Disney & Pixar Animation Studios Bring 3 Days Of Film Sneak Peeks, Presentations, Major Announcements And Immersive Show Floor Experiences To D23 2017, July 14-16

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

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WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS AND PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS BRING THREE DAYS OF FILM SNEAK PEEKS, ENGAGING PRESENTATIONS, MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND IMMERSIVE SHOW FLOOR EXPERIENCES TO D23 EXPO 2017, JULY 14–16

Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios are once again teaming up to bring a jam-packed weekend of announcements, presentations, displays, and giveaways to this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.

On the show floor, the two studios join forces for a must-see animation experience at D23 Expo. Artist demonstrations, autograph signings with top filmmakers, fan giveaways, and interactive displays featuring the latest films, including Cars 3, Coco, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, make this booth one to visit over and over again.

The lineup of presentations begins with an Expo tradition no animation fan should miss:

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2:30 P.M. – HALL D23

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter

Were you there in 2015 when Ellen DeGeneres and Dwayne Johnson wowed the crowds? When Zootopia’s sloth scene screened for the very first time? And when Randy Newman, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody celebrated the 20th anniversary of Toy Story? Then you know the Animation presentation at Hall D23 is a MUST. Join host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as he presents Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films. Never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature Coco and Disney Animation’s Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 will be unveiled, as well as surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Additional animation-focused panels include:

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 10:30 A.M. – STAGE 28

The Power of the Princess

Walt Disney Animation Studios invites you to The Power of the Princess, featuring Jodi Benson (Ariel), Ming-Na Wen (Mulan), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana)—the talented actresses who brought these iconic characters to life—as they share stories of making their films and the impact of their characters on people around the world. Hosted by Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Amy Smeed and Kira Lehtomaki.

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 12:15 P.M. – STAGE 28

Creating the Worlds in Pixar’s Universe

Pixar’s films are filled with beloved characters living in relatable yet previously unimagined worlds. Join Pixar production designers and artists who have created the mountain tops, oceans, and “monstropolises” in which your favorite characters live. These artists create the setting and cultivate the mood of every scene using extensive research, incredible imagination, and each individual director’s vision, giving life to the amazing worlds in Pixar’s movies.

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2:30 P.M. – STAGE 28

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure: A Sneak Peek at the New Frozen Short Film

Be among the first to see both exclusive and behind-the-scenes footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest Frozen holiday short film event, the highly anticipated Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. The film, which features the talents of the original Frozen cast, as well as brand-new songs, is directed by the Emmy®-winning team Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (Prep & Landing) and produced by Oscar®-winning producer Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled).

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 6 P.M. – STAGE 28

The Evolution of Pixar’s Characters

From the waves in their hair to the shoes on their feet, Pixar characters are designed to be full of personality and to tell a story. Hear from the legendary Pixar artists who have created the most memorable characters in Pixar’s history. These are the visionaries who start with an initial doodle and see the evolution of a character through to final animation—the people who let technology influence the art and make the impossible, possible.

SUNDAY, JULY 16, 11:30 A.M. – WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES STAGE

Bambi’s 75th Anniversary

Join us as we commemorate the 75th anniversary and Walt Disney Signature Collection release of Bambi, the endearing, timeless tale of a wide-eyed fawn that has touched generations. Audiences can look forward to hearing personal stories from the voice cast, anecdotes behind the making of this film and its exquisite hand-drawn artwork, and much, much more. It’s groundbreaking animated classics like Bambi that were created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney and still influence many great visionaries and animators today.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

About Walt Disney Animation Studios

Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Located in Burbank, WDAS continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully animated feature film, 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2013’s Academy Award®-winning Frozen, the biggest animated film of all time. Among the studio’s timeless creations are Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia. 

About Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation.  The Northern California studio has created some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “WALL•E,” “Up,” “Toy Story 3,” “Brave,” and “Inside Out.” Its movies have won 32 AcademyAwards® and have grossedmore than $10 billion at the worldwide box office to date. “Cars 3,” Pixar’s 18th feature, will open in theaterson June 16, 2017.

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which will take place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedulesubject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

Seas Pavilion at Epcot Hosting World Ocean Day Event on June 8th

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

If you are a guest traveling to Epcot on June 8th, you are in for a nice treat. Epcot will be celebrating World Ocean Day which is on June 8th and the festivities will be taking place inside of The Seas With Nemo and Friends.

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Special displays as well as activities will be happening throughout the pavilion. Education Instructors as well Conservation Specialists will be on hand for you to ask any questions you may have about wildlife in the ocean. You can also head on over to the Coral Reef restaurant next door and pick up an exclusive white chocolate ocean-themed dessert developed just for World Oceans Day.

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“Mary Poppins Returns” Headlines This Week’s Entertainment Weekly

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

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Entertainment Weekly has provided us with our best look yet of Emily Blunt as everyone’s favorite nanny from “Mary Poppins Returns”.

The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly takes you behind the scenes to visit stars Emily Blunt and Lin Manuel Miranda on the set of “Mary Poppins Returns”. You can pick up this very special issue this Friday when it hits newsstands but until then read the new synopsis of the film below.

From Entertainment Weekly:

Mary Poppins Returns, directed by Rob Marshall (Into the Woods), picks up 25 years after the events of the first film, fast-forwarding to London’s mid-1930s economic slump, the actual time period of Travers’ books. Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane has become the warm, loving home that banker and artist Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) shares with his wife and three children. But after the sudden death of Michael’s wife, the Banks family is shattered — even enthusiastic aunt Jane (Emily Mortimer), now a fervent union organizer, and long-time housemaid Ellen (Julie Walters) can’t help lift spirits — and so in time, the once-blossoming home is on the verge of foreclosure.

Cue the arrival of prim and peculiar Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt), who leads Michael’s wayward children (and Jane and Michael themselves) on a series of unbelievable adventures — to the top of Big Ben, the bottom of the ocean, into magical encounters with animated dancing penguins and upside-down cousins (hey, Meryl Streep!). If anyone can help this family find the light they’ve lost, it’s Mary Poppins.

Source: EW

“Mary Poppins Returns” opens December 25, 2018.

VIDEO: Trailer Released For Disney-Pixar’s “Coco”

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

 

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Disney•Pixar has released a brand new trailer for their upcoming animated feature, “Coco”. Check it out!

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself magically transported to the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2017.

Source: Disney/Pixar

Marvel Releases First Poster For “Black Panther”; Teaser Trailer Comes Out Tonight

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

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The king has taken his throne in the first official teaser poster for Marvel’s upcoming film, “Black Panther”. And tune into tonight during Game 4 of the NBA Finals to see the first teaser for “Black Panther”!

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Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.=

“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.  Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” hits U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018.

VIDEO: Lightning McQueen Is Ready To “Take It To The Limit” One Last Time in Final Cars 3 Trailer

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

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I never thought I would ever hear a song from The Eagles in a Cars trailer but here it is! Only one more week until Cars 3 is out!

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“), produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short) and co-produced by Andrea Warren (“LAVA” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Source: Disney Pixar

VIDEO: Marvel Releases The First “Black Panther” Teaser Trailer

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

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The Black Panther is back! Get your first look at Wakanda’s greatest hero as he protects his country from intruders! And yes, he has a new costume!

Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay. Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” hits U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018.

Source: Marvel Entertainment

VIDEO: Star Wars Battlefront 2 Multiplayer Revealed, DLC Will Be Free Instead of Season Pass

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

EA showed off Star Wars Battlefront II‘s multiplayer for the first time during the EA Play event in Los Angeles.

The reveal was made with a trailer that showcases Naboo for the first time in the series, as well as some new characters that will be playable like Darth Maul, Kylo Ren, Boba Fett, Yoda, and Rey.

http://https://youtu.be/_q51LZ2HpbE

Battlefront II seeks to address all the issues that players had with the first game. In fact, EA is boasting that this new game has three times more content than the first one did. Battlefront II has more weapons, customization options, power-ups, etc. EA even claims that the gunplay has been retooled to feel better than ever.

After the game comes out, additional maps, characters, and vehicles will all be released for free. EA is referring to the game’s content launches as “seasons” and will keep the game fresh in between “seasons” by offering daily challenges, quests, and more to reward and incentivize players. The first content release will be out in December, and will feature content related to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This first release will include characters Finn and Captain Phasma, as well as new planet Crait.

Star Wars Battlefront II will also offer split screen co-op for online matches, not just horde mode, though this feature will unfortunately be exclusive to console versions of the game.

For a deeper look at the game’s multiplayer, here is IGN’s video featuring a full match on the “Assault on Theed” map that will be included in the game.

http://https://youtu.be/Sy_b0ve5BV4

Star Wars Battlefront II will release on November 17, 2017 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Those that pre-order the game will gain early access to a beta sometime later this year.

REVIEW: Cars 3 Accelerates Where Cars 2 Did Not, Rare Sequel Greater Than the First

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

Admittedly, I am likely the biggest fan of the original Cars film released back in 2006. I loved the movie and have watched it dozens and dozens of times. I will be likely to tell you that the greatest moment of my life was getting to attend the grand opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure back in 2012, and to no surprise, my favorite theme park attraction currently is Radiator Springs Racers. My father and I have also collected the Cars toys from Mattel since the release of the original film, and we may or may not own nearly every little die-cast car that has been made in the toy line. So, might I be biased in a review of the movie Cars 3? Possibly, but let me say that I absolutely hate the film Cars 2 to assure you that I can be fair in my view.

Cars 3 teaser poster

Cars 3 teaser poster

I believe I have seen Cars 2 twice in my life and I pretty much refuse to watch it again. I like to pretend that it didn’t happen. It’s funny because I think that the Cars Toons and Mater’s Tall Tale shorts of a similar nature are all really fun and well done, but the film is just kind of a mess. Going into Cars 3, I was excited to see the series return to focusing on racing and being an animated sports movie of sorts. However, I was scared that one more failure would spell the end of my beloved Cars franchise. I am happy to say after seeing Cars 3 that the franchise is far from dead, and in fact, may have just produced the best film in the entire series. A film so good that I think many who are not fans of the the others may be making an emotional u-turn on their feelings about Disney-PIXAR’s Cars and its characters.

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“), produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short) and co-produced by Andrea Warren (“LAVA” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Regardless of it being possibly better than the 1st, Cars 3 can not exist without the 1st film, regardless of how you might feel about it. Without the establishment of the original characters, the short moments of comedy provided by Luigi, Guido, Mater, and the other residents of Radiator Springs will likely be lost on the viewer. That being said, where I feel that comedy is the strong suit of the first Cars film, Cars 3 captures the heart often displayed in other PIXAR movies. Everyone in the audience was genuinely cheering for the heroes during the closing moments of the film, as it is hard not to develop an emotional connection to Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo) over the course of the 109 minutes.

Also, the background on Lightning McQueen’s career, regardless of it being recapped a few times over the course of this new entry, needs to be seen to understand the character’s progression. A viewing of Cars 1 might be necessary to fully enjoy the story that Cars 3 tells.

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OFF TO THE RACES — Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3” is teaming up with NASCAR this year as crowd favorite Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) prepares to return to the big screen June 16, 2017, alongside elite trainer Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo) © 2017 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Cristela Alonzo’s portrayal of trainer Cruz Ramirez is the highlight of the film. The character exhibits genuineness, heart, and a likability which somehow transfers over to McQueen as their relationship rolls on, making him more likable even to audience members who are not fans of the other two entries in the series. Speaking of likability, the Mater character is kept to a bare minimum this time around, likely based on the feedback of viewers after Cars 2. While I love Mater, this was clearly the right move and the movie benefits from it greatly, while still keeping enough comedic moments to keep everyone engaged. The Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer)character makes for a fun new protagonist as well, basically playing the Lightning McQueen character as he existed at the beginning of the first Cars.

The training sequences between Cruz and Lightning, as well as the demolition derby portion provides the comic relief this time around, but the movie is most definitely more about the comeback of Lightning McQueen and his emotional growth that the entire trilogy has focused on. The story takes you to a place that you will probably see coming as an adult viewer, but is still emotionally satisfying for the film’s conclusion.

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REAR VIEW — The legendary #95 may be leading the pack, but the high-tech Next Gen racers are closing in fast. Directed by Brian Fee and produced by Kevin Reher, “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Cars 3 is more of a PIXAR film than any other in the series, and as much as I love the original film, I am almost certain that the general public will agree that this sequel is the very best of all three. Don’t get me wrong, Cars is still my favorite of the pack, but Cars 3 is all around the stronger film and connects much better to the audience. The story is uplifting and a good twist on the whole “Rocky” comeback saga, one that breathes new life into the series and pretty much guarantees that it will continue in some shape or form. Even if you are not a fan, I implore you to give Cars 3 a chance and go see it. I would be surprised if you didn’t enjoy it.

I give Cars 3 a 9 out of 10.

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VIDEO: New Kingdom Hearts III Trailer, More to Come at D23 Expo 2017

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

Square Enix released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts III Saturday night as part of their “Kingdom Hearts Orchestra” that was held in Los Angeles.

http://https://youtu.be/eaHSpUZgW24

The trailer is in Japanese, though subtitles provide viewers an idea of what they can expect from the game’s story. The highlight of the video is the beautiful orchestral music that we’ve come to expect from the Kingdom Hearts series playing front and center.

Of course a release date has still not been announced, and the game is probably still quite a ways off, but the end of the video does offer some good news. On July 15 at the D23 Expo 2017 Square Enix will be showing off a “new world” and “new trailer” for the game. Fingers crossed that the new world is Moana-themed.