The electrifying stage adaptation of Flashdance is making its way to Segerstrom Center for the Arts May 7th to 19th, 2013!
Disney Infinity – Creating Infinity: The Toy Box
Disney Interactive released the second video in its behind-the-scenes “Creating Infinity” series. The new video focuses on the inspiration behind Disney Infinity’s “Toy Box” mode, and includes interviews with Pixar and Avalanche Software creative visionaries, as well as commentary from renowned Disney storytellers. In the interviews, leaders such as John Lasseter and John Blackburn discuss how creative play shaped their lives and inspired Disney Infinity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIuyzFfC-2U
When Disney Infinity hits store shelves in August, the game will usher in a new era in creative play by introducing a virtual Toy Box that allows players to combine Disney and Pixar’s most popular characters, worlds, gadgets, vehicles and locations to create one-of-a-kind Disney themed action and adventure games, sports and racing competitions, team-based and head-to-head challenges, and much more!
Movie Review: "Iron Man 3"
Tony Stark cannot sleep. The arrogant genius behind Iron Man has seen a lot since he began to don the red and gold suit. From his initial escape out of the Middle East and facing corruption within Stark Enterprises against Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) in 2008’s original “Iron Man.”
Announcement: OZ The Great and Powerful On Blu-Ray 6/11!
On June 11th, return to the spectacular land of Oz with Disney’s OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL on Blu-ray Combo Pack! This epic adventure comes to life with vibrant picture and sound and includes an impressive variety of never-before-seen bonus material including “The Magic of ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ Second Screen Feature,” James Franco’s personal story of his journey to the land of Oz produced and directed by Franco himself, Mila Kunis’ makeup metamorphosis and much more!
Pre-Show Entertainment Will Add Dash and Splash Into FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
FLASHDANCE – The Musical is coming to Segerstrom Center May – 19, 2013. Read the press release below of the fun activities planned during the duration of the tour.
D23's Summer Magazine to feature The Lone Ranger and Walt Disney Imagineering
Here is the full-press release: The summer issue of Disney twenty-three, the flagship magazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, features a mega summer movie preview of Disney’s upcoming theatrical releases. D23 gets readers back in the saddle with filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski for Johnny Depp’s upcoming The Lone Ranger; Billy Crystal talks about scaring up big laughs for Monsters University; the masterminds behind Marvel’s newest film, Iron Man 3, offer an inside look at how they’re bringing Iron Man back to basics; and John Lasseter shows us how the upcoming animated film Disney’s Planes will soar.
Disney twenty-three also celebrates 60 years of Walt Disney Imagineering with a special commemorative back cover. Imagineer Tony Baxter discusses his work on some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and Star Tours. “You Do What?” profiles some of the most unusual jobs Imagineers have had over the years, from rock designer to castle architect. “Imagineering Fact? Or Fiction!” debunks some of the long-time myths and legends of the Disney Parks. And there’s much more, including “23 Imagineering Game Changers” and a salute from Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs to the thousands of creative individuals whose contributions have changed the way guests experience Disney around the world.
Beginning with the summer issue, Disney twenty-three, hailed by critics for its superlative fan content and collectability, will be offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members who will continue to receive the magazine as a benefit of their membership. Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, and this issue contains a special member gift—a metallic D23 keychain, signifying how members hold the key to unlocking the magic of Disney through D23.
Disney twenty-three’s favorite sections are back with new images and content, too. In this issue:
- An image of Walt and Lillian celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary just prior to the opening of Disneyland in “PHOTOfiles”
- “A Walk with Walt” takes readers back to 1946, the year following the end of World War II—a transitional one for Walt and his company
- In “D Society,” Ne-Yo, Rod Stewart, and Tina Fey are among the stars shown visiting the parks
The Disney discoveries don’t stop with the end of the summer publication. In conjunction with the summer issue of Disney twenty-three, www.D23.com will feature original and exclusive stories that complement the contents of D23’s glossy magazine. Beginning May 14, only on D23.com you’ll find an exclusive video interview with Imagineer Tony Baxter.
"Pacific Rim" Con Footage Now Available!
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.
[blockquote]”This was originally intended for only WonderCon, but after listening to so many of you asking for more of the movie online, I think it’s time for me to show you more footage. Enjoy, my friends!” -Guillermo del Toro[/blockquote]
WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES PACIFIC RIM
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on July 12
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Writers: Screenplay by Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro
Story by Travis Beacham
Producers: Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Guillermo del Toro, Mary Parent
Executive Producers: Callum Greene
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, Robert Kazinsky,
Max Martini, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, Larry Joe Campbell, Brad William Henke, Diego Klattenhoff
This film has been rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action
and violence throughout, and brief language.
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY New Trailer
In cased you missed it, here is the new Monsters University Trailer.
The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters.
2013 Newport Beach Film Festival Movie Review: In Lieu of Flowers
Not familiar with this movie? It’s okay. This is an official selection of the 2013 Newport Beach Film Festival with no fate as of yet, but I wouldn’t right it off quite yet. In Lieu of Flowers is quite frankly another one of your stereotypical indie films with some heart, a good solid base, and some known actors that supply some compelling acting. The great debate will become of the movies ability to capture an audience and whether or not a distributor will be willing to support it.
Written and directed by William Savage, not many will have a basis of what to expect. This is a film that isn’t going to gain notice by a well-known director or a star-studded cast. The most known actor may very well be from a small role by Big Bang Theory’s Melissa Rauch. However, I hope this little flick may draw some attention from raw emotion and believable relatable characters.
In Lieu of Flowers follows the story of two strangers that have recently lost their love ones in quite different ways whose lives intertwine in a support group for people that have lost someone. Eric, played Josh Pence (The Social Network), is coming to terms with a harsh break-up where he FEELS like his girlfriend has died opposed to Rachel, portrayed by Spencer Grammar (Greek), whom has actually lost her husband in a tragic death. The two are faced with losses, but in quite different ways.
This Romantic sort-of-like Comedy follows these two as their paths meet and are pushed into awkward conversations as they attempt to relate and act as a supporting shoulder one another. You will fall instantly in love with Spencer Grammer’s character as her quick wit and cuteness quickly charms Eric. However, it is Eric’s humorous way of dealing with Rachel’s direct putdowns that makes his character seem a little too quick to get his spunk back.
The two of them build a great chemistry and feels natural, for the most going, and really adds to this done-before story. This is your typical boy and girl meet and fall for one another upon odd circumstances from a place where they would least expect and then overcome their emotional past to fall for each other. Don’t worry as I didn’t ruin anything. This scenario will quickly be figured out by any average movie-goer.
The film is fortunately able to stand apart by having that wonderful raw feeling that many indies pull off, but I’m not so sure it’s memorable. In Lieu of Flowers lacks a good score until we reach toward the end and the music changes from forgettable royalty-free sounding music you’ll find in most low budget indies to poetic adult alternative. This allows the film to build and add to the story William Savage is showing us on the screen.
The supporting cast with the likes of Melissa Rauch and Nathan Corddry do add to the film, but are not there enough to truly make a difference. The supporting cast like Eric’s group of buddies was a perfect opportunity to spread more humor as well to break it up from just the leading two. Sadly his pals are almost too rude toward his situation and never show any sense of care for him. This even seems the case for his close friend who tends to not offer much support.
It’s also important for any good movie to have those quiet moments to create tension, awkwardness or seriousness; but like many indie films, it just felt forced during the first half. I must say that there are moments that this is done correctly where it made my heart stop for a moment as I felt a sense of what I believe the actor would be feeling. This makes any good movie great. Thankfully there are many GREAT moments.
Hopefully I am getting across that there are a few flaws but at the same time, some many beautiful powerful moments that help this movie stand above others. It will be up to the distributors to take that risk and decide if the general audience will be noticing these or will it just fall flat for them. It definitely left a feeling of emotion for me, which to me is a successful film. I unfortunately don’t know if I will be remembering this movie come next year’s Newport Beach Film Festival.
Disney’s First Cruise Ship, Disney Magic, Offers Guests Brand-New Experiences and Reimagined Spaces
There’s an extra dose of magic coming aboard the Disney Magic, when the Disney Cruise Line vessel relaunches with new spaces, reimagined areas and exciting additions for the whole family. Guests will experience new adventures from stem to stern throughout their journey on the cruise ship that set the standard for oceangoing majesty and family fun.
From a new grand atrium lobby and a children’s area of “super hero” proportions to a three-story water thrill slide and a spa to stimulate the “Senses,” there are plenty of new and magical surprises in store for cruise guests. The ship features fun new experiences with Marvel characters – the first time Super Hero icons from the Marvel Universe have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship.
“We have always been committed to reinvesting in our fleet and continuously making shipboard enhancements that elevate the guest experience,” said Karl L. Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “What we’re doing with the Disney Magic is yet another step forward in our commitment to delivering the absolute best family vacations at sea.”
“Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do,” says Joe Lanzisero, senior creative vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering. “Walt Disney was a master storyteller and knew how to engage people’s emotions into stories. Our job is to take what we learned from Walt and apply it to the experiences on board our ships.”
Here are some highlights of new “magic” in store for guests aboard the Disney Magic after the “reimagineering” transformation of the ship that takes place during dry dock Sept. 7-Oct. 10, 2013 in Cadiz, Spain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPMNEKNg1w4&list=UUlHZgjZJ6S8wrqngXYpY6sQ&index=1
A Grand First Impression
When guests board the Disney Magic, they enter the grand atrium lobby that is redesigned to be “elegant art deco, inspired by elements of the sea,” according to Lanzisero.
“Filmmaking is the history of our company and in film the ‘establishing shot’ sets the scene,” he says. “This is the same with the atrium, as we begin telling our story.”
The spacious and spectacular three-deck lobby features hand-tufted, custom-made carpet that dazzles in a palette of vibrant coral, blue and aquamarine seashell-inspired designs. The art deco atrium chandelier is inspired by rays of the sun and the glisten of the surface of the ocean. Opulent furnishings, a grand piano and giant portholes recall the days of early 20th century ocean liners.
The lobby’s centerpiece is a cold-cast bronze statue of “Helmsman Mickey,” ever-smiling and keeping watch as guests stroll past. The famed statue, which has stood in the atrium since the ship was launched, will receive a special makeover bringing new luster to its golden hue.
Disney, Disney-Pixar & Marvel Characters Join the Fun
Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to 3- to 12-year-old children, is a completely re-imagined area that transports children to the magical realms of brave super heroes, adventuresome toys, fanciful fairies and Mickey Mouse’s club for creativity and fun.
With Marvel now a part of the Walt Disney Company family, this will mark the first time the Super Hero icons of Marvel have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Marvel and Walt Disney Imagineers have created a new space for children to enter into the Marvel Universe.
Marvel’s The Avengers will make their presence known in an epic way aboard the Disney Magic, with Marvel’s Avengers Academy calling Disney’s Oceaneer Club its new seaward home. Young crime-fighters will be transported to a high-tech command post used by The Avengers for special missions and operations training.
Throughout the base, displays featuring some of the equipment that helps to make The Avengers the earth’s mightiest heroes – Iron Man’s suit of armor, Captain America’s shield and Thor’s hammer — inspire super hero “recruits” through their academy missions. Avengers Academy is a multi-day, immersive entertainment experience where children interact with Marvel characters and unleash their inner super heroes.
Adjacent to Marvel’s Avengers Academy is Andy’s Room, where stars of the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy come to life in a multi-level space. Stocked with all of Andy’s favorite toys, the room features a larger-than-life Mr. Potato Head, a giant version of the lovable piggy bank, Hamm, and a Slinky Dog slide.
Next door is Pixie Hollow, the enchanted land of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. In this magical forest setting, Tinker Bell’s teapot house serves as a costume closet and children can make crafts while sitting on stools shaped like mushrooms and acorns.
In Disney’s Oceaneer Club guests will find the Mickey Mouse Club, another new children’s area. Inside a room splashed with Mickey’s signature colors of red, yellow and black, kids can create crafts and play games on ear-shaped tables. The club also features Goofy Gears, an oversized activity where kids play with wacky, magnetic spinning gears.
Disney Dining With an Extra Dash of Pixie Dust
New restaurants and new technology are on the menu for the restaurants aboard Disney Magic.
Animator’s Palate, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney ships, is updated with all-new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens to provide the best views of the animation magic that takes place all around.
A heaping helping of entertainment is served up during the brand-new “Drawn to Magic” experience at Animator’s Palate. Throughout this deliciously fresh take on Disney Cruise Line’s much beloved classic dinner celebration, the restaurant’s black and white “blank canvas” explodes into full color as favorite Disney and Disney-Pixar characters, such as Rapunzel from “Tangled” and Remy from “Ratatouille,” come to life right before guests’ eyes.
On every Disney Magic cruise, guests will have an opportunity to experience the tremendously popular “Animation Magic” dinner show that celebrates the magic of Disney animation and allows families to create and participate in an innovative way. First unveiled on the Disney Fantasy, “Animation Magic” invites guests to create their own characters that magically spring to life, become fully animated and join the show onscreen.
The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro creates an energetic atmosphere in Carioca’s, a new restaurant named after Donald Duck’s parrot pal in “The Three Caballeros,” Jose Carioca. Festooned with lighted lanterns, the restaurant is designed to be “fun by day, elegant by night,” says Lanzisero.
During the day, there’s a festival theme and, when night falls, the atmosphere transforms into an after-hours scene of Rio de Janiero, with city-side windows softly illuminated and lanterns flickering overhead. Carioca’s replaces Parrot Cay restaurant, currently on the Disney Magic.
Another new restaurant to the Disney Magic is Cabanas, a casual dining experience with food and beverage stations during daytime hours and a table-service restaurant during dinner. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated classic “Finding Nemo” inspires the décor with hints of the film’s fishy and feathered friends throughout the restaurant.
Cabanas, which replaces the current Topsider Buffet, also is expanding. More inside space is being added, increasing the total square-footage of air-conditioned area by nearly 3,400 square feet to more than 9,460 square feet and a total of 455 seats.
Disney Cruise Line’s popular Palo restaurant for adults receives a makeover with stylish fixtures, glass artwork and new stone floors. Red and white striped poles reminiscent of those found throughout the canals in Venice are a design feature.
Putting more “room” in staterooms
Disney Cruise Line knows that traveling families always need more space, so features are included in each room to provide more usable space. Bed frames are elevated to provide storage space underneath. The bathrooms include the split-bath feature that Disney introduced to the cruise industry — providing even greater convenience to guests.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.
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