PHOTOS, VIDEO: Disney Parks Using Projection Mapping for Human Faces, Likely in Fantasmic

We’ve all seen the amazing projection mapping on Cinderella Castle during Magic Kingdom fireworks, and on the Chinese Theater during Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Well now, Disney is taking this technology to the next level: projection mapping on moving objects, namely, human faces. Dubbed the “Makeup Lamp,” this system is the first of its kind able to perform dynamic facial projection mapping in real time, without the need for any physical tracking markers, and without the latency normally inherent in live augmentation systems.

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The system involves a camera which tracks the actor’s face, a high-frame-rate projector running at a 480 Hz refresh rate, and some serious processing power in between the two. This system would have multiple potential applications in various Disney performance venues. As seen below, the projection follows a performer’s facial expression (a-d), act as a simulation of a spotlight (e), follow a performer’s moving head (f), and can “evolve” over time (g). The system is also capable of working with multiple different performers (h).

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From a Disney show perspective, application (g) is especially exciting. Whereas the makeup projections of (a) – (d) can be achieved with standard makeup, a projection that can change over time can be used, for example, to transform pirates into skeletons in the new Fantasmic! show at Disneyland. Extending this technology from faces to entire human bodies will allow live actors to instantaneously transform their costume to something completely different! The scene in Disney California Adventure’s Frozen: Live at the Hyperion where Elsa’s costume is magically transformed in the blink of an eye (using standard theatrical techniques, but a difficult effect nonetheless) could be commonplace in all Disney productions with this kind of projection technology.

Below is a short video demonstration provided by the inventors.

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This is reportedly the technology that will be used in Fantasmic! at Disneyland to turn Pirates into skeletons in a new scene debuting this summer.

New ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Stage Show Spectacular to Debut on Disney Dream

Starting November 6, 2017, guests sailing on the Disney Dream will be able to see the brand new Stage Spectacular ‘Beauty and the Beast’ inspired by the new live-action film.

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The musical will tell the classic tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with classic story telling elements along with cutting edge technology to provide you the best theatrical experience you can have. According to the The Disney Parks Blog, in the coming months they will have a behind the ‘magic’ look at this upcoming spectacular, so stay tuned for future updates.

LIVE STREAM: First Disney on Broadway Concert Series – Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Take in a delightful smorgasbord of popular songs performed by Broadway stars from Disney’s award-winning musicals!

The America Gardens Theatre offers the hottest ticket in town! Hold onto your seats as the Disney on Broadway Concert Series takes to the stage, with songs from Aladdin, Newsies, The Lion King and more. Guests can sing along to sensational, show-stopping renditions of unforgettable Disney hits… bravo!

This is the first performance of the Disney on Broadway Concert Series featured during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Features Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland, January 13, 2017 at 5:30 PM.

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VIDEO: Watch Broadway Stars Perform “Disney Jungle Dance Party”

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Check out this video featuring Broadway performers from The Book Of Mormon, Hamilton, Wicked and more dancing and singing songs from The Lion King, The Jungle Book and Tarzan in a performance they like to call “Disney Jungle Dance Party”! Special thanks to Christopher Rice!

#DJDP– DISNEY JUNGLE DANCE PARTY
Featuring covers of 3 wild Disney songs by Christopher Rice (Broadway’s The Book of Mormon)

Join in on the party here!
Learn part of the dance from Chris and his dancers!
TUTORIAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdotp…

Director, Choreographer, Lead Vocal:
Christopher Rice

“Just Can’t Wait to Be King” Dancers:
Mackenzie Warren (Anything Goes tour, Pippin tour)
Kirstin Tucker (Trip of Love, Cinderella)
Kelly Sheehan (White Christmas, 42nd Street)
Amanda LaMotte (Matilda)
Elise Mestichelli
Tiffany Laterza
Maggie Mial
Audra Bryant
Kristen Brooks Sandler

“I Wanna Be Like You” Dancers:
Nathan Keen (Chicago tour, We Will Rock You tour)
Graham Keen
Matthew Borchers
Clinton Sherwood (The Book of Mormon)
Drew King (On The 20th Century, Elf tour)
Bryan Hunt (White Christmas tour, Billy Elliot tour)
Ben Lanham (Cinderella tour)

“Trashin’ the Camp” Dancers:
Abby Jaros
Megan Fulmer
Julian Ramos
Brandon Hudson (Hamilton)

Vocalists:
Matthew Marks (The Book of Mormon)
Ben Estus (The Book of Mormon)
Gabe Gibbs (The Book of Mormon)
Stephen Anthony (The Book of Mormon)
Matt Rosell (Les Miz)
Emily Mechler (Wicked, Evita)
Chelsea Stavis
Liz Byrne (Baby, It’s You!)

Associate Choreographer and Assistant to the Director:
Audra Bryant

Director of Photography:
Eric Mann of Unreel Films

Assistant to the Director of Photography:
Mikita Thompson

Behind the Scenes footage:
Tim Grady Films

Musical Arrangert and Director:
Clinton Sherwood

Audio Recording and Mixing:
Carl Cully

Guitar:
Matt SanGiovanni
Drums:
Laura Hamel

Filmed Live on location in Brooklyn NY at Chemistry Creative

Production Assistants:
Vinyetta James
Molly Jae Chase
Tiffany Laterza
Audra Bryant

Special Thanks: Michael Hull

Source: Christopher Rice

El Capitan Theatre Will Be “Frozen” in Advance Starting November 22nd!

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If you’re thinking about seeing Disney’s “Frozen” at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, then you are in for an even bigger surprise! Moviegoers will have the chance to see “Frozen” five days earlier than the film’s nationwide release. Showings at El Capitan will run Nov. 22, 2013, to Jan. 5, 2014, preceded by ice carving performance artists on stage, as well as “Frozen” characters Anna and Elsa in their first live-on-stage appearances.

In addition, guests will be welcomed by a snow-covered wonderland—complete with ice-capped opera boxes and a flurry of snowflakes.  Sponsored by Kodak, the film will be shown in realD 3D with Dolby Atmos sound.

“The whole company is incredibly excited about ‘Frozen’ and can’t wait to share it with audiences this Thanksgiving. We know that fans come to El Capitan to have a special Disney experience, and we are thrilled to give our guests there the opportunity to be among the first in the world to see this stunning new animated adventure.”

~ Dave Hollis, executive vice president, theatrical distribution, The Walt Disney Studios

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Opening-day guests will receive special souvenir realD 3D glasses (while supplies last). Throughout the run, realD is providing kid-sized 3D glasses, specially made to fit children 8 and under while they enjoy the movie.

El Capitan Theatre is also inviting guests to have breakfast with Anna at 8:30 a.m. prior to the 10 a.m. showing on select days. Seating will be limited, and advance purchase is required with purchase of a movie ticket. Tickets including breakfast and the movie are $41 per adult general admission, $38 for child & senior general admission and $51 for VIP admission, which includes popcorn, soft drink, reserved seating and no waiting in line.

There is a Tiny Tot Tuesday being hosted at 10 a.m. every week at El Capitan Theatre throughout the run of “Frozen”. During these special screenings of the film, parents and small children can enjoy the movie in 2D in a Tiny Tot-friendly way­––complete with lights dimmed rather than out and reduced sound levels. Birthday and holiday parties are also available in the new Hollywood room.

Here’s an exclusive Frozen Limited Edition Pin and Ticket Offer only at The El Capitan Theatre! Purchase a VIP Pin Ticket for Frozen for $32, which will include a reserved seat, popcorn in a souvenir tub, Coca-Cola bottled beverage and this limited edition pin (LE 300)!

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Daily showtimes at El Capitan Theatre are 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. (select days only for 9:45 p.m. show). Tickets are available at El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at www.elcapitantickets.com or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. General Admission ticket prices are $16 each for adults and $13 each for children (3-11) and seniors (60+). VIP ticket prices are $26 per ticket (for all ages). Special group rates of $12 per ticket for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 818-845-3110. Showtimes are subject to change.

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For tickets to see “Frozen” at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, call 1-800-DISNEY6 or go to www.elcapitantickets.com!

“Frozen” will be released in 3D nationwide on Thanksgiving, November 28th, 2013.

Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company and El Capitan Theatre.

Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop to Join The El Capitan Theatre November 15th

The newest Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop will join with Disney’s The El Capitan Theatre and the Disney Studio Store on Hollywood Boulevard, and the Grand Opening will be November 15, 2013!

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Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is considered America’s oldest operating chocolate manufacturer and this will be the first location in Los Angeles, giving locals, fans and moviegoers an opportunity to experience Ghirardelli’s world-famous and delicious floats, shakes, hot fudge sundaes, and their exciting assortment of chocolates and beautifully wrapped gifts. Each guest will also enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli SQUARES® chocolate. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and Disney Studio Store will be located next to the legendary El Capitan Theatre at 6838 Hollywood Boulevard, and will be open seven days a week. This location will replace Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store currently in that location.

“Ghirardelli Chocolate is honored to join Disney on Hollywood Boulevard to bring visitors and moviegoers an unforgettable experience. We have been bringing quality chocolate to the public for over 160 years, and this iconic location in the heart of Hollywood is the perfect place to continue the tradition.”

~ Marty Thompson, President and CEO of the Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company

 

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Ghirardelli Chocolate and Disney have teamed up for the Grand Opening Celebration, by offering a specially created sundae treat for the opening of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new animated movie “Frozen” this November. Original and speciality ice cream sundaes will be available to complement future film releases at The El Capitan Theatre, thereby providing moviegoers with an ongoing unique Ghirardelli experience. The new soda fountain and chocolate shop will join the existing Disney Studio Store which offers an assortment of merchandise from current film releases playing at The El Capitan Theatre, along with classic Disney character souvenirs, highly sought after collectible pins, and a large selection of Blu-Ray and DVD home entertainment.

Says Lylle Breier, senior vice president, Worldwide Special Events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures:

“The El Capitan Theatre has always been about giving guests the ultimate entertainment experience. And now, with Ghirardelli, an extraordinary experience becomes even more unforgettable. Families and movie lovers from all over can come to the El Capitan, see a great Disney movie, and enjoy a memorable, delicious after-movie treat. We’re thrilled to welcome Ghirardelli Chocolate to Hollywood. Ghirardelli chocolate and a Disney movie at the El Cap: How sweet it is!”

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Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company, El Capitan Theatre, and Ghirardelli.

DLR Photo Report – 7/29/09-8/5/09

I have returned from a near record setting 8 days at the wonderful Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. This trip was mainly to spend time with members of the WDWNT staff, which for some was their first visit, and for others was their 100th visit! Let’s get into the first photo report of what will be many from this past week:

On our first day, we enjoyed a meal at the recently opened Celebration Roundup and Barbecue. Left to right here you can see Matt Paul, Tom Corless, Chris Lastrapes, and Jose Castillo

Space Mountain was a favorite among everyone

The White Rabbit statue outside the restrooms near Alice in Wonderland finally has its clock-face back

The freaky looking Mickey Monsters plush have started hitting store shelves through-out the Disneyland Resort

The “What Will You Celebrate?” Disneyland Resort Harbor Blvd. entrance

Read More about DLR Photo Report – 7/29/09-8/5/09

Myrna Litt’s 7/27/09 El Capitan Photo Report

Our very own Myrna Litt attended the D23 member-only preview of the upcoming Disney film “Ponyo” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. She shares some “Ponyo” related photos as well as general happenings at the El Capitan:

“Ponyo” is a Japanese film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film will be released with an English dub nation-wide on August 14th, 2009

D23 announced and made tickets available for this event on July 17th, 2009. Only 50 member spots were available

Celebrities at the event included John Lasseter, Hayao Miyazaki, the Jonas Brothers, and as seen above, Cloris Leachman

The Soda Fountain and Studio Store’s popular Mickey awards

Read More about Myrna Litt’s 7/27/09 El Capitan Photo Report

Myrna Litt’s 7/13/09 El Capitan Photo Report

Our very own Myrna Litt paid a quick visit to the El Captain Theatre in Hollywood on Monday and shares with us a few photos:

“G-Force” will be the next movie to be featured at the El Capitan Theatre beginning July 24th

Some new merchandise inside the Soda Fountain and Studio Store

A new Reyn Spooner “Ratatouille” shirt

A not-so-real Jack Sparrow outside the El Capitan

Just if you thought Jack looked bad…

Thanks for the short but sweet report Myrna!