High-Def Digest has the first look at the box art for the upcoming Blu-Ray release of Snow White. The article has links to previous known specs of the disk.
Considering that this is such a landmark movie for the Walt Disney company, I would think that it would get the same loving treatment as Sleeping Beauty, if not more. I am ready to toss out the DVD version of Snow White in anticipation of the Blu-ray release, which hopefully will also contain the standard DVD version.
Zz.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Disney Expert Uses Science to Draw Boy Viewers
Such close study can start to sound a bit spooky, but sometime that's what you got to do to research what needs to be done.
This NY Times article highlights the "research" that Disney did in its attempt to capture the market of boys in the 6 to 14 age range, a segment of the population that has been rather weak for Disney. So far, it has resulted in the DisneyXD channel, which is only the beginning of its campaign.
I suppose if you are willing to invest into something, you might as well get as much information before hand on how to proceed and know your target audience.
Zz.
This NY Times article highlights the "research" that Disney did in its attempt to capture the market of boys in the 6 to 14 age range, a segment of the population that has been rather weak for Disney. So far, it has resulted in the DisneyXD channel, which is only the beginning of its campaign.
Ms. Peña and her team of anthropologists have spent 18 months peering inside the heads of incommunicative boys in search of just that kind of psychological nugget. Disney is relying on her insights to create new entertainment for boys 6 to 14, a group that Disney used to own way back in the days of “Davy Crockett” but that has wandered in the age of more girl-friendly Disney fare like “Hannah Montana.”
.
.
.
The people on Ms. Peña’s team have anthropology and psychology backgrounds, but she majored in journalism and never saw herself working with children. Indeed, her training in consumer research came from working for a hotel operator of riverboat casinos.
“Children seemed to open up to me,” said Ms. Peña, who does not have any of her own.
Sometimes the research is conducted in groups; sometimes it involves Ms. Peña’s going shopping with a teenage boy and his mother (and perhaps a videographer). The subjects, who are randomly selected by a market research company, are never told that Disney is the one studying them. The children are paid $75.
I suppose if you are willing to invest into something, you might as well get as much information before hand on how to proceed and know your target audience.
Zz.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saw "Up" in 3D
Well, not the whole movie, obviously.
We went to see "Monsters vs. Aliens" in 3D over the weekend. It wasn't a bad movie, worth a few chuckles here and there. Still, can we have a moratorium on aliens from another world that have the street savvy or can speak street language of people here on Earth? It's getting to be freaking annoying.
Anyway, this isn't a review of the movie. What was fascinating was the trailers shown before the movie, several of them in 3D. Of course, one of them was a trailer of "Up". I have only one thing to say about it: SPECTACULAR!
I'm already salivating for the day it will be released, and this trailer does nothing but simply adds to my giddiness to see this movie. I can feel it in my bones that this is going to be VERY good.
Zz.
We went to see "Monsters vs. Aliens" in 3D over the weekend. It wasn't a bad movie, worth a few chuckles here and there. Still, can we have a moratorium on aliens from another world that have the street savvy or can speak street language of people here on Earth? It's getting to be freaking annoying.
Anyway, this isn't a review of the movie. What was fascinating was the trailers shown before the movie, several of them in 3D. Of course, one of them was a trailer of "Up". I have only one thing to say about it: SPECTACULAR!
I'm already salivating for the day it will be released, and this trailer does nothing but simply adds to my giddiness to see this movie. I can feel it in my bones that this is going to be VERY good.
Zz.
Picnic in Disney's Animal Kingdom
OK, this is such a good idea considering that it is Animal Kingdom. Disney is rolling out another way for you to have your meals at DAK - a picnic!
I will have to check what areas they are designating as picnic areas. I may be tempted enough to do this next time we are there.
Zz.
Under the plan, guests pre-order picnics in front of Animal Kingdom's guest-relations office or at the Tusker House Restaurant and then pick them up at their chosen time (as long as it is no earlier than two hours after the order is placed) at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery next to Tusker House. They then head for one of 14 designated picnic spots around the park
The picnics feature either sandwiches or rotisserie chicken or ham, one or more sides, desserts and bottles of water. Each comes in a reusable bag with plates, utensils and a map marked with the picnic locations.
Prices start at $24.99 plus tax for a sandwich meal for three and range as high as $56.99 plus tax for a rotisserie meal for six.
I will have to check what areas they are designating as picnic areas. I may be tempted enough to do this next time we are there.
Zz.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Characters In Flight - Views From The Top
As expected, there are already pictures and videos of the new Characters In Flight, the new hot air balloon ride at Downtown Disney's West Side. Thanks to OrlandoCentral for the video.
I hope to get to do this when we get there next in late June.
Zz.
I hope to get to do this when we get there next in late June.
Zz.
Remy at Chefs de France
Courtesy of TheDisneyBlog, here's a video of Remy's appearance at Chefs de France.
This may push me over the edge and forces me to make a reservation there. :)
Zz.
This may push me over the edge and forces me to make a reservation there. :)
Zz.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Disney Films Undermines Effort On Children's Personal Safety?
More psychoanalysis of Disney's movies and the possible impact on children. This time, some scholars are claiming that many Disney movies give the wrong type of response to unwanted physical contact on children by adults.
I suppose I shouldn't say anything more since I haven't read the paper. However, I will say that one can make any kind of assertion one wants, but it is another thing to show that A causes B. Disney movies have been around for such a long time, including the ones being studied here. If one were to argue that such movies put kids in jeopardy, then one would think that there have been already MANY instances where one can point to as solid evidence that, yes, Disney movies did contribute to such-and-such incident. After all, there have been thousands, if not millions, of children who grew up with many of these Disney movies. Do they have solid evidence that there were a lot of child abuse incidents in which there is a direct correlation and causation evidence that it was the influence of these movies that contributed to such abuse?
It is one thing to hypothesize these things. It is another to show evidence.
Zz.
The research, published in the journal Child Abuse, was conducted by a team of psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists at Carleton University, in Canada.
The academics wrote that they were "surprised to find depictions of children being touched, usually by adults, contrary to the expressed desires of the child".
They studied 47 animated feature length Disney films, released between 1937 and 2006. In ten of them, they found examples of "unwanted personal contact" or scenes which show child characters in "risky situations".
I suppose I shouldn't say anything more since I haven't read the paper. However, I will say that one can make any kind of assertion one wants, but it is another thing to show that A causes B. Disney movies have been around for such a long time, including the ones being studied here. If one were to argue that such movies put kids in jeopardy, then one would think that there have been already MANY instances where one can point to as solid evidence that, yes, Disney movies did contribute to such-and-such incident. After all, there have been thousands, if not millions, of children who grew up with many of these Disney movies. Do they have solid evidence that there were a lot of child abuse incidents in which there is a direct correlation and causation evidence that it was the influence of these movies that contributed to such abuse?
It is one thing to hypothesize these things. It is another to show evidence.
Zz.
Brad Garrett at "Finding Nemo"
Actor Brad Garrett meets the actors at "Finding Nemo - The Musical" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Zz.
Zz.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Mouse Is No Louse--Buy Disney
Despite all the bashing that the Disney stocks had taken over the past few months, and with these so-called analysts downgrading Disney stocks, here's something from Forbes.com that has a very clear and simple messge: "Buy Disney".
I see the drop in the price of Disney stocks as an opportunity to buy more stocks in the company.
Zz.
"The Disney name is one of the world's most recognized brands across all of its major business segments," says George Putnam, editor of the Turnaround Letter. "While the company's financial results have been hurt temporarily by the global economic weakness, we believe it is well positioned to prosper again when economic conditions improve."
I see the drop in the price of Disney stocks as an opportunity to buy more stocks in the company.
Zz.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Disneyland's "It's A Small World" Redux
The issue and passion surrounding the changes made to Disneyland's "It's a Small World" doesn't seem to want to go away. As you recall, many Disney fans were up in arms with the addition of Disney characters into the attraction.
Well now, here's another reason to douse that flame of anger. Jim Hill has an article that included an interview with one of the original designer of that attraction. Alice Davis, who was one of the designer of the original attraction, doesn't have a problem with it.
I would say that if there is anyone who knows about Mary Blair and knows about the attraction intimately, it is her. With this interview, I would find it very hard to be convinced of all the statements from various Disney "fans" about the desecration of It's A Small World. Those things just right hollow now, or at the very least, carry less weight. Alice Davis' statements certainly has the tone of telling these fans to get over it and go on with their lives.
Zz.
Well now, here's another reason to douse that flame of anger. Jim Hill has an article that included an interview with one of the original designer of that attraction. Alice Davis, who was one of the designer of the original attraction, doesn't have a problem with it.
A lot of people decided before they even rode the revised version of 'it’s a small world' that they were going to hate it. Well, to them I say, 'Get a key and open your minds.''
Kim Irvine did a wonderful job here and the general public needs to understand & appreciate that. Sure, this was a project that was started by a committee. But that committee was smart enough to hand this project off to an artist who actually understood this attraction and really respected the people who originally created 'it’s a small world.' Which is why this redo turned out as well as it did.
I would say that if there is anyone who knows about Mary Blair and knows about the attraction intimately, it is her. With this interview, I would find it very hard to be convinced of all the statements from various Disney "fans" about the desecration of It's A Small World. Those things just right hollow now, or at the very least, carry less weight. Alice Davis' statements certainly has the tone of telling these fans to get over it and go on with their lives.
Zz.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
GM and Segway Unveil PUMA
I read about this new 2-seater vehicles this morning, and I had some nagging thing in the back of my head that kinda made me think there's something familiar about this, but I didn't make the connection till just now.
So GM and Segway are teaming up to make this rather "cute" vehicles that people can get around in. Think of it as a longer-range Segway where you can relax and sit down. It also has all the stuff to prevent crashing, etc.
So when I read it this morning, I kept thinking "Hum... why does this look familiar?" I didn't think anymore about it till I read this blog and voila! There's the Disney connection!! It's those hover chairs in Wall-E!!
:)
Zz.
So GM and Segway are teaming up to make this rather "cute" vehicles that people can get around in. Think of it as a longer-range Segway where you can relax and sit down. It also has all the stuff to prevent crashing, etc.
Coined P.U.M.A (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), the vehicle features an OnStar wireless communication system that lets people communicate and locate each other in a city. Reportedly, the vehicle can also detect and automatically avoid other moving vehicles and people in its path.
So when I read it this morning, I kept thinking "Hum... why does this look familiar?" I didn't think anymore about it till I read this blog and voila! There's the Disney connection!! It's those hover chairs in Wall-E!!
GM's announcement comes a day after Ohio State released a study that found 20 percent of preschoolers are obese. I know the mega-corporation lampooned in Disney's Wall-E was meant to be Walmart, but GM seems to be moving us a step closer to the Axiom Hover Chairs that make physical activity quaint.
:)
Zz.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Wall Street and Toy Retailers are Down on "Up"?
I will echo what was said in this article. I read it with "extreme irritation".
This news article describes how Wall Street and toy retailers are not that keen on the upcoming Disney-Pixar release of "Up".
My question is, how is his batting average when compared to Pixar?
Bob Iger had a dead-on response for such nonsense regarding the lack of franchise/merchandising ability of "Up":
AMEN!
Considering how dumb Wall Street has been lately, I don't think they should be telling someone else how to do business. They somehow forgot that the reason for Pixar's sucess IS by going beyond business models and going after the creativity aspect of it, NOT by putting commercialization and merchandise aspect ahead of everything else.
How DUMB can you get and still not realize it?!
Zz.
This news article describes how Wall Street and toy retailers are not that keen on the upcoming Disney-Pixar release of "Up".
Some industry watchers, a few of them still griping about the hefty $9 billion that Disney paid for Pixar in 2006, are fretting about the film’s commercial potential, particularly when it comes to benefiting other Disney businesses.
Richard Greenfield of Pali Research downgraded Disney shares to sell last month, citing a poor outlook for “Up” as a reason. “We doubt younger boys will be that excited by the main character,” he wrote, adding a complaint about the lack of a female lead.
My question is, how is his batting average when compared to Pixar?
Bob Iger had a dead-on response for such nonsense regarding the lack of franchise/merchandising ability of "Up":
Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chief executive, responded, “We seek to make great films first. If a great film gives birth to a franchise, we are the first company to leverage such success. A check-the-boxes approach to creativity is more likely to result in blandness and failure.”
AMEN!
Considering how dumb Wall Street has been lately, I don't think they should be telling someone else how to do business. They somehow forgot that the reason for Pixar's sucess IS by going beyond business models and going after the creativity aspect of it, NOT by putting commercialization and merchandise aspect ahead of everything else.
How DUMB can you get and still not realize it?!
Zz.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Another Make-A-Wish Comes True
Another deserving kid going to Disney World sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention this again. If you can spare some cash, Make-A-Wish Foundation is such a worthy cause. It doesn't cure cancer or any other diseases, but the joy and happiness that these kids get, to do what they had wished for, is just precious.
Our group of pin traders here in the Chicagoland area, The Windy City Pin Traders (WCPT), periodically rally behind one of these Make-A-Wish kid and send them things like lanyards, pins, autograph books, etc. for them to take to a Disney theme park to do pin trading, get autographs, etc. It added to their experience and got them even more excited for their trip. Our latest effort, thanks to Patti, is a kid in Canada who, if things goes well, should either already be at WDW, or had come back. I think we got a lot of pins and lanyards not only for him, but for his siblings as well who were going with him.
We hope to continue with this effort.
Zz.
On Friday, Timothy celebrated with his classmates at Hephzibah Elementary School.
The fourth-grader's sarcoma is in remission, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation is fulfilling his wish to see Disney World and Mickey Mouse, his favorite Disney character.
I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention this again. If you can spare some cash, Make-A-Wish Foundation is such a worthy cause. It doesn't cure cancer or any other diseases, but the joy and happiness that these kids get, to do what they had wished for, is just precious.
Our group of pin traders here in the Chicagoland area, The Windy City Pin Traders (WCPT), periodically rally behind one of these Make-A-Wish kid and send them things like lanyards, pins, autograph books, etc. for them to take to a Disney theme park to do pin trading, get autographs, etc. It added to their experience and got them even more excited for their trip. Our latest effort, thanks to Patti, is a kid in Canada who, if things goes well, should either already be at WDW, or had come back. I think we got a lot of pins and lanyards not only for him, but for his siblings as well who were going with him.
We hope to continue with this effort.
Zz.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
ShoWest Shows Big Sequels
The ShoWest Convention attendees in Las Vegas got to hear about several major sequels and movies coming in the next several months. Among them, of course, are the upcoming releases from Disney.
Here's another preview of "Up". I just can't wait for it to be here already.
Zz.
Two films that are being converted into 3-D are the Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," which will be re-released for a special two-week double-feature run in October, whetting the public's appetite for next year's "Toy Story 3."
Zoradi also screened a few minutes of another animated classic that was chosen for the 3-D treatment, "The Beauty and the Beast," to be released in time for Valentine's Day 2010. Other 3-D clips screened included "Tron 2," the eye-popping sequel to the 1982 cult hit, and a series of shorts in advance of "Cars 2" called "Car Toons." The bespectacled audience was likewise enthralled by the first 47 minutes of Pixar's latest movie "Up" -- the first flick from that studio to make the leap to 3-D.
Here's another preview of "Up". I just can't wait for it to be here already.
Zz.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
More "I'm Going To Disney World!"
"Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, you're about to be indicted by the Grand Jury for corruption. What I you going to do now?"
"I'm going to Walt Disney World!"
The former and disgraced governor of Illinois is at WDW right now with his kids. Probably the kids are on Spring Break or something. The only thing that would complete this would be:
"Michael Vick, you've just been released from prison for animal abuse! What are you going to do now?"
"I'm going to Walt Disney World!"
Just don't get too close to Pluto, Michael. That's my advice.
Zz.
"I'm going to Walt Disney World!"
The former and disgraced governor of Illinois is at WDW right now with his kids. Probably the kids are on Spring Break or something. The only thing that would complete this would be:
"Michael Vick, you've just been released from prison for animal abuse! What are you going to do now?"
"I'm going to Walt Disney World!"
Just don't get too close to Pluto, Michael. That's my advice.
Zz.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
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