Disney*Pixar’s MONSTERS, INC. on Blu-ray

November 10, 2009

This November, get ready for monster laughs and monster fun as Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award® winning classic Monsters, Inc. roars to life as you’ve never seen or heard it before on Disney Blu-ray Hi-Def! For the first time ever, this blockbuster hit will be presented in the pristine manner the Pixar animation team always dreamed it would be – with scarily clear high definition picture and monstrously good sound that’ll have audiences screaming with delight. This all new Blu-ray also comes packed with exclusive new bonus features and a DisneyFile Digital Copy of the movie.

Now go behind-the-scenes of the this hilarious and visually groundbreaking film like never before with Blu-ray exclusive bonus features including a “Filmmakers Round Table,” in which the film’s creators discuss bringing Monsters to life; “Monsters, Inc. Ride and Go Seek: Building Monstropolis in Tokyo,” a sneak-peek at the new Monsters attraction at Tokyo Disneyland; and the all new interactive game “Roz’s 100 Door Challenge,” in which viewers can solve a series of puzzles, trivia questions and more in order to become the latest Monsters Inc. employees! Open your door to the magic of Monsters, Inc. on Blu- ray for a movie viewing experience so funny it’s scary!

Monsters, Inc. features revolutionary, eye-popping animation and inspired vocal performances by John Goodman, as the lumbering and lovable Sulley, and Billy Crystal, as the wisecracking Mike Wazowski, two monsters employed by Monsters, Inc., the biggest scream processing plant in Monstropolis. When a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it’s the monsters who are scared silly. Thinking she is dangerous and toxic, Sulley and Mike do their best to return Boo to her bedroom, but there are some monstrous hurdles in their way. Also featuring the delightful voice talents of Bonnie Hunt, Frank Oz, John Ratzenberger and Jennifer Tilly, Monsters, Inc. is frightfully fun entertainment families will want to enjoy over and over in Blu-ray Hi-Def.

Monsters, Inc. is a must-see family film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. With sharp writing, strong voicework, inspired animation, and an ingenious concept, it’s sure to be a go-to favorite in your household. Disney’s Blu-ray edition is another high definition winner. With a gorgeous video transfer, mind-blowing DTS-HD Master Audio track, and a generous collection of special features, Monsters, Inc. joins a growing catalog of high-quality high definition Pixar releases. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this one to your collection.

Features Include:

Audio Commentary (Disc 1): Director Pete Docter, co-director Lee Unkrich, writer Andrew Stanton, and executive producer John Lasseter dig into Monsters, Inc., its genesis, characters, storyline, and cultural relevance. Along with the requisite technical details, they briskly plow through the film’s themes and finer narrative points, making their analysis particularly engrossing and their informative discussion a welcome addition to this release.

Director’s Introduction (Disc 1, HD, 2 minutes): Docter also appears before the disc reaches the main menu, giving viewers a quick overview of everything they’ll find in the Blu-ray release of Monsters, Inc.

Filmmakers Round Table (Disc 1, HD, 22 minutes): Filmed at the Hidden City Cafe, the fabled Pixar hotspot, Docter, Unkrich, producer Darla K. Anderson, and story supervisor Bob Peterson laugh their way through an amiable chat about their work at Pixar Studios, their contributions to Monsters, Inc., and the development and eventual release of the film. Both thoughtful and informative (and peppered with concept art, sketches, and early renders), this newly produced Blu-ray exclusive is well worth any fan’s time as it offers a personable introduction to the clever minds responsible for one of Pixar’s finest.

Ride and Go Seek: Building Monstropolis in Japan (Disc 1, HD, 12 minutes): A semi-promotional tour of the Monsters, Inc. attraction at the Disneyland Theme Park in Tokyo.

For the Birds (Disc 1, HD, 3 minutes): Still one of my favorite Pixar shorts, this amusing animated gem involves a group of mean-spirited birds getting their much-deserved comeuppance.

Mike’s New Car (Disc 1, HD, 4 minutes): Mike gives Sulley a tour of his brand new car in this fun short culled from the original DVD release of Monsters, Inc.

Roz’s 100 Door Challenge (Disc 2, HD): An exclusive, interactive employee placement exam that finds the perfect role for applicants at the Monsters, Inc. facility. However, it’s more of a trivia game than a personality quiz, so the setup is a bit misleading.

Story Featurettes (Disc 2, SD, 22 minutes): A quartet of pre-production featurettes. “Story is King” showcases the Pixar Story Department, “Monsters Are Real” gives the cast and crew a brief opportunity to discuss the monsters and their world, “Original Treatment” focuses on an early pitch for the film (one that features a version of the tale that pales in comparison to the final film), and “Back to Work” sees Peterson pitching a scene to the production team.

Pixar Fun Factory Tour (Disc 2, SD, 4 minutes): John Lasseter hosts a tour of the “new” (now eight-year-old) Pixar Studios offices. It’s a bit bizarre and borders on random, but kids will probably get a kick out of it.

Banished Concepts (Disc 2, HD, 10 minutes): A collection of five abandoned scenes that open with an introduction by co-directer Lee Unkrich. Some of the deletions feature finalized animation, but most are comprised of animated storyboards and early pre-viz inserts.

Storyboard to Film Comparison (Disc 2, HD, 16 minutes): Watch a single scene’s original storyreel, its finalized rendering, or in a split-screen comparison of the two.

Designing Monstropolis (Disc 2, SD, 5 minutes): Another initially awkward featurette with co-director David Silverman (on a scooter, no less) that nevertheless manages to effectively explore the efforts and ideas that produced Mike and Sulley’s city.

Set Dressing (Disc 2, SD, 3 minutes): A dry look at the virtual props and cameras used to bring several Monsters, Inc. locales to animated life.

Location Flyaround (Disc 2, SD, 7 minutes): This series of extended environment pans and 360 degree interior spins show off some of the film’s streets, rooms, and locations. The quick tours would have been great had they been presented in high definition, but the animators’ finer textures and more minute details are lost in the featurette’s standard definition haze.

Monster File (Disc 2, SD, 7 minutes): A two-part EPK that introduces the film’s monsters, delivers interviews with the voice actors, and looks at the animators’ character designs.

Animation (Disc 2, SD, 26 minutes): Six segments are included. “Animation Process” explains how Pixar produces its films, “Early Tests” finds Mike and Sulley models being run through their paces, “Opening Title Animation” touches on award-winning illustrator Geefwee Boedoe’s title sequence, “Hard Parts” reveals the challenges the filmmakers faced, “Shots Department” shows how the animators spot-checked tricky hair and fabric shots, and “Production Demonstration” allows viewers to watch a scene develop through four stages of animation: storyreel, layout, animation, and final color.

Music & Sound (Disc 2, SD, 7 minutes): A pair of featurettes that examine the film’s sound design and Billy Crystal and John Goodman’s rendition of “If I Didn’t Have You.”

Release (Disc 2, SD, 17 minutes): This section includes footage from the film’s premiere, two theatrical trailers, four TV spots, an overview of the changes made to accommodate international releases, a multi-language clip reel, a merchandising featurette, and the outtakes that appeared during the theatrical release’s credit sequence (thankfully presented in high definition). Of note, the HD outtakes are actually about five-and-a-half minutes long, not seven as it states in the features menu.

Monsters Only Section (Disc 2, SD, 12 minutes): A few additional featurettes from the standard DVD round out the main package. “New Monster Adventures” offers a collection of TV vignettes, two non-interactive animated activities produced for a Japanese television show, and a “If I Didn’t Have You” music video; “Behind the Screams” is an interview with Mike and Sully about their work for the company; and “Orientation” serves up a trio of animated videos — “Your First Day,” “History of the Monster World” (drawn and narrated by animation legend Bud Luckey), and “Welcome to Monsters, Inc.” — created for new Monsters, Inc. employees.

Wrap-Up (Disc 2, SD, 1 minutes): A farewell from the filmmakers.

Art Gallery (Disc 2, HD): Nearly 900 pieces of concept art — including character designs, color tests, early renders, and more — make this a thoroughly extensive art gallery.

Video and Audio Calibration Tools (Disc 1, HD)

Standard DVD Version of the Film (Disc 3, SD)

Digital Copy of the Film (Disc 4, SD)

BD-Live Functionality

Warner Bros. Presents: Holiday Animated DVD Titles

SoCalThrills Staff

November 10, 2009

Peanuts: I Want A Dog For Christmas Charlie Brown:
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown! centers on ReRun, the lovable but ever-skeptical younger brother of Linus and Lucy. It’s Christmas vacation and, as usual, ReRun’s big sister is stressing him out, so he decides to turn to his best friend, Snoopy, for amusement and holiday cheer.

However his faithful but unpredictable beagle companion has plans of his own, giving ReRun reason to ask Snoopy to invite his canine brother Spike for a visit. When Spike shows up, it looks like ReRun will have a dog for Christmas after all… but then the real trouble begins.

The DVD has the 1985 special HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARLIE BROWN, another worthy special with Charlie Brown stuck on Christmas vacation, having to read WAR AND PEACE instead of going to a Christmas party.

Also on the DVD is a ten minute documentary, SIBLING RIVALRY: GROWING UP VAN PELT. This focuses on ReRun through the years, and the creation of this special. Schulz’s widow is interviewed and they compare the comic strips that the special was based on to the finished product.

A Miser Bros. Christmas:
The story begins when Santa’s new chief mechanic, Tinsel, creates a speedy, new high tech sleigh for Christmas. But what Santa doesn’t know is that North Wind has secretly sabotaged the sleigh in the hope of taking Santa’s place that year. When Santa takes it out for a spin, he gets caught in the cross fire between the feuding Snow Miser and Heat Miser Brothers and his sleigh comes crashing down.

North Wind frames the Miser Brothers for Santa’s accident and, with Santa stuck in bed with a bad back, everything falls into place for North Wind to slyly come to the rescue as a temporary Santa. But much to his chagrin, Mother Nature punishes the Miser Brothers by forcing them to put their differences aside and fill in for Santa. In between comedic squabbles, the Brothers rediscover what it means to be family and, along the way, save Christmas for everyone!

Like A YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS, this was done in the same sort of puppet animation. The film is a lot better than the previous films, with the puppets cleaner and brighter. Personally, I always liked the charm of that not quite perfect Rankin Bass animation, but then again, I saw it for years and was used to it.

The DVD has an extensive making of documentary, interviewing those behind the scenes on how the animation was created.

Both titles are recommended for family Holiday viewing.

Justice League: The Complete Series on DVD

SoCalThrills Staff

November 10, 2009

In this action-packed adventure series, the world’s greatest superheroes, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter, join forces as the Justice League to battle powerful villains, supernatural creatures and evil entities determined to take over the world and destroy the League.

Justice League ran for two seasons, from November 2001 to May 2004. Almost without exception, each episode comprised a part of a two- or three-episode story arc. This format allowed for some robust storytelling, obviating the kinds of hard-to-swallow narrative shortcuts endemic to this particular genre. Drawing stories out over multiple episodes also affords character development – such as it is – that is so often abandoned in favor of action.

The series begins with “Secret Origins” as the team comes together for the first time to repel alien invaders. The line-up is Superman, Batman, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, and Hawkgirl. Most of the other characters know each other, but they meet Wonder Woman for the first time, whose origin is altered from the comics. As the series progresses, a romantic relationship between her and Batman develops. Rather than the more popular Hal Jordan, John Stewart is the Green Lantern.

Season One starts off with the three-part “Secret Origins,” which sets up the background of the Justice League for the purposes of this particular series. Brought together by an invasion of Earth by Martian colonists – which has special significance for J’onn J’onzz, the last of the Martian race – the seven heroes join forces and defeat the invaders. They vow to remain bound by the common purpose of the Earth’s defense against harm.

Subsequent episodes tend to focus on some subset of the “big seven;” rarely are they all featured at the same time, save for the more ambitious arcs that deal with some galactic or interdimensional threat that requires all the resources the Justice League can bring to bear.

Other memorable first season arcs include the two-part “Legends,” in which the League is transported to an alternate reality where humanity’s safety is guaranteed by the so-called Justice Guild of America – a sort of Bizarro version of our heroes. “The Savage Time,” the three-part conclusion of the first season, finds the whole League traveling through time to aide the Allies in fighting a “what if?” version of World War II. “The Savage Time” features the best action, design, and animation of the entire season. It’s a Golden Age-flavored masterpiece.

There are many special features spread out across the discs to keep the fans entertained, revealing the inner workings of the series. There are commentary tracks on seven episodes and features on storyboards, plots, character design, voice work, music, and favorite moments. There’s an excerpt from Bryan Singer and Kevin Burns’ Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman and an all-new feature created for this set “Unlimited Reserve: Exploring the Depths of the DC Universe” where the creators reflect on the stories and casting.

Presented in a tin sleeve that showcases the main seven heroes, Justice League – The Complete Series will keep comic fans entertained for hours. It’s a smart show that understands and respects both the material and its audience.

Disney*Pixar’s "UP" Fun Facts & Progression Images

SoCalThrills Staff

November 8, 2009

· “Up” is the 10th film from Pixar Animation Studios, and the first Disney•Pixar film to be presented in Disney Digital 3D™.

· Nearly 70 animators worked on “Up” during the peak of production. A crew of nearly 375 at Pixar had a hand in creating the film.

· Supervising Technical Director Steve May and his team created a canopy of 10,297 balloons to float Carl’s house throughout much of the film. That number more than doubles to 20,622 for the dramatic scene in which the house lifts off from its foundation for the first time. May and his team calculated that about 26.5 million balloons would be needed to lift a real house.

· Paradise Falls, Carl’s dream destination in the film, is based on Angel Falls in Venezuela (the tallest waterfall on Earth at 3300 feet). In the film, for artistic reasons, Paradise Falls is far taller at 9700 feet.

· Director/Screenwriter Pete Docter, Co-Director/Screenwriter Bob Peterson, and other key members of the “Up” production team took a research trip to Venezuela to explore the “lost world” of the Tepui tabletop mountains. The crew climbed one mile straight up to the top of Mount Roraima (the highest and most famous of the 115 mesas), and were then helicoptered to Kukenan. The intrepid Pixar explorers encountered deadly ants, poisonous snakes, scorpions and miniature frogs during the trip.

· John Ratzenberger is the only actor to voice a role in all 10 of the Disney•Pixar films. In addition to his latest role as Construction Foreman Tom in “Up,” he provided the voice of the charming and witty Hamm the piggy bank in “Toy Story” (reprised in “Toy Story 2” and the upcoming “Toy Story 3”), P.T. Flea in “A Bug’s Life,” Yeti the snow monster in “Monsters, Inc.,” a school of Moonfish in “Finding Nemo,” a philosophical character named Underminer in “The Incredibles,” a Mac-truck in “Cars,” Mustafa, the head waiter in “Ratatouille,” and John, a human living aboard the spaceship Axiom in “WALL•E.”

· Carl is the most complex human character ever created by Pixar. His design is symbolically and literally square, three heads high. In contrast, Russell is basically egg-shaped and round.

· Russell has more layers of clothing than any other Pixar character — a shirt, a sash covered with badges, a neckerchief and a backpack.

· More than 450 kids read for the part of Russell. Jordan Nagai, the voice of Russell, had not planned on auditioning for the role. He accompanied his brother, an actor with some commercial and TV credits, and was asked to try out on the spot.

· Kevin was the hardest character for Character Supervisor Thomas Jordan and his team to design. This 13-foot flightless bird is covered with beautiful iridescent feathers, which required a new approach to hair technology. The team approached feathers as hair growing on splines, which basically react much like hair itself.

· Pete Docter voices some of the bird noises for Kevin in “Up.”

· Director Pete Docter’s daughter Elie Docter provides the voice of young Ellie in the movie. At age 7, Elie was tapped to do the scratch recording for the character. While many other voices were considered, filmmakers ultimately cast Elie in the role.

· Ellie’s presence in the film remains constant throughout with a special musical theme (written by the film’s acclaimed composer Michael Giacchino), and the color magenta, which came to represent her.

· When Russell and Carl are served dinner by Muntz, Carl is actually served the scallop dish from “Ratatouille.”

· The average amount of time required to render a single frame of film for “Up” was between five and six hours. Some complicated frames took up to 20 hours. For every second of film, 24 frames are required.

· The film’s production and character design called for “Simplexity,” a simplified approach to complicated caricatures. For example, Carl has no nostrils, skin pores or holes in his ears.

· Co-Director/Screenwriter Bob Peterson provides the voice of Dug, Charles Muntz’s misfit dog who befriends Carl, Russell and Kevin. He also is heard in the film as Alpha, the leader of the pack whose collar translates his thoughts into speech. Peterson previously voiced Roz, the sluggish dispatcher in “Monsters, Inc.,” and Mr. Ray, the determined teacher in “Finding Nemo.”

· Stereoscopic Supervisor Bob Whitehill, who oversaw the 3D aspects of “Up,” views the film as one of the greatest 3D films of all time. Using a “depth budget,” the 3D team worked to match the filmmakers’ “point of interest” with the “point of convergence” to give the film another visual cue to tell the story, while adding excitement and dimension to the adventure. The film’s climactic airship battle, complete with dogs in biplanes, is one of the most exciting uses of 3D.

· The number A113, which refers to John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton’s former classroom at CalArts, makes an appearance in every Pixar film. In “Up,” A113 is the courtroom number where Carl makes his court appearance.

· In the sequence where Carl’s house first lifts off, the ball from short film “Luxo Jr.” can be seen sitting on the floor of the girl’s bedroom as the house goes by her window.

· The Pizza Planet Truck, which first made an appearance in “Toy Story,” has made a cameo in nearly every Pixar film. In “Up,” the Pizza Planet truck can be seen at the intersection when Carl’s house flies over the town. It’s also in the Fentons Creamery parking lot at the end of the film.

· Russell’s favorite ice cream parlor in the movie is named after the real Fentons Creamery in Oakland, Calif. Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera live nearby and frequent the restaurant and ice cream parlor with their families.

· Pete Docter, who began his career as an animator, managed to find time to animate the last scene of the film where Carl and Russell are sitting on the curb eating ice cream together. Pete handled the animation of Carl.

· Director Pete Docter named Disney storyman and writer Joe Grant in the film’s dedication to the “real life Carl and Ellie Fredricksens who inspired us to create our own Adventure Books.” Grant was part of the 1937 team that created “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and wrote “Dumbo” and “Fantasia.” The mentor, friend and source of inspiration to Docter and countless others continued to work at the Walt Disney Animation Studios up until his death in 2005, one week shy of his 97^th birthday.

Click Here for the Progression of a Scene Images

March of the Penguins Limited Edition Giftset

SoCalThrills Staff

November 3, 2009

March of the Penguins will be marching straight into the hearts of holiday shoppers. The giftset will include an all-new feature-length documentary, On the Wings of Penguins, a plush African penguin toy and collectible postcards – a gift sure to delight.

March of the Penguins is narrated by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby) and chronicles the lives of the emperor penguins and their remarkable journey to find a mate and start a family. The film is an all-age, true-life adventure touched with humor, with breathtaking photography that puts you in the middle of the drama of devoted parent penguins who, in the face of fierce polar winters, take turns guarding their eggs and trekking to the ocean in search of food. They will risk starvation and attack by dangerous predators, under the harshest conditions on earth, all to find true love and guard their adorable chicks.

March of the Penguins Limited Edition Giftset features an all-new feature-length documentary, On the Wings of a Penguin, a fascinating look at the lives and adventures of another breed of penguin: the African penguin. With the dedication of people devoted to their survival, this warm-weather species (also known as “jackass penguins”) thrives and inspires the joy of living. From oil spills off the coast of Africa to the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, witness the fun-loving spirit of these penguins as they continue to overcome life’s challenges. In the wild and at aquariums and zoos, the African penguins’ quirky and endearing behavior delights fans all over the world.

March of the Penguins was not only a critical success, but a popular one as well, as the public flocked to the theatre to see a documentary as never before. Freeman’s vocal range and emotion adds to the impact of this documentary, but ultimately it is the direction of Luc Jacuet that turns what could have simply been an educational documentary, into a well-rounded story and movie.

The theatrical trailer for March of the Penguins, a beautiful penguin plush toy, and a set of eight penguin postcards rounds out this gift set.

March of the Penguins is solid entertainment for the whole family, and this new giftset offers enough bonus material to make this a worthwhile purchase for those that already own the March of the Penguins DVD. Warner Home Video has put together a perfect gift-set just in time for the holidays.

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse on DVD

SoCalThrills Staff

November 3, 2009

In this full-length adventure, a huge snowstorm leaves Mickey, Minnie and many other friends stranded leading Mickey and his guests at the House of Mouse to whip up an impromptu party that includes instilling a “Humbug”-quacking Donald Duck with the holiday spirit. Everyone shares their home movies and even grumpy Donald starts to smile when they realize the “Best Christmas of All” is the one you share with friends and family.

Celebrate the season with Disney’s most popular holiday movie ever! Starring Mickey Mouse and 35 of the world’s most beloved characters, this one-of-a-kind adventure joyously captures the spirit of Christmas and is sure to delight the entire family. When a huge snowstorm leaves everyone stranded, Mickey and all of his guests at The House Of Mouse, including Pooh, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel and many more of his old and new friends, break out the cookies and hot chocolate to help Donald mend his tattered Christmas spirit. The fun starts when Minnie pulls out their favorite holiday home movies and everyone starts to reminisce. Their magical memories soon put everyone in the Christmas mood — even grumpy Donald, who ultimately becomes the star of the evening. Featuring four unforgettable holiday tales, including The Nutcracker, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Donald On Ice and Pluto And The Christmas Tree, plus an epic finale of The Best Christmas Of All, this holiday treat is bound to become a tradition for you and your family.

(Click here to see more photos from the DVD)

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse is a fantastic holiday treat. It has something for adult fans as well as younger audiences. Just looking at the House of Mouse’s audience and trying to figure out where everyone is from is great fun in and of itself. Additionally – and very importantly – the stories, new and old, are infused with the holiday spirit in a way Disney excels at.

Bonus Features Include: Premiere Episode Of HOUSE OF MOUSE, The Sounds Of Christmas — A Disney Sound Effects Featurette, Holiday Sing-Along Songs Deck The Halls and Sleigh Ride

WALT DISNEY TREASURES – ZORRO SEASONS 1 & 2 on DVD

SoCalThrills Staff

November 3, 2009

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is proud to release Zorro, one of the most popular television shows in history on DVD November 3, 2009. The latest addition to the celebrated Walt Disney Treasures, Zorro, makes its fully restored black & white DVD debut. All 78 episodes of the timeless classic will be included on two new six-disc sets–making up the ninth installment of the popular Walt Disney Treasures, and for the first time, will be housed in collectible black, numbered unique tin cases. From 1957 to 1959, Disney’s Zorro was one of the most popular series on television starring Guy Williams, Henry Calvin, and Gene Sheldon. The show helped transform the literary character Don Diego de la Vega into the ultimate iconic, beloved swashbuckling masked hero of the time. The adventures of Zorro and his trusty steed Tornado have captivated audiences since their inception, gaining new audiences when it was re-aired on the Disney Channel in 1983 and re-colorizing the episodes in the 1990s. After the series conclusion, the Zorro adventures lived on from 1960 to 1961 on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in the form of a four-episode anthology series of hour-long Zorro specials, all of which are also included in Walt Disney Treasures Wave IX. Both debut Walt Disney Treasures sets are hosted by noted film historian, author and critic Leonard Maltin. Each limited edition, individually numbered volume includes a Zorro pin, an authenticity certificate, exclusive lithograph and comes in a unique, collectible black tin.

Introduced in 1957 via 30-minute dramas, which was typical for the time, the Disney series arrives on DVD in the Treasures series. Though the Zorro episodes have been available for some time, many fans of the show are probably wondering if the set is worth the not-so-cheap retail price. The answer is an emphatic yes…for collectors. Unlike past products from the Treasures line, the Zorro seasons have an astounding amount of material ( though it could have been more) with only a small hike in price of its predecessors. It’s actually a good deal.

Zorro is a very charming series and holds up well for its age. Reflective of its time with its simple “good guys vs. bad guys” motif, Zorro remains very engaging over five decades later due to Williams’ charisma, the humor derived from characters like the bumbling Sergeant Demetrio López García, and plenty of action, particularly sword-fighting. No doubt fans who grew up with the series will want to relive it, but there’s no reason the series shouldn’t make new fans.

BONUS MATERIAL

Zorro: The Complete First Season
Zorro: El Bandido – Part 1 of a 2-part story shown as a 1-hour-special on the Disneyland television show (original air date: October 30, 1960)
Zorro: Adios El Cuchillo – Part 2 of a 2-part story shown as a 1-hour-special on the Disneyland television show (original air date: November 6, 1960)

Zorro: The Complete Second Season
Zorro: The Postponed Wedding – A 1-hour special that originally aired on the Disneyland television show (original air date: January 1, 1961)
Zorro: Auld Acquaintance – A 1-hour special that originally aired on the Disneyland television show (original air date: April 2, 1961)

Blu-Ray Review: Stargate: 15th Anniversary Edition

Shaun Beckerman

November 2, 2009

In preparing for this review, I spoke with a lot of people regarding the Stargate brand. I was disheartened to discover that almost everybody seemed to associate Stargate with the multiple television spinoffs, and not the epic film that started the entire franchise. At least everyone can rediscover the original with this fantastic Blu-Ray, recently released by Studio Canal and Lionsgate in recognition of the movie’s fifteenth anniversary.

Described by director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) as “Lawrence of Arabia on another planet,” Stargate was epic, blockbuster filmmaking. I remember going to the theater opening weekend and being blown away at the sheer scope of what I was seeing. Emmerich and his writing partner Dean Devlin presented a situation where wormholes leading to the “other side of the known galaxy” tied into Egyptian culture, including the mystery of the pyramids. Being a science-fiction fan who was semi-obsessed with all things Egyptian, I was thrilled with the ideas being presented.

The action was intense, the sets and special effects were huge and mind-blowing (for the time), the story was compelling, and the characters were memorable. This was what going to the movies was all about. Going back and watching the film again, it completely holds up. I remembered a lot of the set pieces and action sequences, but I was surprised at how solid the character work is. James Spader is completely believable as a nerdy Egyptian linguist, and Kurt Russell brings the perfect level of intensity to his role as a military leader…with a secret.

In watching the extras on this Blu-Ray, it’s easy to see what attracted them to the project. Everybody involved in the bringing this world to life comes across as very passionate about the material. It’s obvious that they were attempting something huge and that this was not simply about getting a paycheck. The features showcase the torturous shooting conditions that everyone had to endure, including temperatures in the 120’s. Yet despite these hardships, they were all in top form, knowing that they were creating something special.

The picture on this set is so stunning that I was noticing details I had never seen before. Patrick Tatopoulos, the special effects master who designed most of the iconic images in the film, did a brilliant job of utilizing Egyptian motifs in a completely unique way. I have always admired his work on the film, but it really shines on this set. His designs help to carry the picture, and the extras emphasize what an asset to the production he really was. It is fascinating to watch his process, and to get a closer look at the finished results.

Most of the extras are of the standard making-of variety. Incorporating new and old footage, these documentaries really demonstrate what an amazing film this is. All aspects of the film are explored, ranging from specific sequences to the long-term societal impact. There is even a section addressing the popularity of the Stargate television shows (I have never seen them). The only real misfire on the disc is a silly little segment about some random guy who travels the world trying to prove aliens have visited Earth. I don’t know why they felt the need to include this; they had more than enough material already.

This Blu-Ray contains the original theatrical cut, as well as the Unrated extended version. There are some nice extra moments on the extended cut, but they’re not entirely necessary. They would probably have worked better as deleted scenes you could watch independently of the film. There is also a picture-in-picture trivia track, a commentary from Devlin and Emmerich, and a “gag reel” that is actually a pretty funny single-take short film showing everybody goofing off on set. Overall, I love this release. It reminds me exactly why I loved this film as a teenager, and I really hope that it helps more people to discover one of the best science-fiction films of the nineties.

Movie Review: Disney’s "A Christmas Carol"

Joel Covey

November 2, 2009

Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol is one intense rollercoaster ride intended more for an intelligent adult audience than past adaptations. Robert Zemeckis director of such greats as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Back to the Future has done a wonderful job at the retelling of this holiday classic. Every scene is absolutely gorgeous and the graphics just stunning! This is no Polar Express, which is also directed by Zemeckis. Instead the film retains the powerful themes and dark scenes more true to Charles Dickens original story. The story is not dumbed down for a younger audience, which may lead to several problems for this Disney picture. Nonetheless, Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol is truly astonishing in every aspect except you may want to leave the young children at home.

Zemeckis has decided to write a script with more realism to the time period with much dialogue that will be over children’s heads. The beginning is quite slow unless you can really follow everything that’s being said. Scrooge is introduced well as Zemeckis spends a decent amount of time getting to know Scrooge’s true character. Much of the dialogue is witty and smart, but it won’t be the dialogue the audience will be focusing on. The imagery is far more overpowering than anything else in the film.

The animation from the beginning is jaw-dropping. I was astonished by every scene, every action sequence and every close-up of every character. I would have completely forgot I was watching an animated movie if it wasn’t for the effects being so amazing causing me to constantly be in awe of every bit of footage being projected. All the shots are incredibly beautiful and grand. No detail was spared here. It was when we take our first flight through the snow covered city rooftops that I found myself totally immersed in the film.

With groundbreaking 3D technology along with large scale scenery, the viewer will not just feel they are a part of the film, but are actually seeing every scene as a bystander in each shot. Robert Zemeckis and Producers Steve Starkey and Jack Rapke actually have developed performance capturing technology called ImageMovers Digital specifically for Walt Disney Studios. This is the first film they have used ImageMovers and it’s quite noticeable.

As I said earlier, this is not anything like past holiday classic Polar Express, which also used motion capture technology with CGI applied over every character. A Christmas Carol is far more advanced and detailed than Zemeckis previous attempt. The possibilities are far vaster by using this technique. Case and point: actors can play multiple characters with different animation applied to each one making them appear completely different.

Jim Carrey plays several characters all with their completely different personalities and looks. None of this would have been able to be accomplished in live-action or even traditional computer animated films. Sure, they could have animated all his characters differently, but with motion capturing Carrey was able to act out every role capturing his every movement and facial movements.

Every character did a phenomenal job, but it is Jim Carrey’s physical acting and voice play that really stood out. I am even willing to say that this is Jim’s best performance I have ever seen! Yes, that good. His range of characters in this film is extremely different from one another and I couldn’t imagine any other actor being able to pull these performances off like he did. His Scrooge performance portrayed the old money-grubbing, uncaring rude geezer perfectly. Carrey also plays younger Scrooges along Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Ghost of Christmas Present was another stand-up performance for Carrey. This jolly Santa-like laughing character brings a very whimsical setting and continues the thrill-ride as Scrooge is led to different people to get his reality of himself in check. As we fly through the city to different houses, the impact he has on these families is portrayed very emotionally as Scrooge begins to realize who he has become.

All the performances were fantastic though. Gary Oldman does a remarkable job as Bob Cratchit, young Marley, Marley’s ghost and Tiny Tim. His stand out role was the quite frightening Marley’s ghost. This was another quite physical character and Oldman delivered a unique performance. Bob Hoskins has reunited with Zemeckis since being Eddy Valiant in Who Framed Roger Rabbit playing Scrooge’s past apprenticed Old Fezziwig and Old Joe, a man who purchases the “deceased” Scrooge’s bed curtains. He was an absolute delight. Colin Firth also has a great performance as Scrooge’s nephew having some very quiet and intimate dialogue driven scenes with his uncle.

This is a timeless tale that has been told hundreds of times in the past. “A Christmas Carol” is a classic transformation story that we can’t grow tired of. Disney took an interesting direction for the studio on this film, but I believe it will succeed for an older audience. Zemeckis has managed to retell a story we all know too well while still creating a fresh movie-going experience. The story has a great moral that is good for all ages, but I’m afraid that much of the movie will be a little difficult for children to follow even though they will surely love the action.

The time spent with Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is definitely the most intense and scary portion of the film next to Scrooge’s visit from Marley’s ghost. At first I felt that the scene was a bit too much for the film, but I realized quickly that this was vital to have such a huge climax to make Scrooge’s drastic transformation in the end so believable.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol truly has it all from emotion, comedic relief, breathtaking scenery, amazing acting/voice-acting, and great action to create the best adaptation of this story I have ever seen. I was fortunate enough to see several scenes at an IMAX theater over the summer. If you are going to see this film, treat yourself by seeing it in IMAX. This film is already so spectacular and epic that it would only make sense seeing it on the largest screen possible.

This is a movie with fantastic eye-candy, and it has everything else that creates a great movie. I was impressed with the 3D by it being a means to tell the story and not just a gimmick. The 3D version is definitely the way to go. Don’t jip yourself. To all of those that are skipping this because it’s either Disney or an animated film, HUMBUG.

Princess Tiana Arrives in Disneyland Friday, Nov. 6

SoCalThrills Staff

November 2, 2009

Starting Friday, Nov. 6, Disneyland guests will be treated to appearances by Princess Tiana, star of the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature film “The Princess and the Frog.”

Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and other characters from the motion picture will star in “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!,” a rousing, colorful procession with a jazz-filled Mardi Gras theme. The good times will roll as festively dressed, bead-tossing revelers lead Disneyland guests to the Mark Twain Riverboat dock. The party moves onboard as the Mark Twain paddlewheels its way along the river to singing, dancing and all that jazz.

Songs composed by Randy Newman for the film energize the show, which will be performed four times daily in New Orleans Square. Daytime pyrotechnics, colorful streamers and whimsical puppetry round out the 15-minute spirited production.

The experience will dazzle guests at Disneyland through Jan. 3, 2010. “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” is also performing in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, through Jan. 3, 2010.

Guests also will be able to greet Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen at designated times at the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square, Disneyland.

A hilarious movie adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana, “The Princess and the Frog” will open in limited release in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 25, 2009, before expanding nationwide on Dec. 11, 2009.

Beginning Nov. 6, little princesses can enjoy a new Princess Tiana makeover in Disneyland at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Fantasyland. Fairy Godmothers sprinkle their pixie dust on aspiring princesses with three makeover packages including a combination of hair, nails and makeup. The royal transformation becomes complete with a package that includes the Princess Tiana costume, shoes, crown and more. Children must be at least three years or older to receive the regal treatments.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily; theme park admission is required. Reservations may be made by calling 714/781-STYLE or 714/781-7895.

When guests age 10 or older enter a Disneyland theme park or Walt Disney World theme park from Oct. 5 through Nov. 22 and present their valid theme park ticket at select merchandise locations, they will receive a special card with details on how to get an admission voucher good for up to $8 toward the purchase of one child’s movie ticket when they purchase an adult movie ticket to see “The Princess and the Frog.” This offer is good at participating theaters from Dec. 11 through Dec. 31, 2009, or until “The Princess and the Frog” is no longer in theaters, whichever comes first.

Card quantities for this promotion are limited. Limit one card per adult ticket or annual pass. Admission voucher toward the purchase of a child’s movie ticket to “The Princess and the Frog” is valid for use from Dec. 11 through Dec. 31, 2009, at participating theaters in the fifty United States and District of Columbia. Guests must activate the code printed on the card by registering at www.activaterewards.com/frog to obtain an admission voucher. Only persons 18 or older may activate the code. Parent or legal guardian must activate certificate held by persons ages 10-17. Card, code and admission voucher may not be sold, traded, copied or replaced, or redeemed for cash. Admission voucher may not be transferred. The promotion is not valid for complimentary cast member theme park tickets. Offersubject to restrictions and change without notice. Visit www.hollywoodmoviemoney.com for a list of participating theaters and further conditions and details.

Creativity and Innovation Take the Helm Aboard Disney Dream

SoCalThrills Staff

October 29, 2009

A first-of-its kind water coaster that sends guests racing above the upper decks of the ship. An animated turtle that engages children in conversation about life in the ocean. A sophisticated lounge where the sun sets over the skyline of a different world-famous city each night. When the Disney Dream debuts in early 2011, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will bring to life these innovations and more.

The Disney Dream will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998.

Disney Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry with purpose-built ships designed just for families. With the Disney Dream setting sail on Jan. 26, 2011, preparations are underway to expand the one-of-a-kind family experience, utilizing technology to enhance the world-class entertainment and legendary guest services onboard. From stem to stern, the Disney Dream will offer a cruise experience that caters to the preferences of the whole family.

“For more than a decade, passengers have filled their passports with memories sailing around the world with Disney Cruise Line,” said Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. “With the Disney Dream joining our fleet, we’ll be able to take families to even more places they never imagined they could visit – in true Disney style.”

The Disney Dream features a remarkable interior design which provides guests with a warm and welcoming feel throughout. The ship’s design offers guests a perfect blend of elegant Art Deco style and fun-filled Disney whimsy to create one of the most spectacular ships afloat. Distinctly Disney guest features aboard the Disney Dream include:

AquaDuck Water Coaster. . .

Disney Cruise Line debuts a cruise-industry first: a shipboard water coaster … AquaDuck! Guests aboard the Disney Dream will get swept away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.

    * AquaDuck stretches 765 feet in length – more than two and a half times the length of a football field – and spans four decks in height.
    * Guests slide 13 feet over the side of the ship in a translucent “swing out” loop allowing them to look down on the ocean 150 feet below.
    * Guests experience coaster-like thrills as high-powered water jets push them upwards and forwards at 20 feet per second.
    * AquaDuck continues through the forward funnel, encounters a 335 foot stretch of river rapids and splashes down to an end on Deck 12.

A Virtual Porthole for Inside Staterooms. . .

Disney Cruise Line introduces another stateroom innovation with all inside staterooms on the Disney Dream featuring a Virtual Porthole that provides guests with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole.

As guests observe the impressive outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters such as Peach the starfish from the Disney•Pixar hit film “Finding Nemo,” or Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole.

A Magical Oasis for Children. . .

Only on a Disney Cruise Line ship can children become immersed in their favorite Disney stories with the help of caring counselors, beloved Disney characters and a sprinkling of pixie dust. The celebration of children’s creativity rises to a new level on the Disney Dream with nearly an entire deck of youth spaces designed to inspire, entertain and unlock the imagination of children. There are two main spaces for children ages three to 10:

At Disney’s Oceaneer Club, children can:

    * Play among larger-than-life characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” in Andy’s Room
    * Explore the Laugh Floor with loveable monsters Mike and Sully from “Monsters, Inc.”
    * Dive under the sea with Nemo and friends or visit Tinker Bell’s fairy forest

At Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, children feel as though they are embarking on a great seafaring adventure in a room filled with maps, maritime instruments and swashbuckling artifacts. Here, children can try their hand at animation, become a pop star or navigate ships through digital seas.

Both venues offer magical interactions with the animated characters such as Crush, the sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo” and Stitch, the mischievous alien from “Lilo and Stitch.” The characters chat, play and joke with children in live, unrehearsed conversations from their digital undersea and intergalactic environments via 103-inch plasma screens.

Chill-Out Zones for Tweens and Teens. . .

Located inside the forward funnel is Edge – the lounge just for tweens (ages 11 to 13). This tween pad is filled with a multitude of hi-tech entertainment including the ability to create and star in photo postcards and video karaoke using green-screen technology.

Teens have their own exclusive club aboard the Disney Dream with Vibe – a trendy and inviting indoor/outdoor space created especially for guests ages 14 to 17. A “teen-only” swipe card provides access to the nearly 9,000-square-foot club.

Teens can create and edit videos, play computer games, access the onboard social media application or try their hand at spinning and mixing dance tracks. Teens have their own private outdoor deck area with chaise lounges for sunbathing, two wading pools, misters and pop jets for cooling off, and deck games such as ping-pong and foosball.

Personal Touches with Rotational Dining. . .

Disney Cruise Line continues its innovative rotational dining concept onboard the Disney Dream with elaborately themed restaurants, distinctly Disney touches, and world-class cuisine to create a magical dining experience. Throughout the cruise, guests “rotate” through three different restaurants for dinner – with their servers accompanying them, providing guests with friendly, familiar, personalized service each night. The rotational dining restaurants include:

    * Animator’s Palate, a signature Disney Cruise Line restaurant that brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room for a unique experience that will captivate the entire family.
    * Royal Palace, an elegant restaurant inspired by the classic Disney films “Cinderella,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” ” Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty.”
    * Enchanged Garden, a whimsical casual restaurant inspired by the gardens of Versailles and featuring a dining environment that magically transforms from day to night.

Just for Adults. . .

On the Disney Dream, while children are having the time of their lives in the elaborately themed youth areas, adults can look forward to incomparable indulgences and relaxation with exclusive areas and offerings designed exclusively for them.

    * Adults can escape in to The District, a nighttime entertainment area on the Disney Dream with five unique venues. This playground for grownups features sophisticated lounges, each with its own unique design, look, feel and palate-pleaseing delights.
    * Senses Spa & Salon offers adult tranquility with 17 private treatment rooms, lavish spa villas with indoor treatment rooms and private outdoor verandahs, and Rainforest, a special section of the spa offering the benefits of steam, heat and hydrotherapy to relax the mind and body.
    * At Palo, adult guests find epicurean excellence and an unforgettable dinner experience at sea. Every seat offers beautiful ocean vistas while a pianist softly serenades guests in an intimate restaurant setting.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, and will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay. Guests can book their Disney Dream cruise beginning Nov. 9, 2009.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact your travel agent.

ORPHAN on Blu-Ray and DVD!

SoCalThrills Staff

October 27, 2009

Somewhere in there has to be a decent little girl, right? John, Esther’s father seems to see it, but we know better, the poster told us so. Orphan has all the pieces for a creepy kid horror movie, but they never seem to come together. The movie relies far to heavily on the BOO! scare. It seems every other minute, the film tries throw something at you to make you jump whether it makes sense or not. The film quickly becomes a game of peek-a-boo. Is there someone behind that curtain or isn’t there? Well, you’re going to find out and when you do, the camera is going to jerk really fast and there is going to be a really loud noise, so no matter what you’re going to jump. Apparently, this is the only thing that constitutes a scare. The sad part is how much this takes away from what would have potentially made this film scary, a creepy sadistic little girl.

Orphan is the story of a family who adopts an eight year-old, who is then able to manipulate them all against each other. This storyline is almost identical to the 2007 film Joshua, which also stars Vera Farmiga as the mother, only this time she’s the one being alienated by the child. Farmiga plays Kate who is the only one able to see that Esther is up to something, but is met with much skepticism from her husband. With no support Kate is unable to protect her family. Esther’s ability to manipulate and inflict pain on Kate is very haunting, but the scares get too gimmicky and they loose their potential.

The Blu-ray edition of Orphan is extremely light on supplemental content. There’s a “Bad Seeds and Evil Kids” featurette (HD, 15 minutes) that offers a generic overview of the film’s diminutive antagonist and other nasty kiddies throughout cinema history, and a collection of wisely cut “Deleted Scenes” (SD, 4 minutes), the only notable one being an alternate ending (which, after watching, you won’t find to be all that notable).

Features:
– Mama’s Little Devils: Bad Seeds and Evil Children: cast and crew reinvent the evil kid genre and discuss notable movie psychopaths
– Additional scenes, including an alternate ending
– BD-Live features
– Limited time: Digital Copy of the film (compatible with iTunes and Windows Media; download code expires 10/27/10)