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Review: Frozen Took Me By Surprise and Melted My Heart

26 November 2013 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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Frozen ice palaceI will fully admit, as I saw the endless promotion for Disney’s 53rd Animated Feature, Frozen start to begin, I was less than interested. Olaf the Snowman, clearly designed to appeal to the youngest of Disney fans, didn’t excite me at all. I wanted to know more about the story of Frozen: the sisters, their background, what happened to them and why. Not watch a lop-sided snowman chase his carrot nose for an hour. Adding in Sven, the reindeer who seemed like a carbon-copy of Max the canine-like horse from Tangled, and I didn’t hold out much hope for Frozen. I was given some images from Disney showing background animation and concept art, and that excited me a bit. It was what I was most looking forward to when I attended a screening a couple of weeks ago, but little else.

Then, the theatre darkened and the music began. Rich, hearty Norwegian chanting. It made me sit up and take notice. What followed was me being glued to the edge of my seat, soaking up every pixel of gorgeous animation, every word of enticing story, every note of exquisite music and lyrics. I was, in short, in love. I walked out thinking “This is my new favorite Disney film.” and “I must have this soundtrack.”

Without giving major plot points away, I want to convey how refreshing it was to see this storyline unfold. Not knowing anything about the movie other than there was a silly snowman and a reindeer, I was completely taken in by what I thought was happening and really couldn’t guess the end at all. I loved how the sisters were portrayed, loving each other, caring for each other, and when unable to be together, missing each other. Unlike most previous Disney animated films, the first real main character song fits in so well as something that is really happening, vs. just breaking into a nice song that helps propel the story but seems a little out of place. We learn so much about the sisters’ upbringing in “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and it’s a beautiful song to boot. We then learn more about Princess Anna in her subsequent songs and really begin to feel for her, as well as Elsa. The whole soundtrack is very Broadway-esque and I instantly thought of Rent when I heard Princess Anna and Hans singing “Love is an Open Door” it’s this kind of refreshingly good music that makes the difference here. Princess Anna is pretty identifiable (at least personally) – she may be a princess but she’s clumsy and even a bit gullible and clueless (which could be called trusting and innocent too), and most importantly of all, she wakes up with bedhead. How many other Disney princesses would admit to that? I instantly loved her. While we don’t know much about Elsa after she was hidden away as a child, what we do know is that she was a loving, caring sister. This sisterly bond above all else is an important message of the film.

Frozen ice palace

When Idina Menzel as Elsa, newly crowned as Queen, finally gives in to her icy powers, the resulting “Let it Go” song is perhaps the most powerful moment in the film. The accompanying animation here is beyond amazing as well. You’ll wish you could hit repeat on this section of the movie, it’s that good. THIS is what Frozen is about. Family, secrets, struggles, love, and figuring out how to combine them all and be happy. While I understand the gigantic marketing machine that is the Walt Disney Company and how they must promote and sell merchandise with every movie they produce, I truly wish they could find a way to give the audience some credit and showcase the real highlights of their talented animators work. This film is so much more than has been advertised so far. That said, Olaf is less annoying than I thought he’d be. His song, “In Summer” is pretty classically funny without relying on toddler humor. It reminded me of Josh Gad’s stellar performance in Book of Mormon. It is also refreshing to see Disney working with the guy that wrote the music for Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, unafraid to take risks and push boundaries. Now the marketing team just needs to catch up!

frozen Olaf - In Summer

The only disappointments in the film for me were the unnecessary troll characters which were as annoying as I mistakenly thought Olaf would be. They served no real purpose and their song was unmemorable and pointless. However, in listening to outtakes on the Deluxe Edition of the soundtrack, we learn a bit more of the trolls role, which made me wish some of the eliminated songs were actually used. Oh well. The other sad thing was that the talented Jonathan Groff was only given one very short song in the film. I can understand why; the film is really female-focused with the sisters, their bond and how they grow and learn, but I do wish we heard more Jonathan.

All in all, I walked away from this film proud of Walt Disney Animation, amazed by Kristen Anderson Lopez, Robert Lopez and Christophe Beck’s work with the soundtrack, feeling like Princess Anna was my spirit animal, and ready for more Frozen. It is definitely a must-see and a must-see again and again. Disney’s Frozen opens tomorrow, 11/27 and is the perfect way to spend some time during the Thanksgiving holiday. The wonderful soundtrack is available now and I highly recommend investing in the Frozen Deluxe Edition for even more insight into the film-making process with the songwriters commentary before the outtakes and additional pieces of the score. Idina’s “Let it Go” has been on repeat for 24 hours straight here and I don’t see an end in sight. Frozen will melt your heart!

I’d love to hear your thoughts below when you’ve seen the film!

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Filed Under: Disney News, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: Avenue Q, Book of Mormon, Christophe Beck, Disney animated film, Disney Frozen, Disney movie, Disney's Frozen, Finding Nemo the Musical, Frozen, Frozen review, Frozen Soundtrack, Idina Menzel, jonathan groff, Josh Gad, Kristen Anderson Lopez, kristen bell, movie review, Robert Lopez, Walt Disney Animation

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

29 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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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.

 d23-arena-feat

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.)

planes

 

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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Filed Under: D23 Expo, Disney Special Events, Top Stories Tagged With: alan horn, anaheim convention center, animated films, animation studios, D23, D23 Expo, D23 Expo 2013, disney fans, Disney Pixar, Disney Studios, disneytoon studios, fashion fans, imagination animation, jason schwartzman, John Lasseter, kristen bell, Marvel Studios, mr banks, surprise appearances, Ty Burrell, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios, winter soldier

News for Disney’s Frozen Animated Feature: Concept Art and Voice Talent

20 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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In Frozen, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and save their kingdom from eternal winter. Disney just released a piece of concept art from the upcoming film, and it’s just beautiful:

FROZEN concept art

Walt Disney Animation Studios announced yesterday that they have given voice to its extreme mountain man from the comedy-adventure “Frozen.” Tony Award® nominee Jonathan Groff (Broadway’s “Spring Awakening,” TV’s “Glee”) is on board to help bring Kristoff to life in the epic journey slated for the big screen November 27, 2013.

Groff appears in the independent feature “C.O.G.,” which is part of 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The Pennsylvania native made his big-screen debut in Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock” and went on to appear in the independent drama “Twelve-Thirty” and “The Conspirator.” His TV credits include Fox’s “Glee,” the Starz series “Boss” and CBS’ “The Good Wife.” On stage, in addition to the Tony Award®-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” Groff appeared in the Public Theater’s revival of “Hair” and off-Broadway plays “Prayer for My Enemy” and “The Submission,” among others. He made his West End debut in Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” and appeared in the 2010 Tony Award®-winning “Red” by John Logan at the Mark Taper Forum this year.

Personally, I loved Jonathan Groff on Glee and clips I’d seen from Spring Awakening, so I’m excited that he’s on board for Frozen.

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, “Frozen” will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Frozen title

 

ABOUT THE MOVIE

From the studio behind 2010’s “Tangled” and this year’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” Walt Disney Animation Studios presents “Frozen,” the most daring comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony®-winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” journeys into theaters November 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters. For more information, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation. FROZEN hits theaters on November 27th, 2013!

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney News, Movies & Books, Official Disney, Top Stories Tagged With: Disney's Frozen, Frozen, Frozen concept art, jonathan groff, kristen bell, snow queen, tony award nominee, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios

Walt Disney Animation Unveils Epic Adventure “FROZEN”—In Theaters NOVEMBER 2013

11 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Walt Disney Animation StudiosBURBANK, Calif. (June 11, 2012) – Walt Disney Animation Studios presents an epic tale of adventure and comedy in “Frozen,” a computer-animated feature film slated for the big screen in November 2013. Directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”), “Frozen” features the vocal talents of film/TV/stage star Kristen Bell as Anna, a young dreamer about to take the adventure of a lifetime, and Tony Award ®-winning actress Idina Menzel as Elsa the Snow Queen. The movie will feature original songs by Broadway greats Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

 

In “Frozen,” a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, so Anna (voice of Bell) must team up with Kristoff, a daring mountain man, on the grandest of journeys to find the Snow Queen (voice of Menzel) and put an end to the icy spell. Encountering Everest-like extremes, mystical creatures and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

 

Bell has starred in a variety of films, including the comedies “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Couples Retreat,” and the upcoming films “Hit & Run,” “Some Girls” and the Farrelly Brothers’ “Movie 43.” On the small screen, Bell is currently starring in the Showtime series “House of Lies” alongside Don Cheadle; she has also starred in “Heroes” and “Veronica Mars.” Broadway credits include “The Crucible” and “Tom Sawyer.”

 

Menzel, who won a Tony Award® as Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked” (2004), landed her first role on Broadway in 1995 in the Tony Award-winning musical “Rent.” Film credits include “Enchanted” and the feature film “Rent.” She has appeared in a recurring role on TV’s “Glee” and recently released “Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony,” a live concert with an orchestra led by composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch. Menzel is currently on a North American concert tour.

 

Robert Lopez is a three-time Tony Award®-winning writer of the Tony and Grammy® Award-winning musical “The Book of Mormon,” which was co-written with Trey Parker and Matt Stone (“South Park”), and the musical “Avenue Q,” which ran for six years on Broadway and four years in London’s West End.  Lopez teamed with wife Anderson-Lopez, whose Drama Desk-winning show “In Transit” is Broadway-bound, to write original songs for 2011’s “Winnie the Pooh,” a stage version of “Finding Nemo” and a new musical called “Up Here.”

 

Can’t wait to see and hear more about this new film – what do you think?

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney News, Movies & Books, Official Disney Tagged With: animated feature film, animation studios, Frozen, Idina Menzel, kristen bell, November 2013, Robert Lopez, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios

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