Saturday, July 12, 2014

Discover UKU, Volcano and Main Character of Next Pixar's Animated Short " Lava "


Pixar's new animated short "Lava" won't be released before one year - with Pete Docter's awaited "Inside Out" - but the LA Times has posted an article with the first rendered still of the main character, a volcano named Uku ( his love interest is Lele ). Here is what director James Ford Murphy told to the LA Times about what went into the short:

"I thought it would be so cool to fall in love with a place who’s also a character […] I wanted to make Uku appealing and likable but also look like he’s been carved out of lava flows."

James Ford Murphy also learned to play ukulele and wrote a love song, "Lava," which you'll hear in the short animated, performed by Hawaiian recording artists Kuana Torres Kahele and Napua Greig.


And by the way, this artwork is already on display in Pixar's atrium as you can see on this Instagram photo posted by Eric Chu.


Pictures: copyright Pixar , Eric Chu

Beach Party For Comic Books Superheroes !

This fun illustration was created for Tampa Bay Comic-Con by artist Julian Totino Tedesco. It features several superheroes having a massive beach party, and several other iconic european pop culture characters like Tintin and Corto Maltese were invited too!

Artwork: copyright Julian Totino Tedesco

Friday, July 11, 2014

Kennedy Space Center Space Shuttle Atlantis Wins American Alliance of Museums Top Design Award



The Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center was awarded this year's top Muse Award in the multimedia installations category by the American Alliance of Museums.  The award recognizes outstanding achievements in gallery, library, archive and museum media that enhances guest experiences and engages audiences".


Recently-opened at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Shuttle Atlantis tells the epic 30-year story of the Space Shuttle Program and stars Atlantis, one of only three remaining space-flown orbiters, and the last to fly in space. The attraction brings guests within inches of the historic spacecraft and takes them on a journey to space and back again via emotionally engaging, immersive experiences. The attraction features more than 60 exhibits that provide a wide diversity of interactives, state-of-the-art media components, and rich storytelling to engage visitors in NASA’s incredible science and history. Among these are the Hubble Space Telescope Theater, International Space Station Gallery, the On Orbit gallery, and many others..


The exhibit include a pre-pre show and a pre-show before guests enter the huge room where they come face to face with Atlantis and i've found videos for you which will show you the whole experience! The first one include the two pre-shows, if you want to jump to the last one before discovering Atlantis, jump in the video to 10.00 min.




This other video is shorter and doesn't really include the pre-shows but it shows you more of the different experiences.




Pictures: copyright Kennedy Space Center

" When did he stop treating you like a princess? "



"When did he stop treating you like a princess?" That's the tag line of artist Saint Hoax's awareness campaign for domestic violence titled "Happy Never After." and the objective of "Happy Never After" is to encourage victims of domestic violence to report their attackers.

"Disney princess are perceived as ideal females," Hoax told the Huffington Post "They belong to a fairytale land where happy ever afters are bound to happen. But what happens after the happy ever after?"




These posters might be disturbing but they are meant to be exactly that. "By portraying Disney princesses as victims of domestic violence, I'm proposing the idea that no girl/woman is safe from being emotionally/physically/sexually abused." Disney princesses are seen as the epitome of feminine perfection, yet domestic abuse can affect any woman at any time -- even Ariel, Jasmine, Cinderella and Aurora.


Hoax describes the purpose of his projects simply: "Victims of abuse are not alone and it's never too late for them to take a stand."



Pictures: copyright Saint Hoax


Thursday, July 10, 2014

DLP WDS Ratatouille Ride Now Officially Open!


The long awaited Ratatouille attraction is now officially open at Disneyland Paris Walt Disney Studios! 

       

The ride opening celebration happened this morning with Fleur Pellerin, France State Secretary in charge of Tourism...


...and soon after the opening the waiting time was already 120 minutes and 60 minutes for single riders! As you can see on the picture the weather was not top today at DLP but it's raining all over a big part of Europe and it should be better in a day or two. Pictures above and below are coming from the Disney Central Plaza Facebook page which is covering the event, so make sure to have a look at it HERE for more infos.


To celebrate the opening, let's end with a cool WDI early concept-art for the Ratatouille ratmobile vehicle and if you've planned to go at DLP to ride Ratatouille, if you've not read anything about it yet try to avoid all comments or even to watch the on-ride video, it will be even better for you!



Don't miss the special offer price on the great Disneyland Paris "From Sketch to Reality" book - for both ENGLISH or FRENCH editions!  Thanks to this special offer you will save $50 on the normal price, so if you don't own the book yet i'm sure you don't want to miss it! Paypal and credit card payments are accepted, so make sure you to place your order now! 

You can use the Paypal buttons below for the english edition, or for the french edition. 
If you don't have a Paypal account you can also pay directly with your credit card with these buttons without opening a Paypal account. If it don't works please send me an email at: neverlandeditions@gmail.com

Paypal button for ENGLISH Edition : 





Paypal bouton pour Edition FRANCAISE :

Don't know yet the Disneyland Paris book? Have a look at the video below or on the book website HERE.





Pictures: copyright Disney, Disney Central Plaza

Important Note About the Ad-Malware Problem That Some of You Experienced on D&M

Update about Disney and more Ad-Malware problem that some of you experienced and others not ( see previous post below to know what's happening if you've not read it yet ). According to Orlando Park News, another site who had the same problem it was the Site Meter widget which seems to have been the "door" through which the malware entered. Orlando Park News removed the widget and said that everything was fine now. So, i removed too the Site Meter Widget of Disney and more and i would like those of you who left a comment yesterday - telling they did have the malware problem - to tell me if it's still going on or if the Ad-malware problem has now ended. Thanks by advance for your cooperation!

Tomorrow is Definitely NOT the Right Day to Visit Tokyo Disney Resort


If you're in Japan and have schedule to go to Tokyo Disney Resort tomorrow Friday it might be a good idea to cancel your trip as super-typhoon Neoguri is expected on Tokyo tomorrow with winds up to 130 km/h as it weaken a bit since it landed in the south of Japan yesterday. Expect strong winds, lot of rains, and even giant waves, everything which definitely don't make tomorrow the right day to have fun at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea.

So, stay safe at home or the hotel and wait a day or two until Neoguri will have moved up to the North...

Star Wars Panels at Comic Con 2014 Announced

                                    
Disney and Lucasfilm have announced the Star Wars panels for San Diego Comic-Con 2014. Lot of great things for Star Wars fans, but nothing scheduled about Star Wars Episode 7, which is no suprise as the film is still in production.But there might be a surprise during the Disney panel that will take place in Hall H, and if not there's still a ton of activities that will keep fans busy and happy. 

Check out all the details below:

Thursday, July 24

The Heroes of Star Wars Rebels: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Room 6BCF
The Empire. The Rebellion. The Beginning. Star Wars Rebels, Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated animated series detailing the start of the fight against the evil Empire, is coming this fall — but fans can get a big sneak peek at San Diego Comic-Con.
Lucasfilm’s special panel, The Heroes of Star Wars Rebels, will feature executive producer Dave Filoni, as well as the first panel appearance by executive producer Simon Kinberg and stars Freddie Prinze, Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, and Taylor Gray. They’ll discuss making the show and will reveal exclusive content from the upcoming series for fans in attendance.
Star Wars Rebels continues the epic tradition of the legendary Star Wars saga with all-new exciting, action-packed adventures. It is a dark time in the galaxy, as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power from world to world. As the series begins, Imperial forces have occupied a remote planet, ruling with an iron fist and ruining the lives of its people. The clever and motley crew of the starship Ghost is amongst a select few who are brave enough to stand against the Empire. Together, this ragtag group will face threatening new villains, encounter colorful adversaries, embark on thrilling adventures and become heroes with the power to ignite a rebellion.
Scheduled to premiere in the fall as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel, it will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.
With Star Wars: Episode VII creators deep in production in anticipation of the film’s December 18, 2015, release, Lucasfilm will not be featuring the movie at SDCC.

Friday, July 25, Star Wars Day

Star Wars Origami: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Room 7AB
Origami Master folder Chris Alexander (author of Star Wars Origami) demonstrates and teaches the master folding techniques to make Star Wars origami figures. Attendees will fold an exclusive Comic-Con model along with other art from the Star Wars universe. Materials included!
Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Room 7AB
For the first time, Lucasfilm has opened its Archives to present comprehensive storyboards for the original Star Wars trilogy — the world-changing A New Hope and its operatic sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi — as well as never-before-published art from early conceptual and deleted scenes, in a new book from Abrams: Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy. Former ILM art director Joe Johnston will discuss the newest addition to the Abrams Star Wars library, and the singular experience of creating the iconic trilogy’s storyboards with his stellar art dept team. Johnston won an Academy Award for Best Visual effects for his work on Raiders of the Lost Ark, and has directed Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, The Rocketeer, Jumanji, Jurassic Park III, Hidalgo, and Captain America: The First Avenger. Moderated by Lucasfilm editor J.W. Rinzler.
Hasbro: Star Wars: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Room 7AB
Join members of the Hasbro brand and design team including Jeff Labovitz (director, Global Brand Marketing, Hasbro), Bill Rawley (design manager, Hasbro), and more as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will also get a sneak peek of upcoming, never-before-seen action figures from the highly anticipated Star Wars Rebels animated series.
Star Wars: Collectibles Update: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00pm, Room 7AB
Join eFX, Gentle Giant Studios, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles for product development insights and exclusive previews of the latest in Star Wars collectibles. Moderated by Anita Castellar of Lucas Licensing.
Star Wars: A New Dawn: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00p.m., Room 7AB
The new era of Star Wars storytelling begins in September with Star Wars: A New Dawn. Join New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller, Shelly Shapiro (editor, Del Rey), Frank Parisi (editor, Del Rey), Jennifer Heddle (senior editor, Lucasfilm), Pablo Hidalgo (Lucasfilm Story Group), Vanessa Marshall (Hera in Star Wars Rebels), along with Dave Filoni (executive producer, Star Wars Rebels), as they discuss the planning and process of Star Wars: A New Dawn, and present the list of upcoming Star Wars novels from Del Rey.
Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Room 7AB
Ralph McQuarrie’s art for the original Star Wars trilogy is introduced to a new generation of young readers in Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight. Join New York Times bestselling author Tony DiTerlizzi as he talks about the conceptualization of this project and the process, challenges, and privileges of writing to the works of a legend. Moderated by J.W. Rinzler (executive editor, Lucasfilm).

Saturday, July 26:

Lucasfilm Portfolio Review: 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Room PR F
Troy Alders, now art director at Disney Consumer Products, is conducting portfolio reviews, providing critiques, and offering tips to graphic designers. Bring a portfolio selection of your best design work in and see if you have what it takes to create art for the ever-expanding Star Wars galaxy. Graphic Design degrees a plus.

 Picture: copyright Disney - LucasFilm

Editor's Note: One of my reader just told me that Disney and more "has been hijacked with malicious ad-ware coding where a few seconds after you go to one of your pages, your entire page is hijacked by an advertisement page asking for the reader to click on various spots to either close the ad, or skip the ad, and unfortunately... neither options work. If you reload the page, you get about 5-10 seconds to view it again before it is hijacked once again."
I need to know how many of you have the same problem when you are on D&M, so thanks by advance to let me know!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

WDS Ratatouille Ride Open Officially Tomorrow July 10 ! Download the Corporate Press Kit !


Ratatouille, the awaited new attraction of Disneyland Paris Walt Disney Studios open officially tomorrow July 10, and it is the most expensive ride built at DLP since Tower of Terror and Space Mountain! I've posted plenty of videos of the ride and Remy's restaurant, not to mention Max photo report since two years and a half, so you know already a lot about it.

But i've got "one more thing" for you today and it's the official Ratatouille press kit that you can read and download in English HERE or in French HERE.

And if you really can't wait until tomorrow and have missed the previous video, here is again a POV HD video of the ride.



Ratatouille the ride - on-ride - Disneyland Paris by Disneyland-resort-paris

Picture: copyright Disney

Video: copyright Max Fan

Universal Orlando Diagon Alley officially open...and Harry Potter Wizarding World Open in Japan in One Month !


Universal Orlando Diagon Alley opened officially yesterday and the Harry Potter fans who were there were literally hysterical! The Universal Orlando video below will give you an idea how hysterical it was.

By the way, we're still waiting for a decent POV video of the amazing Escape from Gringotts ride. There is one on line on Youtube but it's amazingly bad quality so i don't embed it and i strongly recommend you to don't watch it. Now that Diagon Alley is open, and even if they eventually still forbid to film during the ride we shouldn't have too long to wait to have someone who will transgress...




And, talking about Harry potter, another Wizarding World will open on one month, at the other end of the planet ( from universal Orlando ) and it's at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.


Stefan Zwanzger , The Theme Park Guy went there a few days ago and have as usual stunning view from above. Above and below a few pics showing Hogwarts Castle, and more awaits you on The Theme Park Guy HERE.


Pictures: copyright The Theme Park Guy

Video: copyright Universal Orlando

Disney Developing a Live Adaptation Movie of... Dumbo !


Believe it or not, but after Maleficent and the upcoming Live adaptations of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book Disney prepares a Live adaptation of... Dumbo! I know, it looks like a bad joke and although it's true it's probably one as the person writing the script is Ehren Kruger, the one who've written all these terrible Transformers script.

According to The Hollywood Reporter "The new take involves the adaptation of the original movie while adding a unique family story that parallels Dumbo's story. Also, the studio believes that because of the current state of CG technology, live-action movies featuring a soaring pachyderm (or any animal for that matter) are viable."

Sure, with today's CGI effects it's technically feasible, but that doesn't mean you necessarily have to do it...!

Picture: copyright Disney

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Disneyland New Alice in Wonderland Best HD Video AND Side by Side Comparison Video


As you know, Disneyland's Alice in Wonderland dark ride reopened last friday with a brand new and enhanced version including new projection effects, and more. You probably saw a video of the new ride already but i was waiting to have a really really good video before doing an article - you know how i am - and my good friend Dan from ThemeParkHD came back today with the best HD video, as usual.

And not only he has the best video but he also did a side-by-side comparison video which include in the same frame the new and the old version which is perfect to see clearly the differences. Talking about what's new i think that WDI not only did a great job, but a perfect job. They've succeeded to introduce new effects and to keep what was the best in the previous version. If they do as well as they did here on the Peter Pan and Mr Toad Wild Ride update next year it surely will be great.


You also probably have heard the rumor saying that the Queen of Heart was supposed to have in this new version the rear face projection effect, just like the seven dwarfs in WDW Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride, and as we can see it's finally not the case. Apparently it's not that the Imagineers didn't tried but from what i've been told they hated the result and probably decided to cancel the effect which was indeed a wise decision. That said, i'm wondering if the rear face projection effect is not used at least in one scene, on the faces of the four cards that you can see below, the ones making an arch. Have a close look when you'll watch the video and let me know what you think.


On with the show now, and the first video is the best one that you can see of the new version. As usual, choose the 1080P definition and watch it full screen.




This next video is the side-by-side comparison video with the new and the old version together, perfect to see clearly the new effects.




And if you want to watch the best video of the old version "only" without the side-by-side, here it is.




Again, all my thanks to Dan from ThemeParkHD for his perfect filming. You can see plenty of his others videos, all great on his Youtube channel HERE.

Videos: copyright ThemeParkHD

Monday, July 7, 2014

Amazing Star Wars 7 Fake Leaked Footage !


Here is some really fun Star Wars 7 "fake" leaked footage, brilliantly done by Frank Wunderlich. I'm always amazed at what anyone who have talent can do now in his own home thanks to the new softwares. No, seriously, do you imagine how long it would have taken to ILM wizards to create the same clip 30 years ago?

Here is the video notes from Youtube:

"Looks like the Story of Star Wars plays on Earth too in the next Episode. I took these pictures on my Flight back from the States to Germany at the Frankfurt Airport. Seems like the biggest german airport plays a key role as an imperial starport in the new episode -- there have just been imperial forces at the scene. Maybe the Rebelboys hide in Berlin..."




Picture and video: copyright Frank Wunderlich

Planes Fire and Rescue Vintage Style Posters !

 

Planes Fire and Rescue is released in ten days in the U.S and recently Disney released these six fantastic "vintage" posters to promote the movie in a different way. As Fire and Rescue storyline is happening in U.S national parks it was perfect for these posters which also pay tribute to the famous vintage national parks posters. Enjoy, and click on each to see them in a larger size. You can also see my previous article on the original national parks posters HERE.










Pictures: copyright Disney

Planes Fire and Rescue New Clips and Featurette


I've got three clips and a brand new featurette of "Planes : Fire and Rescue" for you today! As i've said before although i was so and so with the storyline of the first "Planes" i liked a lot the animation, and this one looks more appealing to me and i can't wait for its release!

So, let's start with the three clips called " Drop the Needle", "Perfectly Good Airplane" and "We Got a Situation"...










and here is the featurette with the authors discussing their work.




I remind you the synopsis of Planes Fire and Rescue and that the movie is released in North America on July 18th and in the UK on August 8th:

“Planes 2: Fire & Rescue is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world-famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire-and-rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris) and his courageous team, including spirited air tanker Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi), ex-military transport Cabbie (voice of Captain Dale Dye) and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”

Picture and videos: copyright Disney

Sunday, July 6, 2014

The Summer Special Offer for the Disneyland Paris "From Sketch to Reality" Book Starts Now !

                                       

Great news for all of you who don't own yet the fantastic Disneyland Paris book as i launch today the big Summer Special offer which will last until August 31! So, if you want to order a french or english edition copy at the special summer price of 60€ ( instead than 100€ ) AND also receive the fantastic surprise gift  that everyone love it's the right time to do it! If you've never seen the book the video below will show you each of the 320 pages ( which include 750 pictures, including 250 WDI renderings! ). 


You can pay with Paypal, credit card or bank transfer and for french orders even with bank check.

To place your order please send me an email at: neverlandeditions@gmail.com 

You can send your Paypal payment of 60€ + 15€ shipping worldwide at the same email address or use the Paypal button below. 


You can use the Paypal buttons below to order an english or a french edition. 
If you don't have a Paypal account you can also pay directly with your credit card with these buttons without opening a Paypal account. If it don't works please send me an email at: neverlandeditions@gmail.com

Paypal button for the ENGLISH Regular Updated Edition ( Note: the English Collector edition is definitively out of stock ) : 





Paypal bouton pour l'Edition FRANCAISE Collector:

Don't know yet the Disneyland Paris book? Have a look at the video below or on the book website HERE.




Universal Studios Japan Planning A New Theme Park... and a Casino !


Here is a big news for our friends in Japan... and for gamblers from China (!) as Universal Studios Japan apparently envision to build a new theme park AND a casino on a man-made island, three kilometers from the current Universal Studios in Osaka.

Although Disney doesn't agree to have a casino in their resorts, Universal seems to have understood how benefit it can be, may be from Universal Singapore which also have a casino outside the park at Resorts World Sentosa.


More from Japan Times: "The operator of Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is considering bidding for a license to operate a casino complex in the city should gambling regulations ease, sources familiar with the matter said Saturday.

USJ Co., which operates the popular Hollywood theme park, is likely to team up with other interested parties and lead a consortium, the sources said. It envisions an amusement complex comprising a casino and a theme park being built on Yumeshima, an man-made island about 3 km away from USJ, according to a blueprint drafted by local authorities.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and two opposition parties last December jointly submitted a bill to the Diet to legalize casinos as the government looks for new ways to stimulate tourism and investment. The proponents are pushing to pass legislation next year.

Osaka is among six prefectural authorities seeking to host casino complexes. The others are Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagasaki, Miyazaki and Okinawa."

Picture: copyright Universal Studios

Dubai Announces "Mall of the World" Mega Project, Includes Indoor Theme Park, 100 Hotels, and more !


Here is something fun to start the week. I say "fun" because as you will see this new Dubai project is so "over the top" that it becomes hilarious. Don't get me wrong, they've succeeded to do some great things in Dubai. I love the Palm and World man-made islands, as well as the Burj Al Arab Hotel, and let's not forget the impressive Burj Khalifa tower. But they always need to top the previous project and as you'll see this new one is going to be difficult to beat, at least in its category.


So, what is it about? It's called "Dubai Mall of the World" - above and on top, the entrance of Dubai mall of the World, click to enlarge - and the project is to be "the retail and hospitality showpiece development for the Expo 2020 in Dubai, alongside the planned mega convention centre and related infrastructure that will be rolling out of the design board shortly". In its conceptualization, the project will be nothing less than a city-within-a-city and also include - are you sit? - 100 hotels!



Apart from being the largest mall in the making by occupying 8 million square feet, it is being billed as the world’s first “temperature-controlled (pedestrian) city” and with a 48 million square feet spread. This will be through a glass dome enclosure that will be open up during the winter months, a high season for the city’s retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.


On completion, it will be a year-round destination that is projected to pull in 180 million visitors annually. 180 million! To give you an example how unrealistic it is France, currently always the most visited country in the world had last year around 85 million international tourist rival ( the U.S are just behind with 69 million ). And in both countries there is plenty of things to see and spend time, and certainly much more than in Dubai... So, 180 million per year in Dubai? Sure, baby, sure, go on dreaming...

That said there is  some interesting ideas in the project like this themed street with a tramway, under the removable dome.



And it is supposed to include too a theme park, which looks more to me like a water / amusement park...



"The Mall of the World would also host the world’s largest indoor theme park. And unlike the big-box design concepts in vogue in the global mall industry, the new development’s design ethos will be that of a “retail street network” stretching to over 7 kilometres.
Merging the twin pursuits of shopping and leisure living, the Mall of the World’s retail area will have connectivity to 100 hotels and serviced apartment properties offering up a combined 20,000 room keys."

“Our ambitions are higher than having seasonal tourism - tourism is key driver of our economy and we aim to make the UAE an attractive destination all-year long,” Shaikh Mohammad, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said in the launch statement. “This is why we will start working on providing pleasant temperature-controlled environments during the summer months.”

"A full-scale ‘Wellness District” thus is integrated into the masterplan, and this would take up 3 million square feet. Future tenants in this cluster will offer not just cosmetic and wellness treatments but top-of-the-line health care, including specialized surgical procedures. This will also be where the ‘Dubai Cultural District’ will be anchored. Again, the developer is eyeing for touchstones similar to what a visitor would see in London’s West End of New York’s Broadway."

"It will have the ‘Celebration Walk’, akin to Barcelona’s Ramblas Street. There will be direct connectivity from the cultural cluster – which will offer a mix of conference, celebration and even wedding halls - to the rest of the mall."


Anyway, as great as it might look we'll see if it ends to be built or if it will be one more Dubai project that never was. In this case, and because of the 2020 Expo may be this time we'll see it built. In the meantime have a look at the video below showing the amazing model of the project.




Pictures: copyright WAM