Vote Now! 4th Annual Dee Vee Vinylmation Awards Ballot
Here is the ballot for the 4th Annual Dee Vee Awards brought to you by the Destination Vinylmation podcast.
11/3/14 Marvel News Mash-Up – More Avengers: Age of Ultron, Spider-Man Rumors, and More!
Marvel Releases An Extended Trailer For Avengers: Age Of Ultron
The Avengers: Age Of Ultron teaser trailer was originally supposed to air during last week’s episode of Agents Of SHEILD, but due to the trailer being leaked early, Marvel decided to release the trailer early. To entice people to watch the episode of Agents Of Shield that was to debut the original trailer, Marvel released and extended trailer especially for Agents Of SHIELD that included a new scene from the movie.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqkR0SwFN_4]
What is great about this scene is you get to see the Avengers taking a break from the action and enjoying what looks to be a party at Avengers Tower. Thor, in his Earth casual clothes, challenges the other Avengers to do an almost impossible task, lift his hammer, Mjölnir. The writing on Mjölnir states, “Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.” So basically one must be worthy.
Both Iron Man and War Machine are unable to budge it.
If you notice, Captain America does move it, he just doesn’t lift it.
My opinion is that Captain America is holding back, and that he knows he can lift it, but he doesn’t want to show off to the other Avengers. In the comics, there are very few people, other than Thor, who can lift Mjölnir and one of those people is Captain America. You can’t be more worthy than Captain America. Another person who has lifted Mjölnir is Superman when the Justice League took on The Avengers in a DC/Marvel crossover (might as well throw in Captain America’s shield while you are at it).
So What About Spider-Man?
The one thing that that I was hoping that would be announced during the Marvel Phase 3 Event was that Spider-man would be joining the Avengers, but it didn’t happen. That doesn’t mean that it is not going to happen. Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel studios, was asked directly whether Spider-man will be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe and he replied, “Anything that wasn’t specifically and obviously revealed today is either not true at all, or still rumor until it’s worked out.” Originally Marvel was to have the Phase 3 announcement at this years New York City’s Comic Con, but Robert Downey Jr. was still in negotiations to star in Captain America: Winter Soldier and they wanted to make sure that it was official before they announced it. The last line that Kevin Feige said about Spider-man gives me hope. Until it’s worked out. I do believe that Disney, Marvel and Sony are working out a deal to bring Spider-man to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which it will be beneficial to all parties involved.
In the comics, Spider-man is an integral part of Civil War. Some would say that you could not adapt Civil War without him. The truth is, it can be done, but it wont be as good. It is my gut feeling that in Avengers: Age Of Ultron, the after credit scene will consist of Spider-man swinging towards Avenger’s Tower.
Being the nerd that I am, I made a little preview of what I feel will go down:
Remember what I said if I am right and just forget that I ever said it if I am wrong.
Avenger’s: Age Of Ultron Clip Leaks Onto The Internet
During Marvel’s Phase 3 Event that was held recently, the audience was shown an exclusive clip from Avengers: Age Of Ultron. The clip has not been officially released but, at this time, a leaked version is available on YouTube. Basically, this scene is setting up the Civil War. Steve and Tony are outdoors splitting logs and there seems to be a lack of trust and a question of ones methods between the two of them. Some of the audio is difficult to understand, but here is a breakdown of what was said:
TONY: Thor didn’t say where he’s going to get answers?
STEVE: Sometimes my teammates don’t tell me things. I was kinda hoping Thor would be the exception.
TONY: Yeah, in time. We don’t know what the Maximoff kid showed him.
STEVE: I don’t know what she showed you. It’s enough to make you do something stupid. “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” — pulled us apart like cotton candy.
TONY: Well, it seems that you walked away alright.
STEVE: Is that a problem?
TONY: I don’t trust a guy without a dark side. Call me old-fashioned.
STEVE: Well, let’s just say you haven’t seen it yet.
TONY: Banner and I have been doing this research—
STEVE: —that would affect the team—
TONY: —that would END the team! Isn’t that the mission? Isn’t that the “why” we fight, so we can end the fight, so we get to go home??
STEVE: Every time someone tries to win a war before it starts, innocent people die. Every time. What do you think?
(SPOILERS) Runor is that The Avengers will split up into two teams at the end of Age Of Ultron. Captain America will form his own team consisting of Black Widow, War Machine, Falcon, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, essentially forming the West Coast Avengers. Iron Man will form the (East Coast) Avengers consisting of Thor, Hulk and Vision. Black Panther will appear in Captain America: Civil War but I am not sure whose side he will be on, and also not sure of Hawkeye. In Captain America: Civil War, I think that the main battles will consist of Captain America fighting Iron Man. But even though it hasn’t been announced, I would expect to see all of the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War, just their roles wont be as prominent as Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.
Benedict Cumberbatch Will Be “Doctor Strange”
For months I have been reporting that someone new is up for the role of Doctor Strange and recently Deadline has confirmed that Benedict Cumberbatch will indeed be Marvel’s newest cinematic superhero, Doctor Strange. I couldn’t be happier because Cumberbatch is the one that I wanted from the very beginning. He has proven to me, especially through his role in Sherlock, that his has great acting ability and he does indeed have the look needed for Doctor Strange. Still no official word from Marvel but it sounds like they are close to finalizing the contract.
After his career is destroyed, Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.
Doctor Strange will be released in theaters On July 8th, 2016.
Captain Marvel Fan Made Poster
It is hard to believe that this is a fan made poster because it is practically perfect. I have a feeling that this is the costume that will be used when Captain Marvel hits the big screen because her current costume is not very family friendly. Captain Marvel (Ms. Marvel) is basically a combination of Wonder Woman and Superman. She has super human strength, the power of flight and cosmic powers, such as firing energy blasts from her hands. Captain Marvel’s identity is Carol Danvers and she is from Boston. Actress Katheryn Winnick is mostly known for playing Lagertha in the History Channel series Vikings.
Captain Marvel will be released on July 6th, 2018.
Sideshow Collectible Corner
Another fantastic premium figure from Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys. This piece is from Thor: Dark World and is another example how much detail is put into these amazing figures.
That’s it for this week!
New Main Street U.S.A. Bypass Facade Unveiled at Disneyland Park
Over at Disneyland Park, the new Main Street U.S.A. bypass facade (which is themed to look like a Livery Stable) was uncovered today. Below you can see a collection of photos taken by our own Tom Corless who is at Disneyland currently. No word yet on when the bypass will open, but we’ll keep you posted if we hear anything about it.
Disney Springs Parking Structure Opening Date Revealed, Surface Lots to Close
The first parking garage at Disney Springs is essentially complete, and will open for “Cast Member previews” beginning on November 2nd, ahead of the “Early 2015” date Disney started to publicize a few months back when the project seemed behind schedule.
The structure will first open to the public on November 20th. Floors 1 through 4 will be fully open by December 1st. The top floor will open at a later date.
With the opening of the parking structure comes the closure of Downtown Disney surface parking lots A-G on December 1st.
Work will begin on the second parking structure for Disney Springs and the new Town Center district on December 1st as well.
Tokyo Disney Announces Huge Expansion Plans for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
Click to Enlarge
The Oriental Land Company announced earlier today plans to invest 500 billion yen (approx. $4.5 billion USD) in the next 10 years for the development and expansion of Tokyo Disneyland’s Fantasyland and the addition of a new themed port at Tokyo DisneySea.
The plan for redevelopment in TDL revolves around Fantasyland which will be nearly doubled in size when completed. In addition to the renovation of the already existing Fantasyland, new major attractions, shops and restaurants will be added. Work has already begun on this project, which includes renovation of the already existing infrastructure.
Here’s some information we already know in regard to the Fantasyland expansion at Tokyo Disneyland:
- Grand Circuit Raceway and Star Jets are being removed from Tomorrowland
- it’s a small world will be remodeled and moved to the east portion of Fantasyland in the space currently occupied by Grand Circuit Raceway
- Dumbo is being moved and reimagined to look like its Magic Kingdom counterpart (albeit a single version instead of the double)
- Frozen will not be coming to Fantasyland; instead, it will make its way over to Tokyo DisneySea
- The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, Dumbo and Alice in Wonderland will all be playing a key role in the redevelopment of Fantasyland
- The original Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty meet and greets that were removed from early plans for Florida’s New Fantasyland appear to be included in Tokyo Disneyland’s Fantasyland
- Alice in Wonderland plans that were rejected for Walt Disney World will find home in Tokyo Disneyland and will be the centerpiece of the Fantasyland expansion (we posted some of this artwork back in 2012, check it out here)
- The expansion of Tokyo Disneyland’s Fantasyland will take its cue from New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in that it will include water features and heavy foresting
Over at Tokyo DisneySea, plans are underway for the addition of a new themed port of call located near the existing Lost River Delta port. The new port of call will include major new attractions, shops and restaurants as well. No details have been released regarding the theming of this port of call, but sources point to an Arendelle Frozen theme.
In addition to these huge undertakings, the press release also mentions that OLC will further invest in the two Parks in multiple ways:
- renovation or creation of attractions and entertainment programs
- development of hardware that will enhance the guest experience in the Parks (MyMagic+/FastPass+ possibly?)
- further improvement of restaurants
- easing of congestion
- development of measures to protect guests from hot and cold weather
- other ways of to make a more comfortable environment for all guests
- strengthening the theme parks’ “backstage” support functions and operational base
- raising the level of hospitality provided by Cast Members by strengthening human resources development and raising employee satisfaction
You can find the full Press Release on the Oriental Land Company website.
Under consideration for Tokyo Disneyland is the introduction of a restaurant situated on the parade route so that Guests can leisurely enjoy dining while watching a parade.
Marvel Entertainment Announces A Slew Of New Movies For The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase 3
Marvel Entertainment held a special event today at the El Capitan Theater announcing so much stuff, I don’t know where to begin!
I would say that the biggest news is that Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans were joined on stage by Chadwick Boseman, who will play the title role in Black Panther. This is an excellent choice! He looks just like the character in the comics and I loved him portraying baseball legend, Jackie Robinson, in “42”. Boseman also portrayed the living legend James Brown in Get On Up.
So lets go down the line of what was announced.
First off Captain America 3 is officially titled Captain America: Civil War. This will be Captain America, Chris Evans, vs Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr., with fate of all of the Marvel superheroes hanging in jeopardy. Civil War was a comic book series that put half of the Marvel superheroes, representing pro registration of superhero identities with the Government against the other superheroes, who felt it was their right to keep their identity a secret. Captain America leads the side against registration and Iron Man leads the side that is for registration and it does lead to a Civil War in the Marvel Universe. Captain America: Civil War will be released on May 6, 2016.
Next up we have Doctor Strange. I was expecting an official announcement of Benedict Cumberbatch, but no such luck. He is in final negotiations with Marvel to play the Doctor, but so was Joaquin Phoenix, so we will still have to wait. After his career is destroyed, Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil. Doctor Strange will be released on November 4th, 2016.
Next we have the sequel to this year’s successful Guardians Of The Galaxy. Right now it is called Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 and it could very well be the final title of the film. So not giving any clues with a subtitle, I have no idea what the storyline will be about. I do know that they will add more members to the team. Rumors are that it will be Nova or Captain Marvel (see below). Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 will be released on May 5th, 2017.
Thor 3 is officially titled, Thor: Ragnarok. “Ragnarok” was a series in the comic Thor that brought about the destruction of Thor, Asgard, and all of its inhabitants for several years. The story would have a lasting impact on the Marvel Universe for several years, removing Thor and his supporting cast from Marvel’s publishing schedule. Could this mean that we will see the new female Thor in Phase 4? Thor: Ragnarok will be released on July 28th, 2017.
We finally have confirmation of a Black Panther movie! And as I mentioned above Chadwick Boseman will portray Black Panther. The royal leader, T’Challa, of an African nation, Wakanda, is bestowed with super human powers to protect his kingdom against invaders. Wakanda is rumored to be one of the locations that will be in Avengers: Age Of Ultron. Wakanda is also the only place that has the material necessary to form Captain America’s shield, vibranium. Black Panther will be released on November 3, 2017.
Marvel released concept art for Black Panther:
I doubt Marvel was listening to me last week when I said that after Warner Brother’s announcement of a Wonder Woman movie for 2017, Marvel and Disney need to step up their game and releases a movie based on one of the most popular female superheroes in the Marvel Universe, Ms. Marvel. It’s complicated, but Captain Marvel is Ms. Marvel. Captain Marvel (or sometimes referred to as Ms. Marvel) is basically Marvel’s version of Wonder Woman as far as powers go (strength, flight, speed, endurance, etc). Her cosmic powers were obtained from the original Captain Marvel (not Shazam). Definitely a fun and exciting character. Captain Marvel will be released on July 6th, 2018.
My first encounter with The Inhumans was in early Fantastic Four comics and my first impression is that they are weird. But I also thought Guardians Of The Galaxy was a weird group and look what happened to them. This could be the answer to Fox’s X-Men franchise. Basically aliens, The Kree (Guardians Of the Galaxy), experiment on humans to create a super race which result in a group of superheroes, The Inhumans. Inhumans will be released on November 2nd, 2018.
OK, this is the big one! We are finally getting the Infinity War, which will be Avengers 3, and split into two movies. So what is the Infinity War? Remember the guy that appeared in the after credits scene in Avengers? And then that same guy appeared for a bit in Guardians Of The Galaxy? That is Thanos and he is a super baddy. Thanos wants one thing and that is to control the Universe and in order to do that he needs to find 5 Infinity Stones, which we have already seen 3 of them in the last few Marvel movies. Combining the 5 Infinity Stones will create the Infinity Gauntlet, making Thanos the most powerful being in The Universe. With a guy this powerful, the Avengers will need some help. So expect to see Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, Guardians Of The Galaxy and the Inhumans join the Avengers to join in the Infinity War. Avengers: Infinity War will be released in two parts. Part one will be released in May 2018 and part two will be released in May 2019.
Marvel Entertainment released a photo of Thanos, Josh Brolin, wearing the Infinity Gauntlet:
Shwooooo! I need a drink!
Morimoto Asia, BOATHOUSE Dining Experiences Coming to Disney Springs in 2015
Posted today on the Disney Parks Blog:
It was just announced that Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who many of you know from his appearances on Iron Chef America, is opening a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Morimoto Asia will be the Japanese master chef’s first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. This Disney Springs dining destination will include unique exhibition kitchens showcasing traditions like Peking duck carving, and dim sum.
“I’m very excited to bring this new concept to Disney, something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Chef Morimoto. “It’s a wonderful chance to share some of my favorite foods from across the Asian continent.”
The two-story restaurant is scheduled to open in the Summer 2015 at The Landing (formerly Pleasure Island) in Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia will feature waterside seating, terraces, a grand hall and a cocktail lounge.
Also today, another new concept dining experience, The BOATHOUSE, was announced for The Landing in Disney Springs.The BOATHOUSE will be an upscale, waterfront dining experience that’ll immerse guests both on land and on water with live music, guided tours aboard the Captain’s piloted 40-foot Italian Water Taxi with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs.
“We are very excited that the BOATHOUSE is joining the Walt Disney World family at Disney Springs,” says creator Steven Schussler. “Walt Disney Imagineering has created a wonderful, interactive, culinary and entertainment experience at Disney Springs. We are proud to be part of this magical experience.”
The BOATHOUSE will open in the Spring of 2015 in Disney Springs. The restaurant’s gourmet menu (served daily until 2 a.m.) will feature steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar. The BOATHOUSE is the latest project of Schussler Creative, the creators of Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex and Yak & Yeti at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Rumor: “Star Wars: Episode VII” Teaser Coming Christmas Day
The big rumor of the day is that Disney may release a teaser trailer for Star Wars: Episode VII on Christmas Day. According to the John Williams Fan Network, John Williams, composer and conductor for all of the Star Wars films, will be working on trailer music in November for the next chapter in the Star Wars Saga.
This was posted today:
A reliable source just said JW received a trailer from JJ Abrams on Monday, Oct 20. JW has already written new Star Wars music to accompany this trailer. This new trailer music will feature new music and will be recorded on November 15 in LA with full orchestra. Still determining if the score will be recorded in London due to advanced age of composer/conductor. 14 hour flight to LA not too kind on 82 year old.
How possible is this? I think the probability is very high and here is why.
- Into The Woods, which is a Disney production, will be released on December 25th,. This means that they do have a movie to attach it to. Before the days of the internet, this would be an excellent way to get people into the theaters to see Into The Woods and increase it’s box office take, but more than likely this will also be available on the internet as well.
- It was made official that John Williams has received completed footage and has actually started composing music for the film a few weeks ago.
- Most of the cast, including Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, have completed filming their roles and the rest of the cast should finish up by next week. Now all that has to be done is editing, music and the biggest task, special effects. So it is possible that we can see a teaser before the end of the year.
- A teaser is usually 30 seconds to a minute and sometimes it doesn’t even include any real footage. If we do receive a teaser, I could see some old scenes from the Original Trilogy, accompanied by John Williams music and possibly at the very end the reveal of either the villain or Luke Skywalker.
In all honesty, that would be enough to get fans really hyped for Episode VII. The only thing that concerns me is that we have yet to hear of a title for the movie. Although, they still could just put Episode VII as a temporary title. Again this is just a rumor, but I think the odds are pretty good that this will happen.
Star Wars: Episode VII is the first chapter of a new trilogy that takes place 30 years after Return Of The Jedi. The movie is being directed by J. J. Abrams and will reunite the original cast as well as new cast members to continue the Star Wars saga. Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled to be released domestically on December 18th, 2015.
Prime Inspirations: Sleeping Beauty Castle Spire – Viollet-le-Duc Spire at Notre Dame
This occasional WDWNT column hopes to highlight the borrowed buildings of the Disney Theme Parks and their direct antecedents. We hope to encourage appreciation and discussion of Park architecture, and to showcase the power of the original buildings and their emulations.
There were big questions to be answered when Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was being designed. One was what to call it. It really didn’t have a name. The Fantasyland Castle was as good as it got for awhile. Another big question was: What is Disneyland?
Artist and future Disney Legend Herb Ryman was a traveled man. His approach to the castle design was borrow quite literally from “Mad King Ludwig’s”, famed fairy-tale castle at Neuschwanstein in Bavaria. Others on the team advised against it and at the last moment before Walt was to appear to sign off on the model, Hyman flipped the top of the model around reveling a different view.
“That’ll work.”
A standard was adopted in that moment. Disney theme parks would employ architectural quotation, rather than wholesale imitation. But apparently Walt had a quote of his own to contribute, from a controversial addition made to a world famous building half a world away.
Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle became an icon before the first Guest walked up Main Street U.S.A. For a time it was also the very public face, with Walt Disney, and Mickey Mouse, of the growing Walt Disney Productions. The Disneyland and Wonderful World of Color television shows featured literal and fanciful depictions of Disney’s first physical castle in their title sequences.Walt Disney Worlds breathtaking Cinderella Castle, later became the torch bearer.
Ryman also designed Cinderella Castle, a towering tribute to the fallen Pharaoh. A mix of French flourishes and fantasy elements, it can also be seen from far into the resort, reassuring guests in the arrival pattern. The design was so definitive, it was cribbed for Tokyo Disneyland.
The Disneyland castle is a diminutive mix of French and Germanic influences. Ryman, who joined Disney from Twentieth Century Fox, designed a true product of the Film Art Director’s trade. Elements of “fake depth” are evident in the tower on the right side which is significantly smaller than the forward tower, which visually dictates the scale. The smaller tower, and the “bridge” that runs from it, create depth. Depending on the level of the viewer’s suspension of disbelief, the “bridge” can be perceived as a decorative element, or a full scale bridge carrying the royal inhabitants in the distance. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is welcoming. It induces curiosity. The closer you get to it, the smaller it seems to become. The buildings at the end of Main Street U.S.A. cradle the view and offer a forced perspective that makes the building look even grander.
On a visit to Disneyland, recounted in Sam Gennawey’s fine book, The Disneyland Story, Author Ray Bradbury saw a familiar spire on the side of the castle. He described it as “a duplicate of the convoluted and beauteous spire Viollet-le-Duc raised atop Notre-Dame 100 years ago.” Bradbury phoned the Dean of Disney Design John Hench and asked, “John, how long has Viollet-le-Duc’s spire been on the side of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle?” Hench replied, “Thirty years.” Bradbury remarked that he had never noticed it before and asked who put it there? Hench said, “Walt.” When asked why, Hench said, “Because he loved it.”
During the early 1830s, Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc was at the forefront of popular sentiment in France for the restoration of medieval buildings. Viollet-le-Duc’s restorations at Notre Dame de Paris, brought him national attention. His other main works include Mont Saint-Michel, Carcassonne, and Chatueu de Pierrefonds.
Viollet-le-Duc’s “restorations” frequently combined historical fact with creative modification. For example, under his supervision, Notre Dame was not only cleaned and restored but also “updated”, gaining its distinctive flèche (from the French for arrow) that Walt was so enamored with. Also, the legendary stone gargoyles who seemingly guard the cathedral from their lofty perch were added at this time. Viollet-le-Duc’s restorations were thought by many to be overly showy and in some cases not representative of the buildings’ true medieval character. Still, his mark was made on some of France’s most distinctive historical architecture.
Viollet-le-Duc did the restoration work on the Chateau De Pierrefonds.
Ray Bradbury also said, “In Disneyland, Walt has proven again that the first function of architecture is to make men over, make them wish to go on living, feed them fresh oxygen, grow them tall, delight their eyes, make them kind.”
Photo Report: “Big Hero 6” World Premiere At Tokyo International Film Festival
Big Hero 6 had its official global debut as part of the Tokyo International Film Festival at the Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills. Producer Roy Conli and directors Don Hall & Chris Williams were in attendance along with John Lasseter and Japanese voice cast members, and WDWNT.com has the photos!
The film hits theaters in 3DÂ on Nov. 7, 2014.