Disney reimagines their classic Pete's Dragon in a whole new way. Taking direction from Director David Lowery, he was intent on making sure that his movie was not a straight up remake of the original. He kept the themes of the original but told a completely new story.
The film takes place in the Pacific Northwest (though it was shot in New Zealand). The time period is rather ambiguous as you won't see signs of modern technology such cell phones for instance. Even the score is very folk-inspired and adds to that timeless quality. There are no nods to the original music however, as Lowery wanted the movie to stand on its own.
We begin with Pete and his family as they head out on vacation. There is a horrible accident and Pete is left all alone in the wilderness. As Pete wanders through the forest, he meets Elliot, a large furry dragon who takes pity on Pete. We then more six years ahead and see their friendship blossom. There are also some stunning visuals as Pete flies with Elliot over the wilderness. And Elliot, thanks to an amazing team from WETA Digital, looks as if he is truly real.
Next, we are introduced to Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford), a woodcarver who tells the children in the town the tale of his encounter with a dragon deep in the forest. His daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), a forest ranger doesn't believe her father's tales.
In the forest, Grace meets Pete (Oakes Fegley), a young boy who says he has lived in the forest for years with his friend Elliot. He claims that Elliot is a huge green dragon that seems all too familiar to the dragon in Mr. Meacham's tales. Oakes plays Pete with a warmth and sensitivity and yet at the same time a toughness that tells you that he could have survived his time in the woods.
With the help of young Natalie (Oona Laurence), whose father Jack (Wes Bentley), runs the local lumber mill, Grace goes on a search to see if Elliot is real or not. Mr. Meacham joins them as well. Soon the trio discovers that Pete was indeed telling the truth.
They are just starting to get to know Elliot when suddenly Jack's brother Gavin (Karl Urban) and his men capture Elliot and bring him back into town.
Discover what happens next when you see Pete's Dragon for yourself when it opens in theaters on August 12th!
In the end, Pete's Dragon is a fresh retelling of the classic movie while still keeping the themes of the original. An absolutely delightful family movie going experience that will spark the imagination of your children and remind us as adults of solid family values.
On Friday July 22nd, Disney Parks released their fourth set of theme park exclusive Tsum Tsum collection! This is the Fantasyland Tsum Tsum collection! Come along with me in Fantasyland for a photoshoot with the newest theme park exclusive collection!
I had to start with princess Minnie and Sorcerer Mickey in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle!
The hippo and Mexico boy in front of their iconic it's a small world home.
The cute teacup in front of the Mad Tea Party!
Mr. Toad's smiling face in front of his very own Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
The Jingles Tsum Tsum in front of the actual Jingles horse on the carousel. I wish that the Jingles Tsum Tsum actually had a bell on the inside.
And we end with another pic of the Princess Minnie and Sorcerer Mickey Tsum Tsums!
Hope you enjoyed this look at the Fantasyland Tsum Tsum collection in the park!
If you are not near the parks you can also purchase these online at the Disney Store by following the link below:
Dolby has released an exclusive Star Trek Beyond video– which features director Justin Lin, writer and actor Simon Pegg, as well as actress Zoe Saldana, who plays “Lieutenant Uhura”.
At the helm of the Enterprise this time was Justin Lin (known for his work on the Fast & Furious” series). Directing one of Hollywood’s biggest franchise films is no easy task with so many pieces that had to come together – including sound design – to make the action-packed film resonate with audiences.
“The Enterprise is more than just a ship, it’s a vessel that basically has bonded us and all of these characters for 50 years. Sonically, as we design a shot, as we design a scene, it [sound] is not just about levels and stuff. It was about feeling. It’s emotional. With Dolby, we have more tools available to us than ever. As a filmmaker, the aesthetic has evolved to be able to build these moments.”- Justin Lin, Director of Star Trek
Star Trek Beyond is now playing at Dolby Cinema locations at AMC, featuring Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Cinema is a premium cinema offering for exhibitors and moviegoers that combines spectacular image and sound technologies with inspired design to make every visit a completely captivating cinematic event. More information about Dolby Cinema at AMC and locations can be found here.
BURBANK, Calif. (July 27, 2016) – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” which opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 23, 2016, features a dynamic roster of characters brought to life by a talented group of actors. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who were behind “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” “Moana” showcases the life-changing journey of a tenacious 16-year-old who teams up with the mighty demigod Maui to fulfill an ancient quest.
The newly revealed characters and voice talent join the already announced duo that includes newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho, who lends her voice to the title character, Moana, a teenager who dreams of becoming a master wayfinder, and Dwayne Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”), who voices Maui—half god, half mortal, all awesome.
“Our assembled voice cast for this film is beyond our wildest dreams,” said Musker. “We are so fortunate to have this group of talented actors, many from Oceania, breathing life into their characters.”
Added Clements, “We are so thankful to have found such extraordinary people who not only capture the voices of these characters, they elevate them in every way.”
Joining Cravalho and Johnson are the following performers.
·JEMAINE CLEMENT (“The BFG,” “Despicable Me,” “Rio,” “Rio 2,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” Flight of the Conchords) provides the voice of TAMATOA, a self-absorbed, 50-foot crab who lives in Lalotai, the realm of monsters. The conceited crustacean wants to be more than a “bottom feeder” and overcompensates for this perceived shortcoming by covering himself in all things shiny.
·RACHEL HOUSE (“Whale Rider,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”) lends her voice to GRAMMA TALA, Moana’s confidante and best friend, who shares her granddaughter’s special connection to the ocean. Although her son Tui, the chief of Motunui, is a no-nonsense leader, Gramma Tala most definitely dances to the beat of her own drum.
·TEMUERA MORRISON (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Once Were Warriors,” “Six Days, Seven Nights”) voices Moana’s father, CHIEF TUI, the gregarious and well-respected leader of the people of Motunui Island. Chief Tui wants Moana to follow in his footsteps as leader of their people, but fears his daughter’s draw to the ocean and the world that lies beyond their reef.
·NICOLE SCHERZINGER (Grammy®-nominated singer, West End's "Cats") voices Moana’s mother, SINA, who always has her daughter’s back. Playful, sharp and strong-willed, Sina appreciates Moana’s longing to be on the water, but also wants to protect her daughter from the fabled dangers beyond the reef.
·ALAN TUDYK, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lucky charm (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Big Hero 6”), is behind the voice of HEIHEI. Heihei is one dumb rooster—the village idiot, in fact. When the clueless chicken accidently stows away on Moana’s canoe, he lands a front-row seat for her epic journey.
The roster of characters also includes the KAKAMORA, an intense team of crazy, coconut-armored pirates who will stop at nothing to get what they want, and PUA, Moana’s loyal pet pig with puppy energy and an innocent puppy brain.
ABOUT THE MOVIE:
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of AuliÊ»i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”) and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016. For more information, visithttp://disney.com/moana, like us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana; follow us on Twitter,http://www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation; follow us on Instagram, https://instagram.com/DisneyAnimation.
A closer look at the conceptual art for Guardians of The Galaxy - Mission: Breakout has revealed a possible look at the Cast Member costume for the new attraction. The male Cast Member in the middle of this artwork reveals a rather cool looking costume for The Collector's museum. Is this what the actual costume look like? Only time will tell. Have you found any other cool details in any of the three concept pieces that have been released for this attraction?
Guardians of The Galaxy - Mission: Breakout replaces the Tower of Terror (set to close in early 2017) in Disney California Adventure and is set to open in Summer of 2017.
Images from last night's Marvel Studios Comic-Con Hall H panel featuring the cast's from Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man and Guardians of The Galaxy! Plus, they introduced Brie Larson as Captain Marvel!
BLACK PANTHER is in U.S. Theaters February 16, 2018
The panel kicked off with surprise guests from BLACK PANTHER, including cast members Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther), Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger), Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia), Danai Gurira (Okoye) and director Ryan Coogler, making their first official appearance as a cast.
Debuting in summer 2017, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will take Disney California Adventure park guests through the fortress-like museum of the mysterious Collector, who is keeping his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy, as prisoners. Guests will board a gantry lift which launches them into a daring adventure as they join Rocket Raccoon in an attempt to set free his fellow Guardians. The new attraction will transform the structure currently housing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ into an epic new adventure, enhancing the breathtaking free fall sensation with new visual and audio effects to create a variety of ride experiences. Guests will experience multiple, random and unique ride profiles in which the rise and fall of the gantry lift rocks to the beat of music inspired by the film’s popular soundtrack.
Today at San Diego Comic-Con, Chadwick Boseman (T’Challa/Black Panther from “Captain America: Civil War”) unveiled a sneak peek of a bonus feature clip from the in-home release of “Captain America: Civil War.”This is the first piece of bonus material to ever be revealed from this year’s biggest blockbuster.
The clipis from the 60-minute, behind-the-scenes featurette titled “United We Stand, Divided We Fall – The Making of Captain America: Civil War Part 1 & 2.” It showcases how Marvel selected Black Panther and features interviews with all-star cast members who explain what it was like to welcome an all-new character to the MCU family.
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” arrives on Digital HD, Digital 3D and Disney Movies Anywhere on Sept. 2 and on Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on Sept. 13.
Take a look at the latest offering from the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country in Disneyland! The glorious Peach Cobbler Funnel Cake with peaches, streusel crumble, powdered sugar and whipped cream! The funnel cake is delicious and served warm and the peaches are nice and cold! This can easily be shared with one or two of your friends! This is their seasonal offering so hurry now to Disneyland!
Take a look at Disney's Moana Official International Trailer and get to know baby Moana. This is part of the amazing footage I got to see at last yer's D23 Expo. I cannot wait to see this movie!
LINDSEY STIRLING FT. ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS
AND THE LUMINEERS
SCORE COMPOSED BY DANIEL HART
Burbank, CA – July 20, 2016 – Walt Disney Records is set to release Pete’s Dragon original motion picture soundtrack on August 12, 2016. The album features 3 original songs written for the film including the end credit track “Something Wild” by electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, “Nobody Knows” performed by the Lumineers, plus “The Dragon Song” performed by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. The original score was composed by Daniel Hart (“Tumbledown,” “Comet”). Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.
In addition to the lead single “Something Wild” by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Stirling also performed on the film’s score. The track is also the first single from Stirling’s forthcoming third studio album, Brave Enough. A classically trained violinist, Lindsey has over 8 million YouTube subscribers, over 1.4 billion views on her YouTube channel, Billboard chart-topping hits and sold out tours worldwide. She is currently on a summer tour and launches her Brave Enough North American tour in September. Watch the Lindsey Stirling and Daniel Hart video clip here: https://youtu.be/eYclv7rLzKo. Alternative singer-songwriter Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin fame is currently touring North America on the Weezer & Panic! at the Disco Summer Tour 2016, in addition to headline dates and festival shows. McMahon’s most recent release Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness features the hit single, “Cecilia and the Satellite.”
Performed by the Grammy®-nominated band The Lumineers, “Nobody Knows” was written by “Pete’s Dragon” co-screenwriter Toby Halbrooks with Andrew Tinker.
“The Dragon Song” performed by singer-songwriter Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (Will Oldham) was written by “Pete’s Dragon” director/screenwriter David Lowery and co-screenwriter Toby Halbrooks and bookends the film.
Daniel Hart, who scored the film, is a multi-instrumental composer and performer and toured over a decade with bands from The Polyphonic Spree to St. Vincent to his own projects. His upcoming scores include the documentary “Eating Animals” and the FOX TV series “The Exorcist” airing this fall.
The soundtrack also boasts a newly-recorded version of “Candle On the Water” performed by the critically-acclaimed Okkervil River, fronted by singer-songwriter Will Sheff. The band will release a new album this fall.
The Pete’s Dragon track list follows:
1. “The Dragon Song” Performed by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
2. “Something Wild” Performed by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
3. “Nobody Knows” Performed by The Lumineers
4. “Something On Your Mind” Performed by St. Vincent
5. “So Long, Marianne” Performed by Leonard Cohen
6. “Gina Anne” Performed by Bosque Brown
7. “An Adventure”
8. “Are You Gonna Eat Me?”
9. “Brown Bunny”
10. “Reverie”
11. “Tree Fort”
12. “North Star”
13. “Bedtime Compass”
14. “Timber”
15. “Breathe”
16. “Gavin Knows What He’s Doing”
17. “You Are Not Alone”
18. “Elliot Gets Lost”
19. “Takedown”
20. “It’ll Be Just Like It Used To Be”
21. “Follow That Dragon”
22. “Elliot at the Bridge”
23. “Abyss”
24. “Go North”
25. “Saying Goodbye”
26. “The Bravest Boy I’ve Ever Met”
27. “The Dragon Song Revisited” Performed by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
28. “Candle On the Water” Performed by Okkervil River
ABOUT PETE’S DRAGON:
A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a story by Seton I. Miller and S.S. Field and produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a. (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.
For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon.
The Pete’s Dragon original motion picture soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on August 12. The soundtrack can be pre-ordered at iTunes (http://smarturl.it/pdragon1), Amazon Music (http://smarturl.it/pdragona1) and streaming partners (http://smarturl.it/pdragonws1). For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, like us on Facebook.com/ disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.
Here are some inspiring stories from young women in STEM through Dolby’s partnership with Girls Who Code, a national non-profit organization that’s dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. Included below are the inspiring stories Dolby collected about five young ladies from Girls Who Code, as they attended an exclusive field trip event at Dolby’s new headquarters this week.
Dolby supports STEM initiatives to inspire the next generation of innovators in science and art.Innovation comes from all kinds of people in every age group, and Dolby is committed to helping nurture tomorrow’s innovators. Last Thursday, Dolby hosted approximately 60 girls from Girls Who Code at its headquarters in San Francisco, as part of their summer curriculum program which included panel discussions, tours of the lab, tech demos and a networking lunch. This was the second time Dolby has hosted a Girls Who Code ‘field trip’, but the first at their new HQ at 1275 Market St.
During the event, Dolby provided the young women from Girls Who Code with access to women in senior leadership at Dolby who grew up with similar dreams. Poppy Crum, Head Scientist at Dolby,spoke to the girls (click to view her presentation) about creative thinking and the process it takes for Dolby to create the incredible entertainment experiences. Dolby is, at its core, a company that turns science and engineering expertise into technologies that enable exceptional entertainment experiences – and without women in STEM and brilliant minds like Poppy – this would not be possible! Learn more about the event from San Francisco Chronicle reporter, Marissa Lang, in her article – A Tech Tour from Girls Who Code.
Below you’ll find photos and quotes from five of the young women who participated at the event at Dolby.
Girls Who Code Profiles:
·Danielle Pabilona: "I like computer science because it is bigger than just words. You have the ability to turn words and letters into something bigger, like the sum of a number of small parts to make something huge. You can turn words and letters You can even create applications that help to cure cancer. I love video game design, web design and UI coding. I’m thinking about producing games for children and, maybe, all ages. There is a lot of trial and error, but I find that super exciting and rewarding. I just keep looking at front end designs because I am all about user experience. I know I can code something and there are endless opportunities for what you can build. I’m so in love with it."
·Girls Who Code Internship: Pixar (Emeryville)
·Ashlyn Jew: "In my freshman year, I joined the Girls Who Code club at my high school. A lot interests me right now. I’m really curious to learn more about other cultures. Using the internet to read about other places made me realize how much information computers can provide. This is part of why I became interested in computer science."
·Girls Who Code Internship: Twitter (San Francisco)
·Fiorabella Cogley: "For summers between our junior and senior years, we are involved in immersive enrichment programs. Last summer, I went to Peru to work with children. This summer, I am involved with Girls Who Code. I’m told that I am the most outspoken one in our program and I’m okay with that.I’ve always been interested in design and currently take art classes. My role model is Frida Kahlo. I dressed up as her for Halloween in the 4th grade. Her art meant so much to me because I know she overcame so much. That struck a chord with me. She painted herself as she wanted people to see her and how she wanted to be perceived."
·Girls Who Code Internship: Square (San Francisco)
·Areeta Wong:"Technology allows us to connect with people all over the world and brings light into social issues we’ve been having. It advances us. Earlier today, I saw a man walking with a mechanical leg. If humans had not made that possible, how would he be able to walk? I think about things like that."
·Girls Who Code Internship: Twitter (San Francisco)
·Addy Brien:"It’s hard for me to say who my role model is because I try not to focus on a single person or thing. I don’t want to copy someone else because I want to do my own thing. So, my role models range from my grandma to Jack Dorsey at Twitter. You can get inspiration from many different people, even a 3-year old. I want to learn different things from different people."
·Girls Who Code Internship: Twitter (San Francisco)
