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Wreck-it-Ralph

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

5 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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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.

Wreck-it Ralph

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!

Vanellope You're My Hero Medal

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.

Wreck-it Ralph Hollywood Studios

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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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews Tagged With: 8-bit, Antoni Gaudi, Bonus Features, Disney Animation, disney collection, Fix-It Felix, game environment, Hero's Duty, hidden easter eggs, John Lasseter, paperman, sugar rush, Wreck-it Ralph apps, Wreck-it Ralph bonus features, Wreck-it Ralph DVD Blu-ray, Wreck-it Ralph soundtrack, Wreck-it Ralph storybook app, Wreck-it-Ralph

REVIEW: Wreck-It Ralph Is a Game-Changing Masterpiece From Disney Animation

2 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Wreck-It RalphI will admit, I fell in love with Wreck-It Ralph before I even saw one clip from the movie. We first heard about it at the Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim in August of 2011. When I heard it was an 8-bit game bad guy that traveled to other video games, I was instantly hooked. Being an Atari child, I remember like it was yesterday the Christmas morning when my big brother got his Atari 2600 and our lives were changed forever. Even though it was his present, I spent hours, way too close to the t.v., playing Q*bert, Pitfall, E.T., Pac Man, and Yars Revenge (which I never did understand the point of), among countless others. More than that, at the time my father was the general manager of a restaurant which had a lounge containing several table-top arcade games. Centipede became MY game and I’d sit, amid the smoking and drinking, just to better my score (things were different in the 80’s kids). So you see, Wreck-It Ralph had my heart before the trailers even came out. Once I saw not one, but two preview screenings (thanks to the Disney Parks Blog and a media screening via my own blog), I was not disappointed.

Wreck-It Ralph is a triumph of story, characters, and animation. The story is one we can all related to; feeling under-appreciated and trapped in your current position and willing to do anything to change your situation. The characters, although a mix of existing video games and the new games created for the film, all work perfectly together and you truly feel for the members of Bad Guys Anonymous, or the out of work Q*bert creatures. You might think it difficult to give 2-dimensional video game characters a backstory, but Disney does it and does it well.

The animation is, in a word, breathtaking. The attention to detail within the Game Central areas, the fun, polished 8-bit setting of Fix-It Felix and Niceland, and the sharp, HD animation within Hero’s Duty all just work together flawlessly. And then, we have Sugar Rush. I, like many of my friends that saw the film, want to LIVE in Sugar Rush. It is just SO. PRETTY. The landscapes, the impeccable detail down to every sugary crumb, is just beautiful. The writing here is hysterical too, lots of candy puns and visual gags to keep you laughing. As my friend and I noted during the movie, once you get to the Sugar Rush scenes, it’s impossible not to want candy, so make sure you arrive to your seat well-stocked with movie snacks!

I truly hope Disney develops the other games featured in Wreck-It Ralph into full video games. While Fix-It Felix is a fun, nostalgic romp to video games past, Sugar Rush is a game I would find myself completely addicted to. And I know people online were asking to play Hero’s Duty as well. The games are just that good in the film, you don’t want to leave them behind when the credits roll. Even down to the theme songs for the games; Hero’s Duty is epically composed by Skrillex in a song that gets everyone’s heart pumping, while the Sugar Rush theme is sung, in English and Japanese, by Japanese supergroup ABK48 (and is now my phone’s ringtone).

Back to the story, believe it or not, it is a heartwarming tale of friendship and redemption. Without the full-on heartstring-pulling that Pixar is known for, I actually did shed a tear at the end of the film, when Ralph discovers his importance in the life of a child. Truly a life message, which Ralph delivers very matter-of-fact-ly, without sappy good-byes or any sad ending. I was completely satisfied when the movie ended, happy with every aspect of the film. I think this is an instant Disney classic and a home run for the entire Disney Animation team. So walk, run, jump, double jump, or “Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A” your way to theatres NOW to experience Wreck-It Ralph yourself.

 

Nicelanders celebrating in Wreck-It Ralph

 

Disclosure: I was provided a free screening of the film, and also attended a free screening held by the Disney Parks Blog. My opinions are my own and unaffected by this. It’s just that great!

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Official Disney, Reviews Tagged With: ABK48, arcade games, bad guys, Bad Guys Anonymous, D23, Disney parks, Felix, Fix-It Felix, Litwak's Arcade, movie review, niceland, Q*bert, Ralph, skrillex, sugar rush, Sugar Rush Theme Song, Vanellope Von Schweets, video game characters, Wreck-It Ralph review, Wreck-it-Ralph

Frighteningly Fun Disney Halloween Crafts and Recipes You Must See!

27 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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halloween-wreck-it-ralph-pumpkin-carving-template-printable-photo
Wreck-It Ralph Pumpkin Carving Template

Halloween is right around the corner and if you are in need of inspiration, you need go no further than Spoonful.com and Babble.com for an unending supply of spooky crafts, recipes, costumes and party ideas – many with a Disney theme too! Take a look at these frighteningly fun Halloween tips and tricks:

 

Get in the ghostly spirit with these dreadfully adorable decorations, including recycled spirit jugs,  haunted glassware, pumpkin carving templates, and more.

Balance out the candy consumption without sacrificing any Halloween fun by serving up hauntingly healthy snacks like carrot fingers, pizza mummies  and more.

Whether you’re making dinner or dessert, dishes like mummy meatloaf, monster toe hot dogs and creepy cupcakes are devilishly delicious.
mickey-pumpkins-recipe-photoStay in a scary state-of-mind all month long with “31 Days of Disney Halloween”, featuring:

  • Disney-themed costumes and accessories
  • Crafts like Mickey’s pumpkin patch and Tinkerbell’s Halloween ghost
  • Recipes for mummy Mickey and Jack Skellington cupcakes, and poison apple cookies!

 

Dread decorating? Check out these 10 simple Halloween decorations like hanging cheesecloth ghosts and masked picture frames that even a zombie could perfect! Continue the creepy crafting with wickedly simple projects like ghostly tree lights, lanterns, and even fruit!

Hocus Pocus Halloween recipesTerrified there’s not enough time to create an awesome (and affordable) costume for your child? Check out these options that can be assembled at the last minute such as a lumberjack, Clark Kent and even Dwight from The Office . Also take a peek at this video for low-key, yet spoo-key ideas for adults.

Stand out from every other haunted house on the block with over 25 unique Halloween party ideas including pumpkin balloon darts, mystery bowls, pumpkin bowling and more!

What’s better than a little food and fright? Get some tasty inspirations from your favorite fright-tastic films, including classics like Hocus Pocus and The Exorcist as well as more recent thrillers such as Zombieland and many others!

I love this Haunted Fairy Cottage made out of a pumpkin too! So many wonderful ideas, time to get crafting!

haunted-pumpkin-cottage-halloween-craft

Find even more on Spoonful.com and Babble.com!

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Official Disney Tagged With: apple cookies, babble.com, cheesecloth ghosts, dessert dishes, disney costumes, Disney crafts, Disney Halloween, disney theme, family crafts, halloween crafts, Halloween decorations, halloween fun, halloween ghost, halloween ideas, halloween party ideas, halloween tips, healthy snacks, Jack Skellington, poison apple, pumpkin balloon, pumpkin carving template, spooky crafts, spoonfull.com, Wreck-it Ralph pumpkin, Wreck-it-Ralph

DJ Skrillex to Make Cameo Appearance in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph

20 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Wreck-It Ralph Q*bert movie posterMy musical tastes have always been varied and eclectic, a trait which I am happy my 13 year-old has inherited as well. He loves most genres, but has been focused on dubsteb and club music for the last couple of years, even creating his own mixes and writing original music, when he’s not drumming for school. So we were both excited to learn that Skrillex would be working on the soundtrack for the upcoming Disney 3-D feature Wreck-It Ralph. This morning he let me know of an article he read noting a cameo Skrillex will have in the film. (I love when my kids give me blogging ideas!) I thought I’d share it here for the fans that may be interested – from the UK dance and club music site MixMag:

Disney aren’t strangers to grabbing hot DJ talent to cameo in their movies off the back of the soundtrack. Back in 2011 they got Daft Punk. Now it seems Skrillex is stepping into Disney-land.

A couple of months ago Mixmag reported that Skrillex would score some of the soundtrack to Disney’s upcoming animated feature Wreck It Ralph.

After Total Film magazine watched 30 minutes of the new film, it has emerged that Skrillex is not only providing the music but also lending his vocal talents and likeness to star in a cameo role.

Clark Spencer, the film’s producer, spoke about how Skrillex went from EDM superstar to Disney cartoon. “We went to him first and said, ‘Hey, we have this party scene in the world of Fix It Felix Jr, and we have a DJ and we think it would make a nice cameo if we put you into it.’ And he was ecstatic,” he said.

“We built his model, we put on his look, and we sent it to him to have him give us comments. And he said he would never wear non-black tennis shoes. He said ‘My tennis shoes will always be black’. So we changed the tennis shoes to black.

“You don’t see them in the film, as he’s behind the DJ booth, but they were in the model. He has seen the animation, and he’s very, very excited about it.” (see full article here)

See the new Wreck-It Ralph trailer here (I love that they added music from one of my favorite bands, fun. Yay!):

 


I know I’ll be looking for his cameo, I’m almost excited about this as I am seeing Q*bert again! Wreck-It Ralph opens nationwide on November 2, 2012. What are you most excited to see in Wreck-It Ralph?

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Filed Under: Disney News, Movies & Books Tagged With: cameo role, club music, daft punk, Disney Animation Studios, DJ, dub steb, fun. Skrillex cameo in Wreck-It Ralph, Q*bert, skrillex, Skrillex soundtrack, Walt Disney Animation, Wreck-it-Ralph, Wreck-it-Ralph trailer

Wreck-it-Ralph Trailer Debuts – Old School Gamers Rejoice!

6 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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Wreck-it-Ralph one sheetWe first caught the trailer and some behind-the-scenes info for Wreck-it-Ralph at last year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim and I fell in love. As a little girl who grew up with Atari 2600 and spent many a day playing Centipede, Donkey Kong, Pac Man and more in arcades, the storyline appealed to me instantly. Throw in some appearances by Q*Bert (I was SO addicted to that game!) and more classic video game characters, and you’ve got millions of kids from the 80’s ready to “press play” on this film.

 

Here’s the official synopsis from Walt Disney Animation Studios:

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore (TV’s “The Simpsons,” “Futurama”) take moviegoers on a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping journey in “Wreck-It Ralph.” Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” “Step Brothers”) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock”), the “good guy” star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he’s tired of playing the role of a bad guy.  He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

Wreck-it-Ralph's Sugar Rush
The land of Sugar Rush

 

On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch, TV’s “Glee”) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty. But it’s the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman, “The Sarah Silverman Program”) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade.  Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it’s too late?  “Wreck-It Ralph” crashes onto the big screen on November 2, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

 

Wreck-it-Ralph
Q*Bert!! - The newest image released of the film

Walt Disney Animation Studios released the first official trailer today so now everyone can see the genius that is Wreck-it-Ralph – check it out!

 

What did you think? I love it!

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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney News, Movies & Books Tagged With: 8-bit, animation studios, atari 2600, classic video game, Disney, Disney trailers, jack mcbrayer, john c reilly, movie trailers, q bert, Sarah Silverman, sugar rush, trailers, video game characters, Walt Disney Animation, Wreck-it-Ralph, Wreck-it-Ralph first images, Wreck-it-Ralph trailer

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