sons. Starting immediately with light-hearted music numbers telling the joy of shoemaking and the status quo, the show quickly becomes dull in the place-setting stage. We know the life of the party is just minutes away, but I couldn’t wait any more for Lola to take stage. Thankfully, just as I began to start lose it over songs about shoes and loving your current boring life, Lola steps in with all of her glory.
The “incident” occurs, the two meet, and quickly we are taken to the nightclub. The theatre is dark, the bright spotlight hits, the shimmering curtains glisten, and there before all of our eyes is this tall, dark strapping drag queen waiting for her cue to shine. Lola has arrived.
Lola is played by KYLE TAYLOR PARKER, a member of the original Broadway company, and I cannot imagine anyone playing her as well as he did. He was strong, powerful and timely. This is a character that carries this no show and must be on-point. Everything was just right. Nothing became over-the-top or unrealistic. Every moment with him was electric and meaningful. Every note was sung to perfection. I never felt like he was overpowering the others, which could be easy within this role, or that he didn’t fit every defining moment that makes him her.
The employees of Price & Sons were well rounded even though having to dwindled down from the masses of characters in the movie, but all the key figures are still around. Don, the close-minded, dimwitted, stocky and somewhat comic-relief needed employee remains but is half the character that NICK FROST was in the film. I felt that he could have been better portrayed but I realize would have been difficult for stage. Here Don is played by JOE COOTS (THE FULL MONTEY) still does great with the material given to him, but I did feel that his role was lacking some of the comedy from the film.
Charlie, STEVEN BOOTH (AVENUE Q), does play the role with the same heart and dilemmas the character fought in the film that all lead to powerful altercation between him and Lola. The scene remains strong and the tension is felt tight throughout the audience. The chemistry between the two is as grand as it could be leaving all emotional elements as touching as the film.
Lauren, LINDSAY NICOLE CHAMBERS, a corky employee of Charlie’s is still as adorable and a much funnier version of the films counterpart. This leads us to a special song where she gets to shine in a hilarious tell of “The History of Wrong Guys” where she uses physical humor and facial expressions that had the audience floored. She had me smiling with every awkward interaction with her boss as she couldn’t believe she was falling for man that she found “blah” before he found his passion.
Bonus Video Clip: Kinky Boots – Everybody Say Yeah
In fact, every song helps progress the story in a perfect pace with highs and lows of each character. KINKY BOOTS begins to step above the rest with “Sex Is in the Heel”, a big musical number where the fantastic orchestra gets to make their presence known. The music really makes you want to move with powerful bass and memorable creative dance numbers like within “Everybody Say Yeah”. This number leads to the end of Act 1 with the creative use of factory-line conveyor belts that are featured in just about every ad for the show.
In case you were unaware, this is a show with an abundance of tall, beautiful… crossdressers. Be prepared for some shock value… and some extremely long bare, muscular legs. All of them were so energetic, their joy was infectious.
The show is well-paced with 75-minute first act that you’ll wish never ends. KINKY BOOTS features a classic storytelling formula that can’t be beat. It’s everything you want in a big time musical. However, it isn’t the incredible songs, powerful performances, or great storytelling that makes a show so memorable and special, but rather how it makes you feel.
KINKY BOOTS is an incredible uplifting tale of two leads with very different quandaries ahead of them. It’s a story of being comfortable with yourself by simply standing out. It’s a show of big bold fun and 6-foot-tall sexy red boots. This is the show going back to just a big fun night out. It’s serious underlining themes have strong roots, but it’s a show that doesn’t get too serious. It’s big, bright and entertaining that hopefully fills everyone with joy.
Hell, if you don’t find KINKY BOOTS massively entertaining, perhaps you’re someone that needs your very own pair of red high-heeled boots.
December 30th, 2014 – January 11th, 2015
Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 & 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 1 & 6:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $29
For more information visit scfta.org
It’s time to preview the 2015 lineup of movies from Walt Disney Studios (and related companies). The list of movies set for release next year is fantastic and should be full of hits.
There’s more from Marvel, we get two films from the masters at Pixar, and the first film set in the Star Wars universe since Disney bought Lucasfilm is also scheduled. Check out this special post, scroll in the image below to see all the details on each film!
JANUARY 23, 2015 – Strange Magic FEBRUARY 20, 2015 – McFarland, USA MARCH 13, 2015 – Cinderella APRIL 17, 2015 – Monkey Kingdom MAY 1, 2015 – Avengers: Age of Ultron MAY 22, 2015 – Tomorrowland JUNE 19, 2015 – Inside Out JULY 17, 2015 – Ant–Man OCTOBER 9, 2015 – The Jungle Book OCTOBER 16, 2015 – The Untitled Steven Spielberg Cold War Spy Thriller NOVEMBER 25, 2015 – The Good Dinosaur DECEMBER 18, 2015 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens
“For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” transforms the Muppet*Vision 3D Theatre in Disney California Adventure park into the welcoming Crown Jewel Theatre of Arendelle, where Anna, Elsa and Kristoff take part in a comedic retelling of their story that features popular songs from the film. The Lobby and theater itself has been transformed into a royal type theater with paintings and posters on the wall that look like they came out of a museum. The new colors and paint scheme is very pleasing to the eyes and also adds a large painted glass light fixture in the center of the lobby. Once you enter the theater you will notice the Snow capped trees and soft lighting along with some new colors that makes you think you just stepped inside a royal palace room. (Photos below of the new Lobby and theater makeover)
Two Arendellian Historians, acting as hosts, lead the festivities, with the “Frozen” characters making memorable appearances throughout. Some of the favorite musical sequences (and lyrics) are shown on large screens to make sure everybody enjoys all the fun.
Enjoy the full video from the show (This is the first showing and some of the special effects weren’t fully operational yet):
Part of Frozen Fun’ Which officially Opens at Disney California Adventure Park Jan. 7, for a Limited Time, other fun activities include:
“Olaf’s Snow Fest” takes place next door to the Crown Jewel Theatre in Stage 17, which is transformed into a charming castle courtyard reminiscent of Arendelle. Music and lighting bring to life an immersive wintry environment for guests to meet and share a warm hug with Olaf. Kids of all ages will have fun in a giant play area with real snow where they are encouraged to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. A traveling musical duo, The Tubadors, will celebrate the tales of Arendelle in storytelling and song while, on their own stage, The Frolicking Fjords will present arrangements of Arendelle-themed tunes. Guests may enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, complete with snowman marshmallows, and decorate their own Olaf cookie, making memories that will warm their hearts.
And an night “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” invites guests to “chill out” in a family friendly setting inspired by the icy environment of “Frozen.” Created for all ages, this interactive party celebrates “all things Frozen” with exciting music, games, photo opportunities, drinks and snacks, an ice sculptor, and plenty of interactive moments, all infused with a super-cool crackle of exhilarating energy.
This holiday season, Disney will put a “Frozen” twist on its 31st annual Christmas Day telecast, appropriately renamed the “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” airing Dec. 25, 2014 on ABC-TV.
Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” will host the reimagined television special inspired by the blockbuster hit’s message of uniting family and loved ones. Roberts will lead the telecast from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with support from GMA Contributor and ESPN and SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow.
They will be joined by Rob Marciano, senior meteorologist of ABC’s “Good Morning America” from the “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland Resort. Sarah Hyland, star of ABC’s Emmy award-winning show “Modern Family,” joins the fun from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‛i. The festivities will also feature a special appearance by Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev, making this year’s Christmas special a magical “Frozen” celebration not to be missed.
Disney Parks will celebrate this Christmas with more than a parade, but with a heartfelt wish for the holiday season, the coming together of loved ones and family. In keeping with the spirit of “Frozen” where two sisters are united through the power of true love, Disney will bring together three groups of families and friends who have been apart or separated for the holidays, providing the ultimate Christmas gift. The reunions will take place at three magical Disney destinations – Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Aulani – making these reunions bigger, brighter and merrier.
The joyous occasion will fittingly include a special rendition of the “Frozen” hit single, “Let It Go,” as performed by 12-year-old YouTube sensation, Lexi Walker.
There will also be festive performances from some of today’s top musical talents at each of the various Disney locations:
Ariana Grande will regale Walt Disney World Resort guests with her new Christmas single “Santa Tell Me” and the Christmas tradition “Last Christmas”
Prince Royce adds to the merriment with “I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad”
The spotlight also will shine on special performances from the X Factor USA third and final season winners Alex and Sierra singing “Love is an Open Door” from “Frozen”
Yuletide cheer will be brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Gavin DeGraw, performing his latest single “Fire” and the holiday standard “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
Laura Marano, of Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally,” entertains viewers with her version of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” as posed by Princess Anna in “Frozen”
Trey Songz, Lucy Hale and Train will serenade audiences at Disneyland Resort in California with holiday favorites such as “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Mistletoe,” and “Shake Up Christmas”
Country music superstar Trisha Yearwood will perform her hit single, “Prizefighter,” and the holiday classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Holiday Spirit Brought to Life
Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with familiar Disney friends and holiday characters as they spread Christmas joy and cheer at Disneyland Park in California and along parade routes at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:
*characters/floats subject to change
The “Frozen” stars of the parade, Elsa and Anna, return from Arendelle to join the royal court and ring in the holidays on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort
Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from “Frozen,” joins hundreds of Dance the Magic youth performers in front of Cinderella Castle for a musical number to “In Summer”
Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty makes her holiday debut as the steampunk-inspired fire-breathing dragon, as featured in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
A new Club Penguin float joins the procession highlighting the holiday special, “We Wish You a Merry Walrus”
The superheroes of Big Hero 6 take a break from saving the world to wish onlookers happy holidays
The National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance Performance Cheer Team, featuring 800 members from 41 states, entertain park guests lining Main Street, U.S.A.
Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year winner, Maryah Sullivan, appears in the regal coach from the upcoming live action film, Cinderella
Traditional Christmas favorites such as Toy Soldiers and Gingerbread Men get their time in the spotlight to make the season merry and bright
After a long night of delivering presents, the jolly man in the red suit, Santa Claus, finishes his route on Main Street, U.S.A.
Tune in for the “Frozen” Magic and Merriment
The “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” airs December 25, 2014 on ABC-TV at 10 a.m. EST. Other airtimes vary; check local listings in your market.
Guests are encouraged to visit disney.com/disneyparkschristmas for details on the telecast, local broadcast times and talent updates. Guests can also join the conversation online using the hashtag #DisneyParade.
The Frozen soundtrack from Walt Disney Records was ranked the No. 1 best-selling album on the 2014 year-end Billboard 200 chart, for the period November 24, 2013 to November 16, 2014. It is the first soundtrack to reach No. 1 on the year-end chart since Titanic in 1998 and is the first Disney soundtrack to top the chart since Mary Poppins in 1965.
Released on December 9, 2013, the Grammy®-nominated soundtrack spent 33 weeks in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, including 13 weeks at No. 1. It is certified triple Platinum, selling more than 3.6 million units to date. The soundtrack was also named iTune’s No. 1 best-selling album of 2014.
Featuring original songs from Oscar® winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Winnie the Pooh”) and Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”), and an original score by Christophe Beck (“The Muppets,” Oscar®-winning short “Paperman”), “Frozen” won two Academy Awards® (best animated film and best original song with “Let It Go”) and a Golden Globe® (best animated feature film). It is the fifth highest grossing film of all time and the highest grossing animated film earning more than $1.27 billion globally. Released wide domestically on Nov. 27, 2013, “Frozen” posted the No. 1 industry all-time Thanksgiving debut and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest opening ever. The film’s Feb. 25 digital debut was the biggest digital release (sell-through) ever; its Blu-ray/DVD release on March 18 was No. 1 on the Nielsen overall disc charts for eight nonconsecutive weeks.
The album also received Grammy® nominations in the categories of Best Compilation Soundtrack, Best Score Soundtrack and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
In Addition, YouTube posted their 2014 Rewind video celebrating the biggest moments of the year, which featured performances of “Let It Go” by today’s biggest YouTube stars! Watch it below:
Walt Disney Records has released Into the Woods original motion picture soundtrack and the Into the Woods Deluxe Edition. Into the Woods features 20 songs from the film and the 2-disc Into the Woods Deluxe Edition also includes score. Both versions are NOW available. The film will be released in theaters December 25, 2014.
“Into the Woods” premiered on Broadway on November 5, 1987, at the Martin Beck Theatre. The production, which ran for 764 performances, won Tony® Awards for Best Score, Best Book of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical. Among other awards, the musical received five Drama Desk Awards, including Best Musical. “Into the Woods” has been produced around the world, including a 1988 U.S. tour, a 1990 West End production and Broadway and London revivals, in addition to a PBS television production and a 10-year-anniversary concert.
The big-screen adaptation welcomes songs from the stage musical, including “Finale/Children Will Listen,” “Giants in the Sky,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “No One Is Alone” and “Agony,” among others.
Starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine and Johnny Depp, “Into the Woods” is a modern twist on several beloved fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy), all tied together by an original story involving a Baker and his Wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the Witch (Meryl Streep), who has put a curse on them. Rob Marshall, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the Academy Award®-winning musical “Chicago” and Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” directs the film, which is based on the musical stage production by legendary eight-time Tony®, Grammy® and Oscar-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and Tony® winner James Lapine, who also wrote the screenplay. The film was produced by John DeLuca, Marshall, “Wicked” producer Marc Platt and Callum McDougall.
The Into the Woods track list follows:
1. “Prologue: Into the Woods” – Company
2. “Cinderella at the Grave” – Cinderella’s Mother
3. “Hello, Little Girl” – Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood
4. “I Know Things Now”– Little Red Riding Hood
5. “A Very Nice Prince” – Cinderella, Baker’s Wife
6. “Giants in the Sky” – Jack
7. “Agony” – Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel’s Prince
8. “It Takes Two” – Baker’s Wife, Baker
9. “Stay With Me” – Witch
10. “On the Steps of the Palace” – Cinderella
11. “Careful My Toe” – Stepmother, Florinda, Lucinda
12. “Ever After” (Instrumental)
13. “Witch’s Lament” – Witch
14. “Any Moment” – Cinderella’s Prince, Baker’s Wife
15. “Moments in the Woods” – Baker’s Wife
16. “Your Fault” – Jack, Baker, Little Red Riding Hood, Witch, Cinderella
17. “Last Midnight” – Witch
18. “No One Is Alone” – Cinderella, Baker, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack
19. “Finale/Children Will Listen (Part 1)” – Baker, Baker’s Wife, Witch, Company
20. “Finale/Children Will Listen (Part 2)” – Company
The Into the Woods soundtrack, 2-disc Deluxe Edition and the digital Deluxe Edition soundtrack can now be purchased from the links below.
After twelve years, we have finally reached the sixth and final film in Peter Jackson’s immensely popular Middle Earth series, with The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. Who would have thought that by the time the series was over, we would be looking at two trilogies, both totaling well over twenty hours of footage and story, and bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved book series and world to life. While the first series of films were beloved by audiences and critics alike, The Hobbit series hasn’t been as fortunate. What started as a simple three hundred page book has now become three films, for better or worse, and has taken us on a very detailed and expanded tale of Bilbo’s journey out of The Shire and back again. While the first film in this new trilogy is the weakest of the bunch, this last film is a step above it, but the problem is it all feels like it should have been in the second movie.
Jackson’s series is epic, and rightfully so, and The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is no exception. In fact, next to The Return of the King, this may be the most epic film, as it’s almost two and a half hours of pure action. Jackson has crafted a film full of beautiful visuals, gorgeous battles, and outstanding action, all in this “Defining chapter of the saga”, as it is being sold as. The film can hardly be considered boring, and from the opening moments of Smaug attacking the village, the film just hits the ground running, and it never really stops. As the shortest film in the entire series, it’s great that it moves so quickly and it doesn’t feel long, really managing to make a great finale of popcorn entertainment.
The film’s final battle lasts an astonishing forty five minutes, throwing every orc, goblin, bat, troll, dwarf, elf, and hobbit they can into the mix by the time it’s over. Every character gets a moment to shine, or in the cast of Orlando Bloom’s Legolas, he gets five or six really spectacular moments that really stand out. Jackson has always found a way of making these epic battles seem almost intimate, and it’s really what makes these films work. We care about the characters, and their lives, so watching them in battle is always exciting, as our hearts race and we cheer for them. One small problem though, especially in the case of Legolas, is we know where he ends up, so there’s really no sense of danger when he battles. That always seems to be the biggest problems with prequels, but it’s one that’s easy to look past as long as you’re enjoying the ride.
The biggest problem though, and this has been this whole trilogies overall problem, is it just feels like excess. What could have, and started out as two movies, has been prolonged into three films, and it has really hurt them. As epic as the battle sequences are, the film really doesn’t have a narrative, next to Thorin going crazy as the gold poisons his mind, and he wants to go to war. It’s all fine and well, but it feels like it should have been left in another film, but in interest of making a full series with more story and battles, they’ve overall hurt it by expanding it too much. Thankfully, even with the little plot that seems to be left, Jackson takes us on a tour de force of spectacle, reminding us just why we’ve loved his Middle Earth films so much. That’s really what this film has going for it, and it really never stops being entertaining, even if it feels like a longer third act to overall story, not a proper film.
One thing that continues to be true for the series though is the acting is phenomenal from everyone involved. Martin Freeman was always the perfect choice for Bilbo Baggins, and he is fantastic once more in his final bow as the character. He brings the sweet, loving, and overly optimistic hobbit to life with ease, and it’s one of the best cases of art and actor being perfect for each other. Richard Armitage is also great as Thorin, bringing the mad and crazed side of his character to life with delicious intrigue, and you can’t help but be mesmerized by him every time he’s on screen. Ian McKellen gives a fantastic final performance as Gandalf as well, and as the only actor in the series who is in all six films, it’s great to see him going out in a big way. But it’s really Luke Evans as Bard who steals the film, and he continues to prove to be one of the most charismatic actors working today. Everything he has popped into over the last few years, whether the film was good or bad, Evans has always been fantastic in it, and he shows here why he should get a chance to headline his own franchise. He is a fantastic actor, and Bard ends up being the most emotionally compelling character of the film, and the one who has the most to gain, as well as lose in the film.
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is a fitting finale for Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth saga, and while it didn’t necessarily need to be three films, the film is still fun to watch. What Jackson has managed to craft over the last twelve years has been a truly remarkable experience, it’s one that many of us will agree we are glad we took. It’s weird to finally say goodbye to Middle Earth, but it’s great to see it closing out in such a proper way. There’s not a really more perfect conclusion for this series that could be had, flaws and all.
Disney Legend, author and Cal State Fullerton alumna Martha Blanding will speak at a CSUF commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and Social...
