Disney Pixar

Disney Movie and Video Game News and Releases

2 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Disney has been so busy creating and updating apps and video games and dvds that I’d be posting 10 times a day to keep up, so I thought I’d throw all of this news into one convenient post in case you hadn’t seen the announcements:

First up – Brave: The Video Game. Disney Pixar’s Brave premiers in June and the game will follow suit this summer. I like that this will be a video game that appeals to girls, without being about puppies or Barbie, and I have high hopes that Disney Interactive Media Group will do it justice!

BURBANK, Calif. — (March 19, 2012 ) – Disney Interactive Media Group announced today that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS™ handheld system and Windows PC/ MAC. Inspired by “Brave,” the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated fantasy adventure movie, the video game invites players to run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland. By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse and save a kingdom. The video game will release summer 2012, in conjunction with the film.

A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets.

“We’re excited to offer a compelling game across multiple platforms for fans of the upcoming Disney•Pixar film ‘Brave’. Whether gamers want to play on their own or with others, they can relive highlights from Merida’s journey and go on new adventures inspired by the legends of Scotland and Disney•Pixar storytelling,” said Javier Ferreira, senior vice president of publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “With Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and Move on the PlayStation®3, gamers will feel like they are using a bow and arrow in an archery range and have a truly immersive experience.”

The console versions of “Brave: The Video Game” offer a variety of gameplay, including single-player, co-op for family and friends, and a special Bear mode, where players will be able to play as a bear. Several new opponents created exclusively for the game will challenge the player throughout the experience, culminating with an ultimate boss battle to complete the adventure. The Nintendo DS game is filled with its own exciting missions and a myriad of characters to engage single players.

“Brave: The Video Game” launches Summer 2012 for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC/MAC.

Next up, Disney Interactive launches original web series for gamers “Power Up” hosted by Christina Grimmie and presented by Kinect for Xbox 360

Power Up, Disney Interactive’s new original web series gives families an inside look at the exciting world of video gaming. Presented by Kinect for Xbox 360, the weekly show on Disney.com is hosted by YouTube and musical sensation, Christina Grimmie, who will cover a wide range of game-related topics, including reviews of popular console, mobile, social and casual games. The series will also feature comedic game-based skits with other popular YouTube stars, as well as original songs and music by Grimmie. Fans can also check out Power Up on Disney’s network on YouTube, Disney Mobile and Xbox LIVE.

To celebrate the launch of Power Up and the highly anticipated “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” video game, players can enter the “Power Up Sweepstakes” for a chance to win a family trip to San Francisco, for a private tour of Pixar Animation Studios, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game, as well as the opportunity to play “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” with Christina Grimmie. To enter the sweepstakes, guests can visit Disney.com/PowerUp or text “POWERUP” to 347639 (DISNEY).

And lastly, a new release in the Tinker Bell and friends series – Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings:

BURBANK, Calif., March 23, 2012 – The Walt Disney Studios unveils an all-new, original full-length CG-animated feature film, “Secret of the Wings,” starring Tinker Bell, one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic characters, along with her fairy friends (Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia) and introducing a sparkling new winter fairy, Periwinkle. Debuting on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital on October 23, 2012, the film marks the first time ever Tinker Bell will fly on Disney Blu-ray 3D.

For Tinker Bell and the other warm season fairies, the Winter Woods remains a mysterious and forbidden place. “Secret of the Wings” takes audiences on an amazing journey of discovery with Tink, into this forbidden world where she discovers a magical secret that changes her life forever.

A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, “Secret of the Wings” features a spectacular voice cast including Academy Award®-Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’), Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights), Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’), Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’), Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’), Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’), Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’) and Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’), and introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale (TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’). A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

“Secret of the Wings” is Disney’s highly-anticipated all-new movie in the Tinker Bell Disney Fairies film franchise. These beautifully-animated films have ranked at the top of the home entertainment charts every year they have been released.

In addition to the all-new feature film, the spectacular animated release includes a host of exciting bonus features that extend the viewing experience, taking audiences deeper into the magical world of Disney Fairies. (More details forthcoming)

To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,” Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now at: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFairies.

For the latest information on “Secret of the Wings,” fans can head to www.Disney.com/SecretofTheWings to view film clips, and more.

I’ll share more news and releases as they come in!

REVIEW: Cars 2 – Lessons for All Ages

20 June 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Cars 2 Promo — Cars 2 starts its engine June 24, 2011

*This review may contain spoilers, so please proceed in reading at your own risk, thanks!

This past Saturday I was treated to a review of Disney • Pixar‘s latest film, Cars 2 in 3D. There has been a lot of hype leading up to this movie and I was starting to wonder if the film would live up to all of it. Disney has a history of giving everything a sequel (or two) and I worried that the classic story and beautiful animation we all loved in the original Cars would somehow be compromised. It wasn’t going to be like Toy Story 3, where everything was based on tying up story lines and tugging at our heartstrings.

Cars 2 really achieved a balance of a dual kid-friendly story wrapped within a more adult theme, blanketed in absolutely breathtaking visuals and detail. The main theme of the movie is of course Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) venturing out beyond the States and its familiar “Piston Cup” to compete with international vehicles in the World Grand Prix. The adult story comes in when the organizer of this World Grand Prix, Sir Miles Axlerod (Eddie Izzard) is attempting to highlight the importance of alternative fuels. This is where the espionage, fuel debate and James Bond-like action come in. Most of this will go over younger kids heads and their focus will be on the real story, that of friendship and loyalty.

Since his regular pit crew is off for the season, Lightning McQueen, in accepting this challenge to compete in the World Grand Prix, must bring his Radiator Springs pals along to Tokyo, Japan, the fictional Porto Corsa, Italy, and London, England. Tow Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) acts the part of the stereotypical “ugly American” and gets caught up in a secret spy mission, where he is mistaken for a secret agent by British Intelligence cars Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer).

The story here is really Mater-centric and therefore chock-full of gags and visuals that keep the kids (and adults) giggling. Being a lover of all things Japanese, one of my favorite parts was Mater’s visit to a Japanese bathroom with its interactive and full-service toilet!

As the World Grand Prix and the story races on, we are treated to stunning visuals of Tokyo’s Ginza district pulsating with lights and advertisements, London and Paris with it’s beautiful architecture, and Porto Corsa, a coastal city created for the film and combining elements of Monte Carlo and the Amalfi Coast which will make you wish you could plan a vacation there as soon as you leave the theater. Amid all of these true-to-life visuals, the Pixar team has created Car-i-fied versions of landmarks and monuments, so detailed, you will question whether they really belong on the original. As I said on twitter after seeing the film, the kids will love the story (as mine did) but I want to watch the movie 20 times just to drink in all of the amazing backgrounds.

This Triptych poster shows some of the amazing detail you'll find in Cars 2

In truth, I’d watch the film multiple times just to get all the cute car jokes as well. Almost every car on screen has a name with a nod to some human counterpart. I think my favorite may be Brent Mustangburger. Disney • Pixar are known for impeccable detail and story, and Cars 2 is no exception. The soundtrack was a perfect fit as well. I feel confident in recommending it to all ages and can’t wait to enjoy it again. Be sure to get there for the previews to enjoy the short Toy Story Toon: Hawaiian Vacation, which was wonderful. We also enjoyed previews for the upcoming Muppet Movie and Disney • Pixar‘s Brave, which I am so, so excited about.

Disney • Pixar’s Cars 2 presented in Disney Digital 3D opens in theaters June 24. You can find more information, activities and fun at Disney.com/cars and become a fan on Facebook by liking DisneyPixarCars.

Concept Art from Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE

30 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

UPDATE: Since the first promo poster has been released by Disney Pixar, I thought I’d add it here – it’s simply gorgeous in my opinion and after seeing a teaser trailer before Cars 2, I am even more excited to see this film. Click to enlarge the poster:

HIGHLAND OF THE “BRAVE” — The rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland serve as the backdrop for BRAVE, a new tale that joins the land’s ancient lore—stories of epic battles and mystical legends passed down for generations. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, BRAVE is the grand adventure of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer who confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts to discover the true meaning of courage. The film also features the voices of Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane. BRAVE, full of heart, memorable characters and Pixar’s signature humor, takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Disney Pixar Brave — I love Merida already!

A redheaded girl as the main character set in Scotland? I’m in heaven!! 😉 These concept art pictures look amazing, I can’t wait to see more about this film. What do you think?

Amazingly Magical Disney Themed Birthday Party Ideas

10 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 13 Comments

In the course of my travels across the interwebs, I came across a photo of a birthday cake themed to the Disney Pixar movie UP. I had planned to share the photo here with all of you, and then friend and blogging maven (and Moms Panelist too) OhAmanda, shared the blog post that the cake actually came from. I was in awe. She suggested I do a whole post on Disney themed parties. I thought that was a fabulous idea, and she should know, since she created her very own Rapunzel birthday party for her adorable daughter. (Actually, you’ll find below she has a knack for pretty awesome parties!) Thanks to Amanda’s help, I have a bunch of pixie-dusted ideas to share with you here. I think it puts my X-box 360 Controller Cake to shame, but with a little faith and trust…well, you know the rest!

Let’s start off with OhAmanda and her Rapunzel’s Golden Hair Birthday Party. You have to check out all of the unique touches and parts of the party that linked back to the Tangled storyline. Just precious!

{Click photos to enlarge}

Tangled birthday party — Instead of lanterns, they released balloons with lights inside. HOW COOL!

Tangled Rapunzel cupcakes — Remember one of the Pub Thugs wanted to bake cupcakes??

Ok, next up – UP! This UP themed birthday party from Wendy Updegraff completely blew me away. Get it? Balloons? Blew away? Sorry…just look at these unbelievable photos. I think this made even Martha Stewart jealous!

Photographer Jessica Claire shared not one but TWO amazing Alice in Wonderland-themed birthday parties. I would live in these pictures if I could!! Be sure to head over to see the rest of Annabelle in Wonderland and Nicola’s UNbirthday.

While we’re looking at Alice in Wonderland themed ideas – check out OhAmanda‘s Ace Party (as in Ace of Spades!) for her little guy:

Here’s another of OhAmanda‘s masterpieces – her Snow White birthday party – complete with Seven Dwarfs mine and Wicked Queen’s punch!

Be sure to check out OhAmanda.com‘s Pirate themed birthday party and Muppet Puppet Party too! I need her to plan my next birthday I think.

If traditional Disney is your thing, I’ve got two Minnie Mouse themed birthday parties to share with you. One from At Second Street blog and the other from Two Parts Sugar as shared on DisneyEveryDay.com. Seems like Disney parties are on everyone’s mind this month! Check out these adorable ideas:

Hey Howdy Hey, here’s another great party! Check out this Toy Story Jessie-themed party from Beth Kruse!

I hope you enjoyed these party-inspiring photos and blogs! All photos are copyright their original owner and just shared here to spread the magic. For even more fun (and easy to create) birthday party ideas, check out FamilyFun.com. If you have a Disney themed party that you went all out for, let me know!