DIS PIX FIX

Ready to Upgrade your Lady and the Tramp?

2012-02-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

That's How You Know

2012-01-27T08:27:00.001-08:00

Thought about this song this morning and wanted to share it. Enjoy.

yensiD: Looking Back at Disney

2012-01-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

This article by The Huffington Post is a very interesting read and takes a look back at attractions that Disney World needed to replace. Be sure to check out the old promo spot video from the 1980's!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/13/disney-world-lost-rides-and-attractions_n_1204873.html?ref=travel

Beast Transformation Pencil

2012-01-11T07:17:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you but I just love this stuff. Came across this on You Tube and wanted to share it. I think that it's on one of the DVDs.

Enjoy.

Donald Fix and Contest Reminder

2012-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

Little video from You Tube.

And don't forget your daily entry into the current Disney Sweepstakes.

One More Disney Day Sweepstakes

Western River Expedition Virtual Ridethrough

2011-12-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

At D23 this year(2011) there was a presentation giving details of the Western River Expedition. This was the attraction that was to be built in Walt Disney World instead of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

When Walt Disney World first opened there was an outcry from park patrons for the Pirates attraction to be built in the Florida park.

So the Western River Expedition was scrapped in favor of Pirates.

I had heard that a detailed "ride-through" presentation had been given at D23 but was unable to find a video anywhere online...until today. Here's the video giving some fun details of that lost attraction.

And here's a link to an Article that I wrote a few years ago about the Western River Expedition.

Lady and the Tramp makes a come back!

2011-12-14T18:30:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, you have almost finished your Christmas shopping, but aren't thinking past New Years. When I stumbled across this deal, I couldn't resist. And it's just in time for Valentine's Day! Lady and the Tramp is FINALLY being released on Blu-Ray February 4th, 2012!

But the best part of this deal is that Amazon is offering a $10 off coupon. But wait, it gets better.
List price: $44.99
Amazon Price: $29.99
Amazon Price after coupon: $19.99
Click here to check out the details. Amazon hasn't said how long this offer will last, but had said that it WILL apply even if lowers the price again between now and when the blu-ray hits the streets.

Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure

2011-12-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

Disney has announced that it will be releasing another game for the Xbox/Kinect. It combines scenes from five different Disney Pixar films. Unfortunately Monsters Inc is not among them. Oh well maybe next time. Here's the announcement trailer.

Pixar Time Article

Brave Trailer

2011-11-18T11:04:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it here is the new Pixar trailer for BRAVE!

Here's a nice little article published by the Pixar Times about fan reaction. I would write my own reaction but I pretty much agree with his take.

Pixar Times trailer reaction.

The Lion King 3D - The Lion Roars again

2011-09-20T13:37:00.000-07:00


Source

Last weekend, My Sailor and I got the chance to see The Lion King in 3D.

Quick Review:
SEE THIS MOVIE. The Lion King had ahead-of-its-time stunning animation when it was first released. The Broadway Musical was a smash hit, encapsulating a huge story with amazing masks and exotic casting.
The 3D movie does not disappoint. In fact, it's as if this movie was always ment to be seen in 3D. In 2D, the movie has bright color and its own form of depth. This is only enhanced by Real D treatment. Is it worth seeing in theaters? Yes. It's probably the 1 3D ticket this year that is worth every penny.
A Word Of Warning the Adults:
Many parents are looking to expose their children to the wonder of this film since it's been re-released. About half of the kids sat through it causing minimal disruption, however some families feel the movie theater is no different than the living room. This film has very dark moments. (Even I shed a few tears when Mufasa died.) These can be scary for young children, so aim for a 21 and up theater if you are not traveling with kids, or pack your patience and don't expect an uninterrupted experience. (We had a parent bring their child to this as a "first movie" and decide to take several FLASH photos of their child in the middle of the movie when their child was settled in his seat. I'm sure this isn't rare.)
If you're bringing kids:
Mark the experience by taking a photo with them by a lobby poster!! It'll make a great memory!

Beastly Kingdom becomes Pandora...

2011-09-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

In case you wondered what was happening to "Beastly Kingdom" - it looks as though it may become Pandora!

What do you think of this James Cameron/Disney team up?
Click here to find out what the Wall Street Journal has to say.

River Country DVC

2011-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

While looking up some old pictures of River Country I came accross some news that slipped by me last year.

Apparently several sites recorded that a DVC resort was to be built on the site of and in the style of the old River Country Water Park. It would probably be the Fort Wilderness DVC.

Check this link out.

DVCNEWS.com

If you do a simple Google Search for Disney's River Country you'll find some more info but I think the link that I gave you had the best.

Dick Van Dyke on NPR

2011-08-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of Dick Van Dyke you should listen to this spot he did on the NPR news game show Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. You will here DVD have some witty banter and he sings the lyrics to the theme from the Dick Van Dyke show.

Here's a link to a highlights episode that Wait Wait Don't Tell Me recently aired. Click on the Dick Van Dyke section to only listen to that part.

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=3&islist=true&id=35&d=08-27-2011

Haunted Hong Kong Disneyland

2011-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from MouseInfo. It kind of makes me wish Disney would do something like this in a U.S. park (as long as it's not too scary).

Headless Horseman to be Featured at HK Disneyland

Disney's Aladdin the Musical - 5th Avenue Theater, Seattle, WA

2011-08-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Last month, I got the chance to see Aladdin, The New Stage Musical before it closed.

To add a little more description to this: this is NOT the Musical Spectacular that plays in Disney's California Adventure Park. It doesn't try to be. Other than sharing the same name and the same inspiration, this show is less of the Vegas style show, and more of a theater style telling of the story.

Let's break it down - Smart Choices

The Sets and Venue:
Working in theater, I have some idea of what they were up against here. The 5th Avenue theater is a small theater, so the huge sets of DCA's version would have been nearly impossible. So they did an admirable job of keeping it simple. The ensemble was used to move sets around during chase scenes and fight scenes that kept things interesting - but I'm sure you don't want to hear all the politics and specifics of that jazz. Basically - Disney is WISE to open this in a SMALL theater away from Broadway. It's a great way to test out how things work, without breaking the bank. If you open in a HUGE theater, and it flops (as several other Disney Movie-to-Musical productions have in the past), it's a financial nightmare for all involved. This played to small, but SOLD OUT houses, just about every night. In fact, the little theater itself is lovely. The interior is a blend of Pacific Northwest exotic native american styling with a dash of old hollywood thrown in. Well worth a visit just to take a peak inside the lobby. Seattle is also the perfect location. Outside of New York, Seattle is a stage actor's paradise (hey! it's one of the reason's I'm here! I'm currently in a production of Into The Woods that's doing quite well - but I digress...) - they have so many great performing arts schools here, and this is probably 2nd on the list of places to live in the country to get your equity points. Not to bore you with Actor's Equity politics, but you have to perform in a certain number of approved shows at Equity theaters in order to become a professional stage actor/actress and be part of the guild (which gets you things like health benefits, etc). So this is a GREAT place to recruit some seriously talented folks.

The Characters:
Most of them you'll find familiar, but there are no animals in this production. Instead of animals and puppetry, Aladdin's faithful friend Abu is replaced with Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, and Jasmin has a group of ladies in waiting as well. Aladdin's friends are comic relief and even point out that they are basically an age old chorus device. Great singers (as seen in this you tube video below) and the characters do play an important role in the story. They aren't simply background (like Jasmin's girls). Omar, Babkak, and Kassim play a role in deepening Aladdin's character. By seeing his friends, you get a hint of how Aladdin grew up. Here's a clip from a Spotlight night they did:

Of course, you're all really wondering about the Genie, right? In DCA's Version, he steals the show! Well, he doesn't steal the show in this one, but he does contribute. Which I like. For a Broadway version, it felt better balanced - and his costume pays homage to the cartoon inspiration. But here's what the actor had to say about the role - and it might give you an idea of the fast paced humor he shoots out.

The Music
In putting together this musical, they added a bunch of great music back in that didn't make the movie cut. "Proud of Your Boy" is exceptionally moving in the first Act. You can find it on the collector's edition DVD or on the expanded soundtrack. I honestly think they also stumbled across what should be a legendary Disney love theme. I ADORE THIS SONG.

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In love with the musical yet?

The Other Choices
Honestly, I was hoping for more from a few effects, since the bar was set so high in DCA. For example, the flying carpet. How they managed the effect was great as far stage craft in a small theater goes, but I was disappointed that the carpet itself wasn't an actual "character" in the show. In fact, you rarely see it. And yes, I miss goofy little details like that.
I felt they should have played up and concluded Aladdin's aspirations to make his mother proud at the end. I think that really resonated with families and should have played at least a tiny part in Act two.
My biggest pet peeve is this - as it stands now, this musical is already "dated", but not due to the acting, singing, music, sets, dancing, costuming, or stage craft. This is either a writing or directing flaw. There were a TON of modern day references that were played for laughs. Maybe it's just me, but using abbreviations instead of words is starting to disappear (unless you're between the ages of 10-17) and cell phone references just seemed out of place. The night I was there, these barely got a chuckle. It feels like this was written about 5+ years ago and needs some refreshing to stay current. But here's the thing - THE STORY IS A BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL UNDERDOG TALE THAT NEARLY EVERY CAN IDENTIFY WITH ON SOME LEVEL REGARDLESS OF AGE BRACKET. I feel that you don't need the modern day references, and that they actually detracted from the fun I was having. Also, Omar, Babkak, and Kassim didn't need to point out that they are "chorus". It's obvious. I know not everyone goes to theater on a regular basis, or studies it, but some of the best musicals out there are timeless and amazing because they aren't trying to be a crash course in the constructs of musical theater. The characters just are who they are without explaining themselves and it works. Even though not everyone understands every character's motives the first time out, that gives the show re-watch-ability.

In Summary:
This Show Is Worth Seeing and Safe to take family and friends too, but it needs a little more tweaking before it hits "timeless" status. Paying $60/ticket would be a max value for me for this one, but I'll be sure to pick up a few songs from the soundtrack. Make sure to attend with an open mind! One thing to love about this show is that holds its own, without the expensive spectacular effects that DCA's show has. Families will love this one. Let's hope it tours and ya'll get to find out!

The Green Album

2011-08-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Carly surprised me the other day with a new CD that was just recently release. It's from Walt Disney Records it's "Muppets: The Green Album."

It's a really fun collection of songs from the a couple Muppet movies and the Muppet Show that are covered in some unique ways by some artists like OK GO, Weezer, and Amy Lee from Evenesence.

Most people will probably not recognize all of the songs on the back immediately but if you do some research odds are you'll be saying "Ohhhh" in recognition once you see the original Muppet version on You Tube or read a synopsis of the song on Wikipedia.
Here's a link to the Muppet WIKI page that has the track listing that I posted below. All of the links below will lead you to the Muppet WIKI page for the induvidual song.

Here's a video for the first track on the album. This isn't my favorite track on the album but I think I'll enjoy it a little more after seeing the video.

Some of my Fav's are Movin' Right Along by Alkaline Trio, Our World by My Morning Jacket, Mr. Bassman by Sondre Lerche, and I'm Going to Go Back There Someday by Rachael Yamagata.

I'm really excited that Our World is on here from Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas. I don't think that film get's enough attention.

ENJOY!!

"The Muppet Show Theme" (OK Go)
"The Rainbow Connection" (Weezer and Hayley Williams)
"Mahna Mahna" (The Fray)
"Movin' Right Along" (Alkaline Trio)
"Our World" (My Morning Jacket)
"Halfway Down the Stairs" (Amy Lee)
"Mr. Bassman" (Sondre Lerche)
"Wishing Song" (The Airborne Toxic Event)
"Night Life" (Brandon Saller and Billy Martin)
"Bein' Green" (Andrew Bird)
"I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along" (Matt Nathanson)
"I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" (Rachael Yamagata)

This is the first scene with the song our world. If you've seen Emmet Otter you know that this song get's added to in the final number. The final version of this song is combined with a song called Brothers. That final combined version is the one on The Green Album.

I hope that made sense. Anyways, for anybody who's interested here's the video of just "Our World"

Jim Henson Disney Legend

2011-08-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

I think you could probably just say Jim Henson Legend. There were some nice performances over the weekend at the D23 convention. I really wish that I could have been there for this one. Check it out and let me know what you think.

(Source)

Both videos are great; the second is maybe a little more iconic.

P.S. I just needed to point out that as I post this I am wearing my Electric Mayhem t-shirt by coincidence. Here's a picture of my t-shirt in case you care.

The TailSpin Source Page

2011-08-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

While researching my post on Don Karnage the other day I came accross this website that I thought was interesting.

It's called the TaleSpin Source Page. Basically this guy really liked the television series TaleSpin. He's written an extensive amount of details on many characters and locations that can be found in the series. Have fun clicking around for a while.

I never thought I would read the phrase TaleSpin canon (not the explosive kind).

http://talespinsourcepage.i8.com/introduction.htm

(Source)

Tower of Terror Tokyo Disney

2011-08-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I just did a little photo spread about this on Disigned.Com and I thought I would post this video for you quick Disney Pixar Fix enjoyment.

Don Karnage

2011-08-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

(Source)

Just a quick Disney Afternoon fix today. Carly will tell you that I'm a big fan of the Disney Cartoons of the 1990's. One of my favorite was TaleSpin. I loved the characters and the action. One fun villain was Don Karnage. An Air Pirate who was always giving the heroes a hard time.

He had a weird accent that I can't imagine was based on anything in the real world and was a pretty outrageous .

He was voiced by Jim Cummings who some of you may know has done dozens of voices for the Disney Comapany and others. His credits include but are not limited to Winnie the Pooh, Pete, and Ray from Princess and the Frog.

The Grand Finale

Jump to about 6:45 in the following clip to see Don Karnage fight Captain Hook

Art of Animation

2011-08-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

Disney's Art of Animation will be opening in 2012. The Disney Parks Blog just officially released some press photos on August 16th. In case you aren't familiar the resort will be located across a bridge from the Pop Century Resort. It will be themed like several of the most popular animated Disney Films of the last few decades starting with the Little Mermaid.

It looks like it will be full of tacky goodness. Click the link below to check out the Disney Parks Blog Photos. I also found some other photos on the interwebs.

1,120 of them (the rooms) will be family suites capable of housing up to six people, featuring living rooms and bedrooms. The remaining 864 will sport the standard value layout. When completed, the resort will have a total of ten buildings, as well as three themed pools. ~excerpt from Wikipedia

Check out the new photos here.

I also found these pictures online. Click the "Source" links for more info.

(Source)

Anybody who made it down here have any thoughts? Leave a comment please.

Ursula

2011-08-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Carly and I were watching the Little Mermaid just now... as one does. Every time that we watch the little mermaid we can't help but talk about how cool Ursula is. She's just so distinct and as Carly says, she has so much character. We usually start talking about it right when Ariel goes to see Ursula and Ursula sings her song. You know the one.

So I just thought I'd post a little blurb about this great Disney villain. Apparently according to Wikipedia Ursula wasn't called Ursula in the original story of the Little Mermaid. The "Sea Witch" character was more of a "neutral enabler."

I personally love the dialogue at the beginning of the scene.

"Come in. Come in, my child. We mustn't lurk in doorways. It's rude. One might question your upbringing."

Ursula was only drawn with 6 tentacles but she is still an octopus if you include her arms.

A lot of concept art was drawn with Ursula as a skinnier character. Some of those ideas/styles may have later been used on the Character of Yzma from the Emperor's New Groove.

(Source)

Scott Brinegar/DisneyParks.com

A good source of info.

Horizons Resurrected

2011-08-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

If you were a fan of Horizons (the lost Epcot attraction) I have a great website for you. It's called Horizons Resurrected. Follow the link to check it out. Basically one man has taken on the daunting task of rendering and animating a ride through of this classic Disney attraction. I really hope he pulls it off. I would love to see it. He's not the first one to try this though. There was another project a few years ago that now seems abandoned.

There was also an attempt to recreat WDW's Mr. Toad attraction but that hasn't been updated since 2008.

Virtual Toad

I don't understand why Disney doesn't do this themselves. If Disney releases a video game or a computer program that allowed me to ride some of their "extinct" attractions I would totally buy that. I'm waiting for someone to recreate the original Journey into Imagination.

A while back somebody put together a pretty good representation of the Adventures Thru Inner Space attraction that was once located in Disneyland. Check it out here. Unfortunately you'll have to pay for it. Here's the you tube advert.

I hope that you found out about something new here today. Have a magical day!

UP House in Salt Lake

2011-07-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

A local builder here in SLC recently built their own version of the UP house from the movie of the same name. Apparently they recieved permission from Disney to do this. Check out one of Carly's blogs and see some of the photos that she took from our recent visit.

http://www.disigned.com/search/label/UP%20House

The New Pixar Movie Brave

2011-07-06T12:52:00.001-07:00

New trailer that was released with Cars 2.