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AFI Fest Opening Night Gala Screening of “Saving Mr. Banks”

November 14, 2013

The American Film Institute’s annual celebration of artistic excellence held their Opening Night Gala at the TCL Chinese Theatre, in Hollywood California on November 7, 2013. Each year the AFI FEST, which is free to the public, hosts new movies from recognized film icons as well as new films from around the world by amateur talent. AFI Fest which also hosts Red Carpet Premieres, began their week long festival by honoring Emma Thompson (starring as Author, P.L Travers) with her handprint – footprint ceremony followed by the screening of SAVING MR BANKS.

Inspired by true events, SAVING MR. BANKS shares the untold story of how Walt Disney’s classic “Mary Poppins” made it to the big screen. The movie provides the audience an insight into the relationship between Walt Disney (played by double Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks) and Mary Poppins author, P.L. Travers, (starring Two-time Academy Award®–winner Emma Thompson). For a two week period, during P.L. Travers visit to Los Angeles, Walt Disney, with the help of the Sherman Brothers (Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak) and screenwriter, Don DaGradi (Bradley Whitford) creates the necessary magic to convince P.L. Travers to sign over the rights to her book.

Produced by John Lee Hancock, Alison Owen, Ian Collie and Philip Steuer, with the screenplay written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith. Also starring Paul Giamatti, Annie Rose Buckley, Ruth Wilson, Rachel Griffiths, Kathy Baker and Colin Farrell, SAVING MR BANKS will be in theatres, December 20, 2013.

Saving Mr. Banks Opening night

Saving Mr. Banks Sherman Brothers

Emma Thompson getting handprints

Cast of Saving Mr. Banks

Star Wars Episode 7 Open Casting Calling

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 13, 2013

Open auditions are being held for two lead roles in Star Wars Episode 7. The casting sessions for Star Wars: Episode VII have started at locations around the UK and Ireland, including London, Dublin and Glasgow.

They are looking to fill two roles.

They are a “street smart and strong” orphaned girl in her late teens and a “smart capable” man in his late teens or early 20s.

The open auditions for a “major Hollywood Movie” were first published on the twitter account @UKopencall, which announced a “nationwide search for lead roles for a Disney movie”.

In the US open auditions also begin this week according to an online notice. Casting directors will be visiting cities including Nashville and Chicago as well as accepting online applications.

Descriptions
It is likely the characters have been given non sci-fi names and descriptions in the announcement in an effort to disguise the auditions are for Star Wars: Episode VII.

While it is unheard of for lead parts in a franchise of this size to hold open auditions in this way, Star Wars has in the past given major roles to little known actors and actresses through the traditional casting process, dating back to the original trilogy when the then unknown Mark Hamill won the role of Luke Skywalker.

Director JJ Abrams, who is also co-scripting the movie, will not be attending the open auditions which begin in Bristol on 9 November. Instead those at the auditions, who must be over the age of 16 for the female role, and over 18 for the male role, will briefly meet members of the casting team of the film.

Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled to begin shooting at Pinewood Studios in spring 2014, for an expected 2015 release.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United Coming to Blu-ray on December 3, 2013

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 13, 2013

It’s been a while since Marvel has done an animated film, so it’s definitely good to see the company jumping back into the game with their new film, ‘Iron Man & Hulk’: Heroes United’. The film will be the first fully CGI film done by Marvel, leading them away from the hand drawn animation that came before. I was a big fan of ‘Planet Hulk’, as well as both ‘Ultimate Avengers’ animated films, so I’m hoping that the spark that made those films so much fun is found here. It’ll definitely be interesting to see how the full CGI film looks, because I’m so used to seeing the characters represented in a hand drawn manner in the various shows they’ve been on. I’m very excited to check out the film, which will arrive on December 3, 2013. Are you excited to see ‘Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United’? Let me know in the comments below, and check out the full press release.

Two of the biggest Heroes from the Marvel Universe team up in “Marvel’s Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United,” the first full-length, direct-to-video CG animated feature from Marvel Animation Studios. Featuring the voices of Adrian Pasdar (TV’s “Heroes,” “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man”) as Iron Man and Fred Tatasciore (TV’s “Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.,” “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man”) as Hulk, this groundbreaking Marvel movie experience is available only on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital platforms December 3, 2013.

In this action-packed adventure, the invincible Iron Man and the incredible Hulk come together to save the Earth from its greatest threat yet! When two HYDRA scientists try to supercharge a Stark Arc Reactor with Hulk’s Gamma Energy, they unleash a being of pure electricity called the Zzzax – and he’s hungry for destruction. Together, Iron Man and Hulk are the only force that stands in the way of the Zzzax’s planetary blackout. But first the Super Hero duo will have to get through snarling Wendigos, deadly robots and the scaly powerhouse, Abomination. Can two of Marvel’s mightiest Heroes find a way to work together without smashing each other before time runs out?

Eric Radomski (TV’s “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Batman: The Animated Series”) is Supervising Creative Director of “Marvel’s Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United,” with Leo Riley (TV’s “Mad,” “The Ricky Gervais Show”) serving as Supervising Director. Executive Producers are Alan Fine (Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor, Iron Man 2), Dan Buckley (TV’s “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble,” “Marvel Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.”) Joe Quesada (TV’s “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble,” “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man”) and Jeph Loeb (TV’s “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”). Written by Henry Gilroy (TV’s “Animatrix,” “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Batman Beyond”) and Brandon Auman (TV’s “Iron Man: Armored Adventures,” “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”)

Choosing Super Heroes: Developing “Marvel’s Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United”

For the team at Marvel Animation Studios, the decision to pair Hulk and Iron Man together for the studio’s first feature-length, direct-to-video adventure, was largely inspired by current fan interest. The film’s Executive Producer and Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb states, “We tend to keep an eye on who folks want to see more of.”

Marvel’s decision to feature Iron Man followed the enormously popular appearance of the Hero in the “Iron Man” franchise and the blockbuster hit “Marvel’s The Avengers,” which currently stands as the third highest grossing film in U.S. history and the number one release from Walt Disney Studios.

The Hulk’s breakout role in last summer’s “Marvel’s The Avengers,” provided creators with the next Marvel Hero. Loeb attributes the overwhelmingly positive response to Hulk’s appearance in that movie to the fact that its creators finally gave long-time Marvel fans the opportunity to see the character as “a Hero, not a monster.” Loeb assures fans that, with this feature-length animated release, the Marvel Animation Studios team set out to depict Hulk “with that same kind of thought and expectation.”

A Smashing Duo: The Chemistry of Iron Man & Hulk

If the decision to pair these two enormously popular characters made sense on paper, the result is a smashing duo with combustible on-screen chemistry. The secret to this chemistry is, of course, the spark-inducing interactions between two heroes with nothing in common other than a shared capacity for heroism.

Loeb defines the fundamental difference between the two Heroes as follows: “Tony Stark is a man who thinks first and then acts second. He surrounds himself with technology and builds himself a suit of armor and any kind of tool and weapon that he needs. On the other side is his sort of polar opposite, and that’s the Hulk, who acts first and contemplates his actions later. He believes that the best way to handle things is through SMASHING. We’re talking about a character whose tremendous power comes from who he is without any kind of enhancements through technology,” the Executive Producer says.

That’s not to say that these two distinct characters don’t influence each other’s heroic styles during the 72-minute run time of “Marvel’s Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United.” Loeb assures fans that, during the course of their first feature-length pairing, the two “learn a little from each other and borrow tricks from one another.” Together, Hulk’s brute strength and Iron Man’s high-tech intellect combine to form an ultimate avenging force that’s ready to take on whatever villains – or should we say villain-z – that come their way!

Villainz with a “Z”: Foiling Iron Man & Hulk

In their first feature-length animated pairing, Iron Man and Hulk take on fan-favorite villains from the Marvel Universe. The principal antagonist is long-time Hulk enemy Zzzax. “We’re very excited because this is the first time that we’ve been able to do an entire storyline centered around him,” says Loeb.

The fact that Zzzax is a being composed of energy allowed the film’s creative team to hint at real world environmental and energy issues. According to Loeb, “There’s a little bit of a moral story that’s being played out, given what’s going on with our own Earth, but that’s just a little fun Easter egg for people to find as they go along.”

Other villains featured include the scaly green monster Abomination, a creature with twice the strength as Hulk, and the Wendigos, massive, fur-covered humanoid beasts with fangs and razor sharp claws.

Super Heroic Voices: Casting Iron Man & Hulk

To capture Iron Man’s sardonic wit and Hulk’s roaring power, Marvel relied on the voice talents of actors Adrian Pasdar and Fred Tatasciore. Like the choice to pair Iron Man and Hulk, the decision to cast these two long-standing members of the Marvel Animation Studios family was easy.

Loeb traces each actor’s rich history bringing their respective characters to life: “Adrian Pasdar, who’s been playing Iron Man since about the fifth episode of ‘Ultimate Spider-Man,’ is one of our regulars in the Marvel animated universe, so we’re delighted to have him on board. Similarly, Fred Tatasciore, who plays Hulk, has probably played the character more than any other person who’s ever played Hulk and we know that that’s a role that’s been around a long time, going all the way back to Bill Bixby. Fred’s been our Hulk on everything from ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ through ‘Marvel’s Avengers Assemble,’ ‘Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.’, as well as numerous other projects that were worked on prior to Marvel Animation Studios forming in the first place.”

A Marvel Animation First: Computer Generating “Marvel’s Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United”

The production of “Marvel’s Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United” marks the historic first occasion Marvel Animation Studios has completely utilized computer generated technology in order to create a Super Hero adventure. The use of CG animation results in a visually groundbreaking tale that brings stunning and vibrant new life to the animated Marvel Universe.

The decision to use CG technology was made after the film’s Supervising Creative Director, Eric Radomski impressed his Marvel teammates with a test demonstrating the effect of combining CG technology with 2D mapping. According to Loeb, “The test that Eric showed us was extremely promising and we green-lit it off that – no gamma pun intended – in order to move forward.”

Loeb expresses enthusiasm for continued use of CG animation going forward. “It’s exciting when we get to use a new kind of format and see where we can go. What we’ve learned from this first experience is going to really show up with some neat stuff in the future as well.”

Something to Cheer About: Experiencing “Marvel’s Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United”

Amidst all the holiday cheer this December, Marvel fans everywhere will be cheering for the blockbuster pairing of two of the most iconic Super Heroes Marvel’s first completely CG-animated feature, “Marvel’s Iron Man

Photography Tips for Taking Night Photos in the Disney Parks

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 13, 2013

Disney Night photography is one of the hardest types of photography to master, especially when you don’t have control over the elements. I’ve been a professional photographer for more than three years now and am always learning new techniques and tricks to help perfect those night photos. Here are some basic tips to make your night photos better when visiting Disney World – for those with a regular digital camera and those with a dSLR.

I’ll first start with tips for those who don’t own a dSLR and just have a digital camera. Unless you have the highest megapixel and most awesome camera phone, then put your camera phone away. If you’re just posting the photos to Facebook or other social media, then snap away with the phone. But if you’re planning on having the photos printed or displayed in a larger size, then a phone’s camera just won’t cut it at night.

If there is a cardinal rule that everyone should follow, it is – don’t use your flash to get those night photos! This goes for dark rides as well – there’s a reason why they say ‘please, no flash photography’ before you start out on a ride. Not only does it ruin the experience for other guests (not to mention it’s VERY rude and distracting), it also highlights parts of the ride that are never meant to be seen. And it makes your pictures look pretty bad. That small fill flash on your camera isn’t really going to help illuminate anything but what’s in the 10 ft in front of you – so it won’t help illuminate the entire castle if you’re 100 ft away…and if you have a nice external flash on your dSLR, then you also know (or you should know) that it will only illuminate so much as well, so it’s not very helpful with capturing things that are at a distance. Now if you’re just taking a photo of a person or just trying to concentrate on what’s within a few feet of you, then you can use a flash, but know that your background will be dark and the faces of those you’re taking a photo of may be washed out since you don’t really have much control over the power of your flash with a regular digital camera.

Another good tip for anyone, regardless of what camera you’re using – use a tripod. Night photography requires a steady hand or tripod in order to avoid the blurry/shaky pictures. Don’t have a tripod? Then use something that’s sturdy around you, like a trash can or wall. I didn’t have a tripod with me for our last trip, but I was able to get some pretty awesome pictures by simply using a trashcan nearby to sit the camera on.

Use a shutter release remote so that you’re not touching the camera once you have it setup. By doing this, you minimize any shake that may occur if you’re pressing the shutter button on the camera yourself. These can be purchased pretty cheaply at any store that sells cameras or equipment and will usually work for digital cameras and dSLR’s.

Unfortunately, if you don’t have a dSLR with a lens that allows you to get set it at f1.8 or below, you won’t be able to capture the true lighting of a dark ride without encountering blur or a lot of noise. The rides are moving and they’re dark, a tricky combination to work with. You can get decent pics with a lens that allows you to go down to an f2.8 setting, but they will still be a bit dark or noisy. You can purchase a Canon or Nikon lens that adjusts to f1.8 pretty cheaply – for under $125! If you only shoot in auto mode, then this probably won’t help you very much unless your camera automatically adjusts the aperture down to the lowest possible setting to capture the light of the ride. If you have a dSLR and don’t know what f1.8 or apenture means, then bring out that owner’s manual for your camera or watch some YouTube videos and start learning how your camera really works so that you can take advantage of all it has to offer. Shooting in auto mode is not going to help you capture the best photos at night unfortunately and only limits how great your photos can truly be.

So how do people take those pretty photos where the fireworks look like they were captured over time, yet the castle is still in perfect focus? Well, it requires a tripod (or trash can) and knowing how to create a long exposure picture. I took on a personal photography project back in April while at Disney World and focused solely on night photos – I have to focus on one thing or else I’ll end up with 2000 pics for the week-long trip that takes me a year to get around to editing. The above picture was my first attempt at a long exposure photo and if you can’t tell, it’s a photo of the Dumbo ride – the fence is in focus at all times, but the camera is capturing the motion of the ride over a set period of time – it would work the same way with fireworks. Since I didn’t have a tripod, I just set my camera on a trash can. I also didn’t have a shutter release remote with me that trip, but was still able to capture the picture. For this photo, I had my old Canon T2i, used a Canon 24-70mm f2.8 lens and the settings were: 24mm focal length, 10 second exposure, f/22 and the ISO was set to 400 since I was keeping the shutter open for so long. I haven’t talked about ISO yet, but the higher the ISO, the more ‘noise’ you’ll see in your photo since it’s making your camera’s sensitivity to light higher – some cameras can go all the way up to ISO 6400, but that’s not always a good thing I’ve found and I try to never go over ISO 3200 if you’re going to adjust your ISO settings. ISO also affects what your f-stop and shutter speed should be, so be careful when setting the ISO, or just keep it on auto and hopefully it will adjust correctly. Moving things are a bit more tricky, but it’s much easier to capture something that’s moving if you’re staying stationary and have your camera on a tripod than if you’re say in a boat at Downtown Disney trying to capture the shoreline.

I’ve since upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark II and will be using that on the next trip to get even sharper photos, but you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money on a dSLR to get great photos. They have entry-level ones for under $600 that are great for beginners and some even shoot HD video, like the T2i. There are also several companies out there that rent camera lenses and camera bodies, so be sure to check those out as well if you just want to ‘try before you buy.’ The most important thing is to really get to know your camera BEFORE you leave for your trip, so be sure to practice a lot before you go so that you’re prepared. You may not get those photos that you’re hoping to get right away, but even as a professional, I don’t always get them the first try and I just keep adjusting my settings until I’m able to get exactly what I want.

And believe it or not, most photographers don’t get those ‘incredible’ looking pictures straight out of the camera, although it is possible and not everyone tweaks their pictures to the point where they look way too Photoshop’ed. It requires us to use programs like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop in order to adjust certain parts of the picture – like exposure, contrast, white balance, and maybe the vibrancy of the colors. I made very few adjustments to the above picture and really only added a bit more light to the photo so that the colors weren’t too dark. I also only shoot in RAW, which means that the camera captures more information on the photo so that it can be adjusted (such as exposure), versus shooting in JPEG mode which doesn’t retain as much information and hinders you from making some needed adjustments at times. But if you’re just starting out, definitely shoot in JPEG until you have software that can handle RAW camera formats and a larger hard drive since RAW files are pretty large files. Lightroom is pretty cheap and can be purchased for under $150 and you can frequently find Photoshop Elements (for beginners) for under $100 – or if you really want to go all out, it’ll set you back several hundred dollars for a version of Photoshop CS.

I could really go more in-depth about camera settings, as there is A LOT more to learn if you’ve never conquered shooting in manual mode on your dSLR, but that would probably be too overwhelming for most of you and what non-photographer really wants to read an article with a bunch of technical jargon that seems like greek – although I’m sure the last half of this article was probably foreign to some reading it? Hopefully this will help you plan and prepare for your next trip to the parks so that you can make the most of your photos taken during fireworks, dark rides or just the beautiful landscape of the parks at night. If you have any questions for me about night photography or just photography in general, just comment below and I’ll try my best to answer your question.

To keep up with my latest work, be sure to visit my Facebook page or visit my website.

Disney’s Frozen Clothing and Toys arriving in stores

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 13, 2013

Disney Consumer Products welcomes the arrival of the highly-anticipated Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Frozen, with a diverse new product collection of role- play items, plush stuffed animals, dolls, apparel, home décor and more that capture the family, adventure and fun from the movie. With innovative products like Anna and Elsa dolls that light up and play a melody when they join hands, to Olaf plush that talks when he comes apart, just like his character in the movie, the collection leverages the storytelling and themes in the film to bring the big-screen comedy adventure to life at home.

Disney’s Frozen chronicles the epic quest of fearless optimist Anna as she teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

The wide assortment of products is available now from licensees including Mattel, Just Play and more at mass retailers nationwide. Products are also available at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

Highlights from Disney’s Frozen product line include:

Play Time

Disney Frozen Musical Mag Elsa and Anna Dolls by Mattel (MSRP $29.99 each): Not only do these dolls feature glittery and glamorous gowns, but when you hold their hands, (or when they hold each other’s hands), the dolls will magically light up and play enchanting music.

Disney Frozen Pull Apart and Talkin’ Olaf by Just Play (MSRP $17.99): Everyone’s favorite snowman comes to life in this adorable pull-apart plush. Olaf’s nose, head and torso all temporarily separate and then safely rejoin, recreating memorable moments from the film. Olaf also speaks, with funny phrases from the movie.

Disney Frozen Castle and Ice Palace Playset by Mattel (MSRP $99.99): This expandable set is double the storytelling fun with two gorgeous homes- Anna’s castle and Elsa’s Ice Palace. Children can enjoy all the movie-inspired furniture and play pieces, including a throne, bed, chaise, vanities, mountain slide and an Olaf figure.

Frozen Plush Collection by Disney Store ($14.95-$19.95): Climb to new heights of high-altitude fun and adventure with this super-soft plush collection featuring characters from Frozen including Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf.

Frozen Rolling Travel Trunk by Jakks Pacific (MSRP $49.99): Dress up just like Anna and Elsa with two beautiful dresses and tons of accessories, then pack everything up and roll your trunk to your next destination!
Fashion & Accessories

Olaf Knit Hat by ABG (MSRP $9.99): Inspired by the lovable and humorous Olaf, this novelty, chunky knit hat will keep you bundled up throughout the winter season.

Anna & Elsa Rolling Luggage by Disney Store ($34.95): Gear-up for fantastic adventures and faraway journeys carrying Anna and Elsa’s shimmering, gem-covered travel case equipped with retractable handles and rolling wheels.

Olaf Tee for Boys & Girls by Disney Store ($12.95 each): Olaf the snowman admits he’s ”all out of shape” on this colorful cotton tee boasting all the cool comedy of Disney’s Frozen.

Frozen by Stride Rite Cozy Boot (MSRP $54.99): This suede cozy boot features sisters Anna and Elsa and has a lightweight, flexible outsole and warm, fluffy lining perfect for wintry journeys or trips to school.

Anna & Elsa Costume Nightgown by ERE (MSRP $11.98 each): Dress up as your favorite Frozen sister for bedtime with this lightweight nightgown that features puff sleeves and a sparkle tulle overlay.
Home Décor

Sisterly Love Sheets Set by Franco (MSRP $21.99-$32.99): Cozy up with this Disney Frozen-themed bedding set. It comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, two pillowcases and a comforter.

Loving Sisters Throw by Northwest (MSRP $17.99): The Anna and Elsa plush throw will keep you warm and toasty whether you’re bundled up in a castle or at home watching your favorite movie.

Frozen Upholstered Chair by Delta Children (MSRP $79.99): Exclusively designed for Toys ‘R’ Us by Delta Children, this upholstered chair boasts a three-dimensional accent and animated graphics of Olaf, the silly snowman from Disney Frozen. Cool your heels and cozy up with Olaf during playtime and eternal winters.

Olaf Cuddle Pillow by Franco (MSRP $19.99): Designed to look just like that silly Olaf, this snowman-shaped pillow is covered with so-soft material and filled with squishy stuffing for cushioned comfort.

Story Time

Frozen Storybook Deluxe by Disney Publishing (MSRP $6.99): Hear both sides of the story as Elsa and Anna retell the animated feature hit Frozen—from two points of view—in Disney Publishing’s digital Storybook Deluxe app. Enjoy the adventure and create incredible art objects using a power much like Elsa’s.

Frozen Read-Along Storybook and CD by Disney Publishing (MSRP $6.99): This exciting storybook-and-CD set features thrilling sound effects, word-for-word narration, and original movie voices from Frozen.

Frozen A Sister More Like Me by Disney Publishing (MSRP: $15.99, ISBN: 1423170148): This jacketed picture book features an original story about Anna and Elsa, as well as illustrations by one of the artists who worked on the film.

Frozen Big Golden Book by Random House (MSRP: $9.99, ISBN: 9780736430654): Boys and girls ages 3-7 will love this beautifully-illustrated hardcover Big Golden Book based on the film.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Super Adventure

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 13, 2013

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Super Adventure

New Full-Length Adventure Feature Starring Mickey & Pals + 3 additional bonus episodes packaged on one DVD – December 3, 2013

Zoom! Wow! It’s Super Mickey, Wonder Minnie, Super-Power Pup, Super Goof, Dynamo Duck and Upsy-Daisy to the rescue! In an exciting adventure straight out of a comic book, Power-Pants Pete swoops down and starts shrinking everything insight down to teeny-tiny size! To save the day, Professor Von Drake transforms the Clubhouse Gang into super heroes with incredible powers. But Pete’s merely a sidekick; a wily villain named Megamort is the true mastermind behind theshrinky-dinky caper. Can our heroes outsmart the bad guys? Only by working together, with help from YOU… and the right Mouseketools! Packed with action, surprises and nearly two hours of fun – including three additional episodes – this Super Adventure celebrates the unstoppable power of teamwork and friendship.

Cast:

Russi Taylor (Babe, The Simpsons Movie), Bret Iwan (Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep), Tony Anselmo (Who Framed Rodger Rabbit, Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers), Bill Farmer (Toy Story, A Goofy Movie).

Director: Donovan Cook (Return to Neverland, Las Pelotas)

Exec. Producer: Rob LaDuca (The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, Joseph: King of Dreams)

Producer and Story Editor: Mark Seidenberg (Tummi’s Last Stand, The Crimson Avenger Strikes Again)

Release Date: December 3, 2013

Packaging: 1-Disc DVD with free exclusive, collectible Mickey and Friends trading cards with one lenticular card

Full-Length Feature: Super Adventure

Bonus Episodes: Aye, Aye, Captain Mickey!, Mickey’s Mousekersize!, Mickey’s Little Parade

Ratings: TV-Y (US)

Feature Run Time: TBC

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Audio: Dolby Digital Surround Sound

Languages: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

My 3 year old loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and lately we have started really getting into super heroes, so I can’t wait to watch this with him. I bet it will be a huge hit around here !

Third and Final Transformers Prime on 2 Disc Blu Ray and Deluxe 2 DVD Set

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 13, 2013

Cover Images Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Season 3 Coming to DVD and Blu ray December 3 2013 1 scaled 600 3

Did you grow up watching the Transformers? I know there are a lot of Transformers fans out there, and now we can share these with the boys in our lives with the Transformers Prime Season Three BeastHunters. SHOUT! Factory is bringing the third, and final, season of Transformers Prime to a special 2 Disc Blu Ray and DVD Combo Pack December 3, 2013.

I love having BluRay or DVD Collections for our kids. Our boys can sit and watch whole seasons of Transformers during our cold winters, and now we don’t have to keep all these episodes on our DVR! They can watch them whenever they want! Even though I’m not a huge fan of the Transformers, I know my boys are.

The Season 3- Beast Hunters contains all 13 exciting episodes in one high definition picture and pure digital sound. Also, special bonus content highlights include the Transformers Prime panel from the San Diego Comic-Con 2013. With my boys being older, they like to watch the special bonus features of Blu Rays now, and this is no exception. They enjoyed the first hand accounts and seeing the “people” behind the Transformers. Their curiosity of how movies are made and the stories behind them is increasing, and bonus features like this are something they really enjoy.

Optimus Prime is facing his biggest challenge of all, when they face a new enemy who is dedicated to the destruction of the Autobots and of the whole Earth. In this season, Optimus Prime enlists the help of three teenagers-Jack, Miko, and Raf to help defend their home planet of Earth, and Optimus Prime’s home planet of Cybertron. However, with Megatron being defeated by the Autobots, he is really motivated to destroy Optimus Prime forever.

The one thing I don’t like about the Transformers movies is that they are sort of violent, at least in my opinion. So, keep in mind that they are good for older boys, like over the age of 9. What I do like about the Transformers, is the good guy always wins in the end. And my boys always want to pretend to be Optimus Prime, or any of the other good Autobots. In fact, when they watch these episodes, they then get up and play Transformers afterward. And the good guys always win!

Be sure to pick up the Tranformers Prime Season Three-Beast Hunters at your local retailer staring December 3, 2013.

New Trailer & Screenshots for Disney’s Maleficent

Chip

November 13, 2013

From Disney comes “Maleficent”—the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith, Palak Patel and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in theaters on May 30, 2014.

Trailer is below…

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World – Tips for Beginners

Chip

November 13, 2013

The holiday season officially kicked off at Magic Kingdom Park last Friday, with the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. In case you’re attending your first party this year, here are some tips on how you can make the merriest of the night!

It Requires a Separate Party Ticket
We get this question often, and yes, entry to the party requires a separate Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket (even if you’re visiting the park earlier in the day, the party requires a separate ticket). Here’s a tip – you may receive a discount on select party nights when you purchase tickets in advance. Buying tickets ahead of time is suggested, as some nights do sell out. Click here to learn more.

Your Party Ticket Allows Entry as Early as 4 p.m.
Get the biggest bang for your buck by using your party ticket to enter Magic Kingdom Park as early as 4 p.m. The holiday festivities don’t start until 7 p.m., so you could use this time to get through a few more attractions.

Grab a Special Event Map
The easiest way to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the holiday fun is to pick up a special event map on your way into the park. Special entertainment times, character greeting locations and more are listed there.

Wear “Glow With the Show” Ears
This year’s party entertainment will be enhanced for the first time with Glow With the Show ears. They’ll be used along with the Celebrate the Magic castle projection show and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks. Ear hats can be purchased at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park, or you can bring hats you previously purchased at other Disney Parks to wear – they will work.

Head to the Jingle Cruise
For the first time in park history, Jungle Cruise in Adventureland is undergoing a holiday transformation. Head to the attraction to see the skippers’ homemade holiday decor and hear their new seasonal jokes!

Meet Characters
Pick up an event map to keep tabs on special Disney character greeting opportunities throughout the park. And be on the lookout for Santa Claus in Town Square!

Don’t Forget the Free Cocoa & Cookies
Be sure to check out your event map for snack stations throughout the park that offer complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. Healthy options are available upon request.

Do you have a great tip to share about attending the party? Tell us in the “Comments” section below.

Thanks to Disney Parks Blog for the tips!

DJ Pauly D to Appear at D-Street in Downtown Disney District

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 13, 2013

On December 7, world-renowned DJ Pauly D will be appearing at D-Street in the Downtown Disney District to sign his recently released line of DJ Pauly D™ headphones from SMS Audio.

Recognized for his musical talent as well as his reality star status on MTV’s highest-rated show “Jersey Shore,” Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio has gone on to star in his own spinoff, “The Pauly D Project,” which chronicled his life as a celebrity DJ and has spun across North America with many of today’s top bands and entertainers. His unique style, eclectic track selection, incomparable style and infectious personality continues to captivate crowds around the globe leaving them fist pumping all night, making him one of the world’s most sought-after DJs.

“As a DJ, I have tried many headphones and I highly recommend you pick up a pair of the STREET by 50™ DJ Pro Performance DJ Pauly D Edition Headphones.” Says DJ Pauly D. “Not only have they been designed and professionally tuned specifically to provide dynamic high-performance audio but they bring a sense of style to your music.”

The STREET by 50™ DJ Pro Performance DJ Pauly D Edition headphone with its lightweight design, ultra-plush memory foam leather ear pads, enhanced bass and easy folding hinges with rotating ear cups makes it the right choice for the DJ in all of us. What’s even better, when you are done listening, you can just fold them up for easy transport. If you’re like me and always on the go, you want to pack up your headphones and not worry about them breaking.

Other headphone choices include the DJ Pauly D™ In-Ear Headphone, featuring dynamically tuned 11mm drivers and designed for crystal clear sound and pure comfort, as well as the DJ Pauly D™ On-Ear Headphones, which features a soft touch finish and leather style headband, ensuring a comfortable ride no matter where the music takes you.

The DJ Pauly D™ line of headphones and the STREET by 50™ DJ Pro Performance DJ Pauly D Edition headphone are distributed by SMS Audio, LLC a global leader in consumer electronics providing innovative, professionally tuned, superior sounding products which deliver “Studio Mastered Sound, wherever you go.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Adds Some Latin Flare to the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 12, 2013

The Happiest Place on Earth just gets merrier this holiday season with the newest celebration at the Disneyland Resort, Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Guests will enjoy this festive holiday presentation Nov. 15 2013 through Jan. 6, 2014 in Disney California Adventure Park.

“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” is a merry celebration inspired by the warmth and joyous spirit of the Latino culture, filled with holiday traditions, jubilant dancing and exciting music. Based in and around the Paradise Garden area of Disney California Adventure, the special activities include crafts and face-painting for children, live Latino music, dance lessons, holiday foods, the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” and, of course, appearances by some popular Disney characters.

Disney characters participating in “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy in their festive costumes along with the Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Panchito from Mexico and José Carioca from Brazil.Paradise Garden is decorated with holly, banners and Latino cultural icons, including traditional “papel picado” hand-cut paper art decorations.

The exciting “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” takes over Paradise Garden several times a day, featuring the Three Caballeros on a festive holiday float, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse transported on colorfully decorated street tricycles, flag-bearers carrying papel picado banners, Mexican folklorico dancers, samba dancers and drummers, plus giant “Mojiganga” puppets, including Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

At the Paradise Garden bandstand, guests may enjoy performances by traditional Mariachi, Norteño, and other regional music groups. Also at Paradise Garden, community music and folklorico troupes will perform throughout the day.

“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” guests will find opportunities to enjoy fun arts and crafts, storytelling and face-painting, and they may also discover a selection of unique merchandise in the area.

Dining locations in Paradise Garden add an array of popular Mexican food options. Menus will feature Mexican dishes that are often served for the holidays, such as pozole (hearty stew), chicken mole drumettes, pescado (fish) Veracruzano, champurrado (Mexican-style hot chocolate), sweet tamales, torta al pastor (pork sandwich), buñuelos (deep-fried sweet treat) and choco flan.

The grand finale of “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” will be the special celebration of Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes) Jan. 3 through 6, 2014 in Paradise Garden. Holiday treats will include traditional Rosca de Reyes bread.

“Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” adds a magical, new touch to the traditional holiday entertainment at the Disneyland Resort. Guests also enjoy “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, nightly fireworks and snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland, along with holiday music, décor and characters in holiday attire throughout the resort. At Disney California Adventure, even Mater dons a red hat to meet guests inside the festively decorated Cars Land.

Also new this year, “World of Color - Winter Dreams” brings to life the spirit of the season in a wondrous, all-new nighttime presentation of this water spectacular. The show dazzles the senses with stirring holiday music, amazing special effects and special appearances by some of the most beloved Disney Characters, beginning Nov. 15 at Disney California Adventure.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 5 Must Watch DISNEY Christmas Specials to get you in the Christmas Spirit

Catie

November 12, 2013

Another holiday is upon us – Christmas is only 6 weeks away! Can you believe it’s so close? I know I have a ton to do to get ready – bake cookies, wrap presents – which I need to first shop for and purchase, put up decorations, sing carols, oh – and one VERY important thing to do to prepare for Christmas and put me in that Holiday mood – watching Disney Christmas specials, of course! There are tons of great ones to choose from, but in my personal opinion – these are the BEST ones:

Mickey’s Christmas Carol: A re-telling of the classic Dickens tale, featuring Scrooge Mc Duck, Mickey and Minnie, and other Disney faves. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the story if they have never seen it – as it’s short but still covers all the main points of the original. My personal favorite? Adorable little Tiny Tim as Mickey’s son – if that doesn’t make your heart melt than nothing will!

The Muppet Christmas Carol: Another version of Charles Dickens’ story, this one stars Kermit The Frog as Bob Cratchit, and Michael Caine as a very convincing Ebenezer Scrooge. Gonzo himself plays Charles Dickens and narrates the story which is infused with song, dance, laughs, and of course that Muppet humor we have all come to know and love

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas: This one an hour long cartoon broken up into three stories – “Donald Duck – Stuck On Christmas” which imitates the movie Groundhog Day with a repetitive Christmas loop, “A Very Goofy Christmas” in which Goofy tries to get his son to believe in Santa Claus, and my personal fave – “Mickey & Minnie’s Gift Of The Magi” – a heartwarming tale of Christmas selflessness starring the Mouse himself and his man squeeze, Minnie

Winnie The Pooh And Christmas Too: This half hour made for TV animated short follows Winnie The Pooh and his pals as they prepare for Christmas – decorating, playing in the snow, and making lists for Santa. Any Pooh fan young or old will love this cute little tale

Santa Buddies: Who doesn’t love a Christmas tale with a happy ending starring adorable puppies? I know I do, and so naturally I am a sucker for this one – where Puppy Paws meets up with the Puppy Buddies and goes on a mission to save Christmas. I love this one so much I actually cry towards the end and am no longer allowed to watch it alone – it’s sappy and silly, but it’s a nice little story to help remind everyone what the true meaning of Christmas and Christmas spirit really is

Most of these can be purchased via amazon (some only available on VHS!) or rented through Netflix, but if you don’t have access to these and other favorites on DVD, there will be plenty of Christmas specials on ABC Family in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day

Some of these are classic ones that I have been watching for years, and others are new ones I have come to love as an adult – and I would love to know – which Christmas Specials are on Your “Must Watch” list?

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