Sony Joins Disney Parks on ‘Share Magical Memories’ Campaign; Vacation Contest and Gift with Purchase Offer
Sony Electronics announced today it has teamed up with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to promote its latest line of Handycam® camcorders in a new integrated marketing campaign that focuses on capturing and sharing family memories.
The “Share Magical Memories” co-branded campaign kicks off with a unique online contest and dedicated website hosted by Disney Interactive at www.disney.com/memories, where guests can submit a written entry about a special someone in their life, a family member, friend or educator, who has helped create a lasting memory. A panel of judges will review the stories about the special memory makers and select five grand prize winners. Each grand prize winner will receive a vacation for themselves and three guests, plus a vacation for their memory makers and three guests to Walt Disney World Resort. The winning families will also receive a Sony® HDR-PJ260V projector camcorder to document new memories before, during, and after their experience at Disney Parks.
There will also be a weekly sweepstakes on disney.com/memories where guests can enter daily on the site or text “SONY” to DISNEY (347639) on their mobile devices, for a chance to win prizes such as a $200 Disney gift card and a Sony HDR-PJ260V camcorder. One winner will be awarded per week.
“Sony is thrilled to be working with Disney Parks to promote its new line of Handycam camcorders,” said Hidenori Toyoda, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “It’s a perfect fit – they create magical memories for families and we make the products to capture and share those memories.”
To support the campaign, a series of custom videos showcasing the new camcorders will be produced and featured on disney.com/memories and in retail stores. Some videos will be more educational and showcase the benefits of Handycam camcorder features, including built-in projection, low-light capabilities, Optical SteadyShot(TM) image stabilization, a wide angle lens and high zoom functionality. Videos will also be recorded at the Disney Parks, using Handycam camcorders, that capture guest’s favorite Disney memories along with beloved Disney characters. In addition to the video series, the campaign will also be promoted through Sony and Disney’s various social media channels.
“We are equally delighted to be working with Sony on this program,” said Scott Cassidy, senior vice president, Disney Global Alliance Marketing. “Their newest line of Handycam camcorders clearly takes the idea of capturing and preserving great Disney Parks memories to a whole new level.”
The “Share Magical Memories” campaign will also have a strong presence at Sony Stores and select electronics retailers nationwide. As part of the campaign, Sony and Disney will offer a Gift with Purchase program where consumers can purchase Sony HD Handycam camcorders and receive an exclusive, limited-edition Disney item from May 14 through Sept. 30. Additionally, a specially designed experience for mobile phones will feature video and images, as well as allow consumers to enter the contest or sweepstakes.
Categories: Contests, Merchandise Tags: Contest, Giveaway, Merchandise, Sony, Sweepstakes
Report: Disney Drops The 3D Luxo Ball, Fetches ‘Bolt’ and ‘Alice’ Deal with Sony Instead
Very early this year, we reported on a Hollywood Reporter blurb that didn’t seem to catch the eye of most — Disney planned on releasing three Blu-ray 3D titles this year: A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story 3.
Shortly thereafter it was widely rumored but never substantiated that Disney was considering making Alice in Wonderland a package deal with Sony products. However Sony recently announced and Variety confirms that it will be offering not just Alice in Wonderland as an exclusive bundle with its 3D home theater equipment this fall, but that Disney’s Bolt will also be available exclusively in Blu-ray 3D with Sony. The titles will come alongside purchases of Sony Bravia 3D TVs and — without the assistance of eBay — consumers will be forced to choose between the two. Whether the 3D titles will become available for general purchase in the future is up in the air.
[via TheHDRoom]
Categories: DVD/Blu-Ray, Movies Tags: 3D, AIW, Alice in Wonderland, Blu-ray 3D, Bolt, Sony
ESPN 3D to Launch Complete with 3D Ads from Sony, Gillette and Disney/Pixar
When ESPN launches ESPN 3D on Friday, June 11, three advertisers – SONY, Gillette and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 – will debut new commercials produced in native 3D. Additionally, ESPN will introduce its first-ever 3D commercial from the award-winning This is SportsCenter franchise.
“The 3D advertising opportunity and marketplace is at the beginning so we are very excited to have three marquee advertisers on board,” said Ed Erhardt, president, ESPN Customer Marketing and Sales. “We have interest from several of our clients to include ESPN 3D in their packages and we will do everything we can to accommodate them.”
In order to provide the best consumer experience, ESPN 3D will only be accepting commercials originally created in 3D. SONY’s commercial will feature its new 3D HDTVs. Gillette created a 3D spot as part of their launch campaign for the new Fusion ProGlide Razor and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 will promote the film’s opening on June 18.
SportsCenter anchor Stan Verrett and Los Angeles Dodgers Right Fielder Andrew Ethier are featured in the new This is SportsCenter spot, which shows the two in ESPN’s Los Angeles studios being a little too aggressive with batting practice as they check out SONY’s new 3D camera. Wieden + Kennedy was the creative agency.
ESPN was the first to announce an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television. ESPN has produced several 3D telecasts, including the Masters in April 2010, a Harlem Globetrotters game in February 2010 and in 2009 the USC vs. Ohio State college football game. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing the technology in live game applications which have provided the ability to streamline workflow operations, adjust 3D camera positioning, perform transmission tests and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a traditional telecast. In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements. Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.
Categories: Television Tags: ESPN, ESPN 3D, Gillette, Sony, Toy Story 3, TS3
‘Disney Sing It: Family Hits’ to be Released August 3; Now Available for Pre-Order
Amazon.com now lists Disney Sing It: Family Hits as being released for the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii
on August 3, 2010.
The game features 30 songs from Disney and Pixar animated classics, allowing up to eight players to compete in karaoke in family mode. The game also features performance tips from Anika Noni Rose from The Princess and the Frog.
For more information, see the original announcement here. There are also additional screenshots from the game, such as the one featured here, on Amazon.com.
Categories: Video Games Tags: Anika Noni Rose, DIS, Disney Interactive, Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Sing It: Family Edition, Nintendo, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation, Playstation 3, PS3, Sony, Wii
‘Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep’ to be Released September 7, PSP Bundle Pack Available
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX(R) interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep will be available at North American retailers on September 7, 2010. KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep brings to life unexplored worlds from everyone’s favorite Disney stories, and will be appearing exclusively on the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system.
A prequel to the mega-hit series, this pivotal installment takes players back to the beginnings of the KINGDOM HEARTS saga, long before Sora was chosen by his Keyblade. Players will explore iconic Disney worlds in a unique gaming experience that unfolds through the perspectives of three different main characters: Terra, Ventus and Aqua. Their journeys will take them through Sleeping Beauty’s Enchanted Dominion, the Dwarf Woodlands from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Deep Space from Lilo & Stitch. Additionally, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep includes four all-new multiplayer modes that allow players to enjoy the action with their friends.
KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is being brought to life through voice talents including Mark Hamill, Willa Holland, Jesse McCartney, Leonard Nimoy and James Woods. With an enhanced and action-packed battle system accompanied by stellar performances from pop-culture icons, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep continues to push the franchise forward.
In celebration of the game’s launch, Square Enix and Sony Computer Entertainment America, LLC are introducing a limited edition KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep PSP Entertainment Pack, which brings together the stunning visuals of KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep and the robust portable gaming experience only possible on the PSP system. Available in North America, this GameStop exclusive bundle will include a “Mystic Silver” PSP-3000 system, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep on UMD(R) (Universal Media Disc), a movie (title to be announced; movie content will not be related to KINGDOM HEARTS series) as well as a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM).
“The entire development team is extremely happy to announce the North American release date for KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep,” said Tetsuya Nomura, director of the KINGDOM HEARTS series. “We hate to keep fans waiting, but we’ve added some brand-new features for the North American version, so even those who have been following the Japanese version are sure to find a few surprises. In addition, we’ve put together an outstanding voice cast. We can’t wait for everyone to experience this game!”
With more than 14 million copies shipped worldwide, KINGDOM HEARTS is one of the most beloved video game series. Discover the origins of its captivating story on September 7, with KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep.
Long before Sora was chosen by his Keyblade, the worlds’ safety lay in the hands of true Keyblade Masters.
Three youths — Terra, Ventus, and Aqua — have been training long and hard under Master Eraqus to prove that they, too, exhibit the Mark of Mastery.
But they will soon find themselves in the middle of a crisis affecting worlds far beyond their own — just as another Keyblade Master, Xehanort, goes mysteriously missing.
Three friends, three destinies. Everything will link back to the beginning.
Categories: Video Games Tags: KH, KHBBS, Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, Playstation Portable, PSP, Sony, Square Enix
‘Toy Story 3′ Video Game Offers Playable Zurg, Mini-Games Exclusively to PlayStation 3
Disney Interactive Studios today announced that Toy Story 3: The Video Game for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, releasing on June 15, 2010, will exclusively feature content and gameplay available only on the PlayStation 3 system (PS3™). Emperor Zurg, one of the most beloved villains of the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” franchise, will be a playable character exclusively on the PS3™ system. In addition, Toy Story 3: The Video Game will be one of the first games to market featuring the PlayStation®Move’s motion controller compatible gameplay.
As the sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance, Emperor Zurg enters the video game’s Toy Box mode complete with his sphere-shooting cannon and speed on wheels to unleash mayhem on Woody’s Western Town.
“What we love about the evil Emperor is that he may be only six-inches tall, but he never comes to grips with his ‘toyhood’ – Zurg is forever out to conquer the universe,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software, the developer of the game. “We worked closely with Pixar to ensure the game’s animated toys behave true to their physical counterparts. Zurg is mischievous and fast, and with his arm cannon, he’s great at blasting things—he’ll earn you a lot of gold. But don’t ask him to climb any ledges – we’ve respected the fact that he’s got wheels, not legs.”
The game’s developer, Avalanche Software in Salt Lake City, UT and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) have also worked together to build PlayStation®Move compatible gameplay into the game. Following the game’s launch, PS3™ players will be able to download mini-games that will be playable with the PlayStation Move when the new motion controller is available to consumers this fall.
“Disney is bringing PlayStation fans a unique and compelling experience through Toy Story 3: The Video Game’s exclusive PS3™ content and PlayStation Move mini-games. PS3™ is the only platform where players can become the beloved Zurg and hop in his specialized car, or take aim in the shooting gallery with PlayStation Move and experience an unmatched level of precision and realism,” said Rob Dyer, senior vice president of publisher relations, SCEA.
Toy Story 3: The Video Game is now available for pre-order through Amazon.com
Categories: Movies, Pixar, Video Games Tags: Avalanche Software, Disney Interactive, Disney Interactive Studios, PlayStation, Playstation 3, PlayStation Move, PS3, Sony, Toy Story, Toy Story 3, TS, TS3, Zurg
Square Enix Announces ‘Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep’ Prequel Exclusively for PSP this Summer

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep will be released in North America this Summer. Coming exclusively to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the game is a prequel that reveals the untold origins of the popular KINGDOM HEARTS franchise.
KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep is the highly anticipated fifth installment in the beloved RPG series that has shipped over 14 million copies worldwide. Enjoy three unique gaming experiences through three main characters – Terra, Ventus and Aqua – in order to uncover the mysteries of the story. With a distinctive battle system and multiplayer mode, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep adds a new depth to the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise.
Categories: Video Games Tags: DIS, Disney Interactive Studios, KH, KHBBS, Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, Playstation Portable, PSP, Sony, Sora, Square Enix
Sony Named Official 3D Sponsor of ESPN 3D Television Network
In an agreement announced at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony has signed on to be an official sponsor of ESPN’s new 3D network. Additionally, Sony will be the exclusive 3D sponsor of the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, 13 regular season college football games, and Summer X Games, where ESPN will utilize Sony professional HD cameras. The announcement was made during Sony’s annual CES press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
“ESPN and Sony have a long history together, and we share a passion for innovation and bringing customers cutting-edge products and content, which this union demonstrates,” said Sean Bratches, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, ESPN. “The launch of ESPN 3D is a great way to offer our advertisers unique marketing opportunities, and due to Sony’s continued leadership with 3D technology, this collaboration made perfect sense.”
On Tuesday, January 5, ESPN announced it will launch ESPN 3D in June 2010. ESPN 3D will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events in 3D during its first year beginning with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match on June 11 featuring South Africa vs. Mexico. Other events to be produced in 3D include up to 25 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, Summer X Games, college basketball, NBA basketball, college football and basketball which will include the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, AZ on January 7, 2011. Events televised on ESPN 3D will utilize Sony professional HD cameras. Additional events will be announced at a later date.
“With America’s passion for sports, ESPN is a great partner to deliver the 3D sports experience in consumers’ homes,” said Michael Fasulo, chief marketing officer Sony Electronics Inc. “Sony is excited to partner with ESPN to deliver sports in 3D in 2010.”
Sony HD cameras have been the choice for most commercially successful 3D motion pictures and live sports events produced to date. Leading 3D production companies utilize Sony HD cameras and HD production systems to cover many of their 3D projects including live sports events produced with ESPN and other networks. Sony plans to install approx 11,000 of its 4K digital cinema projection systems in the US over the next few years, with about 3000 of those systems equipped for 3D. Today Sony launched a line of 3D Full HD 1080P high frame rate BRAVIA televisions.
ESPN has been testing 3D for more than two years. Last fall, ESPN presented the University of Southern California vs. Ohio State University college football game in 3D. The game was shown in select theaters as well as to 6,000 fans at the Galen Center on USC’s campus, receiving positive feedback from both the fans and media in attendance. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing the technology in live-game applications which have provided ESPN the ability to streamline workflow operations, adjust 3D camera positioning, test transmission and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a traditional telecast.
Categories: Television Tags: 3D, ESPN, ESPN 3D, Sony
The Dreaded Pirate Sack Sparrow Makes a Splash in LittleBigPlanet December 22
Sony and LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule recently made good on a promise from earlier this year by announcing they’ll be launching exclusive Disney-themed downloadable content beginning December 22 with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise (there have also been hints of Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles content coming down the pipeline as well.
The Pirates of the Caribbean expansion is being released in conjunction with the ability to introduce water into the game. A premium level kit, available for $5.99 US, includes: water and related gear; 5 POTC-themed levels; a cannibal costume; 4 music tracks; 1 level background; 8 materials; 14 decorations; 27 objects; 133 stickers; and 11 PlayStation trophies.
Costumes for the individual characters (Sack Sparrow, Davy Jones, Tia Dalma, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, Barbossa) are $1.99 each or $5.99 for the collection.
For lots more information and details, click here to see the official announcement. Even if you don’t own LittleBigPlanet (or even a PlayStation), check out the page anyway for lots of graphics and wallpapers, etc. for your PC.
Categories: Video Games Tags: LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule, Pirates of the Caribbean, PlayStation, POTC, PS3, Sony, Video Games






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