The inside scoop on all things Disney
Disney is slated to re-release Finding Nemo in 3D this fall. Kenzie and Kyle have only seen the original on DVD, so I’m sure they’ll enjoy the thrill of seeing the beautifully animated underwater scenes on the big screen and in 3D. So this will definitely make our to-do list. Supposedly Disney is also considering re-releasing Monsters Inc. and The Little Mermaid in 3D.
Moviegoers to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 3D will be treated to a movie short of Tangled Ever After. Flynn and Rapunzel try to tie the knot and disaster strikes when Maximus sneezes and the ring goes missing! I can only guess that adventure and hilarity ensue. And Pascal is looking as cute as ever!
When we first bought our house, we were very excited to start using our gas fireplace. The warm glow of a fire at the touch of a button. That was until we saw our first gas bill.
The Disney Magical Fireplace is much more affordable, and unexpectedly fun. Just pop the DVD into your computer or DVD player and you’ll have a fireside hearth crackling (or you can choose the music soundtrack). But best of all (and most addictive), Disney has packed this fire with a little Disney magic. Every so often, you’ll see fireworks go off in the fire, or see the Lost Boys shadows go marching by with Peter Pan, or see a bunch of balloons from Up go floating, well, up. The kids just loved waiting to see what might happen next.
It’s available at Amazon for around $20.
The kids just watched the trailer for Disney Pixar’s upcoming movie Brave, coming out June 22, 2012, and boy are they excited. Adventure, a giant scary bear, and cute little baby bears. From the Disney Brave website,
“Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts. Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.”
Personally, I love how the Disney storylines are catching up to the times. Disney movies no longer have to follow the antiquated recipe of endangered beautiful princess whose fate lies solely in the hands of a handsome prince. The modern Disney female character is becoming much more empowered and capable of controlling her own destiny – with or without a prince. Merida personifies the young, powerful, and willful female heroin – just the type of character that I’m happy Kenzie to look up to.
And I’m thrilled about the setting of the story in Scotland as I studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland so I’m fascinated by all things Scottish – especially the myths and traditions.
Disney has announced its latest princess – Sofia the First. Her movie is due out in 2012 with a TV show shortly following in 2013. While she follows a long line of Disney Princesses, Sofia is wholly unique - she’s a kid.
After attending Rapunzel’s crowning at Kenzington palace, I can only hope to eventually greet this little princess in person. And I must say, that cute little look reminds of someone I know especially well – my little Kenzie.
So what do you think of having a princess who’s a little girl?
Love it! I’m already feeling the hype for new toys this season in my email inbox. The new Space-Themed Toy Line Inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story from Mattel has taken it to a new level with this video short starring the actual Toy Story toys themselves.
Take a peek:
Real toys star in this all-new “toymation” video featuring the Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Command Center and action figures from Mattel. In this adventure, Buzz Lightyear, Woody and sidekick Rex venture into outer space to battle the evil Emperor Zurg! Utilizing stop-motion animation, this video combines old techniques with new concepts to create a modernly retro animated short.
Here’s some crazy stats about the filming of this quick clip.
Mattel’s Toy Story Toymation Fun Facts:
- It took a crew of 8 people over more than 1300 hours and a span of 4 weeks to complete the toymation
- Every second needed 12 frames of pictures
- Every shot needed at least 3 takes, many of which had to be done separately with each toy and then composited together later
- Each toy had to be taken apart and reassembled with wire and museum putty in order to be rigged properly to animate
- The dust bunnies were created from an old carpet the team almost threw out right before production on the toymation project began
- The crew made 5 trips to the supermarket to clear out their asparagus, big broccoli heads, and artichokes to build the vegetable forest set
Wondering which toys star in this quick flick?
Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center (SRP $49.99) and character action figures (SRP $10) from Mattel
Disney’s The Muppets new movie Green with Envy is coming to theaters on November 23, and I’m even more excited that the time has finally come to tell you all about my surprise trip to go behind the scenes of the filming of the movie. I wouldn’t believe it myself unless I had this unforgettable picture of Kermit and Miss Piggy to prove it!
Besides taking pictures with the most famous frog and pig on the big screen, my favorite part of this tour was getting to meet the voices behind the Muppets. There was no hesitation from the cast to jump into character and introduce their Muppets to us. You can easily see by this picture of Jason Segal’s birthday celebration that they sure know how to have a good time on this set!
Classy Mommy’s kids Kenzie and Kyle are dying to go see this flick next fall and are very jealous of my visit to the set of the Muppets.
If you’ve missed the trailer, here’s the basic plot of the movie…When several Muppet fans find out that an oil tycoon plans to destroy the Muppet Theater to drill for oil, the fans try to bring all the Muppets back together for a big fundraiser to save the theater. Not only will you see all of your favorite Muppets for another crazy adventure, but appearances from big name celebrities, such as Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez, will only add to the fun and excitement of this hit movie the entire family won’t want to miss.
Take a peek at the trailer here. Can’t wait to see this in theaters – this one is for the whole family!
Disclosure: Thanks to Disney for paying for our travel expenses to attend this press junket.
Take a peek at this cute trailer for the Toy Story Hawaiian Vacation animated short that will premiere before Cars 2 in theaters on June 24th, 2011. The kids will be thrilled to get a new taste of Toy Story once again!
Inside scoop alert. Our writer Bonnie actually got to see the entire Mars Needs Moms movie due to release on March 11th, 2011 when she went to Hollywood for the Gnomeo and Juliet premiere last weekend.
We’ll have to wait for an official review until we get closer to the March 11th, 2011 release date. We will say that every mom in the room was crying by the end.
If your kids like sci-fi and are ready for some touching scenes, then this may be the perfect movie for them. Here’s a peek at the trailer:
The screening preview of Mars Needs Mom movie was a huge surprise from Disney for the Mom Blogger group – apparently many actors from the film have not yet seen the finished version yet. Too cool.
Disclosure: Thanks to Disney for the invite to this movie premiere and for covering our travel expenses. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Warm weather and beach trips may feel like years away during these freezing cold nights, so I thought writing about some “hot” movies for the summer may help sandals and pool parties come just a bit faster. Our writer Bonnie saw previews of many of these films while in Los Angeles last weekend for the Gnomeo & Juliet premiere. Looks like we have lots to look forward to from Disney. Here’s her inside scoop below:
Prom – Hit theaters on April 29th, 2011
This movie personally my most-anticipated movie of the summer. The story that leads us through the few weeks before prom until the big day looks to be a hit with all ages. Even though this movie may seem like a perfect fit for teens, I think adults will enjoy reminiscing their own high school proms all over again.
Cars 2 – Hits theaters on June 24th, 2011
The anticipated sequel of the popular Cars movie has finally come, and I’m sure your kids won’t have any trouble reminding you when it hits the big screen.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Releases on May 20th
I’m excited for two things in this movie: Jack Sparrow’s new love interest – Penelope Cruz and the new mermaid zombies. For parents and kids alike who are Little Mermaid fans, you may want to be aware of the new twist on some of Ariel’s friends.
Mars Needs Moms – Hits theaters on March 11th, 2011
I actually got to see this entire movie when I went to Hollywood for the Gnomeo and Juliet premiere, and every mom in the room was crying by the end. If your kids like sci-fi and are ready for some touching scenes, then this may be the perfect movie for them.
Disclosure: Thanks to Disney for the invite to this movie premiere and for covering our travel expenses. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
