Friday, March 16, 2018

Hong Kong Disneyland Summer "Carnival of Stars"


This Summer at Hong Kong Disneyland will be the one of the "Carnival of Stars", a celebration of exciting new atmosphere entertainment and shows that’ll keep guests coming back for more. And it all starts today!

The new “We Love Mickey!” Projection Show will transform the buildings along Main Street, U.S.A., each night into a colorful canvas that pays tribute to Mickey Mouse’s major milestones. Keep your eyes out for the star of the show in his latest finery.


Guests can spot more than 100 Disney characters across the resort this spring, including the debut appearances of Black Panther, Spider-Man and Groot over the next few weeks. The Disney Friends Springtime Processional brings together more than 30 Disney characters to sing and dance with guests, and this summer, the first ever Disney∙Pixar-themed “Water Play Street Party” will keep guests cool.


Starting March 30, the Karibuni Marketplace will open in Adventureland to immerse guests in the lively colors, sights and sounds of Africa. Interactive games, exclusive souvenirs and special snacks will all be at the marketplace, and favorite Disney characters from “UP,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” will stop by.


Last but not least, the brand new stage show “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” will premiere in Adventureland this May, which is just the first attraction of the resort’s multi-year expansion. Until then, guests can now meet the brave heroine Moana in her debut appearance at the park. Note that the new artwork above apparently replace the first one below released in 2016 showing a different and bigger decor, which is apparently cancelled.



Pictures: copyright Disney

The Official Trailer for Avengers: Infinity War is here!



Marvel released the official trailer for Avengers: Infinity War and be prepared to face Thanos!




Picture and video: copyright Marvel

Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One "Dreamer" Trailer


A new trailer has been released for Steven Spielberg's highly awaited "Ready Player One" movie and this one explains to all of you who don't know whet the movie is about what is the storyline.

In addition two character posters with the Iron Giant who appear in the movie were also released. Ready Player One is released in theaters March 29th.







Picture and video: copyright Warner

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Georges Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Officially Breaks Ground in Los Angeles !


Today marked the official groundbreaking for the highly awaited Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Co-Founders George Lucas and Mellody Hobson along with the Museum’s Board of Directors joined Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price and a group of more than 100 civic and community leaders to break ground on this 21st century cultural destination to be located at Exposition Park in South Los Angeles.



“The focus of the Museum is to open up people’s imaginations and inspire them to dream beyond what is considered possible,” said co-founder George Lucas. “Narrative art and storytelling stirs our emotions, shapes our aspirations as a society, and is the glue that binds us together around our common beliefs.”



The Lucas Museum will celebrate the art of visual storytelling and enable people of diverse backgrounds to experience the power of narrative art across all mediums, including painting, illustration, comic art, photography, film, animation and digital art. It is intended to be a place where visitors feel comfortable and welcomed by engaging with art forms they may already recognize and love.

“Our goal is to create the world’s most inclusive and accessible art museum—a place that brings together people from every walk of life,” said co-founder Mellody Hobson. “We are excited to call Exposition Park home, surrounded by more than 100 elementary and high schools, one of the country’s leading universities, as well as three other world-class museums.”



With an iconic building designed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the 300,000 square-foot non-profit museum will feature collection galleries and exhibition spaces displaying original works of art from world renowned artists, cutting-edge digital technologies and daily film screenings in two state-of-the-art theaters. It will also offer extraordinary educational opportunities with hands-on and digital classrooms and a free public research library for educators, scholars and students. Education will be a centerpiece of the Museum’s programming to provide diverse students of all ages the skills to voice their own stories and spark creativity.



The project will transform a series of asphalt parking lots into a museum surrounded by 11 acres of new park land and gardens designed by Los Angeles-based landscape architecture firm Studio-MLA. Thousands of jobs will be created directly and indirectly as a result of the Museum.



“The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be an architectural wonder, a cultural treasure, and a center of storytelling and creativity at the heart of a reimagined Exposition Park,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “I thank Mellody Hobson and George Lucas for their incredible generosity and vision, which will inspire countless Angelenos and visitors from around the world.”



“Today is a momentous occasion, as we break ground on what will surely become one of Los Angeles County’s most popular and beloved landmarks,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “The Lucas Museum will not only display brilliant works of art, but also teach countless children the science and technological skills needed for careers in the film, animation and design industries. It will cement Exposition Park‘s reputation as a world-class destination for arts and entertainment.”

"My heartfelt thanks to George and Mellody for this unprecedented investment in South Los Angeles," said Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price. "When completed, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be a special, very magical gathering space for individuals from all walks of life to experience art like never before. We share an absolute belief that all children and families, no matter their skin color or zip code, deserve equal access to the arts."

Construction is commencing immediately and is anticipated to be completed by late 2021.

About Narrative Art

Narrative art is art that tells a story through images, either as a single moment in an ongoing story or as a sequence of events unfolding over time. It is as old as humanity, with many of the world’s great works of art being narrative in nature, conveying stories from religion, myth, legend, history, literature or current events. While storytelling takes many forms, narrative imagery and pictures may have preceded the written word in capturing the thoughts and actions of people. Storytelling is central to the history of visual art across nearly every culture and time period in human history - ranging from cave paintings to Egyptian hieroglyphics to religious paintings and now to the modern use of film and digital animation. The power of narrative art is in bringing people or societies together, or inspiring us to action, through shared beliefs.



Above: Woody, Buzz and Jessie in Toy Story 3

The Lucas Museum will showcase how storytelling works in various art forms and various times and places. The Museum will assemble many different genres including comic art, painting, illustration, photography, filmmaking, and drawings for exploration and celebration. These works of vastly different types of art will coexist in the galleries for comparison, contemplation, inspiration and discussion.


Above: an early draft for Star Wars : A New Hope opening scene



Above: A rendering for Blade Runner

For more information, please visit www.lucasmuseum.org and also HERE 

Pictures: copyright Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Disney-Pixar

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Tokyo Disney Resort : Videos of Amazing Japanese Man Dressed Like Famous "Partners" and "Storytellers" Statues


Watch these videos showing a Japanese man filmed last Summer at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea when he was there, dressed and make-up all in copper color, like the famous "Partners" statue of Walt Disney holding the hand of Mickey Mouse. The man was holding a Mickey Mouse of the same copper color when a "real" Mickey saw him!




He was back a few days later, this time imitating the other statue - "Storytellers" - that one can see at Disney's California Adventure and Tokyo DisneySea.



Talking about the "Partners" statue, there is speculation regarding Disney’s hand in the sculpture, which is raised outward. Many believe his arm is raised as if he is showing Mickey what has come of his dream. WDI sculptor Blaine Gibson who did the statue said, “I chose to depict Walt as he was in 1954. I think that was when Walt was in his prime. It was tough trying to match the media image of Walt Disney, the one the public knows, to the real Walt, the one we knew. I think Walt is admiring the park and saying to Mickey, ‘Look what we’ve accomplished together,’ because truly they were very much a team through it all. ‘Look at all the happy people who have come to visit us today.’”

Videos: copyright Atsushi hyuma, Yamato Style

First Teaser Trailer for "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald"



Warner Bros released the first teaser trailer for "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald", and this first trailer looks terrific! You'll see in it Jude Law as a young Albus Dumbledore and Eddie Redmayne's Newt Scamandar preparing to go for war against Johnny Depp's Gellert Grindelwald, a wizarding world dangerous dark wizard who comes to terrorize with the goal of ruling over all non-magical beings.

Here's the synopsis: "At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world."

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling, and will hit theaters November 16, 2018.



Picture and video: copyright Warner Bros

Monday, March 12, 2018

Artwork, Videos : New WDI Renderings For Disney's California Adventure Pixar Pier !


Thanks to an Orange County Register article and a Pixar in the Parks media preview this weekend at Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, we have new WDI renderings for the upcoming Pixar Pier opening on June 23 at Disney's California Adventure. As we know, the 1910 California pleasure pier designed by Imagineer Tim Delaney will unfortunately no longer exist and the new theming is all related to Pixar popular movies.


Below, the artwork for "Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats", which will sell frozen items.


As we learned the California Screaming' coaster will become an Incredibles coaster and although the coaster structure will remain the same theming elements along the ride will be added. The story line will be "that the Incredibles’ baby, Jack-Jack, has escaped and is using his superpowers to roam around the coaster, while the family tries to catch him during the course of the ride".
Renderings below and more details about each scene in the Orange County Register article HERE.

















The next rendering below shows the the new Poultry Palace quick service restaurant replacing Don Tomas Turkey Legs is designed "like a huge carton of take-out chicken".


Also coming, Señor Buzz Churros, a churro stand themed to the Buzz Lightyear character.


Below, a picture of the model of the two-stories Lamplight Lounge will serve cocktails on the top floor and "more substantial menu" downstairs. It will replace the now closed Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto and will be themed "as if it were "a place where Pixar animators come after work” with sketches on the walls." ( Photo by Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register )


After passing through a new archway into the Pixar Promenade, guests will see a giant Jessie ( rendering at the top ) standing near the Jessie's Critter Carousel...



....and then discover four newly themed boardwalk arcade games.


Although Bullseye Stallion Stampede will stay as it is, Dumbo’s Bucket Brigade will become WALL-E Space Spin, La Luna Star Catcher will replace Goofy About Fishin and Casey at the Bat will become Heimlich Candy Corn Toss. all games will have new plush prizes available for the lucky winners.


Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff will be a confectionary selling candy and the former Treasures in Paradise will become Nick’s Nacks.


The Angry Dogs stand will sell fast food on the Promenade.


The rest of the existing Paradise Pier will become newly renamed Paradise Park, encompassing The area with Paradise Gardens, Goofy’s Sky School, the Little Mermaid ride, Jumping Jellyfish, Silly Symphony Swings and the Golden Zephyr will now be named Paradise Park.

The Orange County Register article has much more details about these new additions, so definitely jump to their full article HERE.

Also, the good folks of Theme Park Review have also visited Walt Disney Imagineering for a behind the scenes look at the process behind DHS Toy Story Land and DCA Pixar Pier and came back with this great video showing the DISH, this incredible Imagineering video room allowing to see how will look an attraction before being built!




There is more with a series of videos posted on Youtube by Inside the Magic, starting by two showing the making of the new Jessica Critter Carousel and the sculpting of the carousel creatures.







There is more from ITM with a video showing the Incredicoaster models and cast-members costumes.




Here is another video showing a preview of Pixar Fest night show "Together Forever - A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular" fireworks at Disneyland.




The two next videos will show you Pixar Fest upcoming merchandise and food and beverages.








Pictures: copyright Disney, Orange County Register

Video: copyright Disney, Theme Park Review

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Photos, Videos : Disneyland Paris "Pirates and Princesses" Special Event at Paris Opera Garnier !


As you've read earlier last week, the new "Festival of Pirates and Princesses" will start at Disneyland Paris on March 31, and to promote the upcoming Festival Disneyland Paris did a special evening at Paris famous Palais Garnier - Paris Opera - that took place on March 7, with dozens of characters and costumed dancers.

Disneyland Paris released some great pictures of the show where "Pirates" and "Princesses" were standing on each side of Palais Garnier legendary Grand staircase, so let's have a look at them, would we?




















DLP also released an official video of this event at Palais Garnier where plenty of French VIP guests were invited with their children for the evening, lucky them!





Our friends from ED92 were also there and filmed this video below during the show itself.






I'll have soon a new Disneyland Paris update for you but in the meantime i remind you that there is only a few copies left of the Disneyland Paris book, which will NOT be reprinted! The French collector edition is totally out of stock - except three copies that you can order to me, see below how to do - the ENGLISH edition will also be soon out of stock forever as 40 copies only are still available. As said before, once out of stock the book will NOT be reprinted, so i urge anyone who don't own the book and don't want to miss this fantastic book to place your order as soon as possible!

Lecteurs Français: Etant donné que l'édition française est épuisée, un fichier du texte complet original en Français sera envoyé aux acheteurs Français de l'édition anglaise ne comprenant pas l'anglais. Il me reste également trois exemplaires de l'édition collector française, état neufs et dédicacés, 300€ pièce, si intéressé me contacter à l'adresse email: amplittaye@gmail.com

To place your order for the DLP book, please send me an email at: amplittaye@gmail.com with your shipping address. The price currently is 75€ ( instead of 100€ ) and shipping worldwide is 22€ ( except Belgium and Italy for which it is 29€ ). Just like for the French edition the price will go up when we will reach the very last copies of the English edition, so order it now to enjoy the discount price.

You can pay with Paypal, credit card or bank transfer. For Paypal payments please send directly the full amount  including shipping ( 97€ worldwide, except for Belgium and Italy for which it is 104€ ) at: nme4@wanadoo.fr  If you wish to pay by credit card and bank transfer, let me know in your email and i'll tell you how to do.

Also, each order will receive two surprise gifts - actually there is more than two - and these are GREAT gifts that each DLP fan love!



Here is all you need to know about the "Disneyland Paris From Sketch to Reality" book for those who have never seen the book. First, it's a gorgeous 320 pages coffee table book with 750 pictures of the park including 250 WDI artworks, all DLP attraction posters, and dozens more of gorgeous artworks! The text by Disney historian Didier Ghez tell the story of the creation of the park from dozens of interviews of WDI Imagineers who built the park. It's also probably the best gift you can find for a Disney Parks fan - and it is true!








If you've never seen the book before, don't miss the video below showing the full 320 pages of the book!




Pictures : copyright Disney

Videos: copyright Disney, ED92