John Lasseter

Go Behind the Scenes with Disney Studios at the D23 Expo-More Presentation Info

29 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis

Here is the latest update from D23, with some additional info on who will be appearing at the Walt Disney Studios presentation and other arena shows at the Expo:

Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney fans are invited to explore the incredible roster of film, stage, and music projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

This year the Studio will present two arena shows, kicking off the Expo at 10 a.m. Friday, August 9, with “Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios,” a showcase of upcoming animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and DisneyToon Studios. John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Disney’s Animation Studios, will host a lively exhibition chock-full of never-before-seen footage, celebrity and filmmaker appearances, and live performances from films like Disney’s Frozen, Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur and the Mickey Mouse short Get a Horse!. Then at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn, Disney Live Action Production President Sean Bailey, and Marvel Studios President and Producer Kevin Feige will host “Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios,” an expedition through the Studio’s exciting live-action offerings from Disney as well as several powerhouse pictures on tap from Marvel Studios, with exclusive clips and surprise guests from a range of films including Saving Mr. Banks, Tomorrowland,Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and much more.

Fans can expect appearances from Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel (Frozen), Dane Cook (Disney’s Planes), Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak (Saving Mr. Banks), Ty Burrell (Muppets Most Wanted) and top Marvel and Disney•Pixar talent. And in typical D23 Expo fashion, fans can also anticipate surprise appearances from more of their favorite stars.

In “Broadway & Beyond…Celebrating the Stars of Disney on Broadway,” Friday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m., audiences will take a musical journey with Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher and a bevy of stage stars, including Heidi Blickenstaff (The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast), Merle Dandridge (Tarzan^® and AIDA), Josh Strickland (Tarzan) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King), who sing beloved songs from the award-winning musicals they starred in as well as classic tunes from the Disney on Broadway catalog.

Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes with the animation artists at Disney and Pixar with several featured panels, including:

* Inside the Ice: The Art of Disney’s Frozen – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ big-screen comedy adventure Frozen, with its icy setting and colorful cast of characters, presented breathtaking opportunities, plus a few challenges for filmmakers. Join the team behind the movie for an exclusive look at the art and animation of Frozen. (Saturday, August 10, 10:30 a.m.)

* The Art of The Good Dinosaur – Pixar Animation Studios’ latest feature explores what might have happened if the cataclysmic asteroid that forever changed life on Earth actually missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct. Take a closer look at this imaginative world of possibility and the artistry and production design behind it. (Saturday, August 10, 3 p.m.)

* Toy Story OF TERROR! and the Motivation Behind Pixar’s Short Form Content – From toys on vacation to tow-riffic four wheelers, Pixar keeps some of their most beloved characters alive and well through short-form content. Angus MacLane, director of Toy Story OF TERROR!, a new adventure featuring Woody, Buzz and the Toy Story gang set for release on TV this fall; producer Galyn Susman; and other Pixar short-form filmmakers share their experiences and discuss the exciting challenges of expanding the worlds of these characters loved by audiences across the globe. (Saturday, August 10, 5 p.m.)

* Pixar: Doing Our Homework – Research is an integral part of the filmmaking process, and with a story in hand, Pixar artists set out to become experts, immersing themselves in places, people and experiences that inspire and inform their filmmaking, whether it be spirited Scots, delectable French cuisine, or deep sea adventures. (Friday, August 9, 6 p.m.)

* Women of Pixar – Jessie. Dory. Sally. Merida. Although they never cross paths and exist in different worlds, these iconic Pixar females have one thing in common: girl power. Meet a dynamic group of women from Pixar, whose experience and success at the studio have helped craft some of the most memorable animated films in recent history. They will share stories from their journeys and the lessons they have learned along the way. (Sunday, August 11, 1 p.m.)

Expo attendees will also have access to an Exclusive Screening of Disney’s Planes in 3D, featuring an introduction by some very special guests. (Friday, August 9, 3 p.m.)

As Disney welcomes Lucasfilm into the family, fans will have a chance to delve deep in the Star Wars universe with “Crash Course in the Force: Star Wars Saga 101,” an immersive journey into the rich history of the worldwide phenomenon, led by Lucasfilm’s resident authority Pablo Hidalgo. (Saturday, August 10, 5 p.m.)

Music fans will be treated to performances by Good Luck Charlie star and platinum-selling Hollywood Records artist Bridgit Mendler, and Hollywood Records artists R5, fronted by Teen Beach Movie and Austin & Ally star Ross Lynch. D23 will also present Richard Sherman and Alan Menken, two of the world’s most celebrated songwriters and composers who have won a combined 10 Academy Awards for their work with Disney. In addition, Grammy^® Award-winning producer and resident Disney Music Historian, Randy Thornton, will take fans on a musical journey with inside stories of songs written for classic Disney films.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

* Walt Disney Animation Studios Pavilion – Attendees can summon their inner artist and escape into diverse worlds of where there’s much to explore, from the stunning snow-covered setting of Frozen to the high-tech, action-packed world of Big Hero 6, featuring the latest animation technology, sneak peeks, and giveaways.

* Disneytoon Studios Pavilion – Aviation aficionados and fairy fans will be on cloud nine as they explore projects including Disney’s Planes and immerse themselves in the world of Pixie Hollow and the magical heroines from Disney’s Fairies with exciting demonstrations and presentations.

* Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Zones – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D^™, including new hit films and new-to-Blu classics, the latest on Disney Second Screen and more. Also, the adorable Disney “Buddies” are back with an all-new movie—Super Buddies—coming August 27! Fans can get a picture with one of the real puppy super heroes. They are appearing live at D23 Expo for the first time—Saturday and Sunday!

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

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Disney Studios To Host Two Arena Presentations At D23 Expo 2013-Celebrities and Exclusive Sneak Peeks

16 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis

The Studios presentation is always a highlight of the D23 Expo and this year, we get two presentations! I can’t wait to see the sneak peeks and which celebrities will be making appearances. Here are the official details below:

D23 Expo 2013 will celebrate its grand opening with a welcome from Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger followed by the first of two arena presentations hosted by The Walt Disney Studios at the Anaheim Convention Center. On Friday, August 9, The Walt Disney Studios will surprise and delight fans with sneak peeks of the incredible slate of upcoming animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios, hosted by Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter. Then, on Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn will host The Walt Disney Studios live action arena presentation which will pull back the curtain on upcoming releases from Disney Live Action and Marvel Studios. Both presentations will feature exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes footage, filmmaker discussions, and surprise celebrity appearances.

The 4,000-seat arena, the largest venue at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, will for the first time feature a 2,000-seat overflow theater where guests will be able to watch these once-in-a-lifetime happenings though a live feed.

Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios (Friday, August 9, 10:00 a.m.): Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, filmmakers and star talent will take guests on a journey through The Walt Disney Studios’ slate of upcoming animated features, including Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen and Pixar Animation Studios’ The Good Dinosaur. Plus, catch the U.S. debut of the new Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse!, major movie announcements, and a not-to-be-missed live musical performance.

Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios (Saturday, August 10, 10:30 a.m.): The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn will showcase the Studios’ exciting live-action release slate, including Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks and Tomorrowland, Marvel’sThor: The Dark World, and much more.

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Disney Infinity News, Screenshots, Videos and More!

27 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis

Recently, Disney Interactive released the second video in its behind-the-scenes “Creating Infinity” series. The new video focuses on the inspiration behind Disney Infinity’s “Toy Box” mode, and includes interviews with Pixar and Avalanche Software creative visionaries, as well as commentary from renowned Disney storytellers. In the interviews, leaders such as John Lasseter and John Blackburn discuss how creative play shaped their lives and inspired Disney Infinity.

When Disney Infinity hits store shelves in August, the game will usher in a new era in creative play by introducing a virtual Toy Box that allows players to combine Disney and Pixar’s most popular characters, worlds, gadgets, vehicles and locations to create one-of-a-kind Disney themed action and adventure games, sports and racing competitions, team-based and head-to-head challenges, and much more!

Who would win in a racing competition? Dash or Lightning McQueen? Mrs. Incredible or Mike Wazowski? Buzz Lightyear, Dash or Davy Jones… while riding on Stitch’s surfboard?

In the Toy Box mode, players can pit these characters and more in head to head races on custom built tracks. They can build their own race tracks using pieces unlocked while playing in the Toy Box mode, in addition to other items brought over from the Monsters University, Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean and Cars play sets.

The game also includes many “play sets” from popular Disney films. Within the Pirates of the Caribbean play set, gamers can take on the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and Davy Jones as they set sail to new lands in search of adventure and gold. Key highlights include:

Combat and Customization: Players will be able to explore new lands while battling via water and land to become the king of the sea. Additionally, players can customize their ship, by choosing everything from the overall décor of the vessel to the cannons on board.

Play Set: The Pirates of the Caribbean play set adds its own specialized game play mechanics and pieces to the Disney Infinity world such as unique weaponry that when activated in Toy Box mode allows players to create all-new combat challenges, build and customize worlds and much more.

Toy Box mode: The pirate trio of Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and Davy Jones are able to interact with all of the previously revealed Disney Infinity characters from The Incredibles, Monsters University and Cars to create new and exciting adventures on the high seas and beyond.

Within the Lone Ranger play set, players can take on the role of the Lone Ranger or Tonto as they set out to bring Butch Cavendish and his gang of outlaws to justice. Key gameplay highlights include:

Ricochet Combat: The outlaws in the play set are clever and will seek to hide behind cover or ambush the player whenever they can. Fortunately, a unique ricochet mechanic allows both Lone Ranger and Tonto to hit the bad guys indirectly and around corners by lining up shots that bounce off of pots, pans, bells, posts, or other metal objects.

Mounts: Players will find traversing the Wild West and the areas surrounding the town of Colby to be much quicker on the Lone Ranger and Tonto’s iconic steeds of Silver and Scout or any one of the other many horses that can be found throughout the play set.
Train Defense and Customization: He who controls the railroad, controls the West. In the Lone Ranger play set, players can build and customize their own train, complete from the trim on the wheels, to the painting on the cars. A key part of the gameplay revolves around building up the train and getting the right resources to the right locations.
Toy Box: In addition to these game mechanics, the Lone Ranger play set also allows players to bring in all the buildings, mounts, weapons and other surprises into the Toy Box so that players can include their own wild west gameplay into their imaginative scenarios.

Within the Monsters University play set, gamers can take on the role of Mike, Sulley or Randy to prank their major rivals at Fear Tech. Avalanche Software worked closely with Pixar to develop the look of Fear Tech’s campus, which makes its debut in the play set. The two universities must compete to see who has the most school spirit during the annual Fear-It Week. Key highlights include:

Pranks, Humor and Customization: Players can utilize scare tactics to prank opponents and perfect the art of sneak attacks. They can also customize their own Frat Row buildings with a collection of colors, designs and decorations found throughout the play set. Students in the world come in all shapes and sizes and can be customized with wings, fangs, spikes, tails and other accessories. Bikes can be unlocked to perform stunts, tricks and other speedy maneuvers.

Play Set: The Monsters University play set adds its own specialized game play mechanics and pieces to the Disney Infinity world, including unique gadgets such as the toilet paper launcher, paintball launcher, foam hand and the ability to ride on Archie the Scare Pig. These can also be activated in Toy Box mode which will allow players to create all-new prank challenges, build and customize worlds and much more.

Toy Box mode: The trio of Mike, Sulley and Randy are able to interact with all of the previously revealed Disney Infinity characters from The Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean and Cars to create new and exciting adventures in customized worlds.

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Wreck-It Ralph Goes Turbo on Blu-ray and DVD – Review of Bonus Features

5 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis

Wreck-It Ralph is, aside from Tangled, one of the few Disney releases that I have willingly watched again and again. It’s just a delight to watch and my whole family feels the same way. After having seen it at a Disney Parks Blog meet-up, a media screening, on the Disney Dream cruise ship, and most recently at the Orlando Science Center, it’s kind of fun to watch it in the comfort of my living room.

When watching the bonus features on the Blu-ray, I discovered some interesting facts about the production of the film. My favorite tid-bits were how the Sugar Rush universe and architecture was actually inspired by Spanish architect Antoni GaudÍ, one of my favorites. Once I heard the animator explain this, it made perfect sense! Do a google image search to see some of his amazing work and see the similarities in the buildings of Sugar Rush. Another fun note was how John Lasseter told animators to watch the opening of Saving Private Ryan as well as Aliens, to get a feel for the kind of frenzied, chaotic game environment to throw Ralph into when he game jumps to Hero’s Duty. I loved this insight into the film-making process.

The only thing missing was the cool 8-bit opening Castle scene for the Disney Pictures splash screen, I thought that was such a fun detail in theatres! I also wish there had been a complete run-down of all the homages and hidden Easter eggs of video games past within the movie. I know I look for more each time I see it, but I’d love to know if I’ve found them all! The deleted scenes were kind of crazy to see where the film may have gone. I definitely like the finished version.

Wreck-it Ralph now brings the wonderful story of redemption, friendship, and good vs. bad into your home, and with the Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy, you can watch Wreck-it Ralph anywhere. Of course also on the discs is the Emmy award-winning short, Paperman, beautifully animated and composed, it gets me every time.

Wreck-it Ralph is a definite addition to any Disney collection, or video gaming fan. It is available now – and I highly recommend the soundtrack too, which I’ve been listening to for months now. The Sugar Rush theme song is my ring tone!

In addition, there are some great apps for the kids to expand their wrecking fun with two fully interactive iOS apps “Wreck-It Ralph Storybook Deluxe” and “Hero’s Duty Interactive Comic,” along with print books and ebooks One Sweet Race and Wreck-It Ralph Read-Along.

Wreck-It Ralph Storybook Deluxe ($6.99)
Ralph, Felix, Vanellope, and other favorite characters from Wreck-It Ralph star in this exciting Storybook Deluxe app. Follow Ralph as he wrecks his way through the arcade in search of a hero’s medal—and ends up finding much, much more. – My 4 year old LOVES this app. The storybook part is great on its own, but the extra games and interactive elements keep him entertained without a peep!
Hero’s Duty Interactive Comic ($1.99)
A fantastic prequel to the upcoming movie, readers are able to venture into the Hero’s Duty game to discover Dr. Brad Scott, Tammy Calhoun, the Space Marines, and the infamous cy-bugs as they fight on the unnamed planet.
ONE SWEET RACE ($15.99 – available wherever books and eBooks are sold)
Explore the charming video-game world of Sugar Rush, from Disney Animation Studio’s latest film, Wreck-It-Ralph. This jacketed picture book features an original story about the film’s spunky heroine, Vanellope von Schweetz, as well as illustrations by one of the artists who worked on the film.
WRECK-IT RALPH READ ALONG STORYBOOK AND CD ($6.99 – available wherever books are sold, eBook available at Barnes & Noble and iTunes)
Jump into the action of the latest Walt Disney Animation Studios film Wreck-It Ralph with this exciting storybook and CD set! Video-game bad guy Wreck-It Ralph wants to be as beloved as his game’s good guy, Fix-It Felix. But when Ralph tries to prove he’s a hero by winning a video game medal, his actions spell disaster for the entire arcade! Featuring sound effects and the voices of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch, this thrilling read-along brings the action of Wreck-It Ralph to life!

Another great way to learn more about Wreck-it Ralph is visiting the The Magic of Disney Animation over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There you can see amazing concept art from the film as well as get your photo with Ralph and Vanellope in the meet and greet location, which is chock full of more gaming details.

Disclosure: I was provided with a 3-disc combo pack for review as well as a code for the Wreck-it Ralph Storybook app. My opinions are my own.

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Disney’s Secret of the Wings Brings Magical Messages Home

17 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis

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A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, Secret of the Wings invites audiences to join Tinker Bell and friends on their new adventure into the never-before-seen mysterious Winter Woods, where Tinker Bell finds out that she has a sister and discovers other incredible secrets that will change her life forever. The film is the first Disney Fairies movie in more than two years, and marks the first time ever Tinker Bell will fly on Disney Blu-ray 3D. A DisneyToon Studios production, the movie is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

We were able to screen this movie last weekend in 3D and it was just beautiful. My 12 year-old daughter and my 3 year-old son (and me!) all loved every minute on screen. The Disney Fairies films have really set the bar for quality straight-to-dvd animation and Secret of the Wings is no exception, with a wonderful voice cast and music to match. The storyline is a great story of learning from your past but not being afraid to try something new as well as working together to accomplish something great.

Some of my favorite parts of Secret of the Wings were the winter scenes, where animals “cross over” into the Winter Woods and get all new white fluffy coats of fur. Everything is just so sparkly and pretty, it’s hard not to fall in love. According to my 3 year-old, his favorite parts were, “the fixed wing part and the Tinker Bell’s friend part” and he highly endorsed the film! 😉

(It’s kind of hard to pin down a 3 year-old for a video interview!

We had a great time and I can’t wait to bring Secret of the Wings home on Blu-ray. It was a wonderful film and a fabulous addition to the to the Disney Fairies family of films. Secret of the Wings flits onto Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Hi-Def & DVD on October 23, 2012. You can find lots of fun activities at Disney.com/SecretOfTheWings or head to Facebook.com/DisneyFairies and like the page for updates.

^*Disclosure: my family was provided a free screening of this movie in a theatre, but my opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used here, which lets you purchase the DVD at no cost to you, but gives a few cents back to the costs of running zannaland. Thank you!

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