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Review: Nausicaa’s return to the Valley of the Wind.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Review: Nausicaa's return to the Valley of the Wind.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is the highly acclaimed masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki that launched his animation career into global success.  This wonderful tale of Princess Nausicaa is lovingly digitally remastered to give the movie a whole new dimension of detail.  This Japanese animation is one of the cornerstones of the industry and helped to solidify Studio Ghibli as a major household name for wholesome family animation.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a beautifully woven story about a princess who lives in one of the last hospitable valleys in a far future Earth destroyed by war.  In this world the land has been taken over by a toxic jungle created by spores and there are very few places where humanity can survive.  Princess Nausicaa must courageously find a way to help bring both mankind and nature back together and save what is left of humanity.

The clarity of the video re-master is so great that even some errors within the original film film reel are apparent.  As this movie was released in 1984, it is already in a proper widescreen format and there is no screen filling technology used.  The full 1080p version of this film is essentially the highest quality format this film will ever need to be, so there is no hesitation in recommending this version of the film.

One thing to note that has changed with the film is the default audio track.  The default audio track is a completely re-done recording that takes the remastered music and effects tracks and pairs them with new voice acting from the likes of Shia LaBeouf, Alison Lohman, Edward James Olmos, Patrick Stewart, and Uma Thurman.  If you prefer to watch the movie in it’s original Japanese language version with subtitles, that option is available as well.

The enjoyment of Miyazaki’s epic masterpiece is further enhanced by the exclusive bonus features included with the blu-ray.  The World of Ghibli bonus allows you to have a unique interactive experience.  A behind the studio feature allows you to walk through the film’s origin and even has an interview with creator Hayao Miyazaki.  The “Enter The Lands” feature lets you interactively explore a map that includes many of the different worlds that have been imagined by the great minds at Studio Ghibli.  You can also view the original Japanese storyboards for the film, and test your knowledge of Studio Ghibli with a trivia challenge.  The bonuses add just that extra touch to complete the experience of this Blu-ray debut of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.

Keep in mind that some elements this film may not be appropriate for some of our youngest Disney / Studio Ghibli fans.  There are brief moments of violence and minimal bloodshed that are the reasons for it’s PG rating.  If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli films such as Spirited Away and Ponyo, you will absolutely love watching this beautiful rendition of one of Miyazaki’s original films.

Movie Details:
Length: 117 Minutes
Rating: PG
Format: 1080p Blu-ray / 480p DVD
Audio: English, French, Japanese
Subtitles: English, ESL, SDH, French
Package Contents: Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack

Disclosure: This review is based off of my own opinion of this movie. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment furnished a copy of this title for review. All copyright images, and content belong to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Reviewed by Jon & Anne`

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Review: Nausicaa's return to the Valley of the Wind.

Disney Confidential – John Lasseter leaks ‘Planes’ Details

By
Anonymouse
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Disney Confidential - John Lasseter leaks 'Planes' Details

Hey there ladies and gents, your friendly neighborhood gossip queen Anonymouse here! Just got back from kicking some booty at the Half Princess Marathon at Walt Disney World. And by kicking some booty I actually mean enjoying the parks while other people ran in the race 🙂

The only marathon I would race in would be around the World Showcase while consuming ample amounts of alcohol. Now that is racing.

Speaking of racing the King of Cars 2 John Lasseter has been leaking more information about the new Pixar film “Planes”.

“‘Planes’ will be a feature film that will be a spin-off of “Cars 2″, where it’s a whole new set of characters are introduced.”

Also Lasseter promised there would be “a little overlap” of characters between Cars 2 and Planes. Think of it this way remember when Laverne and Shirley first appeared on Happy Days then they left and started their own show and some of the characters came on their show to show their support. Yeah its gonna be like that. Haha!

By the way Laverne and Shirley is on weeknights on the all new Hub channel! Check your local listings.

Pixar’s Planes is slated to hit theaters in 2013.

Well kiddies that is all the time I have for today.

Got any good rumors?  Please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook Page here.

 

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Disney Cruise Line – A Classic Tale of One-UpmanSHIP

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Cruise Line – A Classic Tale of One-UpmanSHIP

Can you be at war with yourself? Well, if you are a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, the answer would appear to be ‘Yes.’ As you no doubt know, Disney is divided into many different segments, or businesses. You have the Movie Division. The Theme Parks Division. The Merchandising Division. The Cruise Line Division. And on and on it goes.

But what I find amusing is that, even within a Division, there can be a good-hearted rivalry. At least, that’s how I see things within the Disney Cruise Line.

Here’s what I mean:

The first two Disney ships to launch were the Disney Magic on July 30th, 1998 and the Disney Wonder on August 15th, 1999. Both had the same impressive credentials. Those being:

  • 2,400 passenger capacity
  • 83,000 Gross Register Tons
  • 11 Decks
  • Maximum cruising speed of 24 kn
  • Crew of 945

But Disney didn’t want to make them identical on-board. So each had different restaurants, features, and shows. They sailed to different exotic locations, albeit both ending up eventually at Castaway Cay during each Cruise. Over the years, each ship has received upgrades, and the shows have changed out. Essentially, though, you would have the same magical experience aboard both ships.

Disney Cruise Line – A Classic Tale of One-UpmanSHIP

But now sails the newest Disney ship, the Disney Dream, launched on January 26th, 2011. And how does it compare to its earlier siblings? Let’s have a look:

  • 4,000 passenger capacity
  • 128,000 Gross Register Tons
  • 16 Decks
  • Maximum cruising speed of 24.7 kn
  • Crew of 1,458

Let the One-Upmanship begin! But size and capacity aren’t the only things that have been upgraded on Disney’s newest Ship. Here are a few features that you can’t find anywhere else:

  • Animated Artwork
  • Virtual Portals for Inside Staterooms
  • The AquaDuck Water Coaster
  • More extensive Ship Horn repertoire

And I’m sure that those who are sailing on her inaugural Cruises will find many more features which could be added to the above list! The Guest reports are only now pouring in through various websites, blogs, as well as FaceBook and Twitter.

Disney Cruise Line – A Classic Tale of One-UpmanSHIP

The Disney Fantasy will sail for the first time during March of 2012. And what will Disney’s latest Cruise Ship do to up the ante, as it were? Here is a quote from DCL Public Relations Director, Jason Lasecki, which partially answers that question:

“The Disney Fantasy will offer many of the innovations that the Disney Dream features and brought to the cruise industry for the very first time, including AquaDuck – the world’s first shipboard water coaster. However, the Disney Fantasy will include a few new design elements and guest experiences that will give the ship her own unique identity. (Italics added)”

What will these new design elements and Guest experiences be? Only time will tell.

But one thing is certain to continue as Disney adds ship after ship to its Fleet: There will always be a good-hearted rivalry and battles of One-Upmanship between the ships! This should guarantee that on every Cruise, there will always be something new and exciting to discover and explore.

All aboard!

Lee A. Beatens is a Writer/Artist. His writing side is showcased at the Blog called Disleelandia, and his love for all-things creative is showcased at the Blog called The CANADIAN Kingdom. His improbable third side is showcased here. You can follow him on both FB and Twitter.

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The Disneyland Difference

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Disneyland Difference

My first trip to Disneyland had me full of excitement and wonder. Having been a Walt Disney World veteran for two decades I was excited to experience the original park for the first time.

When I began sharing my excitement to visit “the land” I received countless commentary on how I would be “disappointed” and why. “It’s really small” “There are only two parks” “There are only three hotels” “The castle looks like it was made for miniature golf”, etc.

Although I was aware of these differences, I was a bit surprised by the excessive comparisons between Disneyland to Walt Disney World. It was at that moment that I decided to acknowledge the differences, accept them, and experience Disneyland as what it was meant to be…not the lesser of the parks; but Walt’s original vision; the place that started it all.

Much to my dismay, the cynics were right about one thing: I did laugh when I saw the castle. I ran in the park looking up for it…and there it was….in my eye-line…peeking out from the trees. It did indeed look like a miniature golf castle, but I instantly loved it anyway. The fact of the matter is…it fits there, just as Walt intended. The monstrosity of Cinderella castle would never “belong” in Disneyland, the size alone would make it impossible: it would be Godzilla to the small rural town. Sleeping Beauty Castle nestles right into Disneyland, allows you to wander through its halls and up its staircases to experience the story of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip. There is an enchantment in its walls and it sets the stage for all the other wonderful things that the Magic Kingdom holds.

Instead of feeling cramped and crowded, to me, the Disneyland park had a peace and an intimacy that Walt Disney World has never had. People move at a more leisurely pace, there’s no sense of incessant urgency, everything about the park just makes you want to stroll on through.

I was endeared to the Disneyland difference beyond what I anticipated and found myself feeling like I was experiencing Disney for the first time. Everything had a weight of nostalgia, a quaint intimacy and a quiet memory of the man who built his dream.

As I wandered through the lands I felt like I was feeling what all those people making cynical comparisons were missing: the magic. The fact of the matter is, there is no comparison between Walt Disney World and Disneyland that would do either any justice. To spend your time making lists of square footage, size of castles and number of rides is a distraction from the magic and splendor that each park holds. The beauty of the magic of Disney is that its different for every person and has something for everyone. For me, remembering my first rides on Dumbo, Mr. Toad and Peter Pan are among my most cherished memories. For you, maybe it’s the thrill of Space Mountain, the celebration in the parades or the sweet scents from the confectionery, whichever Disney destination you hold dear, we are all living Walt’s dream walking in a place “for people to find happiness and knowledge…A place for parents and children to share pleasant times in each other’s company…the older generation can recapture the nostalgia of days gone by, and the younger generation can savor the challenge of the future. It will be filled with the accomplishments, the joys and hopes of the world we live in. And it will remind us and show us how to make those wonders part of our own lives.”~Walt Disney

Regardless of which Disney destination is your favorite, when you remember that, you are living Walt’s Dream.

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Oldies But Goodies – Fatigue Is Our Enemy

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Oldies But Goodies - Fatigue Is Our EnemyOldies But Goodies - Fatigue Is Our Enemy

One of the most frequent complaints I hear from my fellow Seniors when they travel to Walt Disney World is that they are so tired out by the second or third day they couldn’t enjoy the rest of their visit. There are a number of things that can cause this fatigue, among these are:

  • Jet Lag – This could contribute but unless there is a 4 or 5 time zone difference it’s probably a minor factor.
  • Inability To Sleep Well – This happens to quite a few folks who don’t sleep well in a strange place/bed. Perhaps a discussion with your physician as to a possible sleep aid might help but please fellow Oldies, don’t self medicate.
  • Commando Touring – This is something that folks of all ages do. Morning to night plus extra magic hours at Walt Disney World will tire out even the hardiest of travelers.
  • Not Taking Daily Breaks – This can be a problem. If you take the time to take that afternoon dip in pool or a quick nap (especially important in hot weather) the fatigue will be greatly reduced.

The above are things that happen while you are actually on vacation that can cause fatigue but there is one thing that happens before the vacation that can be the most significant contributor to fatigue. As we get older and away from the work a day world we can have a tendency to become more sedentary, after all, isn’t that what retirement is about – relaxing? Sure it is and I find myself relaxing waaaaay too much.

When you visit Walt Disney World you are going to be doing something all day, every day that you may not do at home. You will be WALKING,WALKING, and WALKING!!! The walking is in addition to the sensory overload of a normal visit to Walt Disney World. No wonder we (Oldies) get tired out! Here is what I do before every visit:

  • Start A Walking Exercise Program – First, make sure you get with your physician to make sure exercise is suitable for you. Start the program at least six months in advance of your visit and build gradually. You will likely be walking from two to ten miles a day but not all at once while on vacation so set a realistic goal.
  • Eat Properly – It’s difficult to exercise if your body is not properly fueled.
  • Learn To Stay Hydrated – Sure, I’m with you, I know that at our age excessive fluid intake can produce inconvenient consequences at awkward times. Slowly build your WATER intake as you approach your vacation so that your body adjusts to the extra WATER.
  • Stay Active All The Time – Sure, you don’t have to have a walking program if you’re not going to be doing a lot of walking but why not? It certainly can’t hurt, improves your health, and helps control weight.

Please, before you start any conditioning program check with your physician for the best approach. If you do pre condition your body before the vacation you will be rewarded  with the ability to keep up and enjoy the same things that everyone in your travel group is enjoying. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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ADRs: Changing Them While You’re at Disney World is as Easy as 1,2,3

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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ADRs: Changing Them While You’re at Disney World is as Easy as 1,2,3

If you are like many folks planning a visit to Walt Disney World, you have probably spent a great deal of time thinking about your meals: what restaurants your family will enjoy, whether you will do any character meals, what time(s) you will want to eat if you are making Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs), and that doesn’t even take into consideration figuring out how much your dining will actually cost.

So with all that planning, what happens if those plans change…while you are at Disney World? Just how hard is it to find a new place to eat, and/or change your ADRs?

We found out just this very thing on our Disney World vacation over the New Year’s holiday. Since this is one of the busiest weeks of the year, I had diligently planned (and in some cases planned again and again) so that we would be assured of eating where we wanted, when we wanted, and we knew how much it would all cost.

All was going beautifully, as planned, until our final full day. We were going to spend the morning at Hollywood Studios, have lunch, and then return to Saratoga Springs for the afternoon, relax a bit, and then have an early dinner there. We then would return to Hollywood Studios to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights that evening.

Oh and one tiny addition: since this was the last day of the regular pro football season, DH and DD were going to go to ESPN Zone to watch some football, and I planned to go for part of the time as well.

So what happened? Well we went to DHS in the morning, had lunch, and then we all took to the boat to ESPN Zone. The game started and after a while we sat down, and then we ordered nachos and a couple of beers. And we made some friends. And the time kept creeping by…..and no one wanted to leave. We were having fun!

By halftime it was evident that we were not going anywhere any time soon, and considering that we were definitely going back to DHS that evening, it just seemed really silly to go all the way back to Saratoga Springs just for dinner.

So deciding to change our plans, I went in search of a new place to eat that night.

Now there are a few ways to change ADRs while at Disney World (works also if you need to make new ones):

  1. You can call Disney Dining from a Disney resort hotel room phone (was not an option for us at the time, we weren’t in our room)
  2. You can use Disney’s mobile reservation tool on your smartphone (also not an option for us, as my phone doesn’t support their tool….yes I need a new smartphone)
  3. Or you can speak to the concierge at a Disney resort hotel who can assist you.

That’s exactly what I did. I went over to the Boardwalk, just a few steps from ESPN Zone and explained to the concierge our dilemma. Since she did not look remotely surprised, I took this to mean that folks change their minds about dining while at Disney World all the time.

She very patiently pulled up every available restaurant in the DHS/Epcot/Epcot resort area for around the time we needed. I have to say that, to my surprise, on Sunday, January 2, during one of the busiest weekends of the year, there were a number of options. Not every restaurant was available mind you (and none of the “major, popular” ones), but there were more than enough to give us a decent choice.

I ended up choosing the Captain’s Grille at the Yacht Club, because we had not eaten there before and it was similar in menu to our original choice at Saratoga Springs….that we were now cancelling. She took care of it all for me: she cancelled our old ADR, gave me our new confirmation number, and I was on my way back to ESPN Zone to catch the 2nd half of the game.

So it really all worked out very well. Our dinner was FABULOUS (maybe our favorite the entire trip) and we had a much more relaxing afternoon than we would have spent, going back and forth to Saratoga Springs.

Making the change was really easy, and I was pleasantly surprised about the options I had, even at a busy time of year. I think that the moral of the story is: ask, what have you got to lose?

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BEWARE! The Hidden Poles of Main Street USA

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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BEWARE! The Hidden Poles of Main Street USA

My family and I began our regular visits to Walt Disney World in June, 2000. At that time, our children were 6, 9 and 14. We know our way around the Walt Disney World resort just like we know our way around our hometown. I have no problem letting my kids go to the parks without us as they know exactly how to get from park to park, park back to resort, park to any dining reservations we have, etc. So, for several years we have had some flexibility if everyone did not want to do the exact same thing at the exact same time. What is funny is that no matter how many times we have visited, nor how familiar we are with the area, we have been fooled numerous times by the hidden poles on Main Street USA.

Have you seen them?

You are happily walking along the sidewalk talking to everyone about how much fun you are having, or how great your Dole Whip was, or how much you are looking forward to hitting the pool once you get back to your resort, and then BAM! one of those hidden poles comes right out of the ground.

Being discreet like I am, I won’t mention any names but out of my family of five, 3 of us have been abruptly reminded of these hidden poles a time or two.

How do you find them?

There are several ways in which to find these poles:

  • Make sure you are having such a great time that you are oblivious to your surroundings.
  • Always keep eye contact with people when you are talking.
  • Texting someone while walking is a great way in which to find them.
  • And, don’t worry, you can find them at Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom parks too!

What can you do about them?

You have several choices here; and your reaction will be largely based on your own personality. You might:

  • Turn red and die of embarrassment.
  • Laugh with everyone else.
  • Get really angry at your family when they are laughing so hard tears are rolling down their faces and they are holding their sides.
  • Wait for sweet revenge when the next hidden pole will welcome one of them to the “world.”

However you decide to handle it is up to you. But be sure to remember that you might meet up with one of those hidden poles again, and karma is sometimes a booger!

HAPPY BUMPING!!!

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Pixar Announces their Next Movies for 2011 and beyond!

By
Chip
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Pixar Announces their Next Movies for 2011 and beyond!

With “Cars 2” coming soon, Pixar announced their next slate of movies — and Ellen noticed a certain sequel was missing! I hoped you love this video as much as I did!

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WaterParks at Disneyworld, more than your average waterpark!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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WaterParks at Disneyworld, more than your average waterpark!

Beyond the four main Walt Disney World parks lies two more examples of Disney’s Imagineering Genius-Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Unlike anything you’ve ever seen each of these unique properties is beautifully designed, intricately themed, and fabulously fun.

Many people may think the water parks are not for them. Perhaps they are first timers, and are overwhelmed with how much there is to do; or they have small children that aren’t ready for a waterpark. In an effort to save money (and time) many families decline the “waterparks fun and more” ticket option. If you aren’t ready to take the plunge into that ticket upgrade (which also grants you access to DisneyQuest, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, and golfing at Oak Trail for an additional $57.51 per base ticket) and would rather just get your feet wet, you can purchase a one-day one water park admission ticket ($47.93 per adult, $42.54 per child).

Another common misconception about the Disney waterparks is that they are only for extreme adventure seekers, not true! Like every Disney park, there is something for everyone! At Typhoon Lagoon the young can visit Ketchakiddee Creek (for children 48” and under) for the young at heart, visit Castway Creek, a lazy river where you can relax in an inter-tube as you float around the property.

Typhoon Lagoon was created when A terrible typhoon swept through 56-acres of Florida. The typhoon caused all sorts of mischief: surf boards in palm trees, pools with 9-foot waves, it even stranded a shrimp boat (Miss Tilly) on top of a volcano! Listen carefully and you’ll hear Miss Tilly’s whistle blow as a geyser shoots out of the volcano.This little island left behind by a tropical storm brings aquatic adventures to the next level with one of a kind experiences such as Shark Reef (swim with sharks!), surf lessons, the worlds largest wave pool, and nine water slides.

Blizzard Beach was the cause of yet another storm, a freak Blizzard that covered a mountain in snow in mere minutes. When the sun came out the snow began to melt, a half frozen, half thawed not-so-winter-wonderland appeared. An operational ski lift still remains and will take you to the top of Mount Gushmore; where many adventures await! Summit Plummet is a perilous peak, a 120-foot high slide that plummets you down 12-stories at a speed of 60MPH. If a peek isn’t what you seek, try Cross Country Creek where you can pick up a snowflake raft and float around the lazy river. Tike’s Peak has mini adventures for the little one’s and Ski Patrol Training Camp offers mid-sized adventures for those not-so-little one’s. Snow packed with single rider slides, team rafts and toboggan races, Blizzard Beach is a great way for the whole family to stay cool on a sunny day!

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, Disney transportation buses will take you to whichever park you please. To maximize your water filled fun, try to arrive during Extra Magical Hours and enjoy cooler temperatures and shorter lines.

If you find yourself stranded at the parks without your essentials, don’t worry…both waterparks offer stores with everything you could have forgotten but have-to-have: sunscreen, water shoes, towels, goggles, even bathing suits! Rent a locker, stash your valuables and be on your way. Don’t forget to try a treat, found only in Disney’s waterparks are Mini Donuts (sugared or plain) and ice cream filled sand pails complete with sand shovels, these make a perfect afternoon snack or a great way to end the day.
If you’re ready to give the waterparks a try, check the calendar for dates and operating times, these parks do close seasonally for annual maintenance.

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Toy Story team possibly together again in new movie

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Toy Story team possibly together again in new movie

Disney studios is working toward pairing Tom Hanks and Tim Allen in a movie centered around the Jungle Cruise attraction in a live-action film. This is an attempt by Disney to revive it’s original Disneyland attraction.

Producers and script writers have been chosen, director has yet to be named.

Script writer Roger S. H. Shulman has written films such as Shrek and Jungle Book 2.

Hanks has just completed directing a movie with Julia Roberts and working on another family movie featuring the Mattel toy Major Matt Mason.

Allen has plans for returning to TV and will be filming a pilot in April.

Photo credit Disney

 

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More TRON for Less Money

By
Chip
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More TRON for Less Money

If you haven’t downloaded the TRON App yet, now’s the time.

Disney Publishing Worldwide is offering the original TRON: Legacy The Complete Story App for just $3.99 (instead of $8.99) for a limited time only.

Discover the complete world of TRON: Legacy with this true-to-life interactive book App, available for the iPad.  Features of the App include:

  • 150 pages of visually stunning illustrated artwork offer a complete retelling of TRON: Legacy
  • 35+ digital stills from the Film
  • TRON: Legacy Motion Comics Episode 1 – in a unique graphic novel format, the viewer is guided through the first chapter of the story, complete with voices from the film
  • Two songs from the TRON: Legacy soundtrack composed by Grammy-winning duo Daft Punk
  • Exciting movie sound effects
  • A unique interface that allows for seamless movement between the TRON story, film images, and comics

You can download theTRON: Legacy The Complete Story App from the App Store. For additional information about TRON, visit: http://disney.go.com/tron/.

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HP Creates Hands-on Experience for Youth Athletes at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

By
Chip
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HP Creates Hands-on Experience for Youth Athletes at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Expanding on its long-standing relationship with Walt Disney World Resort, HP (NYSE:HPQ) today unveiled the HP Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a project designed to deliver an immersive technology experience to the 2 million athletes, coaches and spectators that visit the complex each year.

The 165,000-square-foot complex – now branded the HP Field House – is a multipurpose facility that has been the cornerstone of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex since it opened in 1997. The facility will now deliver an elevated experience for sports enthusiasts through a variety of HP enhancements inside the facility and beyond.

From the HP Photo Creation Center, to the touch-enabled desktops and digital signage that deliver interactive park experiences, to the HP TouchPads that will be used for on-field stat collection, the HP Field House enables athletes, coaches and fans to have a hands-on experience and completely customize their visit in ways that can only be done at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

“Continuing HP’s decades-long collaboration with Disney, the HP Field House captivates audiences through state-of-the-art athletic facilities with a rich, interactive technology experience that extends the spirit and passion of sports beyond the field of play,” said Carlos Montalvo, vice president, Innovation Program Office, Personal Systems Group, HP.

“Today’s youth athletes are extremely tech savvy and HP is the perfect partner to help them better capture and savor the lasting memories of their unique sports experience in ways that no other sports venue can,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president, Disney Sports Enterprises.

Personalized avatars, applications and concierge services

Customized concierge kiosks featuring the first-ever deployment of HP TouchSmart 9300 Elite Business PCs allow athletes, coaches and fans to access and print a wide range of sporting event information using HP TouchSmart technology. Based in seven convenient locations throughout the complex, the kiosks guide users to field assignments and provide schedule updates, access to event highlights and general complex information such as maps, weather and dining options.

The TouchSmart kiosks also host a custom application that allows sports fans to create personalized avatars for their official ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex credentials. Able to generate 37 billion uniquely tailored avatars, the application offers a wide array of preferences and design tools, including a range of sports uniforms, jersey colors, team numbers, facial features, skin and hair tones, and accessories.

Users also can enjoy one-click access to print, email or share their designs with a personalized message, or upload them directly to Facebook. Special HP product offers for guests also will be provided in the same sleeve with the avatar.

HP Photo Creation Center creates lasting memories

The centerpiece of the HP Field House, the HP Photo Creation Center enables sports fans and athletes to download, design, enhance and print commemorative game day and event images such as matte or glossy photographs for purchase. Guests also can upload their content to the HP Photo Creation Center to create a variety of custom keepsakes, such as photo cards, multipage calendars and photo CDs. In addition, guests can print large-scale posters with the option to print single image or collage posters, wallpapers and banners for purchase onsite.

The ESPN Idea Lab showcases the future, today

The Idea Lab provides HP, Disney and ESPN the opportunity to collaborate on 3-D, custom application development and new HP products offering visitors an exclusive opportunity to interact with HP’s newest products in a way they have never experienced them before.

Champion Stadium suites

HP is installing a range of PCs, printers and displays in the Champion Stadium suites, home to Atlanta Braves Spring Training. HP also will update the concession areas throughout the venues with digital signage – including a four-panel display scoreboard in the rotunda of the HP Field House – so fans will never be far from the action on the field.

Overall, the integration of HP technology bolsters the growing list of innovative features added to the 220-acre complex in recent months, including the ESPN Innovation Lab, a high-tech Production Center, several high-definition cameras and video screens, and a 20-zone audio system.

About the HP Field House – home to a world of indoor sports

The HP Field House is a multipurpose indoor arena reminiscent of a classic 1950s style field house, with room for six full-size collegiate basketball courts and a seating capacity of 5,500. The facility can accommodate most indoor sports, including basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts, roller hockey, cheerleading and dance, in addition to concerts and conventions. Regular events include AAU basketball, College Cheerleading, Dance Team National Championships and the Old Spice Classic, a leading Division I NCAA men’s basketball holiday tournament.

Photos of the HP Field House and HP technology installations are available at .

Making magic together for more than 60 years

HP’s presence at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex extends the company’s long-standing relationship with Disney, which began in 1940 when HP worked with Walt Disney to enhance the acoustics in movie theaters before the release of the Disney film “Fantasia.” Currently, HP sponsors Mission: SPACE in Epcot and is one of the sponsors of the Disneyland Dream Home at Disneyland Resort. Disney is a large HP customer and utilizes thousands of HP business PCs, servers and managed print services, in addition to technology services and storage.

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