For four decades, The Walt Disney Archives has been home to the most treasured items from Disney’s fabled history, and on Friday, June 25, the Archives will mark its 40th anniversary with a special celebration at the Walt Disney Studios.
During the event, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger, noted film historian Leonard Maltin and other surprise guests will honor Dave Smith, the founder of The Walt Disney Archives and Disney’s chief archivist, for his achievements in preserving the Disney legacy.
The special celebration is open exclusively to members of D23, Disney’s official fan club, and tickets to the once-in-a-lifetime Walt Disney Archives 40th Anniversary Celebration go on sale at 10 a.m. Pacific time today exclusively at http://www.disney.com/D23.
“The Walt Disney Archives is an incredible collection, and that’s due to the dedication and passion Dave has brought to the development of the Archives since Roy O. Disney hired him 40 years ago,” said Steven Clark, head of D23, who also oversees The Walt Disney Archives. “We’re excited to honor Dave and the Archives, and to give our members a close-up look at some rarely seen ‘jewels in the crown’ of Disney history.”
As part of the Archives’ 40th Anniversary celebration, a number of new pieces from recent Disney projects will be officially added to the Archives’ collection; their identities will be revealed during the event.
The Walt Disney Archives 40th Anniversary Celebration will also feature a champagne-and-dessert reception on the Walt Disney Studios lot, and the premiere of Archiving the Archives: Forty Years of Preserving the Disney Magic, an all-new film created for this special anniversary, which will be screened in the Studio Theatre. Additionally, D23 Members who attend will receive a special gift created for the occasion.
Only a limited number of tickets, at $50 per person, will be available to this once-in-a-lifetime event, which pays tribute to the past, present and future of The Walt Disney Archives.
Every day of the year, D23 Membership brings exciting Disney discoveries, special savings, and a host of benefits. Gold-level D23 Memberships are $74.99 and include a one-year subscription to the exquisite Disney twenty-three magazine. Silver-level memberships, which offer all benefits except the magazine subcription, are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.
Disney fans can become members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans at www.disney.com/D23, select shops at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts, and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23.
“World of Color” is all about color, music, water, fun and the pleasures of Disney storytelling. To make the experience even more wonderful at Disney California Adventure park, it can be paired with delicious food and beverage selections. Before arriving at the park, guests also will be able to pre-purchase a meal that comes with reserved viewing for “World of Color.”
Guests may choose from several different meals-with-reserved-viewing programs. These provide a magical dining experience along with a choice vantage point from which to enjoy the new “World of Color” after-dark spectacular. Other fun treats include “World of Color” novelty drinks, snacks and accessories
Meal-with-viewing options are limited in availability, at these locations:
“World of Color” Picnic Meals at Golden Vine Winery*
Beginning June 11, guests can go online and order a special boxed picnic meal that includes “World of Color” Reserved Viewing. Picnic meals may be ordered online – www.disneyland.com – or by walk-up purchase, subject to availability, at the Sonoma Terrace, Golden Vine Winery. They are not available for order via the 714/781-DINE line.
Online orders may be placed up to 60 days in advance. Meals may be picked up at Sonoma Terrace from 2 p.m. to up to one hour prior to “World of Color” show time.
Picnic meal options include four selections for adults: The All American (cold honey-stung fried chicken), The Taste of Asia (chilled miso-glazed salmon), The European Antipasto (cured meats, regional cheeses, artichoke heart, sun-dried tomato) and The Mediterranean Vegetarian (marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus). Kids’ options include The Junior All American (chicken), The Lunchbox Classic (peanut butter and jelly) and The Little Squirt’s Box (apple wedges, string cheese).
Beer and wine for adults are available at an additional cost.
As a special bonus for pre-purchasing a meal, the entire party’s online order will be packaged in a souvenir “World of Color” reusable tote.
Guests who opt for a walk-up purchase at the park will be able to buy individual picnic meals that also include admission to the “World of Color” Reserved Viewing area if space is available.
All picnic meals with “World of Color” Reserved Viewing are priced at $14.99 and must be redeemed for the designated reserved show date and time. No refunds, exchanges or other discounts.
The following dining options must be reserved by calling 714/781-DINE. Seatings are at specified times and space is limited.
Wine Country Trattoria Prix Fixe “World of Color” Meals*
Guests can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe dinner in the newly expanded and remodeled Wine Country Trattoria ($39.99 for adults; $18.99 for children ages 3-9). Following dinner, the guests will be admitted to the Preferred Reserved Viewing area for the show. The Italian meal includes choice of starter, entrée and dessert plus a special wine pairing.
Ariel’s Grotto Prix Fixe “World of Color” Meals*
A prix fixe meal with reserved viewing will be available in the elegant surroundings of Ariel’s Grotto (starting at $29.99 for adults; $15.99 for children ages 3-9), on the edge of Paradise Bay. After dinner, guests will be offered admission to the “World of Color” Preferred Reserved Viewing area.
Guests who prefer a treat or snack, perhaps with a souvenir “World of Color” takeaway, may choose from a number of bright and colorful options available at food locations inside Disney California Adventure:
“Spectrum Splash”: Beverages in light-up souvenir glasses with a colorful choice of flavors – strawberry red, blueberry blue, or sour Granny Smith apple green.
“Light-Up Cotton Candy”: White cotton candy with a colorful swirl, on an illuminated wand that lights the cotton candy from inside.
Multi-Colored & Flavored Popcorn: A delicious treat that comes in three flavors – red cherry, blueberry and purple grape – and mixed in with regular kettle corn, all served in a Disney California Adventure see-through “World of Color” souvenir popcorn bucket.
Tropical Mist Cocktail (for adults): It’s a passion fruit and mango liqueur with coconut rum – and a light-up swizzle stick. Available at the Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto restaurant.
Even More Fun: Light-Up Balloons – transparent balloons with light-up “World of Color” art inside; Light-Up Bangle Bracelets; and souvenir “World of Color” travel mugs and sipper cups.
Times for the prix fixe dinners and dessert party are subject to change and cancellation without notice. For information on “World of Color,” other Disneyland Resort attractions, or to plan a celebration or vacation at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. To explore the expansion plans for Disney California Adventure, visit www.DisneyCaliforniaAdventure.com.
* Reserved Viewing: Each guest entering the reserved viewing area must have reserved viewing area admission. Children (ages 3-9) must be accompanied by an adult. Guests may only enter the viewing area during designated times and no early or late admission will be allowed. Guests in large parties may not be guaranteed admission within the same reserved viewing area. Separate theme park admission is required.
With anticipation and excitement building for the June 11 premiere of the nighttime spectacular “World of Color” in Disney California Adventure park, several options are in place for guests who want to maximize their day of fun at the park and make plans to enjoy the show that night.
To see the show, guests will obtain a special FASTPASS for “World of Color” or they can select from several Dining and Picnic packages that include reserved viewing.
In addition, a new immersive “Summer Nightastic!” party, “Glow Fest,” will bring added evening excitement for Disney California Adventure guests of all ages. “Glow Fest” will be filled with dancing, music and fun, highlighted by special color, sound and light effects, starting in the Sun Plaza at 6 p.m. nightly and continuing in Hollywood Pictures Backlot until park closing.
“World of Color” will be presented twice nightly throughout the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” season, June 11 through Aug. 29 (except June 16-17 when Disney California Adventure will be closed for Grad Nights). Guests will stand during the shows – at 9 and 10:15 p.m. – and they may bring strollers into the viewing area.
FASTPASS for “World of Color”
The FASTPASS for “World of Color” will be available each morning at the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS terminals. Guests can insert their park tickets into the terminal to obtain a FASTPASS ticket for the show, and they will be assigned a specific show time. As with other FASTPASS attractions, a limited number of passes are available for “World of Color.” When all of the day’s “World of Color” FASTPASS allotment has been distributed, Grizzly River Run terminals will convert back to distributing the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS tickets.
Guests arriving before park opening to line up for the “World of Color” FASTPASS may park in the Pumba parking lot on Disney Way and, beginning at 7 a.m., gather at the Main Entrance to Disney California Adventure. When Disney California Adventure opens to the public, guests lined up for FASTPASS will be walked into the park and over to the FASTPASS terminals.
In addition to the FASTPASS for “World of Color,” a selection of specially themed dining package options, which include reserved viewing, are available.
“World of Color” Picnic Meals – Available Online or by Walk-up Purchase*
Beginning June 11, opening day for the new show, guests can go online and order a special boxed picnic meal that includes “World of Color” Reserved Viewing. Picnic meals may be ordered online – www.disneyland.com – or by walk-up purchase, subject to availability, at the Sonoma Terrace, Golden Vine Winery. They are not available for order via the (714) 781-DINE line.
Online orders may be placed up to 60 days in advance. The meals may be picked up at the Sonoma Terrace from 2 p.m. to up to one hour prior to “World of Color” show time.
Subject to availability, guests who order Picnic meals online will be assigned to the evening’s first show, and guests who make a walk-up purchase will be assigned to that evening’s second show.
Picnic meal options include four selections for adults: The All American (cold honey-stung fried chicken), The Taste of Asia (chilled miso-glazed salmon), The European Antipasto (cured meats, regional cheeses, artichoke heart, sun-dried tomato) and The Mediterranean Vegetarian (marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus). Kids’ options include The Junior All American (chicken), The Lunchbox Classic (peanut butter and jelly) and The Little Squirt’s Box (apple wedges, string cheese).
All picnic meals with “World of Color” Reserved Viewing are priced at $14.99 and must be redeemed for the designated reserved show date and time. No refunds, exchanges or other discounts.
Prix Fixe “World of Color” Dinner Packages*
Prix fixe meals are available at both Ariel’s Grotto and the newly redesigned Wine Country Trattoria restaurants, and they come with “World of Color” Preferred Reserved Viewing. Guests may order from a varied menu of seafood, meat and vegetarian options at Ariel’s Grotto (starting at $29.99 for adults; $15.99 for children) or a selection of Italian cuisine at Wine Country Trattoria ($39.99 for adults; $18.99 for children). Seatings are at specified times and space is limited. Prix fixe meals must be reserved, at 714/ 781-DINE.
Guests who do not obtain a FASTPASS or reserve dinner packages for “World of Color” may still watch the show from viewing locations on the boardwalk side of Paradise Bay.
“Glow Fest”
Music, dancing and “drumming down the sun” will launch “Glow Fest” every night through Aug. 29, beginning at 6 p.m.in the Sun Plaza in Disney California Adventure. After 8 p.m., this newest addition to the Disneyland Resort “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment lineup will move into Hollywood Pictures Backlot, providing the kind of immersive excitement for adults and children alike that can only be found in a Disney theme park.
* Reserved Viewing:
Each guest entering the reserved viewing area must have reserved viewing area admission. Children (ages 3-9) must be accompanied by an adult. Guests may only enter the viewing area during designated times and no early or late admission will be allowed. Guests in large parties may not be guaranteed admission within the same reserved viewing area. Separate theme park admission is required.
Surfers, tourists, and local Los Angelenos alike were stunned yesterday morning by a rather HUGE mystery: the discovery of 15 foot long footprints in the sand at Santa Monica Pier!
A local fisherman was perhaps the only person who caught a glimpse of the creature responsible. “Everything started shaking,” he said. “Then I saw this thing. Bigger than any whale…eyes dark and menacing, teeth as big as the poles under the pier here.” Police are cautioning people not to panic, and to be careful not to fall into the deep footprints on the beach. Residents and tourists are wondering what kind of monster could be responsible for footprints so massive.
Some people are suggesting that the footprints belong to none other than King Kong, who has been making his way through Los Angeles en route to his new home at Universal Studios Hollywood. Last week, Kong wreaked havoc at Dodgers Stadium by marking up the baseball field with his gigantic footprints, similar to the ones found at Santa Monica Pier. King Kong will be headlining King Kong 360 3-D, the brand new, revolutionarily interactive attraction designed by esteemed director Peter Jackson, and it’s possible that Santa Monica Pier was just his latest stop on his journey to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Do you think King Kong is accountable for this giant mystery at Santa Monica Pier? Take a look at the commotion from the scene here and decide for yourself!
“I think of 6 impossible things before breakfast.” We all think of impossible things throughout the day. Why I have already thought of four just writing the first line. It’s all part of our imagination. I can only imagine how many, may have thought this film to be impossible, even mad to make. This film has worded my thoughts the best way, “all the best people must be” mad. With that said, Tim Burton (Sweeny Todd, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Walt Disney Pictures have taken what many of us have beloved with the creative “madness” of a stellar cast of characters and amazing artisans, created a world full of that impossible imagination and brought it to the screen in “Alice in Wonderland”.
Along the way we see the characters that make up this land of imagination. The ever expressive and crazy Mad Hatter played by Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean, Public Enemies).Playing Alice who is lost in her thoughts of what to do in each world, Mia Wasikowska (Amilia, Defiance). Red “Off with their head answer to everything” Queen is played by Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter series, Sweeny Todd). The elegant of elegance, yet at times unrefined, White Queen is Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada, The Princess Diaries). Crispin Glover (Charlie’s Angels, Willard) plays Stayne-Knave of Hearts, the companion and commander of the Red Queen’s card army. “Rounding” out the humanly played cast is Matt Lucas (Shaun of the Dead) as the ever rhyming and nonsensical Tweedledee and Tweedledum. This is by no means the end of an eclectic and brilliant supporting cast of voices who bring the rest of Underland’s colorful characters to life. Stephen Fry (Bones, V for Vendetta) as the, always out for himself, Cheshire Cat, Michael Sheen(Frost/Nixon, New Moon) as the watch tapping White Rabbit, Alan Rickman (Harry Potter series, Love Actually) puffing his way through this life as the Blue Caterpillar, Timothy Spall (Harry Potter series, Enchanted) as Bayard the trusty bloodhound, Barbara Windsor (EastEnders UK) as the lovably heroic Dormouse, veteran UK actor Paul Whitehouse (Finding Neverland, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) as the caffeine deprived or maybe over stimulated March hare, and Sir Christopher Lee (Lord of the Rings series, Star Wars I-III) is the ominous and forbidding Jabberwocky.
In the end, Alice In Wonderland is a lightweight confection that will not make you groan uncontrollably, but you might feel you’ve being scoffing someone else’s indulgence.
The movie played in 3D as well as traditional theaters, and there’s a sense of 3-dimensionality everywhere. Some of the sequences in the fantasy world are deliberately grainy, as when the Mad Hatter recollects how the White Queen was deposed, or when Burton decides to burnish a scene with a golden-brown or blue wash. But for the most part, the AVC/MPEG-4 (48kHz/24 bit) transfer to 50-gig disc appears to be a good one. Colors are bold and bright in some sequences, and Burton-dark in others, depending upon the mood. Black levels also vary according to the sequence. But the level of detail is generally strong, and you never for a minute think that the shifts are anything but deliberate. “Alice in Wonderland” is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen, “enhanced” for 16×9 televisions.
There are around an hour and 50 minutes of bonus features that are organized into two sections: Wonderland Characters and Making Wonderland. Character segments are Finding Alice, The Mad Hatter, The Futterwacken Dance, The Red Queen, Time-Lapse: Sculpting the Red Queen, and The White Queen. The common denominator here is enthusiasm. All of the actors are enthusiastic about the collaboration with Burton and the room that he gave them to interpret their characters. With Depp, for example, it was a historical take. It turns out that the phrase “mad as a hatter” came about because hat-makers or “hatters” were exposed to high levels of mercury in the materials that they used, and it really did turn them a bit mad. The features are all quite short (the longest is six minutes) but the actors are so engaging that they draw you in.
The Making Wonderland section features segments on Scoring Wonderland, Effecting Wonderland, Stunts of Wonderland, Making the Proper Size, Cakes of Wonderland, and Tea Party Props. The Cake Divas who were called upon to produce the pastries clearly were star-struck, and their segment is fun to watch because they’re outsiders working suddenly inside Hollywood. But it’s fascinating to see all the stilt work and wire work that went into this film, and how often Alice had to be seated higher or lower against a green screen than the others.
It begins with a solitary figure on the stage. Rafiki is opening the show with the signature cry from the Circle of Life. There’s a response from the audience. It’s a man costumed as an animal. This back and forth goes on for a moment, and all of a sudden the theatre is swarming with various depictions of wildlife up and down the aisles. Giraffes take the stage, elephants roam the floors, and the theater is transformed into a menagerie of wildlife unlike anything I’ve ever seen in live theater. This is the Lion King, and it’s spectacular.
When the Lion King was released as an animated feature back in 1994, I never dreamed that it would be possible to successfully translate the film to the stage. This was an epic Shakespearean tale (literally inspired by Hamlet) taking place in Africa featuring talking wildlife as its characters. How could this possibly be performed on stage as anything less than cheesy?
Director Julie Taymor came up with the brilliant idea of having the human element visible on stage. Using elaborate costuming and puppetry, the audience always sees the performer along with the character. This allows the actors to provide a genuine performance, and not simply hide behind a costume. Most of the lions are simply portrayed by masks sitting atop the actor’s heads that occasionally lower in front of their faces. Other characters such as Timon and Zazu are depicted through full-on puppetry, but with the performer front and center acting out the role in sync with the puppet.
This element of human and animal hybridization creates a unique experience in which the audience is simultaneously invested in the theatricality of the performances along with the technical artistry of the characters. The story is almost identical to that of the film, with a few added musical numbers, and some slight tweaks here and there. Everything you remember from the film is included to jaw-dropping effect. Even the wildebeest stampede is thrillingly depicted through a clever layering of the set, creating a depth of scene that makes the chase feel dangerously real.
It doesn’t matter how familiar you are with the original film. You will be drawn into this world and find yourself emotionally invested with these characters once again. There is a reason this story is so popular after 16 years. This is an epic battle between good and evil, with the treacherous Scar as one of the great villains of all time. Even having seen the film as much as I have, I still got chills as Scar declared “long live the king” to Mufasa before the pivotal moment of betrayal.
And even though I was familiar with all of these moments from the film, the play is not simple recreation. As mentioned above, there are new musical numbers and setpieces designed specifically for the stage. One of the best additions is Shadowland, a powerful new number performed by Nala as she ruminates on the disastrous state they find themselves after Scar has taken over as king. The song is taken from a musical cue in the original film, and elaborated into a beautiful number that perfectly depicts the emotion of the scene.
There is only one sequence in the entire production that I didn’t feel was necessary. The musical number Chow Down, performed by the hyenas in the elephant graveyard, felt a little bit silly and out of place. I loved the hyenas themselves, both in terms of performances and costuming, and I loved the set for the graveyard, with its geysers of smoke erupting all over the stage, but I could have done without the musical number. It’s not a bad song, but it’s not up to par with the other additions.
One element I wasn’t expecting was the use of dance through the story. There are many types of dance employed throughout the film, often beautiful, sometimes humorous, but always entertaining. During Timon’s rendition of Can You Feel the Love Tonight, there is even aerial dance. It’s a gorgeous sequence, with the performers gracefully manipulating themselves through the air, perfectly encapsulating the emotion of the scene.
Speaking of Timon, Tyler Murree does an amazing job in his depiction of the wisecracking character. He perfectly captures the essence of the character without ever descending into impersonation. Tony Freeman also accomplishes this feat in his depiction of Zazu. I was amazed at how quickly I forgot the animated versions of these characters and was able to completely accept these portrayals.
Currently, the Lion King is the eighth longest-running show on Broadway. It is currently in its 13th year, and has been performed for over 50 million people. Now is your chance to see this phenomenal production. The Lion King will be playing at the Orange County Performing Arts Center now through Sunday, June 13. I’d heard a lot of hype going in, and my expectations were astronomically high. Those expectations were met, and exceeded. And judging by the extreme reaction of the audience, I’d say everyone in the theater agreed with me. The Lion King is an exceptionally unique experience, and one that must be seen to be believed.
Tickets available online at OCPAC.org, or by phone at (714) 556-2787.
When we are born, there is no written rule or doctrine that says we cannot be more or less of who we are. Our destiny is not written in a book but created by the choices we make and the lessons of life that we choose as our morals. Walt Disney was even quoted as saying, “all our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” And how true it is when Jerry Bruckheimer and Walt Disney Pictures bring together a dynamic group of artists to create a world that many like me, have only experienced through the series of video games, and have now been painted on the big screen in “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”.
Bruckheimer is known for bringing out the big guns or swords, when it comes to epic telling of tales. This keeps in line with his style of filmmaking, let alone his panache for choosing over the top stories. I think that is the key to his success. Using the right story, or in this case mythology of stories to create something that I believe will be another good franchise for him and the Walt Disney Company. As with the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy, Bruckheimer pulls in some of the industry’s top talent to bring the creator of the “Prince of Persia” game series, Jordan Mechner’s, characters to life.
Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Mona Lisa Smile) directs a group of young actors on the up and up as well as a couple extraordinary veteran actors on a grand journey of emotions and some silliness with a splash of present day concerns. Bringing this heroic story written by Mechner himself to the screen is Boaz Yakin (Death in Love, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights), Doug Miro (The Uninvited, The Great Raid) and Carlo Bernard (The Uninvited, The Great Raid). These three have done a wonderful duty in keeping Mechner’s mythology in place and mixing some references of our current day that could ring true in the land of Persia. Bringing out the emotion of the film through a breathtaking orchestration is Harry Gregson-Williams (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Déjà vu). His sweeping movements of wanting or passionate race of fervor drive the visuals and spoken word. The action on the screen, the acting brought forth and the pulsating music keep you engaged and wanting more. On to the story…
Venture back when kingdoms ruled the world. Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a prince of heart not by birth, until he is seen by the King defending a young boy whom he has no connection to. The King see’s this true honor of heart and brings him into his family since he has none, making him a Prince of Persia. Time passes, though raised by the King and his uncle Nizam (Sir Ben Kingsley) along with the Kings two sons Tus (Richard Coyle) and Garsive (Toby Kebbell), Dastan still has the rough edge of a soul. Dastan also reacts to his gut and heart when making a choice. When it is decided to attack a holy city he goes against the plan and makes his own path to the goal where during the ensuing attack stumbles upon a special dagger. Once the city has fallen is it discovered that there is someone who is the guardian of the dagger, Tamina (Gemma Arterton). She knows it’s secret, that whoever holds the dagger has the ability to turn back time or destroy the world. When the King comes to call the brothers together to find out why they took this holy city, treachery is cast on the King who is killed by a gift from Dastan. This pairs our two heroic opposites of Tamina and Dastan, in a race against that which they have the power to control but not plenty of, time, to uncover the mystery of the dagger and who is trying to control it.
This is a great start for what could be a long term partnership with Jake Gyllenhall (Brothers, Brokeback Mountain) and Bruckheimer. Put aside the whole issue of his ethnicity for one simple fact, Persia in the time frame we are playing, 6th century, was ahead of its time and ruled much of the known world. It had people of all color in its arms and made to be one of the people. It was just a fact of life back then. With that said, Jake does an exciting job of bringing one of my favorite gaming characters to life. Even though the game never gave a name to the character he plays the part of Dastan, as you would in the game, fun, fast, with all heart. It even took a call from Bruckheimer to tell him to calm down we have stunt people for that, to which Jake being the consummate performer, wanting to connect the audience with the character. You can’t always do that when you are using a double for those most intense scenes. Tamina played by Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, Pirate Radio) has eyes that can melt anyone, man or woman. I don’t care who you are she just has a look of pure devotion when she catches you with her gaze. This helps to bring zeal to the character that allows her to speak when no words are needed, an emotional performance to be commended. Sir Ben Kingsley (Shutter Island, The Love Guru) brings his classic acting to the screen as the Nizam, the Kings brother who has helped raise Dastan, Tus, and Garsiv. The epitome of royalty, Sir Ben truly gets into his role, very stoic in his performance. The biggest surprise and scene stealer is Alfred Molina (The Da Vinvi Code, Spider-Man 2) as Sheik Amar. The antagonist, yet surprise good hearted, low life, self serving, opportunistic, “what’s in it for me”, Persian version of the ‘Tea Party’ character. He keeps the pace of the film rolling with his constant ragging of the Persians and how they tax people and that he is just trying to keep his ‘image’ intact. It is enchanting to watch him each time he appears on screen.
Bringing this to life with Bruckheimer and Newell: Cinematography of John Seale (Poseidon, Spanglish) using every visual that filming in Morocco had to offer. Bringing to life the far-reaching ambiance of the desert to the detailed sets imagined is production designer Wolf Kroeger (Eragon, Equilibrium). Penny Rose (Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, King Arthur) pulls out of her carpet bag of tricks the feel and look of 6th century Persia with her amazing element of wardrobe. Setting up the true feel of the game on the screen is George Aguilar (The Departed, Gangs of New York) coordinate some of the intense stunts from the parkour to the swordfights, you sometimes feel your hands on the controller wanting to play the game again. In the interest of the keeping the sites of the game to screen is Tom Wood (Sunshine, Sylvia) and Trevor Wood (The Golden Compass, The Last Legion) handling the visual and special effects respectively. Their combined effort is so stunning, at times I found my eyes wide open and my mouth dropping at the site of the blur between fantasy and reality. My much loved visual being the passing of time and how it envelopes the holder of the dagger.
Are you still worried that the transition of video game to the screen is going to be a flop? Think again. Bruckheimer does not deal in such triviality. He again has brought together an amazing group of top notch creators and actors to drive home that one truly does make their own destiny. I have had the pleasure of living life just as that, making my own destiny. Have I thought of turning back the sands of time and changing what I have done? I would be lying if I said no. However if I did, I would not be the man I am today. Each family member, friend, or person I have met in my life has been part of my life story, part of my destiny. They are all important to me and my story and how I learn to live each next minute. We learn thru life much like Dastan learns that family, whether you are born into or become part of it, is
the strongest bond. Nothing can separate the true bond of a family and anyone who does try to force that bond apart will see the true nature of trust and love that a family has. Choose your own path. Make your own destiny. Follow your dreams. Don’t look back and wonder, ‘what if’, look forward and say I can. Live life to its fullest.
Universal Studios announces the opening of four acres of newly rebuilt New York Street backlot locations. A fixture in Hollywood for decades, New York Street (which consists of 13 city blocks of buildings) has been the setting of countless commercials, television shows and feature films such as The Sting, Blues Brothers, To Kill A Mockingbird, Back To The Future, Frost/Nixon and Bruce Almighty to name a few. The shooting location burned in an accidental fire on June 1, 2008 along with the King Kong theme park attraction and a video vault. The site offers a wealth of creative opportunities for film and television production and an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood moviemaking for Universal Studios Hollywood theme park guests.
“This is a proud day for Universal Studios. The opening of New York Street shows the company’s commitment to film and television production in Los Angeles and to supporting filmmakers worldwide,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios.
To show the company’s on-going gratitude, Universal Studios is donating $100,000 over five years to local firefighting departments to buy additional equipment to ensure firefighter safety.
Immediately following the fire, Jim Watters, President & General Manager of NBC Universal Operations Group, and Dave Beanes, Senior Vice-President of NBC Universal Production Services, began assembling a world renowned creative team to design the new street.
Steven Spielberg, who has had a long relationship with Universal, offered his support and creative vision as he has done in the past. Spielberg contacted one of his long time production designers, Rick Carter, Academy Award winner for Avatar, to be a part of the design process. Having designed Back to the Future, Carter had a very personal connection and passion for rebuilding. Headed by art director Beala Neel, this team of award-winning production designers and graphic artists would eventually expand to a staff of twenty-five. Carter and Neel collaborated on the initial design concepts and scope of the rebuild. The construction project became known as The Phoenix Project.
Based on his production experience and comments over the years from filmmakers, Beanes guided the core design team. He decided to keep the original east-west main street and added new locations: a modern New York block with a glass and steel look, Paris Square, London Square and Central Park. The modern New York block will be fully completed on June 30th. The King Kong theme park attraction was moved to expand the location and provide additional production parking. The new King Kong 360-3D attraction created by Peter Jackson will open this summer and will be the world’s largest and most intense 3D experience.
“With the completion of New York Street, we have secured Universal Studios backlot as the premier shooting location in the world,” said Jim Watters.
New Features The overall design concept concentrated on detail work that would cater to modern filmmaking needs. The facade heights were increased 10 to 25 feet for an average total height of 40 to 50 ft. to give the big city downtown feel. The width of the main street was narrowed so the camera could capture both sides of the street in the same shot. The new facades have unobstructed interior shooting spaces that can be built out so productions can shoot interiors and exteriors without returning to a sound stage. Long vista shots through archways are now possible to give added depth to scenes.
For chase sequences, cameras can be positioned on the reinforced facade roofs or mounted on a crane to follow the action. The fire escapes are practical for use with actors and stunt people. The new Courthouse Square has a fire station large enough to hold a full sized fire truck. Next door to the fire station is a modular gas station that can be dismantled and stored according to the needs of production. As an added touch of realism, the manhole covers can emit special effects steam. London Square has chimneys rigged for special effect smoke.
A New Era for The Studio Tour A signature attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Studio Tour has taken over 135 million visitors behind the scenes of the movie and television industry since the first distinctive trams rolled along the Universal backlot in 1964. Recently upgraded with hi-definition TV monitors in each tram car, new video content and high-grade digital audio systems, The Studio Tour’s behind-the-scenes experience of a working studio environment has evolved as Hollywood’s longest-running hit production.
“This year marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our world-famous Studio Tour. With the arrival of the highly anticipated King Kong 360-3D, taking the 3D experience to a powerful new level, and the completion of the iconic New York Street locations, we’re offering a more compelling behind-the-scenes experience than at any time in our history,” said Larry Kurzweil, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood.
Safety Features Universal Studios partnered with the LA County Fire and Building & Safety departments to create new guidelines for fire safety in the innovative facades. They have fully automatic sprinkler systems, central fire alarm system, built-in fire separation areas and a separate water supply infrastructure for the hydrants and the sprinkler systems.
Video Vault Universal Studios is two years into a three year plan to recreate the majority of film and video elements lost in the video vault. The elements stored in this vault were used to service NBC Universal’s domestic and international distribution businesses. Due the company’s long standing policy of geographically separating duplicate sets of masters in vault facilities on the West Coast and East Coast, many elements are being systematically replaced
Disneyland Resort today announced substantial upgrades to the pool and courtyard areas of the Disneyland Hotel, continuing the landmark property’s current renovation project. Changes will include building a new pool and water play area, renovating an existing pool, opening a new restaurant and bar, and re-theming of the hotel’s three guest room towers.
“These exciting enhancements, along with our current Disneyland Hotel renovation and the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure, underscore our ongoing investment in the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Resort District,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Disneyland Resort. “We are proud to collaborate with city and businesses leaders as we continue to evolve the area into a world-class, multiday tourist destination.”
Changes will restore and highlight the original midcentury style of the classic hotel. The hotel’s original two-story bungalows were built in 1955, just months after Walt Disney’s first theme park opened its gates; the first tower was erected in 1962. The work will considerably open up the courtyard and pool area, allowing guests a clear line of vision and easy access across the property.
“Disney is all about storytelling, and these changes will weave a cohesive thread throughout the property and infuse the historic hotel with Disneyland nostalgia,” said Tom Fitzgerald, executive vice president and senior creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering.
New Immersive Pool Experience The most noticeable changes will be to the pool area, where guests of all ages will enjoy a new, immersive water play area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” will be spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two thrilling water slides. Reminiscent of the original Monorail station at the Disneyland Hotel, at each slide’s entrance will sit a replica Monorail Car that guests will glide through as they twist and turn their way to the water below. The larger of the two main slides sits 26 feet high and stretches 187 feet until it plunges into a splash pool. The second slide is 13 feet high and 112 feet long. For younger guests, the area will include a third two-lane mini slide that sits just 3 ½ feet high and is 19 feet long, as well as a series of small bubble jets in which to play.
The existing 4,800-sq.-ft. Never Land pool will receive a complete cosmetic makeover but retain its unique footprint. A new 4-foot-deep pool will be built between the existing Never Land pool and the new water play area. A footbridge will stretch over the new pool, connecting both sides of the courtyard area and allowing guests easy access across the property without having to enter the sprawling gated pool area. The space also will include two spas at opposite ends of the pool area. The site of the current Cove pool will become a beautifully manicured lawn area, perfect for outdoor events. In addition, six new cabanas will be added; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.
New Iconic Dining Locations New dining and lounge experiences will be introduced in the current location of Hook’s Pointe, Croc’s Bits ‘n’ Bites, the Wine Cellar and Lost Bar. A new “smart casual” dining area will take its architectural cue from the original Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Disneyland Park and the Polynesian architecture that was popularized during the early era of the hotel. A new, fully enclosed bar will feature specialty drinks and surprises for guests.
Construction for the new water play area, pool, and food and beverage locations is scheduled to begin in August 2010 and be completed by summer 2011. The remodeled existing pool is slated for completion by summer 2012.
Re-theming of Guest Towers Changes also include renaming of the hotel’s three guest room towers for Disneyland’s distinctive lands. The Dreams Tower, currently under renovation and scheduled to be completed in June 2010, will become the Adventure Tower. The Wonder Tower, next to undergo transformation and slated for completion in 2011, will be the Frontier Tower. Finally, the Magic Tower, which will be finished in 2012, will transform to the Fantasy Tower. Large marquees featuring classic artwork for Adventureland, Frontierland and Fantasyland will identify each tower.
Guest Tower Renovation Completed in 2012 The Disneyland Hotel renovation began in August 2009. The beautifully remodeled guest rooms feature exquisite Disney touches woven into the décor. A stunning new headboard with an artistically carved representation of Disneyland Park’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle serves as the focal point in each guest room. The background on the headboard uses fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks – bringing the immersive park experience into the room.
The work at the Disneyland Hotel is a part of a larger expansion project underway throughout the Resort. Disney’s California Adventure Park is undergoing a multiyear expansion project that includes new experiences, attractions and nighttime spectaculars, culminating in 2012 with the opening of Cars Land. The four-diamond Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also underwent an expansion last year that added 203 hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club, marking the club’s West Coast debut.
The moment has arrived. The movie you have all waited for is here. That’s right, it’s the one and only, most anticipated movie of the year, the sequel to Sex and the City! Do you sense the sarcasm? Well, I hope you picked up on it. I’ve seen several episodes of the six-season TV hit and just recently saw the first film to research for this film. Oh I know, the things I do for the readers. Alright, I’ll admit that I actually enjoyed the first film. The first film delivered what the fans expected from the franchise delivering a decent story with the 4-pack of dating troubled females that women, and some men, have come to love. Sex and the City 2 fails to provide a well paced story or a solid screenplay, but guarantees to still bank on the films groupies.
The movie still has the huge dynamic of four women coming from four very different natures except their lives have now greatly changed. “Sex and the City” was all about the lives of four wealthier New York ladies and their drama in the bedroom but has now changed to the lives of extremely rich ladies who have either began families of their own or are now content with their lifestyle. Watching the lives of these rich girls makes the film seem more like a story about poor little rich girls that don’t get their way.
Don’t get me wrong though. The movies have gone in the right direction in the way of story. The first film is more or less about Carrie’s, SARAH JESSICA PARKER, struggle with finding her groove after long time on-and-off again boyfriend “Mr. Big”, CHRIS NOTH, has nervous feet about their wedding. In the sequel Carrie has to deal with life after marriage and the intricacy involved to keep it working. Sex and the City 2 follows the next chapter in the girls lives, or better fitting: the next book in Carrie’s “Sex and the City” series. The audience isn’t forced to deal with the same drama or relationship problems the series has followed in the past. Instead, we are actually treated to a new matured outlook towards relationships. That is except for of course Samantha, KIM CATRALL, who is stuck living as a thirty-year-old ‘horndog’ with hormones running rapid trapped in a fifty-two years old body.
I was happy to see the story continue in the right path, but was quickly saddened by how writer Michael Patrick King went about telling it. The first film uniquely told the story with the majority of the film fixing a problem throughout. The lessons were learned during the course of most of the film where as the sequel is really two films in one. Instead of having an inciting incident toward the first 15 minutes of the film, it really comes more toward the halfway mark. It is hear where the movie jumps course to whole other film about all the silly situations the four can get into on a vacation to Abu Dhabi.
The film continues to get more outrageous the longer this already way to long film gets. Being that the Middle Eastern part is advertised heavily, I awaited for what had to be a long sequence for a long time. I kept pondering when on Earth they were going to move along to the second part of the film. By the time the film finally gets there, the movie has already begun to get stale and tired. As we continue longer and longer in the second local, I began to rethink about what happened back in New York when I started to question to myself, “Was that this movie or the first?”
Even the first scene dragged as it never felt that it was getting anywhere. It was funny by all means with some of the most hilarious moments taking place within the first twenty minutes, but I wanted to know where this was going. Every scene had a reason for being there, except it didn’t NEED to be there. Perhaps King couldn’t bear to delete some of the scenes because of the humor within them, however I think the movie would have benefited greatly with a lot of it removed.
There really are some fantastic moments that are truly laugh-out-loud funny along with some not so great one-liners. It slowly starts with a gay wedding, and believe me, it’s as gay as it gets. Its okay people, they even say it is in the movie. It probably only felt sluggish because of the only part of the scene that was useful to the movies storyline was toward the end. Other than that, I feel it was put there just for all the comedic opportunities. There were a few scenes like this, and when it’s already way too slow in the first place, it feels like insult to injury.
I laughed my way through it, but continued to wonder when it was going to end. I was tired of the shenanigans in Abu Dhabi and felt that the movie was starting to become just ridiculous ways to create situational humor. In fact, Carrie’s old boyfriend from the series plays a major role but is put into the story in the most outlandish circumstances that I couldn’t see it ever taking place. It was as if the filmmakers decided what the cast had to overcome and Abu Dhabi paid for them to set it there followed by a script that was written around that.
These days I try more to judge movies based on their entertainment merit where Sex and the City 2 was definitely funny and entertaining. Thirty minutes shaved off of it would have been greatly appreciated though. A little tweak of what the focal point of the story should have been may have also helped the movie climax at an appropriate pace. It’s the morals and relationship tidbits that keep this film true to the franchise and worth seeing. There are some good cameos alone that make it worth it. Then again, that would mean you could leave halfway through.
The girls being back shall make many fans happy while not making the men suffer too much agony while having to sit through a film stamped as a chick flick. This is a film that has a wide audience of females from 20’s to 50’s with many different plots that should be quite relatable for many, but due to their new found richness, it might just be rubbing it in our faces.
Disney Store is poised to redefine children’s retail, launching a magical new store design in major markets across the United States and Europe this summer. The innovative Disney Store design will be unveiled for the first time in June at The Shops at Montebello in Montebello, CA just outside of Los Angeles, followed by the European premiere in early July in Madrid, Spain at La Vaguada. A unique destination developed from a child’s perspective, the new store design integrates the latest technology to create an enhanced shopping experience inspired by Disney’s most popular characters and stories.
“We have infused Disney magic into all elements of this one-of-a-kind retail experience, and have selected prime retail centers to launch the Disney Store of the future,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide. “Special features like the iconic Disney Princess castle with magic mirror and the Disney Store Theater are just two of the amazing elements in the new store that will enrich every child and family’s experience at the Disney Store.”
More than 20 new and remodeled Disney Store locations are slated to open this year in premier retail centers throughout North America and Europe. North American locations have been confirmed for Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York; Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, California; International Plaza in Tampa, Florida; Stockton St. in San Francisco, CA; and Fashion Valley in San Diego, CA. European locations cover four markets with openings in Spain, Portugal, Italy and the UK. These include NorteShopping in Oporto, Portugal; Orio Center in Bergamo, Italy; and UK locations including Centre MK in Milton Keynes, Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen and Donegal Place in Belfast.
Each new store has special significance and will be celebrated as an important milestone in Disney Store’s growth and evolution.
• Roosevelt Field will be the first east coast newly-designed store to open in the United States.
• In August, Disney Store will join a group of exclusive retailers for the re-opening of the new Santa Monica Place shopping center near the legendary Santa Monica Pier in southern California. Santa Monica Place is a modern shopping and dining destination that combines contemporary styles with sustainable architecture, and Disney Store will offer a comprehensive assortment of unique Disney products to the elite clientele.
• Disney Store at International Plaza in Tampa, Florida will be nearest to Walt Disney World Resort, allowing families to visit both this summer.
• Fashion Valley brings together San Diego’s finest collection of stores set in a beautiful outdoor shopping center, and the newly-designed Disney Store will launch there this summer.
• Disney Store will join retailers in the historic Union Square of San Francisco, one of the largest shopping areas in the United States. Union Square became San Francisco’s
• In Europe, Oporto will be the first Disney Store to open in the north of Portugal and only the second to open in the country, following the successful launch of the brand to the market in 2007.
With each new store opening in 2010, Disney Store will designate a day for 10 percent of the sales to be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the U.S., Spain, Italy and Portugal and to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity in the UK.
Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Invictus, is the true story of South African president Nelson Mandela and his attempts to unify his country during a period of extreme division. It is also a cliched sports movie wherein we watch an underdog rugby team overcome the odds to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. On paper this sounds like two separate movies, ones from different genres that you would never associate with each other. And this is what makes Invictus so unique. Rugby is as much of a device to tell Mandela’s story as Mandela is a device to tell the story of the World Cup.
Morgan Freeman is perfectly cast as Mandela, not only perfectly mimicking his look and mannerisms, but capturing the essence of who he is. It’s a subtle performance, and after awhile I completely forgot I was watching Freeman in the role. He disappears into the role as Mandela takes power after decades in prison, realizing that he must unite his country. Apartheid has torn South Africa apart, and the country is in need of a unifying element. Turning toward South Africa’s rugby team, the Springboks, Mandela sees the potential in this team to bring his country together as everybody roots for a common goal.
As an audience, we are simultaneously rooting for the Springboks to win the Cup because of what it would mean for the country and Mandela, but also because we want to see the underdogs win. There is a throwaway line in the film in which we learn that the Springboks were representative of white South Africa, and as such, Mandela used to root for whichever team was playing against them. He does everything in his power through the course of the film to make them representative of all of Africa.
I don’t know how accurate the story is, but based on this movie, it would seem that South Africa was united by rugby. There are some not-so-subtle moments in which we see people in conflict finally united after the team’s victory, but this is the essence of the film. As we see Mandela thank the team’s captain, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), for what he has done for the country and Pienaar in turn thanks him for the same, we realize just how intensely Eastwood has linked the outcome of this game with the future of the entire country.
But there are long stretches where the politics take a backseat to the standard sports story. We’ve seen the sports aspect of the film a hundred times, but it’s refreshing to see it told with rugby, a game most Americans aren’t that familiar with. Damon is very convincing as the captain, and even though I’ve never seen rugby played, I completely believed him in the sequences on the field. I don’t know whether this is a testament to Damon’s performance, Eastwood’s directing or both.
As a whole, the film is kind of slow and could be considered boring to some. But there are enough standout moments scattered throughout that I found myself enjoying the movie. I particularly liked a sequence where the team tours the prison Mandela was held for so many years. This moment more than any other provided a link between the alternating focuses of the film. It’s a strong sequence, expertly acted and directed.
Despite moments such as that sequence, this is not Eastwood’s strongest work. It all feels very capable, but there is very little that is extraordinary about it. I know that he isn’t trying to be flashy, but it still feels rather pedestrian overall. However, Warner Bros. put together a decent set for the recently released Blu-Ray. There are several features, including one detailing a meeting between Freeman and Mandela as Freeman was preparing for the role. There is also a feature called “Matt Damon plays rugby.” As promised, this is a feature running about seven minutes of Matt Damon playing rugby. Rounding out the features are a documentary on Eastwood by “film critic and documentarian Richard Schickel,” and the Invictus music trailer.
However, the best extra for the film is available only on the Blu-Ray. This is a picture-in-picture commentary running throughout the film featuring Clint Eastwood. What makes this particularly compelling is the inclusion of some of the real people involved in the story. It’s fascinating to see their insights and to get different perspectives on the film.
Overall, I found Invictus to be a solid movie. However, I appreciate it more than I actually like it. More interesting than entertaining, this is a very slow-paced story, one that overcomes the occasional cliches and manipulations of your average sports movie by having something more substantial at stake than simply winning the big game. But at the end of the day, I was still left with a been-there, done-that vibe. I definitely recommend the movie for the performances and occasional standout moment, but don’t expect anything you haven’t seen before.
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