Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue New Product Line

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July 10, 2014

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) debuted a dynamic line of products to celebrate the premiere of the high flying comedy-adventure Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue, in theaters July 18. The action-packed sequel to Disney’s Planes has inspired a robust lineup of diecast, remote control and interactive toys, apparel, accessories, books and more from Disney Store and best-in-class licensees including Mattel, Thinkway, and more. From infrared controls that bring rescue vehicles to life with sound effects and signature phrases to motion-activated RC toys, the collection allows heroes-in-training to immerse themselves in the action while recreating iconic moments in the film.

“Disney Consumer Products’ Planes: Fire & Rescue product line offers endless opportunities for vehicle play and introduces a new rescue play pattern that celebrates the teamwork and heroism in the film,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. “With interactive toys that help knock down fire targets and play sets where Dusty can ‘put out fires,’ Planes fans of all ages can be the heroes in their own stories.”

Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue products are available now at retailers nationwide, Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

Highlights from the product line include:

Interactive Play & Diecast

Planes: Fire & Rescue Fire Blastin’ Dusty by Mattel (MSRP: $49.99): Kids can help world famous air racer Dusty Crophopper save the day and put out the blaze by scooping up “water” balls and launching them at “fire” targets to take them out. “Smart Sounds” technology recognizes Dusty’s left and right position and when he’s shooting the water balls, and he emits action sounds and phrases from the movie to enhance the excitement.

U-Command Fire & Rescue Blade Ranger by Thinkway (MSRP: $59.99): The infrared deluxe RC helicopter features Blade Ranger’s voice and phrases from the film with movable eyes, mouth and propeller that creates engine sounds and flight effects! Control Blade Ranger’s movements with the joysticks on the wireless remote or use the control buttons to maneuver forward, reverse, left or right.

Fire Rescue Attack Launcher by Disney Store ($19.95): Playtime will take flight with the Fire Rescue Attack Launcher! Place the plane in the runway groove and pull back the spring-loader to activate lights and sounds. Squeeze the trigger and launch Dusty, Lil’ Dipper or Cabbie up to 15 feet in the air.

Planes: Fire & Rescue Deluxe Die Cast by Disney Store ($19.95): Blade Ranger, Windlifter and Muir will heat up the action as fans recreate their favorite scenes from Disney’s latest aeronautical adventure, Planes: Fire & Rescue, with these detailed deluxe diecast vehicles.

Mobile Rescue Gear & Apparel

Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue Dusty-Mobo Tot by Mobo Cruiser (MSRP: $149.99): This Dusty version of the Mobo Tot is an elite ergonomically-designed cruiser for children ages 2-5 that stimulates imagination and promotes outdoor fun.

Planes: Fire & Rescue Scooter by Huffy (MSRP $19.99): Race to your next adventure in this Planes: Fire & Rescue folding scooter! The orange aluminum scooter deck is fully wrapped with a grip tape and printed with a scene from the new comedy-adventure film!

Planes: Fire & Rescue Bomber Jacket & Aviator Hat by Disney Store ($49.95, $14.95): The soft faux shearling lining of the Planes: Fire & Rescue bomber jacket and aviator hat will keep your little flier snug and stylish whether soaring off to school, piloting to a play date or practicing Dusty’s heroic maneuvers.

Planes: Fire & Rescue Backpack and Lunch Tote by Disney Store ($22.95-14.95): Dusty leads the way as he appears to fly right out of this Planes: Fire & Rescue backpack and lunch tote that has storage space for all your pilot’s cargo. Lenticular artwork features Pontoon Dusty, followed by Blade Ranger, Windlifter, and Cabbie.

Stories for Little Aviators

Planes: Fire & Rescue Read-Along Storybook & CD by Disney Press (MSRP: $6.99): Follow the thrilling adventures of Dusty Crophopper and all his pals in this exciting read-along. Complete with music, sound effects, and character voices, kids will love this new high-flying story.

Planes: Fire & Rescue App by Disney Publishing Worldwide (Free with in-app purchase): Join the adventure in this interactive retelling of the all-new feature film! Fans can read-along with this interactive story, filled with tappables and fun-filled games. Whether readers are fighting fires with Mayday, training with Dusty, or smoke jumping with the team, they will learn what it takes to become a real hero.

'Fast & Furious 7' Finishes Shooting, Read a Letter to the Fans

By

Patrick Campbell

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July 10, 2014

Over the last six years, the Fast & Furious franchise has grown to become one of the biggest, most fun, and most surprising movie series to be on the big screen. Director Justin Lin really reinvigorated over the last four films, changing the formula, and really delving into the family that the series has built on screen, as well as off. But the series was dealt a huge blow last November when actor Paul Walker, who had been with the Fast & Furious since the beginning, was tragically killed in a car accident, leaving the seventh film in the series in a tough, and unprecedented spot. Would the film be finished, or would they cancel it outright?

But Vin Diesel, director James Wan, writer Chris Morgan, and the rest of the Fast & Furious family, with the help of Paul’s brothers Cody and Caleb, took the time to regroup, rescript, and decided to push forward and finish the film. The film, which was originally supposed to be out this month, has now finished production, and the official Fast and the Furious Facebook page posted a new photo from the film, announcing the film’s completion, as well as a very heartfelt letter to the fans which you can read below.

We made it.

Today we completed the last shot in the production of FAST & FURIOUS 7.

We wanted to take this moment to express how thankful we are for your support. We felt the love and strength from our fans throughout this journey, and it’s because of you that we got here.

There was a time when we didn’t know how we could go on, or even if we should. But we listened to you, and you inspired us not only to keep going but to try and make the best FAST & FURIOUS movie yet.

Our FAST family has been together for almost fifteen years now and has grown a lot in that time. From the start, Vin has been our leader who feels what’s right for FAST in his gut and in his heart. When we had to stop production last year, Vin gathered us back together and moved us forward when we needed it most. He led us to this day.

Some of us have been here from the very beginning. Vin, Michelle, Jordana and our producer Neal all go back to that first little movie we shot on the streets of LA. We came back to LA in FAST 7, and it was an especially emotional homecoming for those who’ve grown up with each other since that first shoot.

There are those we count as brothers who we gathered along the way and are with us again: Dwayne, Tyrese, Luda, Lucas and our writer, Chris. We’ve got some new additions this time in Jason, Kurt, Djimon, Nathalie and our director, James. Caleb and Cody joined us to honor their brother and help complete his work.

Our family is big and strong but it won’t ever quite be whole again without Paul.

All of us — those who’ve been here from the start and those whose first FAST film is 7 — wanted to create a special film for him and for you. We believe we have.

Thank you for being there for us. You are the biggest part of our family, and we couldn’t have gotten here without you.

The countdown to April 3 begins.

With love,

Your FAST & FURIOUS Family

Well, that definitely left me with a lot of feelings, and I’m really happy to see they’ve managed to finish the film. I look forward to seeing what they were able to do, and what they’ve done to honor Paul Walker.

Fast & Furious 7, which stars Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Djimon Hounsou, and Lucas Black, and is directed by James Wan, is set for release April 3, 2015.

Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy” Special Extended Look

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 9, 2014

Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” finds space adventurer Peter Quill the object of a bounty hunt after stealing an orb coveted by a treacherous villain, but when Quill discovers the power it holds, he must find a way to rally the quartet of ragtag rivals hot on his trail to save the universe.

Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which first appeared in comic books in Marvel Super-Heroes, Issue #18 (Jan. 1969), stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, with John C. Reilly, Glenn Close as Nova Prime and Benicio Del Toro as The Collector.

James Gunn is the director of the film with Kevin Feige, p.g.a., producing. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” is written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman and releases in U.S. theaters on August 1, 2014.

Check out this special extended look:

Are you excited to watch this movie? Let us know in the comments below.

Learn How to Draw Dusty & Dipper from "Planes: Fire & Rescue"

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 9, 2014

“Planes: Fire & Rescue” is a new adventure-comedy about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire-and-rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris) and his courageous team, including spirited air tanker Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi), ex-military transport Cabbie (voice of Captain Dale Dye) and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. Directed by Bobs Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”) and produced by Ferrell Barron (“The Fox and the Hound 2”), “Planes: Fire & Rescue” hits theaters in 3D on July 18, 2014.

“Planes: Fire & Rescue” head of story Art Hernandez demonstrates how to draw two of the main characters from the film, Dusty & Dipper, in two fun easy to follow videos.

How to Draw Dusty:

How to Draw Dipper:

StarWars.com Relaunches with a new Redesigned site

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 9, 2014

Lucasfilm and Disney Interactive launched the all-new StarWars.com experience, the digital destination and first source for all Star Wars film, TV, and video game news. The new site features:

Long-form articles and videos that go behind the scenes of past, current and upcoming projects

Exclusive online videos, including a behind the scenes video of the making of Chopper from the upcoming series Star Wars: Rebels, and more to come in the following weeks

The immersive Databank, an encyclopedia of hundreds of pieces of Star Wars knowledge about characters, creatures, locations, droids and devices.

Details about upcoming fan events

Users can log in with their Disney ID to access upcoming special features and digital experiences

New, simple navigation and design

Rich, consistent experience across all platforms and devices using the same technology that powers the entire Disney Interactive Media portfolio

Designed for the next generation of Star Wars fans, the new site is built using responsive design technology offering a rich and consistent experience across all platforms including desktop, mobile, and tablet devices and transforms the way Guests discover Star Wars online.

Here is an example video from the new site. (click on the StarWars logo to play the video)

Droid Design: Chopper from Star Wars Rebels Comes to Life on Star Wars Video

Since StarWars.com is part of the Disney network, users can log in with their Disney ID to access upcoming special features and digital experiences. In the coming weeks, fans will see more exclusive videos, in-depth coverage, interactive elements, and community functionality to connect and share with Star Wars fans around the world.

Check out the new StarWars.com experience.

This was first posted on the Disney Interactive blog.

Celebrate Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort Sept. 12-Oct. 31

By

Robbie Bulus

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July 5, 2014

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort transforms Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks into cheerfully spooky, family-friendly Halloween environments beginning Friday, Sept. 12. Highlights include the seasonal re-theming of Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes, and a special focus on Disney Villains.

‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ Pre-Sale Begins July 16; General Public Ticket Sales Begin July 30

The after-hours, separate-ticket* Mickey’s Halloween Party, a popular Halloween Time highlight for many Disneyland Park guests, will expand to 14 special nights this year. Mickey’s Halloween Party invites adults and children to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at Disneyland Park, enjoying candy and healthy treats. Party guests get the extra benefit of being able to arrive early and play in Disneyland for three hours prior to the start of Mickey’s private bash.

The 2014 dates for Mickey’s Halloween Party are: Friday, Sept. 26; Tuesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 3; Monday, Oct. 6, Wednesday, Oct. 8; Friday, Oct. 10; Tuesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 17; Monday, Oct. 20; Wednesday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 24; Monday, Oct. 27; Wednesday, Oct. 29; and Friday, Oct. 31.

Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party)

“Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace, where guests can join Mike & Sulley and their fellow students of Monsters University in a fun and family-friendly frat party.

“Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade featuring some favorite characters, performed twice nightly

Disney villains arriving amid thunder and lightning to transform Town Square into Villains Square, on Main Street, U.S.A.

The Cadaver Dans ghoul quartet, performing Halloween-themed tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the Rivers of America

An opportunity for everyone in the family to attend the park in costume.

Photo locations with popular Disney and Pixar Pals, and Disney Villains

Nearly all the Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy

Parking for one standard-size vehicle is included with the purchase of Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets.

Tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party go on sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card members on Wednesday, July 16, and for the general public on Wednesday, July 30. They may be purchased online and, for the first time, on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Online purchase is not available on the day of the event.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $70 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Halloween Night, Friday, Oct. 31, are $77 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland Main Entrance.

Along with the special Mickey’s Halloween Party, the daily Halloween Time celebration at Disneyland Resort, Sept. 12 through Oct. 31, offers frightful fun for guests of all ages. Guests will enjoy Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, which launches guests into a haunted section of the universe where ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and the exhilarating drops are punctuated by piercing screams and haunting music.

Jack Skellington returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Transformed with a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Each year brings a new design and new surprises to the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom.

In addition to the seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy:

For spine-tingling fun, drop in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™* at Disney California Adventure. This popular year-round attraction begins with the story of a “supernatural” event that happened on Halloween night, 1939, forever haunting the building.

Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland is transformed for the Pumpkin Festival, with hundreds of pumpkins on display, no two of them the same.

Disney villains will be conjured up in a sideshow tent at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland. The Halloween Carnival also features pumpkin carvers, Halloween activities for youngsters and favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes.

Frontierland pays tribute to Dia de los Muertos, an Hispanic observance, with a traditional skeleton display.

For more details about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, see Disneyland.com/Halloween. This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

'Sherlock' Returning with Four New Episodes Starting in 2015

By

Patrick Campbell

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July 2, 2014

Fans of Sherlock, rejoice! The BBC has confirmed that the hit series, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as the super sleuthing duo of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, will return next year with a special, and then a three episode Season 4 in 2016. The wait between each season of Sherlock seems to get longer, as Cumberbatch and Freeman continue to become bigger stars with high profile projects, but it’s good to see that there’s hope to try and make the fans happy by doing a special between season 3 and 4. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough to get me excited for what’s to come.

Season 3 of Sherlock certainly ended with quite a bang, and I’m very excited to see where the show is going to go from here. It really does get hard waiting between each season, but I’m really glad to see that Cumberbatch and Freeman are getting the recognition for their acting they deserve, and they’re able to pull so many great projects between each season. Steven Moffat, the show runner and co-creator of the series, has his hands full as well, as he’s also currently running the incredibly popular series Doctor Who, which is seeing the start of its Eighth Season this summer, and he’s already begun work on next year’s Ninth Season, which will see Peter Capaldi taking over as the Doctor, picking up the mantle for Matt Smith. It’s good to see that Moffat, Cumberbatch, and Freeman haven’t turned their back on the show, even with all the things they’re doing right now, and I can’t wait to see them come back together for Season 4.

Check out the full press release below:

Sherlock, the hit BBC One drama produced by Hartswood Films, will return to screens for a Special, followed by a series of three new episodes. The last series saw Sherlock’s life change a lot – he returned from the dead, his best friend John Watson married Mary Morstan and he met his match in Charles Augustus Magnussen. After the briefest of exiles, Sherlock came back only to face one of his biggest mysteries yet. Why is Moriarty’s face being broadcast on every television in the land?

Speaking about the return of the series, co-creator, writer and executive producer Steven Moffat says: “A special, plus a new series of three episodes – it’s a record-breaking run! Of course, it’s far too early to say what’s coming, but we’re reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John, is the very last thing you’d expect…”

Co-creator, writer and executive producer Mark Gatiss, adds: “Series Four! At last ! It’s always special to return to Sherlock but this time it’s even more special as we’re doing… a Special! Not only THAT, we’ll then be shooting three more episodes which will take Sherlock and John Watson into deeper and darker water than ever before. The whole Sherlock team are terrifically excited to return for four new adventures. The Game is on – again!”

Sue Vertue, Executive Producer, Hartswood Films says: “It’s taken a little while to get the dates sorted as none of the boys are exactly sitting back twiddling their thumbs but there was unanimous goodwill to make this work, so we’re thrilled that 221b is going to be inhabited again.”

Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One, says: “It’s a very good day in the life of a BBC One Controller when you can announce Sherlock will return for a special plus a new three-part series. Massive thanks to Sue Vertue and Hartswood Films for pulling this off, it’s no mean feat pinning down some of this country’s most brilliant and in-demand actors and writers.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama, says: “Steven and Mark are ready to unleash the most shocking and surprising series of Sherlock yet. The only thing to expect is the unexpected…”

Sherlock is written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock is produced by Sue Vertue and the executive producers are Beryl Vertue, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat for Hartswood Films, Bethan Jones for BBC Cymru Wales and Rebecca Eaton for Masterpiece.

Shooting on the special will begin in January 2015, with the series shooting later next year.

Are you excited to return to 221b Baker Street for another season of Sherlock? Leave your thoughts in the usual place!

'Horrible Bosses 2' Teaser: From Killing to Kidnapping

By

Patrick Campbell

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July 2, 2014

The first teaser trailer for Horrible Bosses 2 has arrived, and it looks exactly like you’d expect from the follow up to the surprise 2011 comedy. The film sees the core three of Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis returning, as well as Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Anniston, and Jamie Foxx, with the two new bosses being played by Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz. The trailer doesn’t give too much away, but it certainly shows that the dark comedy and fun of the first film is still clearly intact here.

The trailer does look like a lot of fun, and teases a pretty fun and exciting sequel to the original. It’s good to see so many of the supporting from the first film back for Horrible Bosses 2, because if anything, it was their characters that made the first film so fun and ridiculous. Spacey, Anniston, and Colin Farrell were all absolutely delightful, stealing all the scenes they had, so I hope that continues here, and I really can’t wait to see what Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz bring to the film. I’m really hoping that Waltz goes full blown crazy, because he’s a fantastic actor, and he always plays a great villain.

Horrible Bosses 2, written by John Morris and John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein, and directed by Sean Anders, will be released on November 26, 2014.

Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business in “Horrible Bosses 2.” But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them. Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company.

'Turbo Fast' Has Five New Episodes on Netflix!

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 30, 2014

Dreamworks Animation Television has just added five brand new episodes of their show, Turbo Fast, based on the last year’s film Turbo, to Netflix. The show continues the adventures of Turbo, a racing snail, and his full crew of pit snails, including Whiplash, Smooth Move, Skidmark, and Burn, following the events of the film.

The show has a certain vibrant and stylized look that really pops off the screen, and it’s sure to entrance the kids as they watch. Each episode is split into two, eleven minute stories, that follow the crew on a new adventure as we continue to expand on their world. The episodes see Turbo and his gang as they go on a cruise, try to race on the freeway, adopt en endangered frog, go see a psychic moth who tells them Whiplash will be eaten, and accidentally waking an swarm of 1990’s cicadas from a cryogenic sleep.

Each episode packs quite a few laughs for kids, as well as parents, but it’s really the episode Curse of the Cicadas that will leave parents giggling the most. The film is a full on 1990’s retro episode, featuring a cheesy laugh track, call backs to characters like Steve Urkel from Family Matters, a cameo from two Bill and Ted look alikes (my personal favorite call back), and a rather riveting Spanish song that flashes you back to The Macarena, to great effect. It’s a lot of fun trying to catch all the little references they throw out, and it’s one of the more clever episodes of the new batch.

Kids will definitely enjoy spending more time with Turbo and his friends, and it’s easy to see why Dreamworks decided to move forward with a show based around them. There world is fun, and kind of crazy, and it really gives them a lot of room to play and have fun. The show is so vibrant and fun, kids won’t be able to look away, and the racing scenes in particular look very cool. Flash animation has certainly come a long way from what it used to look like, and Dreamworks Animation Television is certainly using it to great effect. It’s definitely a show the kids will enjoy, and parents will be able to digest it easily with them.

The new episodes of Turbo Fast are available right now for streaming on Netflix, and you can check out two new clips below, both coming from the episode, Curse of the Cicadas:

'Community' Returns For Season Six on Yahoo! Screen

By

Patrick Campbell

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June 30, 2014

Welcome back to Greendale, students! It seems the show’s meta mantra, #sixseasonsandamovie, is really going to become a thing. The show that refuses to die, Community, was just renewed in a last hour move by Yahoo! Screen, after iy was cancelled by NBC last month. While a renewal was looking pretty grim, with even Dan Harmon himself sounding a bit down on it as of late, it’s great to see the show was once again saved for its very small, but vocal, following.

Yahoo Screen broke the news with this tweet:

See you in the fall. #CommunityLivesOn pic.twitter.com/HSIzD0StT9

— Yahoo Screen (@YahooScreen) June 30, 2014

Community is expected to return this fall, with Dan Harmon being set back in the show runner chair once more. He even had this to say after the announcement, with a little bit of a dig at NBC for canceling the series:

I am very pleased that Community will be returning for its predestined sixth season on Yahoo. I look forward to bringing our beloved NBC sitcom to a larger audience by moving it online. I vow to dominate our new competition. Rest easy, Big Bang Theory. Look out, Bang Bus!

Yahoo and Sony will bring the show back for another thirteen episode season, with the main cast of Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jim Rash all expected to return as well. It’s too early to tell if any of the show’s recent cast who have departed, such as Chevy Chase and Donald Glover, will be back as well.

It’s great to see that Community continues to live, as Harmon said, its predestined life, nabbing a sixth season. We can only hope that this new contract also includes the film as well, so it can live its destiny. This is easily one of my favorite shows on television, it’s smart, witty, and extremely well written, so to see it finding a second life is great to me. Are you happy to see Community returning? Sound off in the usual place!

D23 Fanniversary Event Celebrates over 90 years of Disney History!

By

Robbie Bulus

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June 28, 2014

In it’s third year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be visiting 11 cities across the U.S. with D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration.

“D23 Fanniversay celebrates everything about Disney, which includes theme parks, animation, live action and TV shows” stated Jeffrey Epstein, Spokesperson for D23. “Whether your 6 or 66 it gives us a way to engage and entertain an audience in a personal way,” continued Epstein. Disney is looking forward to meeting the fans and connecting with them and to showcase all the worlds of Disney.

Click HERE to Purchase tickets NOW

Hosted by Disney archivists and the D23 Team, the presentation will run approximately 105 minutes and will include more than 90 years of Disney history including Donald Duck, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid, and many more.

Billy Stanek who oversees editorial for D23.com and is writing the Fanniversary Celebration Roadshow mentioned that when creating such a show, “we are looking for rarely heard stories or concept art and how it flows in the show overall.” “We compile this giant 20-page list and then prioritize which of those items we want to include, such as rarely seen video footage, interviews and some stories have never been seen or heard before.”

In addition to all the wonderful Disney History being presented, two rare items from the Walt Disney Archives will be on display for the fans to see and photograph. A hat worn by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and a Duckster award, which was created in 1952, a bronze-colored award in the image of Donald Duck and was given tho those who made significant contributions to Disney. Fans will also have the chance to win prizes with an interactive Disney Trivia that will test your Disney knowledge.

Guests will also listen to a track that has never been heard before from Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Sleeping Beauty titled “Evil Evil” as well as a demo recording from Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection The Little Mermaid.

D23 Gold and Silver Members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets which are on sale now. Tickets are also available to D23 Free Members $33 each, and remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 9 for $40 each. The touring schedule is as follows:

August 9: Burbank, Calif.
August 10: San Diego
August 16 & 17: San Francisco
September 6: Chicago
September 13: Seattle
September 20: Atlanta
September 21: Philadelphia
September 26: Washington, D.C.
September 28: New York City
October 4: Boston
October 25: Orlando

Click HERE to Purchase tickets and for additional information on the event.

Exclusive Performance of "Still I Fly" by Spencer Lee

By

Robbie Bulus

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June 28, 2014

On Friday June 27, we were invited to an exclusive special acoustic performance of “Still I Fly” featured in Disney’s ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’ sung by co-writer / performer Spencer Lee at Disney ToonStudios.

Spencer Lee who was born on a farm in Scott Kansas, is a singer-songwriter on the rise. After developing his unique sound, which he dubs “blue eyed fun,” Lee, 21, joined the songwriting collective The Brain House and subsequently inked a deal with the company. He is currently finishing his debut album, which he co-wrote and co-produced.

Here is his acoustic performance of “Still I Fly”

After his performance we had the chance to sit down and talk with Spencer about his inspiration behind “Still I Fly” and future of his music.

Q. What is the song “Still I Fly” about and what makes it special?
A. I was a young man when I co-wrote this song, and during that part of my life I was really struggling. In writing it, I gave myself a big of home to keep on going and to stay true to what I believe in.

Q. What does it mean to you be part of a film like ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’?
A. I grew up watching all the great Disney classics and it feels good to be able to give something back. I can’t with for my little nieces and nephews to see this.

Q. How would you describe the music you’ll be releasing, and who are you working with?
A. It’s a smorgasbord of all the things that make you wanna get down and dance. I’ve co-written and co-produced the album with Freddy Wexler. We’ve put a lot of soul into this album.

That being said, Spencer Lee gave us another sneak-peak performance of one of his new songs “Bubble Gum” that will be on the album.

Q. In ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’ one of the movie’s key themes is second chances – If one dream falters, what do you do next? Can you relate?
A. I definitely believe in second chances. Coming to LA from a small Kansas town, I had to learn and grow from my mistakes; at time, certain paths I thought would lead me to my dream didn’t, and I had to find my bearing and move in other directions. Eventually, my journey led me to a recording contract with The Brain Music. I’ve been recording my debut album which comes out this Summer for the past nine months, and I’m excited to release it.

‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’ is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team, including spirited super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. Directed by Bobs Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”), ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’ hits theaters in 3D on July 18, 2014.

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