Movie Review: Disney's The Finest Hours

The year is 1952, during one of the biggest storms off the coast of Massachusetts, the oil tanker Pendleton is split in half. With another oil tanker having already suffered a similar fate and undergoing a major rescue operation, the Pendleton sits alone with no radio communication and no commanding officers. A small U.S. Coast Guard boat is dispatched to find the Pendleton. But this small crew and smaller boat loses its compass and has no way of knowing if they are heading towards the tanker or not.

Leading up to this epic rescue is a love story between Coast Guard sailor Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and Miriam (Holliday Grainger). This helps add to the tension and drama as Bernie leads his team out into the storm.

Walt Disney Signature Collection: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs Blu-Ray Review

Disney has re-released the one that started it all, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" on blu-ray as the first title of its Walt Disney Signature Collection. 

Video Quality:

This is the exact same 1080p transfer from the Diamond Edition release. That being said, Snow White showcases Disney's commitment to high-quality remastering and restoration of the film. The details are staggering, from the brush strokes of the artists, to the rich colors and the inky blacks. 
One would have to imagine that the film has never looked this good. A loving restoration to the original colors and details of the original frames. Disney has outdone themselves once again.

Audio Quality:

The audio is also the same from the Diamond Edition release. The audio restoration is as remarkable as the video. The Master Audio 7.1 surround track takes the film's original mono track and creates an wonderful surround sound track that pays the utmost respect to the original. The score is rich and voices are crystal clear. 

Bonus Material:

Some of the bonus material is new but a majority of it was taken from the Diamond Edition release.

• In Walt's Words: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1080p, 4:22): Archival audio footage from an interview with Walt Disney in 1956. Here Walt talks about the inspiration of the animated film, putting the animated film together, the film's premiere and what the film meant to the studio as well as it's own legacy.  
• Iconography (1080p, 7:16): Taking a look at artwork inspired from the film as well as the latest Disney craze, Disney Bounding. 
• @DisneyAnimation: Designing Disney's First Princess (1080p, 5:16): Animator Mark Henn, Art Director Michael Giaimo, Art Director Bill Schwab, and Art Director Lorelay Bové sit at a round table discussion to talk about design, inspiration and artists who designed the characters for the film.
• The Fairest Facts of Them All: 7 Things You May Not Know About Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1080p, 4:37): Sofia Carson from Disney's Descendants shares some fascinating facts about the film.
• Snow White In Seventy Seconds (1080p, 1:12): Hear the story told through hip-hop.
• Alternate Sequence: The Prince Meets Snow White (1080p, 3:39): A never-before-seen sequence featuring Snow White meeting the Prince for the forest time.
• Disney's First Feature: The Making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1080p, 33:15): A lengthier version of the supplement entitled The One that Started It All found on the Diamond Edition release, Disc 2.
• Bringing Snow White to Life (1080p, 11:35): From the Diamond Edition.
• Hyperion Studios Tour (1080p, 30:36): A condensed version of the in-depth Hyperion Studios interactive cornerstone from the Diamond release. 
• Decoding the Exposure Sheet (1080p, 6:49): From the Diamond Edition.
• Snow White Returns (1080p, 8:44): From the Diamond Edition.
• Story Meetings: The Dwarfs (1080p, 5:51): From the Diamond Edition.
• Story Meetings: The Huntsman (1080p, 3:55): From the Diamond Edition.
• Deleted Scene: Soup Eating Sequence (1080p, 4:07): From the Diamond Edition.
• Deleted Scene: Bed Building Sequence (1080p, 6:28): From the Diamond Edition.
• Animation Voice Talent (480i, 6:20): From the Diamond Edition.
• Audio Commentary: Commentary by Roy E. Disney and Historian John Canemaker, and Recordings by Walt Disney from the Diamond Edition.

If you did not pick up the Diamond Edition of Snow White then this Signature Collection version is a must-buy. But if you have the Diamond Edition version, which has an enormous amount of bonus material, then you do not need to pick up this release. 

Disney's The Finest Hours World Premiere Photos

Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Eric Bana and the cast of Disney’s “The Finest Hours” were greeted by the U.S. Coast Guard Band, Honor Guard and throngs of fans at the film’s premiere last night at the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. The heroic action-thriller opens in U.S. theaters this Friday, January 29.

Shakira - Try Everything (from Disney's Zootopia)

International superstar Shakira is lending her Grammy®-winning voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star in Zootopia. 

Watch the brand new music video for Shakira's "Try Everything,” below!

The all-new original song, “Try Everything,” was written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate.

Director Byron Howard said, "For the role of Gazelle, Zootopia’s most beloved superstar, there was only one person on our wish list: Shakira. Luckily for us, she said yes. Her immense talent and charm bring Gazelle and her song, ‘Try Everything,’ to life.”

“Try Everything” single is available now at digital retail.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/try-everything-from-zootopia/id1066009981?app=itunes

Walt Disney Records soundtrack will be available March 4

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” opens nationwide March 4.

Pixar's The Good Dinosaur - On Blu-ray and Digital HD February 23

The Perfect Adventure for the Whole Family Stampedes Home On

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere February 23

Extensive Bonus Features Include the Academy Award© Nominated Theatrical Short “Sanjay’s Super Team,”

Making-of Featurettes, Deleted Scenes and More!

The Perfect Adventure for the Whole Family Stampedes Home On

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere February 23

Extensive Bonus Features Include the Academy Award© Nominated Theatrical Short “Sanjay’s Super Team,”

Making-of Featurettes, Deleted Scenes and More!

SYNOPSIS:                              From the innovative minds of Disney•Pixar comes a hilariously heartwarming adventure about the power of confronting and overcoming your fears and discovering who you are meant to be.

The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely, and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In this epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, an apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

Bring home this original story full of humor, heart, action and imagination, perfect for the whole family! 

CAST:                                         Raymond Ochoa (NBC’s “The Night Shift,” TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles,” “Disney’s A Christmas Carol”) as Arlo; Jeffrey Wright ("The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Parts I & II”, HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") as Arlo’s wise Poppa; Frances McDormand (HBO's "Olive Kitteridge," "Fargo") as Arlo’s strong Momma; Marcus Scribner (ABC’s “black•ish”) as Arlo’s brother, Buck; Jack Bright (“Monsters University”) as Spot;Steve Zahn (“Captain Fantastic,” “Ridiculous Six,” “Rescue Dawn,” “Mad Dogs”) as a fearless pterodactyl named Thunderclap; A.J. Buckley (TNT’s “Murder in the First,” FX’s “Justified”) as teen T-Rex Nash; Anna Paquin(HBO’s “True Blood”) as Nash’s tenacious sister, Ramsey; Sam Elliott (FX's "Justified," "I’ll See You In My Dreams," “Grandma”) as T-Rex patriarch Butch

DIRECTOR:                          Peter Sohn (Short – “Partly Cloudy”)

PRODUCER:                         Denise Ream (“Cars 2,” “Up”)

EXEC. PRODUCERS:          John Lasseter (“Inside Out”), Lee Unkrich (“Monsters University”) and Andrew Stanton (“Inside Out”)

ORIGINAL CONCEPT

AND DEVELOPMENT:      Bob Peterson

STORY:                                 Peter Sohn, Erik Benson, Meg LeFauve, Kelsey Mann and Bob Peterson

SCREENPLAY BY:              Meg LeFauve (“Inside Out”)

MUSIC:                                  Academy Award®-winning film composer Mychael Danna (“Life of Pi”) and Emmy®-nominated composer Jeff Danna (“Tyrant”)

RELEASE DATE:                 February 23, 2016

PRODUCTS:                         Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD

and On-Demand

BONUS:                                 Digital HD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team - Sanjay loves the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance quickly turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.

TRUE LIES ABOUT DINOSAURS - We know – it’s preposterous to think Apatosaurs spoke English. Learn more about what separates the fictional dinosaurs of “The Good Dinosaur“ from what scientists know about real dinosaurs.

RECYCLOSAURUS - Pixar takes creative competition seriously. Maybe a little too seriously. Watch as “The Good Dinosaur” crew competes to see which department can create the best dinosaur ever…using only discarded items from the studio’s “free table.”  

THE FILMMAKERS’ JOURNEY - Finding your way from an idea to a film takes a lot of exploration. Director Peter Sohn and his fellow filmmakers talk about the challenging, inspiring, and unexpectedly emotional experience of making “The Good Dinosaur.”

EVERY PART OF THE DINOSAUR - The filmmakers talk about the special animation challenges of “The Good Dinosaur” – including figuring out how to animate a dinosaur who’s really a boy, and a boy who’s got the spirit of a dog.

FOLLOWING THE T-REX TRAIL - Follow the filmmakers as they travel to a working cattle ranch and meet the McKays, a close-knit family whose work ethic, generosity, and stories inspired the T-Rex ranchers of the film.

COMMENTARY - Commentary from director Peter Sohn, story supervisor Kelsey Mann, supervising animator Mike Venturini, director of photography/lighting Sharon Calahan, and supervising technical director Sanjay Bakshi.

DINO BITES - Montage of original animated pieces produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”

HIDE AND SEEK - A short animated clip produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”

DELETED SCENES

o   The Attack  - An idyllic introduction to the family farm is cut short when a savage predator attacks the newborn Arlo. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

o   Building the Silo – An admiring Arlo is thrilled to follow along as his father builds a silo for the family farm. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

o   Waiting for Poppa – Arlo awaits the return of his beloved father on a stormy night, only to be greeted with tragic news. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

Blu-ray 3D & DVD:

·       THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team 

Digital Exclusive:

JUST LISTEN - Trace the development of the unique soundscape of “The Good Dinosaur,” from the wilds of British Columbia as Sound Designer Craig Berkey collects sounds, to the recording studio where Jeff and Mychael Danna use instruments from around the world to create the music.

*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer               

FEATURE RUN TIME:      Approximately 93 min.

RATING:                               Feature Film: PG in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF

ASPECT RATIO:                 Blu-ray Feature Film = 1080p High Definition / 2.39:1

                                                DVD Feature Film = 2.39:1

AUDIO:                                 Blu-ray = 7.1 DTS

                                                DVD = 5.1 Dolby

LANGUAGES:                      English, French & Spanish

SUBTITLES:                        English SDH, French & Spanish

Disney unveils first poster for The BFG, directed by Steven Spielberg

The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. 

Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows. But Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Says Spielberg, “It’s a story about friendship, it’s a story about loyalty and protecting your friends and it’s a story that shows that even a little girl can help a big giant solve his biggest problems.” Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all. 

Directed by three-time Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg (“Bridge of Spies,” “Schindler’s List,” ”Saving Private Ryan”) from a screenplay by Melissa Mathison (“E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Black Stallion”) based on the best-selling novel by Roald Dahl, “The BFG” stars three-time Tony Award® and two-time Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies,” “Wolf Hall”), newcomer Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Downton Abbey”), Jemaine Clement (“Rio 2,” “The Flight of the Conchords”), Rebecca Hall (“The Gift,” “Iron Man 3”), Rafe Spall (“The Big Short,” “Prometheus”) and Bill Hader (“Inside Out,” “Trainwreck”). The film is produced by Spielberg, Frank Marshall (“Jurassic World,” “The Bourne Ultimatum”) and Sam Mercer (“Snow White and the Huntsman,” “The Sixth Sense”) with Kathleen Kennedy (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Lincoln”), John Madden (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Shakespeare in Love”), Kristie Macosko Krieger (“Bridge of Spies,” “Lincoln”), Michael Siegel (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Rise of the Guardians”), Frank Smith and Naia Cucukov serving as executive producers. 

Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) was first published in 1982 and has been enchanting readers of all ages ever since. Dahl’s books, which also include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “Matilda,” are currently available in 58 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide. Originally created as a bedtime story, “The BFG” was Dahl’s own favorite of all his stories. “It was very important for us to be loyal to the language,” says Spielberg, “and the great writer Melissa Mathison, who also wrote ‘E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,’ wrote ‘The BFG.’”  

“The BFG” opens in U.S. theaters on July 1, 2016, the year that marks the 100^th anniversary of Dahl’s birth.

"THE FINEST HOURS" HEROES FOR HEROES PROGRAM KICKS OFF IN CHICAGO

 “THE FINEST HOURS” HEROES FOR HEROES PROGRAM KICKS OFF IN CHICAGO ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

Screening Series to Honor Real-Life Heroes and Their Families

BURBANK, CALIF. (January 19, 2016) – Walt Disney Studios announces “The Finest Hours” Heroes for Heroes program, a screening seriesdesigned to honor real-life heroes and their families sponsored by Visa Signature and Homewood Suites by Hilton. 

The Heroes for Heroes program will provide military and first responders the chance to attend a screening of Disney’s upcoming heroic action-thriller “The Finest Hours.” Homewood Suites by Hilton, Visa Signature and Disney will travel across the country, stopping in 10 U.S. cities, to create these exclusive screening events.

Heroes for Heroes will kick-off with a screening in Chicago today, Tuesday, January 19, followed by screenings in Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis and Kansas City, wrapping up in Los Angeles on Monday, January 25, where the film’s premiere will take place in Hollywood at the TCL Chinese Theatre. The U.S. Coast Guard Band along with the U.S. Honor Guard will perform and officially open the red carpet, with 70 heroes from around the country (representing the Armed Forces, Veterans, Wounded Warriors and First Responders) attending the premiere courtesy of American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation. The heroes will enjoy accommodations by Homewood Suites at a nearby hotel. American Airlines and Homewood Suites by Hilton are sponsors of the premiere.

About The Film:

“The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Raymond Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

Disney’s “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars: Chris Pine; Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck; Ben Foster; Holliday Grainger; John Ortiz; and Eric Bana. Produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a., and Dorothy Aufiero, p.g.a., the screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias. Doug Merrifield serves as executive producer. “The Finest Hours” opens in U.S. theaters on Friday, January 29, 2016.

Visa Signature is a proud sponsor of the theatrical release of “The Finest Hours.” Visa Signature cardholders receive benefits including complimentary 24-hour Visa Signature Concierge service, exclusive travel perks, special fine wine and food experiences, and discounts at premium retailers. For more information, visit www.visa.com/signature.

About Homewood Suites by Hilton:

Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand with more than 375 locations in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is an award-winning leader that has been named “Top Upscale Extended-Stay” hotel by J.D. Power the last six years. The first choice for guests seeking comfortable accommodations when traveling for an extended or quick overnight stay, Homewood Suites offers inviting, generous suites, featuring separate living and sleeping areas, and fully-equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators. Additional value-driven essentials include: complimentary Internet, a daily full-hot breakfast and complimentary evening social every Monday-Thursday. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Homewood Suites is focused on guest satisfaction and stands behind each stay with its 100% Suite Assurance® guarantee. The brand’s military support campaign is also part of Hilton Worldwide’s wider commitment, Operation Opportunity, a pledge to hire 10,000 veterans over the next five years and donate millions of Hilton HHonors points to assist job-

seeking veterans. For more information on the extended-stay advantage, visit: www.homewoodsuites.com or news.homewoodsuites.com.

About Walt Disney Studios:

For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which

live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

Giveaway: Everest on Blu-Ray Powered by @Dolby and #DolbyAtmos

Sasaki Time and Dolby are teaming up once again to bring you another awesome Blu-ray giveaway! This time it is for Universal Pictures Home Entertainment's Everest that just arrived on Blu-ray with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack!

“In a movie like this, you’re dealing with characters in a natural environment, and what we’re trying to do with the Dolby Atmos mix on this picture is to describe that environment and make the viewer feel like they’re on the mountain with the characters,” Sound Re-recording Mixer Ian Tapp said.  “And what the Atmos system really enables us to do is to place the sound where we want them to get the realism that we want in the soundtrack and really really involve the audience with it.” Check out the full video feature on Atmos in Everest here: https://vimeo.com/151958285

Dolby Atmos brings the thrilling adventures climb in Everest to life, placing viewers in the middle of the heart-pounding snow storm at home with detailed, multi-dimensional sound. Whether it’s a high-speed avalanche or intimate conversation between climbers, Dolby Atmos puts viewers in the heart of the action.  Dolby Atmos is a sophisticated sound experience found in some of the best theaters worldwide and at home. It transports you into the action with breathtaking realism, as moving audio flows all around you in a three-dimensional space. Filmmakers can not only move sound around viewers, but also overhead to realistically depict objects above the audience. Dolby has brought the technology into our homes to make a more immersive and powerful entertainment experience for movie-lovers. Even without an Atmos sound system for the home (although preferred), you will still notice the difference through your television's speakers or your surround sound system when using the Dolby Atmos setting on your Blu-ray. 

To learn more about Dolby Atmos and what it brings to the movie going experience, visit their website Dolby Atmos. And also follow Dolby on their Facebook page and also follow them on Twitter.

This is a U.S. giveaway only. Dolby has supplied me with the giveaway. Two winners will each receive a copy of Everest!

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Giveaway: Valentine's Day Stitch!!!

Win a Valentine's Day Stitch plush! Enter below and good luck!
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Two Brand New Clips from Disney's The Finest Hours

Chris Pine and Casey Affleck bring the true story of the most daring rescue in Coast History to the big screen. Check out two new clips from the heroic action-thriller "The Finest Hours” featuring Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Kyle Gallner, John Magaro and Casey Affleck.

Disney's "The Finest Hours,” which is presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D and transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale, storms into theaters on January 29, 2016.

The Walt Disney Signature Collection | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

The Walt Disney Signature Collection includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. Each release will offer special features for every member of your family plus a unique digital experience.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
In-Home Release Date: On Digital HD & Disney Movies Anywhere January 19, 2016 http://di.sn/6006BXpm6 & Blu-ray™ February 2, 2016http://di.sn/6002Br5JK.

Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK- New Triptych Poster Now Available!

See the Disney tale come to life in the brand new triptych poster for The Jungle Book. See the film in theatres in 3D, RealD 3D, and IMAX 3D April 15.

THE JUNGLE BOOK

DISNEY

Disney.com/thejunglebook

Like us on Facebook: https://twitter.com/thejunglebook

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyStudios

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/disneythejunglebook/

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong'o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016. For more information, check out Disney.com/thejunglebook, like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyJungleBook, and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejunglebookand Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/disneythejunglebook/.

Disney's The Finest Hours Featurette - In Theaters January 29!

Disney's The Finest Hours is in theaters January 29!

A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history.Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling towns along the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) soon realizes it is up to him to take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to set aside their differences and work together to ride out one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast. Meanwhile, as word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring operation to rescue the stranded men. Despite overwhelming odds, four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), set out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little, if any, means of navigation, facing frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

Disney’s “The Finest Hours” is the unforgettable story of the Coast Guard’s courageous mission, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars: Chris Pine; Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck; Ben Foster; Holliday Grainger; John Ortiz; and Eric Bana. Produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero, the screenplay is by Oscar® nominee Scott Silver and Oscar nominees Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson based on the acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. Doug Merrifield serves as executive producer. “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016 in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Becomes Highest Grossing Domestic Film of All-Time

This afternoon, with early box office results in, Star Wars: The Force Awakens became the highest grossing film of all time in the domestic market, surpassing the $760.5M lifetime gross of Avatar in a record-shattering 20 days of release. In addition, the film crossed the $800M mark at the international box office today.

Through Jan. 5, the film had grossed $758.2M domestically and $799.1M for a global total of $1,557.3M since its Dec. 16 global debut.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuted in the US and Canada on Dec. 18, its first two weeks pushing the domestic annual industry box office to an all-time high of $11B. It has set numerous individual records including:

·        Fastest film to reach $100M (21 hours), $200M (3 days), $300M (5 days), $400M (8 days), $500M (10 days), $600M (12 days), and $700M (16 days)

·        Biggest all-time debut and biggest December debut ($247.966M), propelling the industry to the biggest overall moviegoing weekend of all time ($313.3M for all films, Dec. 18-20)

·        Biggest second weekend of all time ($149.2M), propelling the industry to the biggest overall Christmas weekend of all time ($296.4M for all films, Dec. 25-27)

·        Biggest third weekend of all time ($90.2M)

·        Biggest Thursday preview gross ($57M)

·        Biggest Friday, opening, and single day ($119.1M)

·        Biggest Sunday ($60.55M), Monday ($40.1M), and Tuesday ($37.3M)

·        Biggest Christmas Day ($49.3M) and New Year’s Day ($34.39M)

·        Highest per-theater average for a wide debut ($59,982)

·        Biggest opening week ($390.85M)

·        Biggest IMAX debut ($30.1M)

Globally, the film posted the highest global opening weekend of all time ($528.967M) and surpassed $1B in a record 12 days. It also had the biggest global IMAX debut ($48M) and surpassed $152M in IMAX in a record 19 days. It was the highest international debut in December history with $281M, and it remains #1 in many territories after posting the biggest opening weekend in at least 18 major markets.

Named one of AFI’s top 10 films of 2015, Star Wars: The Force Awakens now heads into its fourth weekend of global release ahead of a debut in its final international market, China, on Jan. 9.