Disney's Alice in Wonderland to be Released to IMAX(R) 3D Theatres March 5, 2010

Mark your calendar!

One of the most anticipated movies (at least for many Disney fans) has a release date! Here's the press release:

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today announced that Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen and Mia Wasikowska as Alice, will be released to IMAX(R) theatres simultaneously with the film's wide release on March 5, 2010. The special IMAX(R) 3D release will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. This is the third film confirmed out of the five-film agreement between IMAX and Disney, which was announced on November 19, 2008.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark Zoradi, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group, said, "If ever there was a film that cried out to be presented in Disney Digital 3D(TM) and the premium IMAX 3D format, Tim Burton's fantastic interpretation of Alice in Wonderland is that film. This is going to be an eye-popping cinematic experience as Tim takes moviegoers down the rabbit hole and into the dimensional world filled with incredible characters, sly humor, and wild adventures. Disney's partnership with IMAX is taking shape with two amazing films already on the schedule. We look forward to working with them in bringing exciting new experiences and quality entertainment to IMAX screens around the world."

"We think that Disney's new Alice in Wonderland is exactly the type of 3D story telling that will resonate with IMAX audiences," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We believe our worldwide commercial theatre network will be approximately 50 percent larger by the time this film is released, giving more and more people a chance to experience the magic of Disney in IMAX."

"Alice in Wonderland is a fantastic addition to our 2010 film slate," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Combining a beloved Disney classic re-designed through the imagination of Tim Burton's creative vision with these incredibly outrageous characters and world class actors certainly makes for an event-status film, and we're pleased to add another level of excitement to this highly-anticipated movie."

Visionary filmmaker Tim Burton will put his distinctive touch on the combination live-action and performance capture version of Lewis Carroll's classic tale "Alice in Wonderland." The all-star cast includes Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Crispin Glover, Alan Rickman and Mia Wasikowska as Alice.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX ExperienceÒ. IMAX's renowned projectors display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens, and the IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of December 31, 2008, there were 351 IMAX theatres operating in 42 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), The IMAX 3D Experience(R), and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include ongoing discussions with the SEC and OSC relating to their ongoing inquiries and the Company's accounting, the performance of films, the signing of theatre system agreements, the viability of new technologies, businesses and products, the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format, general commercial exhibition and out-of-home entertainment markets. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.


SOURCE IMAX Corporation

There is zero question that I'll be seeing it in 3D.

Zz.

It's The Dog! It's All Due To The Dog!

An interesting quote from The Daily Show on Jan 28, 2009 made by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson:

People are crazy, and I think it's the dog. I blame it on the dog because people in Europe don't behave this way.

He was, of course, commenting on why so many Americans were so upset at the demotion of Pluto from planet status.

I wonder what dog he is blaming......... :) :)

Here's the video:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Neil deGrasse Tyson
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Of course, it doesn't help that we get heart-tugging posters like this when Pluto was demoted.



Zz.

I Did It!

I finally did it! I took the plunge and became a D23 charter member yesterday. I just couldn't resist it even though in the back of my mind, I didn't think the whole thing was such a good deal, at least, not for $75.

There is a substantial risk with D23 that Disney could not only alienate loyal fans, but also get bad publicity out of it. So even with the launching of it during this bad economy and Disney cutting back on expenses, the club better deliver a lot of perks for members, especially those that cannot attend the D23 Expo in Sept. of this year. Without such perks, these members will not get the bang for their buck, and that's the quickest way to send something like this into oblivion.

So I'm giving D23 a chance. I'm already a DVC member and an annual passholder. What can D23 do to impress me?

Zz.

Update on our Disney Pins

So it has been a while since I mentioned about our Disney pin collection. It has gone through a few major revamp. Since my last reports, we have stopped collecting attraction pins and most holidays pins except for Halloween and Christmas. All of those pins that we no longer collected (including a few valuable Piece of History pins) are either in our trading books, or have already been traded. We did this because we were just running out of space to display all of our pins. Besides, it was time to really limit what we collect.

Donald and duck pins are still our #1 collection, and it has gotten bigger since. Complete sets and theme park icons pins have also gotten big. However, while we eliminated a few themes, we also added a few more, but we're hoping the number of pins for these won't be as big. We have started collecting Disney Imagineering pins, but only those that can be part of sets, preferably complete sets. We also started collecting Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror pins, but not religiously, meaning we'll only collect them if they make complete sets, or if they look good. The one thing that we did start that could balloon very quickly is the Chip 'N Dale pins. This could turn out to be a big one because there's a huge amount of Chip 'N Dale pins out there. Luckily, so far, we have resisted getting every single Chip 'N Dale pins that we come across, and only collect those that actually are very cute, or funny, or beautiful. So for now, the collection is still small, but it can easily explode very quickly if we're not careful.

I've updated the pictures of our pins that we have on display. The Donald (and ducks) pins dominate our collection, obviously. It is still our #1 collection and it is the only one where we try to get our hands on every single pin that we come across.

Still, if someone were to ask me what is my most favorite set of pins, I'd say it would be the Nightmare Before Christmas Imagineering pins set, and I don't even collect Nightmare Before Christmas pins! It is just the design of it that is so impressive and gorgeous that I can't help collect them. These pins are definitely made for display. This framed pin sets below also has the Imagineering Haunted Mansion pins, which are also gorgeous.



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Not many people ride the AstroOrbiter, but it truly offers one of the most spectacular view of The Magic Kingdom.



Zz.

Jungle Cruise Skippers From Disney Parks Meet At Tokyo Disneyland

Whoa! I would love to have been at Tokyo Disneyland for this.

As part of Tokyo Disneyland's 25th Anniversary, 2 skippers from each of the Jungle Cruise attraction from all the Disney theme parks get to represent their home theme parks for a few days at Tokyo Disneyland. This is so cool!

Cast members Beth Schafer and Alex Williams represented the Magic Kingdom this month at a global gathering of skippers as part of Tokyo Disney's 25th anniversary celebration. In Japan, Jungle Cruise is extremely popular, Schafer said.

"To them, it has this weird almost cult-classic following," she said. "When they heard that Jungle Cruise skippers from around the world were coming — and we were billed as the best from around the world — they just thought it was the greatest thing."

The enthusiastic response included autograph requests and long lines forming for rides.

It would be interesting to see how they overcome the language and cultural barrier because I can easily that the Japanese may not get the point of some of the puns. Still, with all the wonderful skippers from all around the world, I'd say everyone will come out ahead.

Zz.

John Lasseter Talks About Disney's Bolt

Magical Mountain has a very informative interview with John Lasseter on "Bolt" and its rather "tumultuous" history that required a name change from "American Dog" to the removal of the original director.

I find each one of John Lasseter interviews to be quite entertaining to read. I'm sure it would be even more entertaining to hear it in person, but hey, you get what you get.

Zz.

A Magical Surprise

Awwwwwww! A made-for-Disney surprise proposal!



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"Why I Prefer Disneyland to Disney World"

Before I get hate mail, this "I" refers to a Salt Lake Tribune columnist, NOT ME! So back off!!!

:)

Issues like this always brings out the worst in Disney fans. For some odd reason, there is a need to actually either tout "my park is better than the rest" attitude, or the need to bash one park more than others. I've always stated that I'd rather be at a Disney theme park on any given day (yes, even California Adventure) than most anywhere else! So let's get that out of the way first.

There's nothing really one can argue about preferences for one park over the other. It's like arguing about one's favorite color. There are, however, a couple of issues that I don't quite agree with the writer.

It's purely subjective, but I also did not find the "cast members," as Disney likes to call its employees, quite as helpful or friendly in Florida as they were in California.

I do not find this to be true in general based on MY personal experience. I remember being "brushed off" when I asked a cast member at DL about DVC pins. And get this. DL cast members cannot be forced to wear pin lanyards, or participate in pin trading with guests. I was told that that was part of their labor agreement.

This is why it was extremely difficult to find cast members wearing lanyards, and it is extremely difficult to find DL cast lanyard pins. So what does that tell me? It tells me that these cast members prefers NOT to interact with the guests. I mean, think about it. If I am a cast member and I'm doing some menial job, I would CHOOSE to wear a cast lanyard because guests would at least now pay attention to me just to see what I'm wearing and possibly do a trade. I know that when I walk into a WDW theme park, I pay attention to ALL cast members, no matter what their job is, because I know everyone from the cleaning crew to quick service push-cart cast members could be wearing a lanyard full of pins that I want. I would think that these cast members would welcome guests interactions (if they're friendly) that breaks the monotony of the job.

So the fact that the DL labor agree allows them to opt out of wearing one, and the fact that as a result, you don't see them wearing one, tells me that they'd rather not interact with the guests. So who's "friendlier"?

The biggest reason I like Disneyland and California Adventure is that they are smaller. That makes rides and attractions easier to access, a definite bonus when you are spending 12-hour days with younger children. Three days is probably too short a time to spend at Disney World. But a family can see most of what Disneyland and California Adventure have to offer in two days, making the trip more affordable and shorter.

But the fact that it IS big is the very reason why I like it!

The last time I was at DL, I stayed at the Marriot Courtyard on S. Harbor Blvd., just across from DL. It's literally crawling distance from the entrance. So how did I get there? I walked across the street, and BAM! I was there! While this is certainly convenient, even as I walked through the gates into DL, I still can't help thinking that it was just a few minutes ago that I left "real world" where there was someone on the sidewalk peddling some homemade music CD and other stuff. Reality was still lingering with me as I walked down Main Street. There wasn't this "buffer zone" that forced me to think that I'm leaving real world and was now going to some place magical. It was too quick and too abrupt of a transition.

This is not the case with WDW. Getting to the theme parks can be tedious, especially if you stay off-site. But this "travel" forced you to think that you are going to some place "far" away and magical. The roads, boats, monorail, etc. are the buffer zones between reality and fantasy. It isn't across the street, but it is someplace you have to get to, both physically and mentally.

So while this writer thinks that the size is what works against WDW, I'd say that it is the size that works for me and accomplishes what it is supposed to do.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

At Disney's Animal Kingdom.



Zz.

A Sneak Peek at Disneyland's "Celebrate"

This article presents a sneak peek at "Celebrate! A Street Party", which will debut this Friday at Disneyland.

The show — and yes, it’s more a series of performance show stops than a traditional marching parade — seems the perfect anecdote for these dire economic times. A no-frills performance low on costly gadgetry and theatrics and high on affordable energy and fun. Call it a recession-era jolt of glitz, glam, vamp and camp with just a bit of retro-1970s cheese thrown in for seasoning. Dare I say it was even a tad bit hip and sexy, with the sequined-skirted female dancers high-kicking and back-flipping in a way that could only seem risqué if you filtered the scene through a Disney lens.
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The parade will be held twice on busy days at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and once on slower days at 7 p.m.

I guess this replaces the daytime parade.

Zz.

Random WDW Pictures

Lights on the ground at Epcot's Future World.





Zz.

Biggest Character Breakfast Ever?

{Thanks to Patti for the link}

Not sure if it is the biggest ever, but it is certainly humongous! This lucky family won this character breakfast as part of the Year of a Million Dreams, which is now over.



It looks like a lot of fun. I love character dining, so this certainly looks quite enjoyable.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

This was my most favorite shot from last year's Flower and Garden Festival.



Zz.

Dole Whip Pin Update 2

Here's another Chip 'N Dale dole whip pin update. If you've missed it, read my previous blog entries on my quest to collect as many of this cast lanyard pin as I can get my hands on.

After yesterday's Windy City Pin Trader monthly pin meet, I have increased my collection of this pin. I'm up to 26 pins so far.



Most of my friends, and certainly my pin friends, help me with my quest. They either point out the dole whip pins to me when they see one, or they try to get those pins for me. So this is almost like a group project as well. :)

The quest continues....

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

This, of course, is from SpectroMagic parade at MK.



The multi-colored light saber is not part of the parade. :)

Zz.

"Up" Will Premier At Cannes

In another brilliant move by Disney and Pixar, "Up" will make its premier at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. It will also make history as being the first ever 3D showing at the festival.

There is still no decision if it will be part of the competition.

Zz.

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora Partners with Disney

Celebrity and Food Network's Iron Chef Cat Cora will open a restaurant at WDW. The Disney-run Mediterranean-themed restaurant will be named Kouzzina and will open at the Boardwalk, replacing Spoodles.

She says the new restaurant will feature "time-honored recipes passed down from my ancestors, as well as my favorite Greek and Mediterranean dishes that my family loves."

I love Mediterranean dishes, so this is really right up my alley. However, there's very little info on this restaurant. We don't know the estimated date on when it will be open, other than Fall of this year, and we don't know if, just like Spoodles, it will be a 1 table service point for someone on the Disney Dining Plan. That area already has a 2-point table service restaurant with the Flying Fish. I can't see them opening another 2-point restaurant.

Here's the full press release:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Chef Cat Cora and Disney are joining together to open an exciting new family dining restaurant at Disney's BoardWalk Resort. Kouzzina by Cat Cora will feature a menu of Mediterranean-style cuisine that pays tribute to the chef's Greek roots.

The restaurant, to be owned and operated by Disney, is scheduled to open by fall 2009 in the space currently occupied by Spoodles.

"I am pleased to welcome Cat Cora and her engaging new concept for Kouzzina to the Walt Disney World Resort," said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "This collaboration between Cat and Disney represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to offer unique culinary experiences and choices for our guests."

As a Mississippi native born to a family of Greek restaurateurs, Cora grew up immersed in two different and flavorful cultures, and has taken from that unique background the kitchen "know-how" handed down through generations. The cuisine at Kouzzina (Greek for "kitchen" and pronounced "koo-zee-nah") will showcase Mediterranean cuisine and Chef Cora's philosophy to create simple yet sensational meals.

Cora said that the new restaurant will feature "time-honored recipes passed down from my ancestors, as well as my favorite Greek and Mediterranean dishes that my family loves."

She began working with Disney in 2008 by creating a Disney Video on Demand series to showcase ways to help families develop more healthy eating habits. "I'm extremely excited about this latest extension of my relationship with Disney," she said. "Together, we're going to develop a truly amazing contemporary Mediterranean restaurant."

The first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's hit show "Iron Chef America," Cora is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She also is Executive Chef for Bon Appetit magazine. In addition to hosting the instructional cooking demonstrations for Disney Video on Demand, Cora has been a featured chef at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and at Disney's California Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort.

Zz.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milk Shake

Here's an instruction video on how to make the peanut butter and jelly milk shake that is served at the 50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios.



I have been told that I've eaten in this establishment, but for the life of me, I cannot remember the experience, which means that I've only been to this place only once. If I can't remember it, it wasn't memorable enough, I suppose. It also means that I've never had this milk shake, at least not that I can remember.

Sigh... the mind is always the first thing to go, isn't it?

Zz.

Official Trailer of the Haunted Mansion at WDW

More "Official Trailer" from Disney Parks. This time it is the Haunted Mansion at WDW.



Zz.