Disney’s D23 Expo ‘Ultimate Fan Event’ comes to Anaheim August 19-21

Courtesy Walt Disney Studios

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Event for Fans and Families—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 19-21, providing guests with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks.

The name "D23" pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney's 88-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.Disney.com/D23; a collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the upcoming D23 Expo.

Disney film fans will go behind the scenes to explore the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks and exhibits.

On Saturday, August 20, Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, producer and president, Marvel Studios, will present a not-to-be-missed look at The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate, which includes Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, Marvel’s The Avengers, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful and more.

With projects from Disney, Pixar Animation Studios and Marvel Studios, this special presentation will feature never-before-seen footage and all-star appearances by Jason Segel, Kermit and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets), Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe (John Carter), Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave), Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph), cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers and other surprise guests.

In celebration of 25 years of moviemaking magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar:

* A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team – Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios), Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios), Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up), Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E), Bob Peterson (co-director, Up), Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (director, Brave) and Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University).

* The Characters of Monsters University – Director Dan Scanlon and Production Designer Ricky Nierva discuss how they combine hair, horns and a lot of heart to bring the wonderful Monsters University characters to life.

* Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar – In this musical presentation, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino explores his early influences through the creation of modern-day classic scores from Ratatouille, Up and Cars 2.

* The Art of Brave – Production Designer Steve Pilcher and Shading Art Director Tia Kratter show how they and their team put paint to canvas and fingers to computer keys to create the stunning visuals of Scotland for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Brave.

 * Pixar Shorts – This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds), Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band), Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E), Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy), Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night), and Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna).

Expo attendees will also have access to advance screenings of an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall, and the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

* Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion – Experience the art, technology, culture and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets and art exhibits.

* Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D^™ and more.

* Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection – Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props and costumes from the billion-dollar blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Tickets to the D23 Expo are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and $106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests.

Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow "DisneyD23" on Twitter, Facebook and the YouTube link below.

Musical Notes: Music industry news and releases for children and teens

‘PlayingGuitar’ by Petr Kratochvil

Welcome to another edition of “Musical Notes.” This weekly column is dedicated solely to the best in musical entertainment. Like our sister columns, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours,” Wednesday’s “Book Report” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on toys and travel, the world of literature and movies, this weekly post highlights the important world of music as positive entertainment for children and teens. Be sure to check back each Thursday.

This week’s edition of Musical Notes focuses on a stellar lineup of musicians - those contributing their talents to Disney-Pixar’s CARS 2; a new CD from GRAMMY^®-winners Kathy Fink and Marcy Marcer, and a peek at Gustafer Yellowgolds newest CD/DVD release plus information on an upcoming Baby Loves Disco charity event.

NEWS

CARS 2 features an all-star lineup of musicians from around the globe

Disney-Pixar’s much-anticipated 3D animation/comedy/adventure, CARS 2 is set to release in theaters nationwide on Friday, June 24, 2011, but fans of the franchise will relish the release of the film’s soundtrack on Tuesday, June 14, which features a stellar lineup of contributing musicians from the United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan.

Helping to bring this global espionage action-packed adventure to life are notable Oscar^® and GRAMMY^®-winning composer Michael Giacchino; chart-topping, multi-platinum-selling American alternative rock band Weezer; multiple GRAMMY^®-winning country superstar and Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley; bestselling British singer/songwriter Robbie Williams; the French superstar Bénabar and that power-pop Japanese girl band Perfume.

ENTERTAINING EVENTS

Baby Loves Disco “Super Hero Tour” at Lowes Regency Hotel, 540 Park Avenue, New York

Show Details: “An afternoon of dancing, music and kid-friendly activities. The event is part of the multi-city Baby Loves Disco Superhero Tour, and it is one of 12 events at Loews Hotel locations around the country.

Families are invited to join the Baby Loves Disco Nation, to dance, play, savor healthy snacks and generally enjoy good times with family and friends. Parents and kids are invited to dress up as their favorite superheroes, or come just as they are. For daily updates on the Tour, visit Baby Loves Disco's website or pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Net proceeds from this family disco dance party will support community schools through Donors Choose.org, the official charity of Loews Hotels; a web-based not-for-profit that provides essential classroom tools to teachers across the country.”

For lots more information about Baby Loves Disco, please see a post from last year’s highly successful “Lemonade Tour.”

Ticket Prices

$20.00 – Children
$30.00 – Adults   
Tickets may be ordered online through this link.

CD

Sing to your Baby

Communicating with your baby often begins with music, but some parents believe they can’t sing, or don’t know how.

GRAMMY^®-winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer present their newest 22-track CD, Sing to Your Baby, which not only entertains, but provides encouragement to parents who want to share this endearing form of communication with their child.

Photo by Sara R. Coats

Sing to your Baby is a beautiful compilation of music, tenderly sung and expertly accompanied on a variety of instruments from banjo to dulcimer.

Performed by two of today’s top children’s musicians, Sing to your Baby includes lullabies and rhythmic pieces specifically designed to help parents learn how sing to their own little one.

Available in CD format for $19.95, Sing to Your Baby comes with a 32-page richly illustrated book that includes advice and complete song lyrics to help parents.

Sound samples for Sing to Your Baby are available direct from the artist’s website, where you’ll also have an opportunity to hear how the songs actually sound in both female and male voices.

Adorable shower/new baby packages of Sing to Your Baby are also available, and may be ordered direct from the artist’s shop.

DVD

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock

In this fourth outing by popular illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor, “Gustafer Yellowgold” (that cute cone-headed little alien from the sun) has settled in his new Minnesota woodland home with his pet eel, "Slimothy," ready for new adventures.

This is a charming 90-minute storybook that comes to life through ten engaging videos laced with soft rock music and thought provoking lyrics that crosses generational boundaries - a truly unique offering.

Guest artists include John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of WILCO, along with bassist John Munson.

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock DVD/CD combo carries a suggested retail price of $19.99 and is available at Amazon.com for $16.99, or through Amazon Marketplace for best pricing at $13.78.

Below for your enjoyment, is a sneak peek trailer of Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock.

First look video: New Disney-Pixar Cars 2 trailer

Disney-Pixar's CARS 2

Here's some video fun for Wednesday afternoon; a brand new trailer for Disney-Pixar’s CARS 2, which is set for nationwide release on Friday, June 24, 2011.

CARS 2, the Disney Digital 3D™ animated/comedy/adventure is being paired with the Disney-Pixar short, TOY STORY 3: HAWAIIAN VACATION as reported in an earlier post.

This second installment of CARS, co-directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis, takes favorite talking-car characters “Lightning McQueen" and tow truck “Mater” on a fast-paced international adventure, competing in the first-ever World Grand Prix as well as a world of espionage.

CARS 2 features a splendid voice over cast that includes the talents of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, and Thomas Kretschmann.

To view this newest CARS 2 trailer click on this link and you'll be taken to a private screening area. (Please allow the page to fully load.)

Disney Pixar CARS 2 races to the big screen June 2011

The heroes of “Radiator Springs” race back into theaters on June 24, 2011 in Disney Pixar’s, CARS 2, with the newest installment to roll towards audiences in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

The animated/comedy/adventure puts director John Lasseter firmly behind the wheel once again after creating the 2006 Golden Globe®-winning first installment of CARS.

Lasseter is joined in this newest venture with Co-Director, Brad Lewis (producer of the Oscar®-winning film RATATOUILLE), Producer Denise Ream (associate producer, UP; visual effects executive producer, STAR WARS EPISODE III – “Revenge of the Sith”) and Composer Michael Giacchino (Oscar®-winner Original Score UP.)

In a statement to the press, CARS 2 promises fast-paced fun that includes: “secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors when star race car, ‘Lighting McQueen’ (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck, ‘Mater’ (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix, Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.”

The film’s rating has yet to be determined, but for your viewing enjoyment a first look at CARS 2.

TOY STORY 3 video: The human faces behind the toys’ voices

The long awaited opening for Disney Pixar’s TOY STORY 3 brings with it all the original toy character favorites, plus many new toys that have been brought to life by some of the finest recognizable name actors.

Below, for your viewing enjoyment, a behind-the-scenes sneak peek featurette that matches toy voices to their human faces.

TOY STORY 3 is rated G; it is approved for all audience age levels, and opens nationwide, Friday, June 18, 2010.

To view this video, simply click on the following link and you’ll be taken to your own private screening area.

(If you enjoy this clip, you may want to connect to other TOY STORY 3 previews here.)