Blue Sky Buzz: Chinese Changes...

More magic...


The Mouse's second kingdom in China is still a half decade away, but there are things that that are coming into view...

When D23 arrives later this year there will most likely be a great deal more info about Shanghai Disneyland as well as several other parks, but until then information has slowly been revealed to the public. After all, we knew that this version of the magic kingdom wouldn't have a Main Street - and it doesn't. We've known that several attractions would have a Chinese influence, and we've known that the castle would be different -- and now bigger. But what else will be exclusive/original to the park when it opens in the latter part of this decade?

You want the most interesting contrast to the other Disney magic kingdoms? No Space Mountain. That's right. The iconic attraction that we've all known at practically every traditional, magic kingdom styled park won't be there on opening day. Now, I'm not saying it'll never be built, but the blue prints as of now call for no attraction like this on the drawing board. There are several staples that you would recognize as a given in the parks, but there is also an attempt to make this park original/different. I applaud that. You know my belief that each park should be its own, with an original identity.

As we revealed earlier in the month, the park will have an original rafting ride that has a basis in the design of the Grizzly River Run, but under an entirely different adventure. One that I'm quite found of. Take a look at that original overview artwork and you'll see it in the right corner. It's the big mountain you can see there. It's intricately detailed with a great deal of beautiful rockwork. Let's hope that Burbank doesn't make them cut the budget as it's going to cost quite a bit.

There will also be a classically detailed Jungle Cruise type boat attraction, but as of now, it won't be called that. In fact, much to my delight, there are several adventure type attractions that are styled in the type of theming that I love (Disney's Animal Kingdom, Tokyo DisneySEA). This along with a couple of other projects should provide a distinct fingerprint for the Mouse's second park in the Middle Kingdom. It's going to be interesting to see what surprises are revealed at D23 later this year.

I can't wait to hear that keynote by Tom Staggs...

Honoring The Fallen...

Thank you for all that you have did to protect our great country...






Today, Memorial Day, we honor and pay our respects to those that put on the uniform and place themselves in harm's way so as to protect the freedoms we take for granted.

Thank you from Blue Sky Disney,

Honor

Titled...

What's in a number...

I've always loved films and don't mind a good sequel, but there is something about them that has always bothered me...

Pixar is a perfect example of this. My friends know this about me as well. I think the Lamp makes some of the most emotionally satisfying films that come out of America, animated or live action. Their ability to grasp the human condition and connect people to a subject or story is second to no one. But...

One of the things I have never liked about their films (Pixar or any other films actually), is their titles to sequels. Toy Story 2? Toy Story 3? Cars 2? Really? I mean, you couldn't come up with something better than that? Thankfully, the new Monsters Inc. 2 film is titled: "Monsters University." Which is actually a first. Naturally it has nothing to do with story, but I've always liked an original name rather than a number. If only that it masks the fact that something is an out-and-out cash grab. Even the sequels to "The Matrix" had titles like "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions." And if any film could logically have a number title it would be one that has to do with a story about being trapped and turned into nothing more than a bunch of numbers in a mechanically engineered world.

And it seems even DreamWorks Animation has gotten into the numbers game with "Kung Fu Panda 2," which used to be titled: "Kung Fu Panda-The Kaboom of Doom." While I know Marketing plays a part in this, I don't feel that audiences will be confused with seeing a title connected to a film. After all, most chapters in books tend to have names, like: "The Creeping Fear" or something similar. I tend to think of sequels to films the same way; just another chapter to the story.

One of the many bonuses I get with a great film like "The Dark Knight"is its great story along with a great title. They could have called it "Batman 6," but it wasn't. It was the opposite problem I had with the original Superman films. Why did they have to call "Superman 2" that? Why did they have to make 3 and 4? Well, the fourth one had a subtitle, but the problem with that film wasn't the title, but a bad story, script and the clear lack of understanding what or who Superman was. This is why I like the title of the new film: "Man of Steel." It clearly is a story about the last son of Krypton, but also a declaration of narrative simply by naming it that.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I'd love to have a great title and a really crappy film. I'm just asking why we can't have both? While I love John Lasseter's attention to detail focusing on the films his Emeryville studio makes, I just have to ask why they can't spend a day or two trying to come up with a title to give it other than a number.

Other than the box office numbers...

John Carter Of Nowhere...

Where and I from again...


As much as I'm looking forward to this film, I'm not looking forward to this name change...

I'm sure you've all heard the word. Or perhaps it's the lack on a couple of words in the title that is. It seems that someone, likely in the soulless marketing department, has determined that John Carter shouldn't say he's from Mars. So instead of "John Carter of Mars" we will get "John Carter." Now this makes no sense, but if it's because some brainiac determined that "Mars Needs Moms" means that moviegoers no longer like Mars, then it's even stupider.

I hope that this changes and saner heads prevail, because this is one of my most anticipated films for 2012. I trust in Stanton as he knows the source material(and is a fan) and has a great grasp of storytelling. From what I've heard, and it's not a lot, the film sounds like it works, despite some whispers about having to do some reshoots. The biggest thing I have heard that makes me wonder is: "It plays young." Which may not be a bad thing. Pixar films play young, but they play to all sides of the audience which is what I'm going to take from that comment until I see otherwise.

But I never thought there would a need to change the "Of Mars" part of the name. It's part of the classic tale that Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote. It would be like taking "Anne of Green Gables" and calling it "Ann," or something even more asinine. I hope the loss of John Carter location doesn't mean that Walt Disney Pictures has a lack of direction in where to go with this picture. Barsoom shouldn't really be that hard to find.

And neither should Mars...

A Take...

A long time ago in a galaxy finally updated...


So, I rode both new attractions early last week before I left for a business trip back East...

Sorry for the lack of updates recently, but real life has been pretty hectic lately and I've had to attend to it rather than the musings of the blogosphere. But as I said, I've ridden The Little Mermaid and Star Tours. I've noticed some people, particularly the cast members being somewhat disappointed with the experience. I think this comes from expecting it to be something it's not (ala: Pirates/Indy), combined with a lack of knowledge as to what it is.

It's a dark ride. Many cast members today don't know the terminology and aren't as familiar with what defines this type of attraction. Many went in expecting something with the bells and whistles associated with a fast paced attraction, which is what this ride is not. Let me tell you what it is. If you go in expecting to see something along the lines of Pinocchio, Snow White or Peter Pan, but with animatronics instead of statues then that is exactly what you get. That is what a dark ride is. And it's very lovely and extremely detailed. It's the story you all know, so anyone going in expecting something else? This is a Fantasyland attraction that's not in Fantasyland. And it's going to bring in the crowds in droves.

Star Tours on the other hand is exactly what you would expect, and more. While I knew it was an update to an older attraction, one which I've ridden very few times of late, particularly because it's long in the tooth and Tomorrowland isn't my bag (I'm a New Orleans Square, Adventureland, Frontierland kinda guy). While the area is a mix of dated attractions and a chaotic collection of uneven themes, this revamp is just what is needed to turn this area into the land of tomorrow. Now if TDA and WDI can just get together and iron out all the differences they have and have Burbank pick one of two or three projects as well as a cohesive retheme for the area. We can now expect some true excitement for this area when Disneyland becomes the focus after next summer.

I think Imagineers hit a home run with this one. While the overall budget is less than Mermaid (approx $50 million for DL, and the same for WDW), the impact on the area is going to provide a major improvement in the long lines headed to see this classic Disneyland attraction. It's really an amazing site to see and the multiple experience you get will keep guest getting right back in line after exiting.

Now, if they'll just move forward with those plans for Innoventions and the building to formerly be occupied by Captain EO...

Nolan's Last Begins...

Swear to me...



Today Christopher Nolan began filming "The Dark Knight Rises," the swan song to his relationship with the playboy millionaire/vigilante...

Now,as I've mentioned many times in many posts, I'm a DC guy and I love Batman. I've followed him ever since I could walk. From rushing home from school to watch reruns of the 60's Batman show, to Neal Adams and Denny O'Neil's run, to Frank Miller's historic retelling. But as much as I'm looking forward to this film (and I am), I really keep thinking what happens next?

By that, I mean where they go with the next interpretation after Nolan leaves the director's chair. I certainly don't feel that you can or should continue with this version sans both director and star. So it makes me ponder who would direct the next one, as well as who would star and also who would write it?

The obvious choice for me to write it would be Paul Dini. He's deserving of such a job as I think he'd do a fantastic script that would be different that Goyer's take. As for a director they're going to need to go after an up-and-comer that is hungry and talented. Perhaps someone like Jee-woon Kim who has a fantastic eye for stories like this. Maybe make the telling a hyper-realized version like "Batman: Arkam Asylum" is. And as for the star, I'd go for someone a little less established that Bale was. It's too bad Armie Hammer is going to be the Lone Ranger as he'd be perfect, I think. He lost the job once before when "Justice League" was put into turnaround.

Either way, it really is interesting that end of Nolan's chapter has now begun.

Here's the official press release:

BURBANK, CA, May 19, 2011 – Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises,” the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.

Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) reprises the role of Lucius Fox.

In helming “The Dark Knight Rises,” Christopher Nolan is utilizing IMAX® cameras even more extensively than he did on “The Dark Knight,” which had marked the first time ever that a major feature film was partially shot with IMAX® cameras. The results were so spectacular that the director wanted to expand the use of the large-format cameras for this film.

The screenplay for “The Dark Knight Rises” is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is being produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. “The Dark Knight” is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

Behind the scenes, “The Dark Knight Rises” reunites the director with several of his longtime collaborators, all of whom worked together on the “The Dark Knight.” The creative team includes director of photography Wally Pfister, who recently won an Oscar® for his work on Nolan’s “Inception”; production designer Nathan Crowley; editor Lee Smith; and Oscar®-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (“Topsy-Turvy”). In addition, Paul Franklin and Chris Corbould, who both won Oscars® for the effects in “Inception,” will supervise the visual and special effects, respectively. The music will be composed by Oscar® winner Hans Zimmer (“The Lion King”).

The locations for “The Dark Knight Rises” span three continents and include the American cities of Pittsburgh, New York and Los Angeles, as well as sites in India, England and Scotland.

“The Dark Knight Rises” is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures. Slated for release on July 20, 2012, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Can't wait to see the rising...

Rebranding Bad...

Gawsh...



The period look of DCA's new posters continues...



And it's a lovely thing. I enjoy how even the little things are helping to improve not only the image of Disney's Second California Gate, but the outlook for the whole park.





Now, let's see those swanky Radiator Springs Racer posters...

It Wasn't Easy Being Green...

Hi ho...



Twenty-one years ago today Jim Henson passed away...

Disney Shows That Aren't (Part One)...

Give me the controller...






While I'm a very big fan of Disney, I'm not a very big fan of some of their shows on the small screen...

Now, I realize that they're not all aimed at my demographic of course, but one of the main staples of a Disney film is it's supposed to appeal to everyone. That's one of my problems with entertainment in several of the parks right now. It's aimed at the tween factor or even younger and not meant to entertain all. That's one of the reasons that Pixar does so well. It hits this demographic square in the center of the bulls-eye.

So I thought I'd take the opportunity to pretend that I had been programming the television series of the Mouse. And by this I don't mean ABC, which appeals to different groups, but the "family" entertainment that is supposed to be on its other channels. Disney Channel, which is now sadly aimed at tween girls and Disney XD, which has been now designed as a counter to the female driven viewers of the original channel. If it were up to me, there wouldn't have been one or the other. It would have been a Disney channel with Disney series for everyone. Perhaps it would be like HBO, where they have an HBO 2 and HBO 3 and so on.

Now, pretending I had been the Suit in charge of a mythical channel over the past few decades, here are a sampling of what I would have put on the schedule. Now, some of these series derive from my own taste while others reflect programs that I may not like, but feel would appeal to the demographic that the company should/could aim for. And here they are:

"Everybody Hates Chris" - this series focusing on a fictionalized account of Chris Rock's childhood. It's sweet, charming, actually funny and has family values all throughout.

"Freaks and Geeks" - A wonderful series created by Paul Feig and some unknown guy named Judd Apatow about teens going through their day to day lives. It's sweet and real, respecting teens and the world they inhabit.

"Goosebumps" - Something that feels like a child's version of the Twilight Zone. An anthology series that lets kids (and parents) experience fears and thrills inside the comfort of their living room.

"Sliders" - A fun, sci-fi show created by Robert K. Weiss and Tracy Tormé that follows a group of travelers that use a wormhole to "slide" into alternate universes. Fun and adventurous journeys abound for all involved.

"Young Indiana Jones" - I know this one was on ABC, so it technically was a Disney series, but I put it here based on what the show could have been rather than what it turned out to be. It had a lot of potential, but wound up seeming more like it was trying to be a history lesson than an entertaining story. That said, I'd like to have seen what could have come from it.

"Eerie, Indiana" - What would you do if you lived in the strangest place on earth? This early 90's series created by José Rivera and Karl Schaefer, and creative consultant Joe Dante followed Marshall Teller and his family as they adapt to their new and weird surrounding. Kind of like an "X-Files" show for adolescents, this series disappeared before it had an opportunity to grow a big enough follow, other than Elvis conspiricists.

"Amazing Stories" - The 80's anthology series from Steven Spielberg was filled with all kinds of tales, from scary to funny to animated. And truthfully, anything from Spielberg in the 80's could be considered Disney in my opinion.

"Doogie Howser" - A story of the live and travels of a teen genius who is a doctor created by Steven Bochco. A child prodigy who becomes a doctor at 14 and deals with the world from his perspective. The show dealt with very mature subject matter, but from a teen's unique insight into the problems of our world.

"The Adventures of Brisco County Jr." - A show featuring Bruce Campbell cannot go wrong. So how did it get canceled after opening up for the "X-Files" after its first season? The world is a strange place. Created by Jeffrey Boam and Carlton Cuse following the wild west travels of bounty hunter Brisco County Jr., the show feels like a continuation of the original "Wild, Wild West" television show (not the horrible Will Smith film). It was a fun show with a great deal of humor and action amid a lot of horses and gun play.

"The Clone Wars" - It's sad that Disney didn't try harder for this show. I know that they were interested in it and the fact that most kids think of Star Wars as part of Disney when they enter the parks would have made a great addition to Mouse tv. I know that Disney XD is becoming the Marvel Channel, but having this show and others like it would have made the channel a force to be reckoned with years ago. While I was initially skeptical about the show, it has turned into a series that has high quality animation and stories that range from good to compelling.

Now, we return you to the world of reality...

Shanghide And Seek...

It's a small world after all...









There were a lot of comments about the Shanghai Disney Resort recently...

Most of it was from people commenting that Disney isn't being honest or that they are outright lying about the reason behind the lack of artwork for the new park. Some of those comments are valid, but they're also not. Let me explain from what I know or have heard Bothans explain to me.

One point is that many have said it's not true about the artwork since the park is basically a carbon copy of Disneyland. How could companies copy something that is already out there? Fair enough. But Hong Kong Disneyland isn't an exact copy, but a detailed, pale image. The castle is an exact copy of Disneyland's famous icon, but the park is a very lushly detailed collection of attractions found throughout many other Disney theme parks, but they do have their own look. And that look has been copied at several local amusement parks. Disney Suits and WDI Suits noticed this and it was planned from at least a year ago to not inially release a great deal of artwork. It doesn't mean we won't get more, but it won't all be out there at once like before.

That doesn't address the two biggest problems that HKDL had. One is the most obvious to Disney Fans: size. The park was under built. It wasn't built looking cheaply though. The park is quite detailed and filled with little bits of embellishing that are common to most Disney parks. The problem was that attractions that people expected and were initially announced as being part of the park didn't show up. They were cut and expected to be included in a future expansion phase. This was the shortsightedness of the last decade of Eisner and his underlings.

The other part was the cultural aspect which Eisner and even some Imagineers didn't take into account. Not that they didn't expect some changes based on cultural need. Truthfully, one of the reasons certain attractions weren't built (Snow White, ect.) was that it was felt that the Chinese people, unlike the Japanese people, had not grown up on a steady diet of Disney characters and films. Of course the conception of Main Street didn't figure into this park as it has in Shanghai. But that plan has changed as you've noticed that there is no normal interest in a traditional entrance like fans have come to expect. Planning is also going ahead with a couple attractions that actually play more on what are reflected in Chinese culture. This is something that will be unique to this area and something that the company hopes will address guest concerns about appealing to the local market.

Another comment/complaint is that they are really hiding the fact that large parts of the park remain unplanned or not even designed yet. This is true, but that's because it is five to six years out. It is understandable that parts of the park wouldn't be done yet, but simply in the idea stage. This site is called "Blue Sky" Disney, after all. If this were the state of plans in another two or three years then it would be a valid concern since they would already be deeply involved in construction. Lastly, some have mentioned that there are arguments and divisions within WDI about where or how to continue.

I have to tell you that the Bothans I talked to say that this is a common occurrence that has happened for as long as they've been working for the division. All the way back to Paris. And without the guiding hand of Walt himself, there were arguments about where and how to expand every park since his passing. Before EPCOT was built there were many divisions inside Glendale as to how to continue the project that he had planned. There were arguments as to what direction to take, how close to his vision they should stick and what type of attractions would fit the differing visions they had of the project. Debates and arguments happen all the time and so far I've heard nothing that makes me believe this isn't business as usual. Now, if there are any of you out there in the know that have evidence to refute this then, by all means, please contact me. By e-mail if you'd like with your side of the story. Don't just vent anonymous comments that come off as the ranting opinions of angry fans. Feel free to enlighten me in private.

Now, this may make some people feel that nothing is planned or done. This is also not so. There are several classic attractions that will be gratefully welcomed when announced later this year or early next depending on how the timeline is addressed. But there are also several new attractions as well. Like that mountain/water rafting attraction based on the mechanics of the Grizzly River Run, but set to an entirely new theme... ooops. Sorry, you didn't hear that. I seem to have lost track of my delete button. Oh well, I don't really have to worry because most everyone will have stopped reading before they got here.

Either way, the plans for Shanghai are evolving and expanding and that is a great thing...

Mou$e Bu$ine$$...

As Walt Street markets closed today the Mouse revealed its quarterly earnings...

And the company's earnings were down. Partly because of the tragedy in Japan, but also because of some man made disasters as well. Here are a list of some of the highlights:

- The Walt Disney Company had a net income of $942 million for the quarter (off 1% from 2010, ago).

- Company revenue rose by 6% to $9.1 billion, from $8.6 billion in the comparable quarter (strange how it can be off by last year and still have more cash, eh?).

- The Walt Disney Studios made $77 million for the quarter which ended on April 2 (a 65% drop from the same quarter of 2010, which had blockbusters like "Alice in Wonderland"). The bad news was mainly from "Mars Needs Moms" which subtracted $70 million from the studios bottom line. The other was "Prom" which was a huge stinking pile of, well let's just say it was a High School Musical wanna-be. Mars was one of Dick Cook's projects, but Prom was Ross' first green lit film which was an example of the bad of the old regime and the bad of the new regime. Let's pray the rest of his selections don't go like this or 2013/14 will see him going the way of Cook.

- The bright spot as it has been for several quarters is in the broadcast/cable properties of the Mouse, particularly ESPN. Income increased 17% to $1.5 billion from an rise in advertising revenue at ESPN, additional subscribers/fees for Disney Channels Worldwide and ad buys for ABC and the Disney owned television stations.

- As stated before, the earthquake/tsunami in Tokyo resulted in lower earning for the Disney Parks division now run by Tom Staggs. A 3% drop in income meant that the division made $145 million. This profit includes all 11 parks, the 9 Disney owns and the 2 that are licensed to the Oriental Land Company.

A profitable, but mixed bag for investors as the loss didn't result in going into the red, but still provided less than desirable earnings for stockholders.

Of course Summer/Soundsational is just around the corner and good things lie ahead...

Soft In Translation...

Turn the power button on...







In this modern world this news only seems almost obvious...

Yesterday, Ubisoft, creator of games like "Assassin's Creed" and "Prince of Persia" (you remember that one) announced that they were creating their own film studio: Ubisoft Motion Pictures. It appears they realize the potential of the franchises they have and are not content with others having the creative control over them.

To be more accurate, it's really just a production company, not a full fledged studio. Most of the reports have gotten this one wrong. Perhaps it was lost in the translation of the original article. They will still partner with other studios in Hollywood to get films made of their properties. They just don't want Tinsel Town to be the one calling all the shots.

I'd be surprised if we didn't hear about more companies doing something like this. Micro$oft has even flirted with this idea (And in this process, Halo has languished). As the film business searches for new sources of material to adapt, video games feel like a natural alternative/variant to comic books. Both mediums are very visual and provide lazy suits that are too busy to actually read, the ability to grasp a concept quickly and efficiently. Expect more to come.

My feelings are based on the success, they would require and receive more and more autonomy as time when on. So they would essentially be like their own studio after a while anyway. But that means making hits and in the film business can often be elusive. After all, Walt Disney Pictures "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" made $335 million dollars and it's considered a disappointment at best. The trouble will be balancing budgets with scripts. That's something Hollywood has had trouble with from the dawn of the industry.

Making money and make believe can be a difficult but enticing partnership...

Bird Calling...

Lights, camera, magic...






It goes without saying that I think Brad Bird is a genius...

So when I say I'm looking forward to "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocal" it's because of Bird, not Tom Cruise. I really have to give Cruise the credit and courage to go with Brad though. There is still a sad stigma about someone being good at animation and not being good at live-action. But the superstar gets it. And so does the film's producer, J.J. Abrams.

In an interview with MTV, he was practically gushing about Bird and what he's seen so far of the film. Now, he came up with the idea, hired the writers and is producing it so there is every reason he would want to promote this. But if you remember that screening of new trailers that was held at an event in Europe earlier this year, the trailer for this film was the one that made everyone take note. Hopefully, we'll get a teaser soon or perhaps a full trailer up on "Super 8."

Bird has never given me anything that I haven't loved, from the skewed humor of "The Simpsons," to the soft charm of "Ratatouille," the sheer wonder of "The Incredibles" or the pure brilliance of "The Iron Giant." I have every faith that this film will be the best in the series and help Cruise regain a bit of that glow he lost when he got up on Oprah's couch. And with Abrams guiding the way it can only add up to even more cinema goodness. Maybe when the Suits over at Warner see the box office receipts from this they'll finally be convinced to back his vision of "1906" as his next project.

Or if not, maybe the one sequel that everyone wants will finally come to fruition: "The Incredibles 2". But for that to happen, Lasseter will have to wait till the director comes knocking on his door with an idea he deems worthy of a part deux. Either way, I expect there will nothing less that amazing when it comes from Brad Bird.

He may be given everyone a surprise holiday present on December 16, 2011...

Hat Tip to /Film.

Return Of The Jedis...

In a galaxy May, May Away...






George Lucas' epic six part space opera finally comes to Blu-Ray...

And at least half of them I'll watch. Lucasfilm announced today the special features as well as the cover art for Episodes I-III, Episodes IV-V and the Complete Collection.

The official press release:

Bring home the adventure and share Star Wars™ with your whole family – when STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment! To be released beginning on September 12 internationally and on September 16 in North America, the nine-disc collection brings the wonder of the entire Saga direct to your living room, where you can revisit all of your favorite Star Wars moments – in gorgeous high definition and with pristine, 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. Dive deeper into the universe with an unprecedented 40+ hours of special features, highlighted by never-before-seen content sourced from the Lucasfilm archives.

Special Features:

STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA ON BLU-RAY is presented in widescreen with 6.1 DTS Surround Sound. Special features include:

* DISC ONE – STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE
o Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires
o Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

* DISC TWO – STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES
o Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, Rob Coleman, Pablo Helman, John Knoll and Ben Snow
o Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

* DISC THREE – STAR WARS: EPISODE III REVENGE OF THE SITH
o Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Rob Coleman, John Knoll and Roger Guyett
o Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

* DISC FOUR – STAR WARS: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE
o Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
o Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

* DISC FIVE – STAR WARS: EPISODE V THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
o Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
o Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

* DISC SIX – STAR WARS: EPISODE VI RETURN OF THE JEDI
o Audio Commentary with George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Ben Burtt and Dennis Muren
o Audio Commentary from Archival Interviews with Cast and Crew

* DISC SEVEN – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES I-III
o Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; a flythrough of the Lucasfilm Archives and more.

* DISC EIGHT – NEW! STAR WARS ARCHIVES: EPISODES IV-VI
o Including: deleted, extended and alternate scenes; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; matte paintings and concept art; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; and more.

* DISC NINE – THE STAR WARS DOCUMENTARIES
o NEW! Star Warriors (2007, Color, Apx. 84 Minutes) – Some Star Wars fans want to collect action figures…these fans want to be action figures! A tribute to the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars costume enthusiasts, this insightful documentary shows how the super-fan club promotes interest in the films through charity and volunteer work at fundraisers and high-profile special events around the world.

* NEW! A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later (2010, Color, Apx. 25 Minutes) – George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back on the making of The Empire Strikes Back in this in-depth retrospective from Lucasfilm created to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of the movie. The masters discuss and reminisce about one of the most beloved films of all time.

* NEW! Star Wars Spoofs (2011, Color, Apx. 91 Minutes) – The farce is strong with this one! Enjoy a hilarious collection of Star Wars spoofs and parodies that have been created over the years, including outrageous clips from Family Guy, The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother and more — and don’t miss “Weird Al” Yankovic’s one-of-a-kind music video tribute to The Phantom Menace!

* The Making of Star Wars (1977, Color, Apx. 49 Minutes) – Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2. Includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

* The Empire Strikes Back: SPFX (1980, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Learn the secrets of making movies in a galaxy far, far away. Hosted by Mark Hamill, this revealing documentary offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the amazing special effects that transformed George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back into reality!

* Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983, Color, Apx. 48 Minutes) – Go behind the scenes — and into the costumes — as production footage from Return of the Jedi is interspersed with vintage monster movie clips in this in-depth exploration of the painstaking techniques utilized by George Lucas to create the classic creatures and characters seen in the film. Hosted and narrated by Carrie Fisher and Billie Dee Williams.

* Anatomy of a Dewback (1997, Color, Apx. 26 Minutes) – See how some of the special effects in Star Wars became even more special two decades later! George Lucas explains and demonstrates how his team transformed the original dewback creatures from immovable rubber puppets (in the original 1977 release) to seemingly living, breathing creatures for the Star Wars 1997 Special Edition update.

* Star Wars Tech (2007, Color, Apx. 46 Minutes) – Exploring the technical aspects of Star Wars vehicles, weapons and gadgetry, Star Wars Tech consults leading scientists in the fields of physics, prosthetics, lasers, engineering and astronomy to examine the plausibility of Star Wars technology based on science as we know it today.

Quite a lot of Star Wars to love, right? My biggest complaint is there is no copy of the original, untouched series to go with these. That would be a nice cherry on the top and a nod of respect to the fans that won't forgive George for what he's done with the Prequels. That said, it should be interesting to watch and will obviously sell billions more for the Lucas Empire.

Now, if he'd only edited some of that sappy dialogue out for we in the Rebellion...

Shanghaied...

Please don't copy the parks, please don't copy the parks, please don't copy...


I know that many of you were upset to see so little artwork to come out from the Shanghai Disney Resort...

Well, as I've mentioned before, that's by design. The Mouse learned a costly mistake in the last venture into China. After announcing the project and displaying various pieces of artwork, the Suits were shocked to find cheap knockoffs of some of the designs showing up less than a year or two after revealing these designs.

That's why this time around the artist at WDI and the Suits at Team Disney Burbank are only letting the most vague of concepts leak out. They want to give you an idea of what is to come, not the copycats the ideas of what will come. So far we've been given a sense of scope and a look at a very large castle, no Main Street and various classic attractions in places not normally associated with it. But as to what or even if there will be a Space Mountain? It's not going to be revealed just yet. There are going to be several traditional Disney attractions, but the mix will include several that will surprise you. This park will not be just a clone of Hong Kong Disneyland.

And that is good for Shanghai and Hong Kong...