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WATCH: ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ Super Bowl XLVII Ad

During the 2013 Super Bowl big game, Walt Disney Studios shared an extended sneak peek at its upcoming film, Oz the Great and Powerful.

Disney’s fantastical adventure Oz The Great and Powerful, directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved wizard character. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful wizard but into a better man as well.

Oz The Great and Powerful is produced by Joe Roth, with a screenplay by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire (credit not final). Grant Curtis, Palak Patel, Philip Steuer and Josh Donen are serving as executive producers. “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013.

Sneak peeks at Iron Man and The Lone Ranger also aired during the big game.

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WATCH: ‘Lone Ranger’ Extended Sneak Peek from Super Bowl XLVII

During the CBS Super Bowl pre-show, Walt Disney Studios shared an extended sneak peek at its upcoming action adventure film, The Lone Ranger.

In addition to the preview, Walt Disney Studios and SUBWAY restaurants launched the ‘Who Will You Ride With on Game Day’Sweepstakes. To enter, follow @LoneRanger on Twitter and answer trivia questions about the sneak peek, using #LONERANGER in the reply. All correct entries will be entered in a blind drawing for a chance to win a prize pack, such as Kawasaki helmets, SUBWAY® gift cards, and more. Each prize pack includes two prizes, one each for ‘You and Your Kemosabe.’ The sweepstakes will end February 4, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. PST. Entries will also be accepted via email to [email protected]

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ The Lone Ranger, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

The Lone Ranger also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, The Lone Ranger is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The Lone Ranger releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.

Sneak peeks at Oz the Great and Powerful and Marvel’s Iron Man 3 are also expected during the game.

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

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.

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‘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.

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

Walt 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.

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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.

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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 – $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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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

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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.

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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.

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

One 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: