Posts Tagged ‘Disney XD’

Disney/ABC Television Group and Time Warner Cable Announce Agreement; Expanded Services

Disney/ABC Television Group, ESPN and Time Warner Cable today entered into a long-term, wide-ranging agreement that will provide Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks cable customers the programming of ABC Family, Disney Channel, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes and SOAPnet, as well as WABC in New York, KABC in Los Angeles, WTVD in Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville, WTVG in Toledo, and associated HD cable networks. Subscribers will also have unprecedented digital access to online content and expanded Video On Demand services.

This extensive and expanded rights package, Disney Media Network’s most expansive content agreement to date, provides for:

• The recently announced Disney Junior, a new 24-hour basic channel for preschool-age children, parents and caregivers. Available to Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks cable customers upon its debut in 2012, the new channel will feature animated and live action programming which blends Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles and social skills.
• The addition of ESPN3.com, ESPN’s live sports broadband network, which will be available to all Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks subscribers who get ESPN. ESPN3.com gives Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks fans a 24/7 online destination that delivers more than 3,500 live, global sports events annually as part of TV Everywhere. This addition also gives Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks the right to feature cleared content from ESPN3.com on its sports tier.
• Access to a new authenticated service, which will give Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks subscribers the opportunity to watch the linear networks ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU through their broadband services, as well as mobile Internet devices like an iPad. Details on the launch will be forthcoming.
• A new service, developed with Time Warner Cable, called ESPN Goal Line, a super-highlight channel that will be available only to Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks sports tier subscribers as early as September 4. ESPN Goal Line will take fans around the best matchups each Saturday during the NCAA football season. The once-a-week network will include live look-ins to game action, focusing on scoring drives and up-to-the minute commentary from analysts and experts. A similar service called ESPN Buzzer Beater will be available for the college basketball season.
• Inclusion of a variety of content from across the Disney Media Networks’ portfolio on Time Warner Cable’s and Bright House Networks Start Over and Look Back features.
• The addition of ESPN Deportes HD to Time Warner Cable’s larger footprint.
• The launch of ESPN 3D to Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks’ systems.
• A Time Warner Cable/ESPN Deportes co-branded, Spanish language sports website in Los Angeles.
• Availability of ESPN Radio feeds in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas to Time Warner Cable’s video platform.
• A plethora of ESPN-branded content made available on Time Warner Cable’s and Bright House Networks’ sports tier.

Expanded VOD services in many markets will include:

• ABC On Demand, ABC’s fast forward-disabled VOD service which currently features a selection of primetime programming, including episodes of such popular ABC shows as “Castle,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice” and “Desperate Housewives.” Anticipated newcomers include “No Ordinary Family” and “My Generation.” Additionally, episodes of ABC News’ “Good Morning America” are available each week.
• Disney-branded On Demand offerings for kids, including Disney Channel On Demand and Disney XD On Demand. Refreshed each month, the Disney Channel VOD offering will include episodes from such series as “Handy Manny,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Special Agent Oso” for preschoolers, as well as variety of episodes from “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Hannah Montana,” “The Suite Life on Deck,” “Good Luck Charlie” and other popular series for older kids. Select episodes featured on Disney Channel On Demand will be available in multiple languages. Disney XD On Demand features a variety of episodes from such series as the Emmy Award-winning animated hit “Phineas and Ferb” and “Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil,” as well as the upcoming sitcom “Pair of Kings.”
• Locally relevant sports content from ESPN in several Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks markets, including Los Angeles, New York, North and South Carolina, Tampa, Orlando, Texas and Ohio.
• The subscription VOD service “Disney Family Movies” which features a selection of classic and contemporary films and animated shorts from The Walt Disney Studios.
• A new transactional VOD service for select content from the Disney/ABC Television Group.

Co-chairs of Disney Media Networks George Bodenheimer and Anne Sweeney also commented on the announcement, stating: “The successful conclusion of this wide-ranging deal demonstrates our commitment to our distribution partners and our ability to work with them to provide consumers with an unmatched portfolio of national and local entertainment, news and sports content while continuing to strengthen both of our businesses.”

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement without any interruption in service,” said Glenn Britt, Time Warner Cable’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We thank our customers for their support, and we look forward to launching these new and innovative products and services.”

“We’re pleased that an agreement has been reached with no disruption in programming for our customers,” said Steve Miron, Chief Executive Officer, Bright House Networks.

First Look: Phineas and Ferb Spoof Classic in ‘Wizard of Odd’

In the new episode titled ‘Wizard of Odd,’ Phineas and Ferb build a contraption that spins their house around in an effort to paint it quickly, causing Candace to become so dizzy, she collapses. She soon finds herself in the magical land of Odd where their friends Isabella, Dr. Doofenshmirtz, Jeremy, Buford and Baljeet are remarkably like the characters in L. Frank Baum’s book ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ When Candace follows the yellow brick sidewalk to Bustopolis (to find the Wizard who can help her finally bust her brothers), things aren’t what they seem.

‘Wizard of Odd’ premieres Friday, September 24 at 8:30 pm ET/PT on Disney Channel.

[View with PicLens]

All images © Disney XD. All Rights Reserved.

‘Pair of Kings’ with Mitchel Musso and Doc Shaw to Premiere on Disney XD September 22

Disney Channel fan favorites Mitchel Musso (Oliver on “Hannah Montana,” Jeremy on “Phineas and Ferb”) and Doc Shaw (Marcus on “The Suite Life on Deck”) will cross over to headline their own comedy adventure series, “Pair of Kings,” premiering WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on sibling channel Disney XD. The series follows the fraternal twins who must relocate from their Chicago home to the island of Kinkow after they learn they are the rightful heirs to the throne of this odd kingdom, one filled with peculiar superstitions and customs – and one that may not be ready for two teenage kings. Disney Channel will give Musso and Shaw a royal send off with a “Pair of Kings” hour-long special, featuring the two stars in candid interstitials, on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT).

“Pair of Kings” follows Brady and Boomer, who lead a typical teenage life while being raised by their aunt and uncle in Chicago, but unbeknownst to them, they’re successors to the throne of the island of Kinkow. When Mason the Royal Advisor informs the boys of their extraordinary lineage, Brady and Boomer relocate to the island to claim their throne as joint Kings. Brady and Boomer rely on their new island friends for guidance in ruling the island filled with odd superstitions and customs. Their efforts are helped and hindered by Mason, the intimidating royal guard; Mikayla, Mason’s adorable daughter and assistant to the kings; and Lanny, their disgruntled cousin and wannabe king, who’s out to sabotage them and steal the throne.

Starring are Mitchel Musso (“Hannah Montana,” “Phineas and Ferb”) as Brady, Doc Shaw (“The Suite Life on Deck,” “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”) as Boomer, Kelsey Chow (Disney Channel’s “Den Brother,” “One Tree Hill”) as Mikayla, Ryan Ochoa (Disney’s “A Christmas Carol”) as Lanny, Geno Segers (touring production of Disney’s “The Lion King”) as Mason. Vincent Pastore (“The Sopranos”) voices the recurring role of Lanny’s fish Yamakoshi.

The series was created by and is executive-produced by Dan Cross and Dave Hoge (Disney XD’s “Aaron Stone,” “One on One”). Matt Wickline (“Frank TV,” “The Hughleys”) is the executive producer. Leo Clarke (“Frank TV,” “The Steve Harvey Show”) is the producer and Don Beck (“Reba,” “8 Simple Rules”) is the consulting producer. “Pair of Kings” is produced by It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc.

AFTER THE JUMP: The full debut schedule for Disney XD's 'Pair of Kings'

Sneak Peek: ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Featuring Seth Macfarlane and Kevin Smith

Disney XD has provided us with a couple of clips from its upcoming episode of Phineas and Ferb, ‘Nerds of a Feather Parts I & II,’ which is set to premiere August 16 on the network.

In the episode, which we first told you about here, Phineas and Ferb head to the Tri-State area’s annual sci-fi/comic book convention to meet their hero, special effects guru Clive Addison.  Their plan gets sidetracked when they’re swept into a duel between fantasy fans and sci-fi geeks.  Meanwhile, Candace tries to keep secret that she’s a fan of Ducky Mo-Mo, another convention staple.  Across the convention hall, Dr. Doofenshmirtz has taken television executive Jeff McGarland hostage so he can pitch him a show he’s developed, “Doof ‘N’ Puss.”

In this first clip, we see Dr. Doofenshmirtz pitching the show to Jeff McGarland (voiced by Seth Macfarlane) while holding him and Perry/Agent P hostage at the convention. This clip is similar to that shown during the panel at San Diego Comic-con in 2010.

[Sorry, video removed as per agreement with Disney XD]

In the following clip, Phineas and Ferb end their visit with special effects legend Clive Addison (voiced by Kevin Smith). The clip shown at the Comic-con panel was actually when the boys first encounter Addison at his autograph session.

[Sorry, video removed as per agreement with Disney XD]

Disney XD’s ‘Zeke and Luther’ to Return for Third Season

Disney XD has ordered a third season of the hit comedy series “Zeke and Luther.” The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. New episodes of the buddy comedy about two best friends determined to achieve epic skateboarding status will begin production fall 2010 in and around southern California. Starring are popular teen actors Hutch Dano, Adam Hicks, Ryan Newman and Daniel Curtis Lee.

In making the announcement, Marsh said: “We have great comedic talent on camera and behind the scenes, and we join its growing fan base in looking forward to a third season of the unique and relatable storytelling that has made ‘Zeke and Luther’ so popular, especially among boys.”

Returning are creators and executive producers Matt Dearborn and Tom Burkhard, the team behind the Emmy Award-nominated and BAFTA-winning Disney Channel series, “Even Stevens.”

Set in the mythical Northern California beach community of Pacific Terrace, the series follows the comedic adventures of best friends Zeke and Luther and their quest to become the world’s best skateboarders, while also navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. Quick to challenge the boys’ claim to being the best sidewalk surfers in the neighborhood is their friend and foe with a larger-than-life attitude, Kojo. Another thorn in their side is Zeke’s business-savvy little sister, Ginger, who finds her brother’s skateboarding dreams childish.

“Zeke and Luther” premiered in June 2009 on Disney XD in the U.S., and can be seen on Disney Channel’s worldwide. Starring are: Hutch Dano (The Disney Channel Original Movie “Den Brother” and the feature film “Ramona and Beezus”) as Zeke, Adam Hicks (“JONAS L.A.”) as Luther, Daniel Curtis Lee (“Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”) as Kojo and Ryan Newman (“Hannah Montana”) as Ginger. “Zeke and Luther” is produced by Turtle Rock Productions, Inc. and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.

Report: Disney XD’s ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Panel at 2010 San Diego Comic-con (Some Spoilers)

Phineas and Ferb creators and cast members Dan Povenmire (Doofenshmirtz) and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh (Major Monogram) were joined by fellow cast members Mitchel Musso (Jeremy, others), Vincent Martella (Phineas), Caroline Rhea (Mom) and Kelly Hu (Stacy) at San Diego Comic-con for a packed-room panel to discuss the popular Disney XD show and give a sneak peek into what we can expect to see in the future.

Some of the upcoming episodes were discussed including — appropriately enough — the Comic-con episode. We were treated to a sequence from the future episode in which a battle scene occurs between the Sci-fi fantasy type geek at the Lord of the Rings type geeks. In a musical sequence in which the battle begins, the two sides end up appropriately fighting each other by using action figures as proxies (while providing their own sound effects) and rolling dice. The sequence briefly gets interrupted by someone in a Ducky Mo-Mo costume who turns out to be Candace (not seen in clip) who has gone to Comic-con incognito in pursuit of a rare Ducky Mo-Mo collectible. Meanwhile, fanboys Phineas and Ferb encounter their idol, a legendary special f/x wizard voiced by Kevin Smith, and Dr. Doofensmirtz captures a television exec (voiced by Family Guy creator Seth Macfarlane) to pitch a new show titled ‘Doof-n-Puss,’ a 70s type police drama.

Other upcoming episodes include a Wizard of Oz themed show in which Mitchel Musso will be the voice of one of the trees. There will also be a Rollercoaster: The Musical episode in which the boys will set out to re-create the day that also served as the show’s pilot, only this time they’ll spontaneously break out in songs. Each of the show’s catch-phrases will have their own songs in the special episode. In an episode titled The Chronicles of Meap, the show ended with a teaser of an upcoming episode titled Meapless in Seattle. Although this was originally a joke,  the panel announced that there will now in fact be an upcoming episode based on the concept.

The biggest news on the future front, however, is that there will be a new feature-length episode making its debut next summer on Disney XD titled Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension in Fabulous 2D. We were shown the opening sequence and song (‘Everything’s Better with Perry’) in storyboard/rough-animation format. One of the major plot points of the special will be that Phineas and Ferb finally discover Perry the Platypus’s secret identity as Agent P.

Besides what we can expect to see in the future, there were quite a few other tidbits that came up during the panel. Povenmire and Marsh discussed the creative process and inserted anecdotes about input from the Disney executives such as pressure to give Perry the Platypus a love interest (‘He’s married to his job,’ joked Marsh in the voice of Major Monogram) and how the pair created an entire backstory when director of original tv animated programming of Disney XD Jill Sanford questioned just how Stacy became the President of Uruguay in one of the episodes.

When the panel opened up for Q&A, many complimented the show for its positive portrayal of blended families. Noting he was from one himself, Marsh talked about how important he felt it was that with the high rate of divorce, that children of divorce should not feel like they’re the only ones experiencing this. When asked (producing an audible gasp from the audience), the creators insisted that the other parents will not be introduced into the show, especially because Phineas and Ferb had been together since they were near infants. Diffusing the tension just a bit, Rhea (‘Mom’) added that ‘we’re all friends.’

Another question from the audience pertained to Ferb’s real name as he declared in one episode that Ferb was actually short for something. While they do have a friend named Ferb whose real name is Frank, Povenmire and Marsh said that’s not Ferb’s real name but that Ferb hasn’t ‘told’ them his full name either so they don’t know it to reveal it, so it shall remain a mystery.

After the panel, the cast members (minus Musso) headed to the San Diego Convention Center’s Sails Pavilion where they signed mini-posters for the upcoming Phineas and Ferb special ‘The Summer Belongs to You.’  The group was so committed to their fans, that they stayed well past the posted end time to sign, breaking for just a few moments to introduce the Comic-Con screening of the special. Martella took a quick break of his own only to return with an autograph from Malcolm McDowell on his arm. McDowell, who voices the boys’ grandfather on the show, was just around the corner signing autographs of his own and as voice actors rarely actually work together when recording, this was apparently the first time the two had met, placing a whole new spin on the family reunion.

Below is our gallery of photos from the panel and signing including guests dressed as Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Perry the Platypus as Agent P.

[View with PicLens]

All photos © Stitch Kingdom. All Rights Reserved.

First Look: Clay Aiken in Phineas and Ferb’s ‘Summer Belongs to You’ on Disney XD

Disney XD has just released these stills featuring guest star and American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken from the upcoming ‘Phineas and Ferb’ one-hour special ‘Summer Belongs to You’ which premieres on Disney XD on August 2 at 8:00 pm ET/PT and on August 6 on Disney Channel.

As the story goes, it’s the summer solstice and because it’s the longest day of the year, stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb decide to travel around the world in one day.  But not everyone believes they can actually achieve what they’ve set out to do, leading them to get some encouraging words, in the form of a duet, from Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan.  Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz takes a father-daughter trip to Tokyo with Vanessa.

Update: Disney XD has sent us this video clip sneak peek of the episode featuring Clay singing ‘I Believe We Can’ with Chaka Kahn making a very brief appearance at the end of the clip’

(sorry, video removed due to agreements with Disney XD)

[View with PicLens]

For more information on the special, see our original report here.

All images and video © Disney XD

Disney XD’s Phineas and Ferb Presents ‘My Town’ at Dodger Stadium July 22

Disney’s Emmy Award-winning “Phineas and Ferb” to take over Dodger Stadium for an exclusive Phineas and Ferb “This Is My Town” night Thursday, July 22 for the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets game.

Phineas and Ferb fans can purchase tickets to the show’s MyTown section at a specially discounted price of $37.  Each ticket includes admission to the game, a limited edition Dodgertown t-shirt featuring both characters, Disney XD giveaways and an all-you-can-eat, kid-friendly menu featuring Dodger Dogs and Phineas and Ferb-inspired food.  To purchase tickets, visit Dodgers.com/mytownspecial and enter the promo code MYTOWN.

Dan Povenmire and Swampy Marsh, creators and executive producers of Disney’s Emmy Award-winning animated hit series “Phineas and Ferb,” throw out the first pitch with the help of the Phineas and Ferb characters.  Caitlyn Taylor Love (from Disney XD’s “I’m in the Band”) will also be singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” during the game.

New ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Episodes Feature Clay Aiken, Chaka Khan, Seth MacFarlane and Kevin Smith

With a 100 episodes and counting, the Emmy Award-winning series “Phineas and Ferb” continues to roll out with new and thoroughly amusing stories for kids, tweens and families.  In August, the hit animated comedy, increasingly renowned for its smart humor and noteworthy guest stars, will present two new episodes featuring the legendary recording artist Chaka Khan, multi-Platinum selling singer Clay Aiken (“American Idol”), Emmy-winning animator/writer Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”) and filmmaker Kevin Smith (“Clerks”).

A one-hour episode entitled “Summer Belongs to You” premieres MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD and Friday, August 6 on Disney Channel.  As the story goes, it’s the summer solstice and, because it’s the longest day of the year, stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb decide to travel around the world in one day.  But not everyone believes they can actually achieve what they’ve set out to do, leading them to get some encouraging words, in the form of a duet, from Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan.  Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz takes a father-daughter trip to Tokyo with Vanessa.

Music from the episode will Planet Premiere on Radio Disney Monday, July 26 through Monday, August 2, and will be released by Walt Disney Records on Tuesday, August 3 at online retailers.  Songs on the digital album are: “I Believe We Can,” performed by Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan, “J Pop” (Welcome to Tokyo), performed by Stacy’s cousins, “Rubber Bands,” performed by Uncle Sabu & Co., “Bouncin’ Around the World,” performed by Love Händel, “City of Love,” performed by Isabella, “Summer Belongs to You,” performed by Phineas, Isabella and Candace, “Follow the Sun,” performed by Danny Jacob, and “The Ballad of Klimpaloon,” performed by Love Händel.

Then, in “Nerds of a Feather,” an episode guest starring Seth MacFarlane and Kevin Smith, Phineas and Ferb head to the Tri-State area’s annual sci-fi/comic book convention to meet their hero, special effects guru Clive Addison.  Their plan gets sidetracked when they’re swept into a duel between fantasy fans and sci-fi geeks.  Meanwhile, Candace tries to keep secret that she’s a fan of Ducky Mo-Mo, another convention staple.  Across the convention hall, Dr. Doofenshmirtz has taken television executive Jeff McGarland hostage so he can pitch him a show he’s developed, “Doof ‘N’ Puss.”  The episode premieres MONDAY, AUGUST 16 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD and Friday, August 27 on Disney Channel.

All summer long, viewers can go to www.disneychannel.com or www.disneyxd.com to customize the “Phineas and Ferb” site by adding personal touches to the beach, carnival and camping-themed backgrounds, and to unlock bonus content. Beginning July 9, fans can test their “Phineas and Ferb” knowledge with the new “Trivia-nator.”

The multiplatform rollout is:

MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) — “Summer Belongs to You” premieres on Disney XD

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3 — “Summer Belongs to You” becomes available on Disney Channel SVOD, Disney XD VOD and Disney XD Mobile

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) — “Summer Belongs to You” premieres on Disney Channel and on Disney Channel Mobile simulcast

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 — “Summer Belongs to You” becomes available on iTunes, Xbox, Disney Channel Mobile VOD, DisneyChannel.com and DisneyXD.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 16 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) — “Nerds of a Feather” premieres on Disney XD

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT) — “Nerds of a Feather” premieres on Disney Channel

Sneak Peek: Mater as the Tormenter in ‘Monster Truck Mater’ Cars Toon

Ohhh yeah! Whatcha gonna do when the Tormenter runs wild on you?

In this new sneak peek of Monster Truck Mater courtesy of our friends at the Disney Channel and Disney XD, Tow Mater finds himself rocketing to the top of the monster truck wrastlin’ circuit as the Tormenter. Marvel as the Tormenter takes on evil monster truck baddies such as Dr. Feel Bad and Paddy O’ Concrete.

But when the goin’ gets tough, the tough get tagged in and that’s when you call upon on your partner: Frightening McMean.

[Due to licensing agreements with Disney XD, this video has been removed.]

Monster Truck Mater will premiere on The Disney Channel on July 30 at 9:30 pm ET.

Don’t forget to check out our recent report on some of the new Monster Truck Mater die casts and collectible toy sets coming from Mattel too, featuring the Rastacarian and others.