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.

Previews for Walt Disney Studios 2011 slate of films

Thirteen films from the Walt Disney Studios are being released this year and there is something for every age group, with genres spanning just about everything – comedy, drama, animation, suspense-thriller, adventure, action and horror.

Below for your enjoyment is information on each of the upcoming films with release date, genre, still photograph (when available), and a brief summary provided by the studio, as well as the most recent available trailer if available..

For more details regarding director, writer, producer, cast and other production credits, simply click on each title and you’ll be taken directly to the film’s information page at the Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB).

At the time of this posting, most films have not been provided with a parental guidance rating, but determinations will be available closer to the release date, and will be posted on our weekly Popcorn Report.

You may wish to bookmark this page to explore each title at your leisure.


February 11,  GNOMEO & JULIET (Touchstone) – Rated G – Animation/Comedy-Adventure

“Two garden gnomes, Gnomeo (voice of James McAvoy) and Juliet (voice of Emily Blunt), try to avoid tragedy and find lasting happiness together when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors.”

Please click on this link and you will be taken to a private screening area for a showing of GNOMEO & JULIET: ONLINE FEATURETTE - “What’s In A Gnome?”


February 18,   I AM NUMBER FOUR (Dreamworks)-Rating TBD – Suspense-Thriller

Alex Pettyfer in I AM NUMBER FOUR

“John (Alex Pettyfer) is an extraordinary young man, masking his true identity and passing as a typical student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed…he is Number Four.”

Please click on this link and you will be taken to a private screening area for an extended look at I AM NUMBER FOUR.


March 11, MARS NEEDS MOMS (Walt Disney Pictures) Rating TBD— Comedy-Adventure

 

 “Produced by the team behind “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” “Mars Needs Moms” showcases nine-year-old Milo’s (Seth Green) quest to save his mom (Joan Cusack) from Martians—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D that involves stowing away on a spaceship, navigating an elaborate, multi-level planet and taking on the alien nation and their leader (Mindy Sterling).”

Please click on this link and you will be taken to a private screening area for the first official MARS NEEDS MOMS trailer.


April 22, AFRICAN CATS (Disneynature) Rating TBD – True-Life Adventure

“Leaping into theaters on Earth Day, 2011, “African Cats” features the real-life love, humor and determination of the kings of the African savanna: Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of fi ve mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion.”

Please click here to be taken to a private screening area for the official Disneynature AFRICAN CATS trailer.


April 29, PROM (Walt Disney Pictures) Rating TBD – Drama-Comedy

“Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite.’

Please click on this link to be taken to a private screening area for the official PROM trailer.


May 20, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (Walt Disney Pictures) Rating TBD – Comedy-Adventure

Captain Jack (JOHNNY DEPP), Angelica (PENELOPE CRUZ),
Blackbeard (IAN McSHANE) and their eerie crew land on an
island where they hope to find the fabled Fountain of Youth.

Photo by Peter Mountain
© Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 “Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself on an unexpected journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth when a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz) forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).”

Please click here to be taken to a private screening of the first official trailer for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES.


June 24, CARS 2 (Disney/Pixar) Rating TBD – Animation, Comedy/Adventure

“When star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the fi rst-ever World Grand Prix, Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.”

Please click here to be taken to a private screening area for the first official trailer of CARS 2.


July 15, WINNIE THE POOH (Walt Disney Pictures) Rating TBD – Animation


“Inspired by fi ve stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art style, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Winnie the Pooh” reunites audiences with the hunny-loving, philosophical bear and friends Eeyore, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet and Owl in a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit.”

Please click here to be taken to a private screening of the first official trailer for WINNIE THE POOH.


August 12, THE HELP (Dreamworks) Rating TBD – Drama

“Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling novel, “The Help” is a provocative and inspiring look at what happens when a southern town’s unspoken code of rules and behavior is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship.”

August 19, FRIGHT NIGHT (Deamworks) Rating TBD – Horror

“Senior Charlie Brewster (Anton Yelchin) finally has it all going on: he’s running with the popular crowd and dating the most coveted girl in his high school. In fact, he’s so cool he’s even dissing his best friend. But trouble arrives when Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. He seems like a great guy at first, but there’s something not quite right—but everyone, including Charlie’s mom (Toni Collette), doesn’t notice. After observing some very strange activity, Charlie comes to an

unmistakable conclusion: Jerry is a vampire preying on the neighborhood. Unable to convince anyone, Charlie has to find a way to get rid of the monster himself in this Craig Gillespie-helmed revamp of the comedy-horror classic.”

October 17, REAL STEEL (Dreamworks) Rating TBD – Action-Drama

Down-on-his-luck fight promoter Charlie
(HUGH JACKMAN) trains his star robot boxer Atom
for a chance to go to the big time in the high-tech
boxing world in this scene from REAL STEEL

“Real Steel” is an action drama about a former boxer (Hugh Jackman) who, against all odds, gets one last shot at a comeback when he teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) to build and train the perfect contender for the new high-tech sport of robot boxing.”


November 23, THE MUPPETS (Walt Disney Pictures) Rating TBD – Family Comedy

“When Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater.”


December 28, WAR HORSE (Dreamworks) Rating TBS – Drama

“From director Steven Spielberg comes “War Horse,” an epic adventure for audiences of all ages. Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, “War Horse” begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets—British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter—before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land.


“The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse—an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. “War Horse” is one of the great stories of friendship and war—a successful book, it was turned into a hugely successful international theatrical hit that is arriving on Broadway next year. It now comes to screen in an epic adaptation by one of the great directors in film history.”

Disney's 'Tangled' : 2 newly released character bio videos

Fans of Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming animated feature, TANGLED, now get a closer look at this fun-filled movie with the release of these two new trailers.

TANGLED is the comedic retelling of the classic fairytale, Rapunzel, and is scheduled for nationwide release, Wednesday, November 24, 2010.

In the first video below, you’ll meet “Rapunzel” (voiced by Mandy Moore.) She’s not your typical damsel in distress but a lovely and spunky 18-year-old with 70 feet of hair and who’s ready to break out of her tower home and sheltered life to meet the outside world head-on.





In this second video, meet “Flynn Rider” (voiced by Zachary Levi.) He’s a charming, handsome and ultra confident thief on the run who finally meets his match - Rapunzel.