20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Registration Now Open

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April 15, 2012

Runners competing in the 20^th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon (registration is now open) will experience several unique features, including a special 20^thanniversary medal, new entertainment elements and a new post-race party.To mark two decades of the Walt Disney World Marathon, the 2013 marathon, which anchors the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, will have enhanced entertainment at Mile Marker 20 to celebrate the 20^th anniversary. And the finishers will take home a specially-designed 20^th anniversary Mickey Mouse medal, plus they can celebrate their achievement at a new post-race party at Downtown Disney.

The marathon weekend, which is expected to draw a sellout field of more than 20,000 for the 26.2-mile marathon, is Jan. 10-13 and will again feature Kids’ Races throughout the weekend, including the Mickey Mile, a Family Fun Run 5K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. There is also Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge which involves running the Half Marathon and the full Marathon – 39.3 miles! The Health and Fitness Expo runs throughout the weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and features the latest in running technology and fashion, as well as renowned running experts like Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDIsney.

Runners can register at www.rundisney.com. There is reduced pricing for early registrants. Below is pricing and the schedule of events for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna.

EVENT	April 10 – June 19	June 20 – Sept. 25	Sept 26 – Jan. 13
Full Marathon	$150	$170	$190
Half Marathon	$150	$170	$190
Goofy Challenge	$320	$350	$380
Family Fun 5K	$55	$55	$55

EVENT	DAY	TIME
Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo	Thursday	9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
	Friday	9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
	Saturday	10:00 AM -5:00 PM
runDisney Kids’ Races	Thursday	3:00 PM
	Friday	11:00 AM
	Saturday	11:00 AM
Mickey Mile	Thursday	4:30 PM
	Friday	12:30 PM
	Saturday	12:30 PM
Disney Family Fun Run 5K	Friday	6:30 AM
Walt Disney World Half Marathon	Saturday	5:30 AM
Walt Disney World Marathon	Sunday	5:30 AM
Downtown Disney After Party	Sunday	4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Addicted to runDisney (chipandco.com)
Celebrities and Wounded Veterans Join Record Disney Marathon Weekend (chipandco.com)

20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Registration Now Open

‘The Secret World of Arrietty’ Arrives on Blu-ray and DVD May 22

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2012

One of the movies I’ve really been wanting to check out this year is ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’, a Studio Ghibli film based on the book series ‘The Borrowers’. I’ll definitely be checking this one out soon. I’m a big fan of the previous Studio Ghibli films, especially ‘Spirited Away’, so I’m sure this will be no exception. Did you see ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’? How did you like it? Let me know in the comments below! Hit the jump for the full press release.

The Heartwarming Family Adventure Debuts On 2-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on May 22

Walt Disney Studios and the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Ponyo” & “Spirited Away”) proudly open the doors to “The Secret World of Arrietty” on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, on May 22, 2012. This visually stunning animated masterpiece stars an illustrious voice cast that includes Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Bridgit Mendler, Moises Arias, David Henrie and the iconic and much beloved Carol Burnett.
Based on the acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers,” by Mary Norton, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is an imaginative tale of “little people” living furtively among us, and the unlikely friendship that forms when their hidden world is discovered. The heartwarming family adventure features beautiful, stylized animation and timeless themes of friendship, courage and determination.

In addition to the stunning Blu-ray hi-definition picture and digital sound, the 2-DiscCombo Pack includes an array of bonus features that will fascinate animation fans, including a storyboard version of the film and the original Japanese trailers and TV commercials. Additional features include music videos for the songs “Summertime” performed by Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler, who is the speaking voice of Arrietty; and the movie’s theme song “Arrietty’s Song” performed by French singer/songwriter Cécile Corbel.

An enthralling story, with the English language version directed by 7-time Academy Award^®-winner Gary Rydstrom, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is a remarkable filmmaking achievement that families will want to add to their home entertainment collections and enjoy over and over.

BONUS FEATURES:

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack: (1 Blu-ray Disc + 1 DVD)

· Storyboard presentation of the film

· Original Japanese Trailers and Television Commercials

· “Summertime” Music Video – Performed by Bridgit Mendler, the speaking voice of Arrietty.

· The Making Of “Summertime” Behind the Scenes – Bridgit Mendler hosts a look at the making of the music video.

· “Arrietty’s Song” Music Video – Experience the movie’s theme song, performed by innovative singer and harpist Cécile Corbel, who also wrote the lyrics.

1-Disc DVD: (1 DVD)

· “Summertime” Music Video

· The Making Of “Summertime”

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

STREET DATE: May 22, 2012

Suggested Retail 2-Disc Blu-ray = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada

Pricing: 1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S. only

Feature Run Time: Approximately 95 minutes

Ratings: U.S. G/Canada G
(Bonus Features not rated)

Aspect Ratio:                                             Blu-ray – 1.85:1 1080p High Definition
                                                            DVD – Widescreen/1.85:1 – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
Blu-ray Audio:                                         English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Track

                                                            Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Original Production Audio
                                                            English ESL & SDH and French Subtitles
DVD Audio:                                               English and French Dolby Digital 5.1 Language Tracks

Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital Original Production Audio

English ESL & SDH and French Subtitles

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Stay connected with the latest news and information on “The Secret World of Arrietty”

· View clips and trailers at www.Disney.com/Arrietty

· “Like” us on Face Book at www.Facebook.com/TheSecretWorldofArrietty

· Follow us on Twitter @DisneyPictures

FILM SYNOPSIS:

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered. Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasionalcovert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts.

But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”

The film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and produced by Toshio Suzuki. Gary Rydstrom directed the English-language version of “The Secret World of Arrietty” from a screenplay written by Karey Kirkpatrick. The producers include Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall. The original Japanese screenplay was written by Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa.

'The Secret World of Arrietty' Arrives on Blu-ray and DVD May 22

Drink Around the World Showcase – Japan Pavilion

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2012

Drink Around the World Showcase – Japan Pavilion — Sake at Japan, Epcot's World Showcase. D.K. Peterson

If your tour of Epcot includes participating in the Chip and Company’s Drink Around the World Showcase (DAWS) experience – our drink and food challenge – Japan is always a welcome stop. Especially if you’re participating in the spirit of an international DAWS day by sipping some sake, or another Japanese beverage.

A convenient stop for DAWS is Japan’s outdoor food cart. It offers three drinks in addition its cold Kaki-Gori treat (see below for more on Kaki-Gori). There you may order

a glass of plum wine,
Kirin Draft Beer (Japanese Rice Lager), or
Ozeki sake (sake is rice wine that is brewed, like beer, rather than fermented) that the Cast Member will serve either hot or cold.

These are some of the same options you’ll find at the restaurants in the Japan pavilion.

Japan’s sake bar at the Mitsukoshi Department Store

For me, though, DAWS is as much about the entire experience as it is about the drinks. So I’d bypass the outdoor drink stand and head straight to the sake bar inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store. There, you can be served a variety of sakes from aperitifs to traditional sakes as well as their recommended sakes. It’s an intimate experience, and educational, and a stop there always results in a new discovery each time I visit.

The bar’s descriptive menu and Cast Member can help you select a sake for your preferred tastes, from a light sparkling sake to versions more akin to bourbon. Be sure to ask about alcohol content as sake can be much stronger than people expect – my recent tasting of three sakes featured examples that ranged between 7% – 15%, with the higher end being more representative of the beverage (to, say, 20%).

Suggestions: Never tried sake or don’t drink much wine? Try a sparkling sake as they’re very mild. Enjoy whiskey? Go bold. Or consult this guide to sake for beginners.

Or if you’re in the mood for another other stand-out option at Japan’s sake bar, try the plum wine at the bar (don’t forget to eat the plum).

And if you’re not doing a full-on DAWS day, but focusing on one or two stops around Epcot’s World Showcase, I highly recommend trying the sampler at the sake bar. The small bar, located in a corner near the back of the store, offers guests a three-sake sampler that’s well worth the $17 (current) price. Offerings that change on a regular basis.

Explore at eat your way through the Japan pavilion on an Epcot DAWS day

In addition to the sake, why is Japan one of my favorite stops for DAWS?

First, it’s a good location to explore with a drink in one’s hand, whether that’s to enjoy serenity of the koi ponds and streams outside in the beautifully landscaped grounds or to take advantage of the air-conditioned comfort of the Bijutsu-kan Gallery or Mitsukoshi Department Store.

Touring in the afternoon and early evening, which are the times you’ll likely be moving through this pavilion, also means there’s a good chance to see some of Japan’s entertainment. While I enjoy the Matsuriza, the Japanese Taiko drummers, Miyuki the Candy Artist remains my personal favorite. And Japan’s overall atmosphere makes a DAWS day seem more like a stroll in the park than a binge-drinker’s dream.

Second, Japan’s location and its food options make for a good place to enjoy the dining aspect of our challenge. (Remember, you earn points for both drinks and food in our game.) Japan is home to

a Disney fan favorite, Kaki-Gori (a shaved ice dessert flavored with fruit syrup that tastes noticeably different than an American snow cone – my flavors of choice are melon or rainbow).
Epcot’s largest selection of candy – even more expansive than Goofy’s Candy Company in Future World – and certainly its most diverse.
Japan offers three choices for more substantial meals: Teppan Edo (teppan-yaki steakhouse– tableside preparation- and its sushi), Tokyo Dining (sushi and tempura at a table-service atmosphere with a great view), and Yakitori House (familiar food, think take-out or strip-mall quality, in a beautiful quick-service restaurant).

The next time you’re in Epcot for me, stop by Japan and raise a glass of sake for me. Kanpai!

Katsura Grill Official Opening at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Epcot Traditions (chipandco.com)

Huge Savings on Star Wars Weekends, Food n’ Wine and Jersey Week!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2012

Are you considering a vacation to Disney World for Star Wars Weekends, Food n’ Wine Festival or during Jersey week this year? If so then this is for YOU!

Pixie Vacations has an EXCLUSIVE offer with GREAT discounts that you can ONLY get by booking through us. We have worked exclusively with Disney to get these discounted rates for our clients only and you will not see these discounts any place else.

The great thing is that it includes a free water park ticket for everyone in your party or a free Disney Quest ticket. This is great for Annual Pass holders because you can book room only AND add dining with these incredible discounts. We would love to bundle these as room/tickets and dining but it can be broken apart to do room only, room and tickets only, or room and dining if need be.

Here are the details:

Star Wars Weekends May 25th-29th (there is some flexibility with these specific dates based on availability but this MUST be booked by April 25th so act quick on this one):

We have great rates at All Star resorts, Coronado Springs, Contemporary (Garden and tower rooms with Magic Kingdom Views) , Beach Club, Saratoga Springs in a 1 Bedroom Villa, Bay Lake Tower 1 Bedroom Villa’s and Saratoga Springs 2 Bedroom Villa’s.

Food n’ Wine Festival October 1-8th :

We have negotiated great rates at All Stars, Port Orleans Riverside, Contemporary Resort (both garden and Tower with Magic Kingdom Views), Beach Club, and the Polynesian Resort

Jersey Week for travel November 3-10th

We have great rates for Pop Century, the brand new Art of Animation Resort in Little Mermaid in a standard room or in a Cars Suite, Port Orleans Riverside, Beach Club, Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort (graden view or Tower Magic Kingdom View) and a 1 bedroom Villa at Beach Club.

Contact me today at [email protected] for a quick and easy quote on any of these deals listed above, I look forward to helping you plan an amazing Disney vacation AND saving you some money!!

Lesley is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations, contact her for your next Disney vacation at [email protected] or check her out at www.destinationmagic.com. She is currently offering generous booking incentives (Disney gift cards and Disney on board credits for Disney Cruiseline) as well as $200 per person Disney gift cards for all Adventures by Disney Vacations!

Actors Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor Host Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Presidential Suite: Detailed Tour Including Commentary, Oversized Balcony Views of the Magic Kingdom and More – Photos and Video (jefflangedvd.com)

Huge Savings on Star Wars Weekends, Food n' Wine and Jersey Week!

Disney’s California Grill to Close for Refurbishment?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2012

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli from Disney's California Grill

According to disneycontemporary.com, the California Grill may be closing for a lengthy refurbishment in 2013. The restaurant would close on January 1, 2013 for a 4 to 6 month refurbishment. Rumors have been circulating about roof work but it seems the restaurant may be getting a face lift.

I visited the California Grill for the first time in January and had an amazing meal. I didn’t see any signs of wear and tear but I may have been too preoccupied with my food! If you have an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World you may want to go ahead and make a reservation at the California Grill just in case the refurbishment rumor is true.

Stay tuned to Chip & Co for the latest details about the possible refurbishment.

100 Disney Foods to Eat Before you Die Challenge (chipandco.com)
Disney World Refurbishment Schedule for April 2012 (chipandco.com)
Disney Restaurant Review – California Grill (disneyonwheelsblog.com)

Disney's California Grill to Close for Refurbishment?

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Izzy Speaks Out – Interview with Madison Pettis

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 14, 2012

If you have little children and watch Disney Junior, I am sure you have heard and watched Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Catchy songs and fun pirates make this show great for preschoolers and their moms :)! But in case you have missed the show here is what it is all about:

The show revolves around a group of three children (two boys and a girl) who are pirates in Never Land (vs. Peter Pan’s Neverland), looking for treasure. Their main challenges revolve around Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Tick-Tock the Crocodile from Peter Pan. Captain Hook usually sees Jake and his crew doing something fun and steals it from them, and Jake and his crew have to get it back. After they succeed, Jake and his crew count their gold doubloons (which they receive after solving each “pirate problem”).

I recently had a chance to talk to the only girl pirate on the show, Izzy voiced by Madison Pettis! Both the character Izzy and Madison herself are great girls and I had a great time getting to know a little bit more about both.

Jackie: I have a 5 year old daughter and we LOVE Jake and the Neverland Pirates! What is your favorite part about being on the show?

Madison: I really love playing Izzy, she is such a fun character. Being the only girl on the show, she is all about girl power and strength and that is a lot of fun!

Jackie: Izzy has to be a pretty special character to be the only girl pirate around! Besides her girl power what else makes her special?

Madison: Her Pixie Dust is pretty special! It was only given to Izzy, by the fairies, in case of emergency!

Jackie: Disney’s Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Peter Pan Returns was released to DVD April 3rd, what is your favorite part of the movie?

Madison: That Peter Pan actually shows up! In past episodes there has been mention of him and we can see him in the stars, but until now he has never made an appearance! It makes the movie super special to have him in it!

Jackie: Anything fun coming up on the show you can tell us about?

Madison: Be on the lookout for a lot more songs, we have been recording a lot. They are super catchy!

Jackie: And because we love Disney so much around here I have to ask, You have a birthday in a few months – any chance you will be spending it at Walt Disney World?

Madison: You know what, that is a great idea! I haven’t made any plans yet but we did spend my brothers birthday there a few years ago. Seriously, thank you that was a great idea!!

So fans heading to Disney in the early part of July, keep your eyes out you might catch a glimpse of Jake and the Neverland Pirates star Madison Pettis. She is a very nice young lady at the end of our conversation we chatted a bit about how much I appreciated her kindness and her being a role model for our young kids. Getting to know her a little bit better has made me want to support the show even more. She really cares about what she is doing and is a hard worker! You will also get a chance to see Madison Pettis on a few upcoming episodes of Lab Rats on Disney XD, so be on the lookout for that!

If you get a chance head out to your local store and purchase the all new DVD Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Peter Pan Returns!

Interview with Jonathan Morgan Heit of “Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Peter Pan Returns” (chipandco.com)
Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Peter Pan Returns (Jacob’s First Vlog) (prettyopinionated.com)

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Izzy Speaks Out - Interview with Madison Pettis

Disney Launch Details for The Serpent’s Shadow, the Final Book in The Kane Chronicles Trilogy

By

Chip

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April 14, 2012

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) announced today the exciting plans in support of The Serpent’s Shadow, the third and final book in the #1 best-selling Kane Chronicles series by literary demigod Rick Riordan. This summer’s biggest book release, The Serpent’s Shadow will be published on May 1, 2012, with a 2-million-copy first printing.

Fans will have the opportunity to join Rick Riordan in a live webcast from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium in San Jose, California, on Tuesday, May 1. The webcast will include a tour of actual Egyptian artifacts, a reading from the new book, and a chance to ask Rick live questions. For more information and to sign up for the webcast visit: slj.com/rickriordan. Riordan will also embark on a multicity tour in the US and Canada, including: San Francisco, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Vancouver, BC; Seattle, WA; Anchorage, AK; Portland, OR; and San Antonio, TX.

“We are thrilled to bring the rich fantastical world of ancient Egyptian mythology to life with the interactive simulcast, allowing Rick to connect with fans everywhere,” said Suzanne Murphy, vice president and publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Rick’s wit and hard-hitting action paired with his mastery of mythological storytelling makes for a brilliant finale to the Kane Chronicles series.”

Rick’s first enhanced, interactive eBook, The Kane Chronicles Survival Guide–the only illustrated guide to his #1 New York Times best-selling Kane Chronicles series–was released this week on the iPad and Nook. Fans of the Kane Chronicles will devour this lavishly illustrated enhanced eBook featuring original animation, audio enhancements, and special effects. Full of spellbinding quizzes, pop-up maps, photos, and facts, customizable magic spells, and an excerpt from The Serpent’s Shadow, this interactive eBook offers a blend of activities and exclusives to avid followers of the series.

The Serpent’s Shadow releases simultaneously in hardcover and as an eBook from Disney Publishing’s Disney-Hyperion imprint and as an audio version through Brilliance Audio on May 1, 2012. More than 30 million books are currently in print in the U.S. across Riordan’s three series from Disney-Hyperion Books: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus. The books have been translated into 37 languages in 36 countries.

Nothing less than the mortal world is at stake when the Kane family fulfills its destiny in the thrilling conclusion to The Kane Chronicles. Visit KaneChronicles.com for more information on The Serpent’s Shadow and the series.

This Fall 2012, Rick’s blockbuster series The Heroes of Olympus returns with the third book, The Mark of Athena.

Rick Riordan, Children’s Choice Book Award Author of the Year in 2011, is the author of the award-winning New York Times #1 best-selling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The Lightning Thief, the first book in that series, was developed into a feature film. In 2010 he launched two all-new series that both debuted at #1 on multiple best-seller lists: The Kane Chronicles and The Heroes of Olympus. His previous novels for adults include the hugely popular Tres Navarre series, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons. For additional information about Rick, visit RickRiordan.com.

Disney Announces First Printing of Rick Riordan’s ‘The Serpent’s Shadow’ (chipandco.com)

Disney Launch Details for The Serpent’s Shadow, the Final Book in The Kane Chronicles Trilogy

Limited Edition Disney Fantasy Vinylmation Giveaway

By

Chip

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April 14, 2012

Our good friends over at Mousechat were nice enough to think of us when they took a trip on the inaugural voyage of the Disney Fantasy. To bad they didn’t think to pack Chip in one of their suitcases 🙂 While they were there they picked up this Limited Edition Vinylmation to giveaway on Chip and Co.

To enter all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Contest ends Saturday April 14th at 11:59pm. On Sunday I will pick one lucky winner and notify them via email that they won. So be sure to use a valid way for me to contact you.

For bonus entries Share this post using any of the Buttons at the top of this page. You can tweet and share as often as you like each counts as bonus entries!

Good Luck

P.S. – Please share Chip and Co with your friends and help us grow our community. The larger the community the better the prizes I can share with you EVERY WEEK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mouse Vault App Review & Giveaway! (chipandco.com)
Photo Tour of the All New Disney Fantasy (chipandco.com)

Warhorse Bluray Review

By

Chip

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April 14, 2012

So I just watched Warhorse last night and let me just say it was a very intense movie! There is lots of emotion and action!Here is a little info about the film.

From Legendary Academy Award-winning motion picture director/producer Steven Spielberg, this critically acclaimed and Academy Award®-nominated epic adventure tells the story of the extraordinary journey of courage and friendship as seen through the eyes of one unforgettable horse named Joey, and his miraculous journey to find his way back home.

I will say I really liked the movie a lot but it left me wanting a bit more character development until I saw the Bonus Material.
I never paid much attention to “bonus” content before but seeing this caused me to like the movie even more.

The Bonus Features Disc contains:

Film Making Journey (64 minutes)
Editing and Scoring (9 minutes)
The Sounds of War Horse (7 minutes)
Through the Producer’s Lens (3 minutes)

A Film Making Journey tells the back story of “Warhorse”. It began as a novel by Michael Morpurgo and then a Stage Play in London. The story of a horse’s journey through World War II with beautiful scenery of the colorful English Country Side in stark contrast to the bleak No Man’s Land on the battlefield of France. Most of the movie was shot outdoors in England where the constantly changing weather affected the sky, clouds and the land enhanced the background scenes.

Steven Spielberg narrates the story of making “Warhorse”. Well worth the 64 minute investment.

Editing and Scoring: Editor Michael Kahn describes the process of scene selection with emphasis on the battle between the natural and mechanical during the transforming struggle that was The Great War. Kahn discusses the emotions felt during the creation of “War Horse” of Love, affection and understanding between “Joey” (the title character) and those humans who become a part of his story.

Scorer John Williams’ creative talents are on display along with scenes from the actual recording studio. You will come away from the second half of this short segment with a greater appreciation for the talents involved.

The Sounds of War Horse: No sounds from the actual location were used in the film which makes the story behind the creation of the sound effects all the more interesting.

Through the Producer’s Lens: Co-Producer and Photographer Kathleen Kennedy’s magnificent still shots are the back drop during her compact yet meaningful description of her impressions of the film. The fact that 8 million horses were killed during the Great War was not lost on her. The importance of conveying the horror of war, not just to humans, but to the horses was not lost.

In conclusion this movie is not just a World War I movie. It is an anti-war movie and the story of the journey of a horse from the horse’s viewpoint. Spielberg relates a message about the relationships between many humans and a very special horse. The bonus material is most helpful by helping the viewer understand his insight in understanding the historical connection of man and horse. The horse was man’s only mode of transportation for centuries. Great armies moved upon the horse. Nation’s fortunes were made or lost thanks to the relationship between the horse and man. The Bonus features describe in detail the difficulties of training, makeup,the tricks used and humane treatment considerations involved. All leave you with a greater appreciation of the making of “War Horse” and of the resulting phenomenal movie.

Thank you to Disney for letting me review this film.

War Horse on Bluray and DVD on April 3rd (chipandco.com)
Oscar Nominated WAR HORSE Gets a Blu-Ray Release Date (chipandco.com)

Disney releases “Avengers Origins: Hulk” and “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2012

Disney Publishing Worldwide announced today that two more storybook app titles based on the original Marvel Origins series will join “The Amazing Spider-Man: An Origin Story” app, which launched last month. The new titles, both narrated by comic book legend Stan Lee, include “Avengers Origins: Hulk” and “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” which will be available for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch in February 2012.

The “Avengers Origins: Hulk” action-packed app tells the story of how Dr. Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk and the pursuit of the U.S. armed forces against Banner/Hulk. Through thrilling tap-and-play animation and interactive games, readers are able to experience Banner’s transformation first-hand. The “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” app brings to life the team of Super Heroes we’ve all come to know and love with Iron Man, Ant-Man, Wasp, Thor, and Captain America. In both apps, Lee lends his iconic voice in “Read to Me” mode, which is one of four reading modes that cater to a variety of reading levels. The two new interactive storybook apps narrated by comic book legend Stan Lee join “The Amazing Spider-Man: An Origin Story” app, which was rated one of the “10 Favorite Apps of 2011” by Entertainment Weekly.

“Avengers Origins: Hulk” and “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” will launch in February 2012 in the App Store on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

For more information, visit http://disneybookapps.com and www.facebook.com/DisneyReads, or follow @DisneyReads on Twitter.

Stan Lee Narrates Two New Marvel Origin Storybook Apps (chipandco.com)
Disney Releases “The Lion King: Timon’s Tale” and “Tangled” for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch (chipandco.com)

Disney releases "Avengers Origins: Hulk" and "Avengers Origins: Assemble!" for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch

GCB: The Complete First Season – Available June 12, 2012

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2012

From Darren Star, creator of ‘Sex And The City,’ and Robert Harling, writer of ‘Steel Magnolias,’ comes a deliciously fun, wicked new drama that shows you can go home again…but only if you’re ready to face the sins of your past.

Back in high school, original mean girl Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb) mercilessly tormented her less attractive classmates. Twenty years later, after her hubby is busted for a Ponzi scheme – and meets his maker in a particularly scandalous way – a disgraced Amanda is back in Dallas to start life anew under her mother’s (Annie Potts) palatial roof.

But will the good women of her hometown welcome her with open arms or dole out some kick-ass karmic payback? Let’s just say, hell hath no fury like the cosmetically enhanced!

“GCB” stars Leslie Bibb, Kristin Chenoweth, Annie Potts, Jennifer Aspen, Miriam Shor, Marisol Nichols, David James Elliott, Mark Deklin and Brad Beyer. Released in a three-disc DVD set.

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Rating: TVPG D L S

Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 US; $44.99 Canada

Running Time: 430 minutes (10 episodes)

Scandal: The Complete First Season – Available on DVD June 12, 2012 (chipandco.com)
THE RIVER: The Complete First Season – Available April 10, 2012 (chipandco.com)

GCB: The Complete First Season – Available June 12, 2012

The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 Guidebook

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 13, 2012

Newest edition of the best-selling guidebook helps Disney guests have their best vacation ever

Even the most hardcore power mom will like this award-willing travel guide, newly released this January. It’s written by a former Walt Disney World concierge supervisor who’s also the mom of a teenage girl. Packed with candid reviews and thorough descriptions of ever ride, show, restaurant, and resort, The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 features the most in-depth information ever published about the world’s No. 1 vacation destination. Paging through the book is just plain fun, as 535 color photos reveal details you just can’t find anywhere else. The guide is loaded with straightforward insight and helpful information.

Families create park days to treasure. Comprehensive attraction pages make deciding what to do at Walt Disney World easier than ever. Going beyond mere ranks and ratings, reviews also give families insight into a ride or show’s appeal, such as its architecture, history, music, storytelling or attention to detail. Helpful specs include hourly wait times, fear factors, disability access, health warnings, and weather issues. Once they are at an attraction useful tips and lists of “secret” fun finds help families enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Photos take you there. Over 500 colorful images give readers a clear sense of every ride, show, parade, and exhibit, and reveal the quality of hotel grounds, lobbies, rooms, and swimming pools. Parents will enjoy looking at The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 with their children, as the abundance of photos makes it easy for little ones to decide, “Let’s do that!”

Helpful tips make readers Disney experts. Spread through the book, hundreds of specific tips reveal such things as how to save time with Disney’s Fastpass system, how to save money with the Disney Dining Plan , even the best spots to watch parades, shows, and fireworks.

Meal planning with confidence. Thoughtful restaurant reviews cover everything from burger joints to gourmet bistros to unique character meals. Quick read summaries let vacationers scan restaurants by ratings, cuisine, price or hours of operations. A policies section uncovers hard to find facts on children’s meals, special diets, and Disney’s new rules about canceling reservations.

Detailed hotel reviews save time. Seriously thorough hotel descriptions let readers compare every aspect of every major place to stay, including swimming pool features and other family focused amenities. Reviews cover the highs and lows of every property, room decor, and both rack and discount rates. Disney guests can forget the hassle of spending hours online to research hotels; everything they need is right at their fingertips.

Full ESPN Wide World of Sports Coverage. Do families have a young athlete playing at the Wide World of Sports? Readers learn how to view coverage of youth sporting events and get the scoop on spectator seating, dining, and other amenities.

Disney news readers can use. Only the Complete Walt Disney World 2012 included all 662 changes for 2012- every new attraction, activity, hotel, restaurant, shop, and price increase. Readers get insider advice on new rides starring the Little Mermaid and Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs, as well as revamped attraction based on Dumbo, Goofy, and the Star Wars Universe.

Instantly find vital information. Color-coded chapters and 1,000 item index let you find any topic quickly. To make planning easy a back of the book section titled Walt Disney World A-Z provides a wealth of data on airports, rental cars, park tickets and the like. An appendix holds a Character Guide, a new What Things Cost section that makes it easy to plan expenses, and telephone and internet directories.

Kudos. The only independent guide ever honored by the Walt Disney Company, The Complete Walt Disney World is the winner of Disney’s iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Family Product. Altogether the book has won 17 national and international book awards.

About the author. A former Walt Disney World concierge supervisor, Julie Neal grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and studied biology and art at the University of Missouri and Florida State University. Since 2004 she spent over 1,500 days at Walt Disney World, not counting her time working there. Today Julie lives right next door to Disney, in the Disney-designed town of Celebration, Fl. Her office window overlooks the Walt Disney World entrance.

Now Available! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2012 e-Book (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney World Donates $5.7 Million Donation to Florida United Way (chipandco.com)

The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 Guidebook

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