‘Wreck-It Ralph’ Dominates 40th Annual Annie Awards

Enjoy this article? You may also be interested in these related items from our partners


Mickey Mouse Pin - Disney's Hollywood Studios from DisneyStore.com
Star Wars Triple Feature T-Shirt from Hot Topic
Disney Animation Collection Volume 1: Mickey and... from DisneyStore.com

Earlier this evening, The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, held its 40th Annual Annie Awards at UCLA’s Royce Hall, in Los Angeles, CA. While addressing the myriad of technical issues for the awards show were well beyond the capabilities of Fix-It Felix Jr and his magic hammer, the clear winner of the night was Wreck-It Ralph from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The blockbuster took a total of five awards including Music in an Animated Feature Production (Henry Jackman, Skrillex, Adam Young, Matthew Thiessen, Jamie Houston, Yasushi Akimoto), Writing in an Animated Feature (Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee), Voice Acting in an Animated Feature (Alan Tudyk as King Candy), Directing in an Animated Feature (Rich Moore) and Best Animated Feature.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ short Paperman, directed by John Kahrs, also took its category of Best Animated Short Subject. Disney/Pixar’s Brave also picked up a couple of awards for Editorial in an Animated Feature (Nicholas C. Smith, A.C.E., Robert Grahamjones, A.C.E., David Suther) and Production Design in an Animated Feature (Steve Pilcher). Kristen Schaal also took the honors for Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production for her role as Mabel Pines in ‘Gravity Falls.’

Lastly, Jerome Platteaux, John Sigurdson, Ryan Hopkins, Raul Essig and Mark Chataway of Industrial Light & Magic were recognized for Animated Effects in a Live Action Film for Marvel’s The Avengers.

Juried awards honoring career achievement and exceptional contributions to animation were also awarded to Disney animator Mark Henn, one of three recognized with the Winsor McCay award, as selected by the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors, for his career contributions to the art of animation. Additionally, Disney publicist and documentarian Howard Green received the June Foray Award for his significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation.

3 comments - What do you think?

‘Frozen’ Character Posters Give First Look at Anna, Elsa

IMAGES REMOVED BY REQUEST OF WALT DISNEY STUDIOS.

The posters feature Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) along with the Snow Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel), who happens to be Anna’s sister. The full synopsis for the film follows:

When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, an amazing and comedic snowman named Olaf, Everest-like conditions and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

The film is directed by Chris Buck (Tarzan, Surf’s Up) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, Wreck-It Ralph), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (Winnie the Pooh, The Princess and the Frog). Featuring music from Tony®-winner Robert Lopez (‘The Book of Mormon,’ ‘Avenue Q’) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (‘In Transit’), Frozen journeys into theaters November 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

 

Be the first to comment - What do you think?

‘The Little Mermaid: Diamond Edition’ Splashes onto Blu-Ray, October 1

'The Little Mermaid' on Blu-rayWalt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has announced that the 1989 animated classic, The Little Mermaid will be released on blu-ray for the first time ever on October 1, 2013.

No further details regarding the release have been announced as of yet, but Amazon.com is listing the title as a Diamond Edition available for pre-order.

Yahoo! Movies has posted the promotional trailer for the release:

We will update as more information becomes available to us.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?

Limited Time Magic: Super Bowl Countdown, Lunar New Year

Disney Parks has updated its ‘Limited Time Magic’ schedule to include events that begin today, February 1 and run through February 11, 2013.

At the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort is the ‘Countdown to Super Sunday,’ running from February 1 through February 9. There will be a daily pre-parade including an MVP appearance on February 4. Just before the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade, Disney football ‘star’ Goofy will hit the streets of the park for a lively pigskin celebration.

Also from February 1 to February 9, 2013, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland will be dishing up Super Sunday menu items, including ‘Soup-er Bowls’ of lobster bisque and tomato basil bisque.

Meanwhile at Disneyland Resort’s Disney California Adventure, it’s all about the Lunar New Year, from February 8 through February 11. Guests are invited to celebrate the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures for the most magical Lunar New Year Party under the moon. Festivities include Mulan’s Chinese New Year Procession, cultural performances and fun-filled activities — as well as Disney Character greetings with Mulan, Mushu, Mickey and Minnie dressed in traditional Chinese outfits. A limited-edition pin will be available while supplies last.

1 comment - What do you think?

New Disney Store Arrivals for February 1, 2013 (6 Items)

New Disney Store arrivals and sales for February 1, 2013 Below is a list of new items and sales now available for purchase at Disney Store. Clicking on a product’s image or description will launch the product’s page on Disney Store in another window. Note that this list is generated and posted automatically. Stitch Kingdom should not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misinformation or item availability. Disclosure: This post includes specially formatted links which allow the site to receive a small percentage of purchases made through them. Using these links does not affect your shopping experience in any way, but it does help the site. Even if you don’t purchase anything, even just sharing products you like through Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest using the icons below them will help the site.

Minnie Mouse Ear Headband - Minnie Hat Minnie Mouse Ear Headband – Minnie Hat – $22.95You’ll be talking about Minnie’s golden age ”flower pot” hat topper and deluxe mouse ear headband, part of our highly-collectible Limited Time Magic – Year of the Ear celebration!
Share this item with your friends on Facebook Share this item with your followers on Twitter share this item

 
Minnie Mouse Ear Headband - Silver Sequins Minnie Mouse Ear Headband – Silver Sequins – $19.95Hit a lucky strike with Minnie’s silvery sequined mouse ear headband, part of our highly-collectible Limited Time Magic – Year of the Ear celebration!
Share this item with your friends on Facebook Share this item with your followers on Twitter share this item

 
Minnie Mouse Ear Headband - Pirate Minnie Mouse Ear Headband – Pirate – $22.95Strike your colors in Minnie’s swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean themed mouse ear headband, part of our highly-collectible Limited Time Magic – Year of the Ear celebration!
Share this item with your friends on Facebook Share this item with your followers on Twitter share this item

 
Jake and the Never Land Pirates - Never Land Launching Cannon Jake and the Never Land Pirates – Never Land Launching Cannon – $19.50All hands on deck and prepare for some buccaneering battling with this Never Land Launching Cannon. Load, pull and fire the water balls to enjoy more than a splash of fun with Jake and his Never Land Pirates.
Share this item with your friends on Facebook Share this item with your followers on Twitter share this item

 
Minnie Mouse Ear Headband - Crown Minnie Mouse Ear Headband – Crown – $22.95Rule over any carnival maquerade party wearing Minnie’s royal crown mouse ear headband, part of our highly-collectible Limited Time Magic – Year of the Ear celebration!
Share this item with your friends on Facebook Share this item with your followers on Twitter share this item

 
Jake and the Never Land Pirates - Skull Island Play Set Jake and the Never Land Pirates – Skull Island Play Set – $26.50Send your young buccaneer on an exciting sea-faring adventure to Skull Island with this bone-chilling play set. There’s lots of things to do, like press the tiki head to trap other characters in the mouth of Skull Rock!
Share this item with your friends on Facebook Share this item with your followers on Twitter share this item

 

1 comment - What do you think?

Stan Lee Subpoenaed in Lawsuit Against Disney Over Marvel Properties

A subpoena was issued earlier this week by the United States District Court in California against Stan Lee in the lawsuit by Stan Lee Media, Inc. (SLMI) against The Walt Disney Company (USDC Colorado, case 12-cv-02663). The multi-billion dollar lawsuit claims that it is SLMI, not Disney/Marvel, that owns the rights to characters that Lee owned, but then transferred to Marvel in the late ’90s. It was prior to this that Lee founded SLMI (which would later fail), the shareholders of which are claiming Lee signed the rights over to them and therefore never had the rights to transfer to Marvel, which would then go own to be owned by Disney, including iconic properties such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, X-Men, Thor and the Incredible Hulk, amongst others.

According to the subpoena, Lee is ordered to offer a deposition in the case on February 19. In addition, Lee is being asked to produce documents including all communication between himself and Disney, Marvel or Stan Lee Media pertaining to the issue as well as communication between SLMI and Disney or Marvel along with financial and corporate information for SLMI, all dating back to 1998.

To read the full subpoena, click here. For the original complaint against Disney, click here.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?

Speculation: Disney’s Avatarland Development May Be Way Off Track

Disney’s ‘Avatarland’ expansion, based on the successful James Cameron film franchise, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom may in fact be in trouble as rampant rumors have speculated in recent months. Yet just as recently as December, Disney has remained adamant that everything was just fine, according to this article by the Orlando Sentinel.

But according to paperwork recently filed with the Orange County comptroller’s office, everything may not be hunky-dory in the land of the Na’vi. The document calls for the installation of FASTPASS+ for ‘Festival of the Lion King,’ a show that was expected to close and relocate elsewhere in the park to make way for the ‘Avatarland,’ which is said to replace Camp Minnie-Mickey.

While installing FASTPASS+ capability for the show is not a life-time commitment by any stretch of the imagination, it’s not insignificant either. For beginners, the show has never formally had FASTPASS which means a brand new installation, which involves underground wiring for distribution machines and the like. The Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is also one of the last to receive the FASTPASS+ treatment with the ‘My Disney Experience’ NextGen project focus being placed on Magic Kingdom, followed by Epcot. In other words, it seems like an awful lot of investment in time and resources for a location whose razing was once supposedly imminent (‘Avatarland’ is supposed to break ground in 2013).

This news couldn’t come at a stranger time for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, as in addition to the reports of challenges in working with James Cameron, there is a major reorganization of theme park leadership effective as of today. In addition, Tony Baxer, the senior vice president of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering, is expected to formally announce his retirement today, shifting into more of a consulting role. Add to that the recent Magic Kingdom expansion of ‘New Fantasyland’ and Disney’s recent addition of proven franchises: Cars Land at Disney California Adventure (rumored to be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and Lucasfilm / Star Wars and suddenly the road to ‘Avatarland’ has sprung up a lot of potential forks along the way.

1 comment - What do you think?

Sneak Peek: ‘Nine Old Men’ Doc from ‘Peter Pan: Diamond Edition’

'Peter Pan Diamond Edition' Blu-rayOne of the many gems to be found on the Peter Pan: Diamond Edition blu-ray, available to own this Tuesday, February 5 (now available for pre-order) is a brand new documentary short titled Nine Old Men.

The short examines the lives of Walt Disney’s fabled ‘Nine Old Men’ (the term referring to a book on the justices of the Supreme Court, not their ages): Les Clark, Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman and Frank Thomas. Together, these animators were responsible for some of the most beloved films in the history of film, let alone animation and Disney.

To support the release of the blu-ray as well as the documentary, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has released the following clips featuring the stories of Ward Kimball, Milt Kahl, Frank Thomas, John Lounsbery, Ollie Johnston, Les Clark and Wolfgang Reitherman as related by their children:

1 comment - What do you think?

Fantasy Faire to Open at Disneyland March 12

20130131-190522.jpgFor many guests at Disneyland Park, the encounter with a Disney Princess and her story is an essential part of any visit. Beginning March 12, 2013, Disney Princesses will await these guests at the new Fantasy Faire, a storybook world that extends Fantasyland and brings its timeless tales to life in fun and surprising ways.

Fantasy Faire creates an enchanting, immersive environment for guests who treasure magical fairy tales. Designed in the charming, old world style familiar to lovers of Fantasyland, this regal village fair is located on the west side of the “Hub” or Central Plaza, expanding Fantasyland beyond its current boundaries and into a location (the former Carnation Plaza Gardens) near the forecourt of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Visitors will walk a beautiful pathway leading into the corridors of the Royal Hall, where Princesses await them. Along the way, they will encounter whimsical design touches, including Geppetto’s cat Figaro dozing (and occasionally waking) on a window sill, and “Clopin’s Music Box,” a fascinating, interactive mechanical toy representing the Feast of Fools from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Guests may also explore a charming village square highlighted by Tangled Tower, a magical sculpture inspired by the story of Rapunzel. After dark, Rapunzel’s hair, twisting around the tower sculpture, comes to life with twinkling lights.

A highlight of the Fantasy Faire experience is the Royal Theatre, where guests will be treated to two different shows: the tales of Rapunzel (“Tangled”) and Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”) as presented by Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, a pair of vaudeville-style Renaissance storytellers. The princess heroine, Rapunzel or Belle, will join in the fun and remain with the audience to greet guests following the conclusion of the story.

Fairytale Treasures, a shop found inside Fantasy Faire, offers all kinds of Princess dresses, accessories and gifts. For guest refreshment, Maurice, Belle’s inventor father, has transformed an old gypsy wagon into a colorful food cart, Maurice’s Treats, serving bread twists – cheddar cheese garlic and strawberry almond cream flavors – along with a signature beverage, the Boysen Apple Freeze.

The addition of Fantasy Faire will be one of the highlights of the guest experience for Spring-Summer 2013 at the Disneyland Resort. Also coming to Disneyland in time for summer is “Mickey and the Magical Map,” a new, live show presented in the Fantasyland Theatre. And at Disney California Adventure Park, new characters Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins join the show “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” beginning March 22.

New ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’
“Mickey and the Magical Map” presents Mickey Mouse in his timeless role as the sorcerer’s apprentice. Sorcerer Yen Sid sets his Mapmakers to work and this ensemble cast of male and female performers paints a wondrous map – capable of taking dreamers to any place imaginable and so large it spans the entire stage of Fantasyland Theatre.

Apprentice Mickey lets his curiosity get the better of him and stumbles upon the map’s magical powers. Mickey’s youthful mischief takes him, along with the audience, on a fantastic journey of imagination in the company of the Mapmakers, who help bring his adventures to life.

The journey, presented through amazing theatrical wizardry, colorful visuals and wonderful music, includes encounters with such classic Disney characters as Pocahontas, Mulan, King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” and others. “Mickey and the Magical Map” is designed for Disneyland guests of all ages and represents Disney storytelling at its most thrilling.

Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins Join ‘Disney Junior – Live on Stage!’
Fans of the Disney Junior television hits “Sofia the First” and “Doc McStuffins” will enjoy interacting with these characters at “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” They join the gang from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” in a show that invites preschoolers to sing, dance and play with enchanting puppets, fanciful scenery and lively music.

Sofia the First, Disney’s first little girl princess, and other characters in the show share ideas with guests, encouraging them to become part of the stories. Sofia is known for showing every little princess-in-training how to sparkle – inside and out. Doc McStuffins cares for and nurtures toys in need. When the Doc is in, she really knows her stuff, consulting her Big Book of Boo Boos to help diagnose and mend her toy friends.

“Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” is presented several times a day at Disney California Adventure Park.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?

GROUPON: Hot Air Balloon Ride Near Walt Disney World

Hot Air Balloon Ride via GrouponDeemed one of 2012′s best, Groupon and Orlando Balloon Rides in Kissimmee, Florida are once again offering the opportunity to save up to 55% on a hot air balloon flight plus a champagne toast and breakfast.

One hour before sunrise, voyagers meet at the convention center at the Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration, where the flight team greets them for their balloon ride. Passengers watch as the balloon fills with hot air before it lifts them skyward for a 60-minute tour of the Florida countryside. Once aboard, the ride features views of the region’s nature preserves, Walt Disney World, and the distant urban skyline. Upon touchdown, riders cap their adventure with a buffet breakfast and a commemorative flight certificate, with guests 21 and older toasting one another with a glass of champagne.

Normally priced at $175 per person, the Groupon makes the Orlando Balloon Ride opportunity available for just $79 per child (age 4 – 10) and $105 per adult.

Reservations must be made at least 21 days in advance with the Groupon expiring one year after purchase. Additional limitations apply and are available on the official Groupon page for this offer.

For more information or to purchase this offer, visit the official Groupon offer page.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?

Page 21 of 613« First...10...1920212223...304050...Last »

QR Code Business Card