Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Galaxies Behind, Galaxies Ahead...










With the cancellation of Cartoon Network's "The Clone Wars," fans of the series were left with many questions...

Some of those have since been answered, but most of them will be resolved over the next year or two.  Many Star Wars fans were upset with the announcement there wouldn't be a sixth season of the show.  Everyone simply thought that it would move from Cartoon Network to Disney XD, the Mouse's channel for all things male.  When it wasn't, fans cried that Disney was ending the show too early for their own greedy purposes.  Such appears to not be the case.

While there won't be a regular continuation of the series, it doesn't mean there won't be some form of resolution.  It may be a series, mini-series or series of films.  Lucasfilm will likely debut the finale of TCW on one of it's channels (Disney XD, ABC, ABC Family, etc.), or it could go the route of film releases like The Clone Wars movie (the least likely strategy, I've heard).  The plans of Kathleen Kennedy, along with Alan Horn and Bob Iger are still being worked out, but over the months ahead the strategy will unfold.  It's the closing chapter of the company's past.  But it's also a doorway to the new and exciting shows, films and games that Kennedy has in store for us.

When "Episode VII" is released in a couple years, the galaxy will be limitless...

Music To And From Krypton...









Soundtracks are great to listen to...

And not just for a film, but for reading or just reflecting.  That's how I use them.  Blade Runner gets played at Blue Sky's Uber Secret Headquarters all the time.  Have you ever listened to Vangelis while watching the waves crash along the shore below you?  Hauntingly beautiful.

Well, when "Man of Steel" comes out this summer, it'll have not only one, but two soundtracks: a Regular, and a Deluxe Edition one (the pic up above).  I'm the type that gets the limited one, because, well, I'm a geek, and I like that kind of thing.  If you want to check out the tracks below if you want to know the music, but they also might contain spoilers.


1  - Look To The Stars
2  - Oil Rig
3  - Sent Here For A Reason
4  - DNA
5  - Goodbye My Son
6  - If You Love These People
7  - Krypton's Last
8  - Terraforming
9  - Tornado
10 - You Die Or I Do
11 - Launch
12 - Ignition
13 - I Will Find Him
14 - This Is Clark Kent
15 - I Have So Many Questions
16 - Flight
17 - What Are You Going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World?
18 - Man of Steel (Hans' Original Sketchbook)


Deluxe Edition Tracks:


1 - Are You Listening, Clark?
2 - General Zod
3 - You Led Us Here
4 - This Is Madness
5 - Earth
6 - Arcade


It'll be fun watching Zimmer's music matched to Snyder's film...

Hat Tip to the Superman Page.


Monday, April 29, 2013

To The WonderCon...














Guillermo del Toro is someone we love to talk about here at Blue Sky...

We're continually waiting to hear what the suits at the Mouse are going to do with his "Haunted Mansion" film.  Green Light it, we hope.  But each project he's associated with is a geek parade of wonder.  His newest film, "Pacific Rim" is getting rave reviews for the footage that people have seen.  So excitement for the film is rather high.  Other than the trailer, very little has been released from the film unless you seen the sneaks or were at WonderCon.

Well now, Guillermo has responded to the demands of geeks the world over and released the footage that attendees saw an WonderCon:


This was originally intended for only WonderCon, but after listening to so many of you asking for more of the movie online, I think it's time for me to show you more footage. Enjoy, my friends!
Guillermo del Toro



And it's pretty awesome.  Roland Emmerich could learn a thing or two from him as to how to do a giant monster film.  Still trying to wipe the memory of that remake he did.  Ferris Bueller as a scientist?  Really?  Anyway, enjoy the footage and prepare for battle.

Now if Walt Disney Studios Main Suit Alan Horn would just flick the switch on that Hat Box Ghost film...

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Name Game/Blame Game...










I've seen a lot of people talking about the layoffs that have been coming from Lucasfilm lately...

And there has been a lot of focus on stating that "Disney is shutting down this" or "Disney is cutting employees at that" type of headlines.  Well, I can tell you that the blame for most, not all, but most of these decisions can be laid at the feet of one person:

Kathleen Kennedy.

Not Bob Iger, not anyone else.  Lucasfilm is a business unit of the Walt Disney Company.  It is part of the Mouse, but it is a business.  No part of the company is a charity and when overlapping of jobs/tasks happen it is wasteful and any rightly ran company will want to cut cost where they can.  Disney isn't the government and can't print money to pay for its services.  But each branch has control of its own core business.  There is a great deal of autonomy in the divisions.  Kevin Feige runs Marvel Studios with little interference from Team Disney, just as John Lasseter and Ed Catmull run Pixar Animation Studios without too many eyes peering over their shoulders.  The same is true for the small company they bought up in Marin County.

Kathleen Kennedy is a smart producer, and she's a shrewd executive that has a business plan to follow.  She is going to take a more active roll in the company than The Bearded One did, and she is also embarking on a course that is different from where George originally intending to go.  The path forward will be under her watch, and she's doing what she has to make Lucasfilm viable in the massively expanding Disney World.  She isn't being pressured, she isn't bowing to Iger's draconian demands; she is in charge and is the one making these decisions.  And she has a strategy that has been implemented since she was hired.  Lucas trust her, and so do I.  The first fruit of that strategy will be the seventh Star Wars film and that won't blum till 2015.

Between now and then there will be plenty of announcements that bring into focus her plans.  But understand that they are her plans, not the evil Disney Suits tightening the screws now that they own George's precious little jewel.  Will they work?

Time will tell...

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Reserving Steel...














Krypton keeps rotating closer...

The Bunny and Walmart have made a deal to give moviegoers a chance to purchase tickets for their upcoming "Man of Steel" film in advance.  Those screenings will take place at selected screenings in certain cities.  Warner seems to be quite hyped to launch this film, which, if successful will be the start of the DC Cinematic Universe.  Think of it as their "Iron Man" film.  And although there have been plenty of films before, this would mark the beginning of a shared universe concept.  The Walmart deal also includes several other opportunities:

Priority Purchase of Blu-ray Combo Pack or HD Digital Download: Each ticket bought at Walmart will feature a code on the back that allows customers to pre-order their own Blu-ray Combo Pack or HD Digital Download of “Man of Steel,” which will contain exclusive film content.
Official “Man of Steel Experience” Mobile App: Fans can bring Superman to life with the official “Man of Steel Experience” augmented reality app. The app allows customers to take photos with the superhero, as well as unlock special photo frames by pointing their phone at “Man of Steel” signage in their local Walmart. To download the app please visit: Apple App Store or Google Play.
Exclusive Original Digital Comic Book: Customers will receive a free original Digital Comic Book written by “Man of Steel” screenwriter David Goyer with every ticket.
“Man of Steel” Merchandise: Beginning April 28, a variety of “Man of Steel” merchandise such as t-shirts, electronics, posters and more from top brands will be available at Walmart stores and at Walmart.com.
We won't know till the numbers start to come in if "Man of Steel" will be a success, but the buzz and reaction so far is extremely positive.  This deal with Walmart is an example of that confidence.  We should know later this year the status of "Justice League" and with that, the new "Batman" reboot/sequel.  But we don't need another origin for the Caped Crusader, everyone knows how he began by now.
That could be said for the Last Son of Krypton as well, though...

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Interview With An Empire...










J.J. Abrams did an extensive interview with Playboy magazine...

And he answered a lot questions with non-answers or another question.  The iconic director leaves you with the impression that he is a bigger enigma than we had thought.  J.J. does answer some of the interviewer's queries, but remains coy about what is ahead for the galaxy far, far away.  Check it out and be patient, this is Abrams of course.

You've been a Bad Robot, J.J., a very, very bad robot ...

Monday, April 22, 2013

Fear In Phases...










The Marvel Universe is filled with thousands of characters...

Unfortunately, some of the major ones (Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, etc.), have their film rights locked with studios that aren't owned by the Mouse.  Some of those have had their rights expire, while others have almost expired (Ghost Rider, which will likely join Disney soon.).  But one that was relinquishment to Marvel Studios in the fall of last year was The Man Without Fear.  Also known as "Daredevil".

So far the heads of the studio have been pretty quite about any direction they have for the character in the MCU.  But my Bothans sent a transmission that that may change soon.  And by soon, we mean sometime over the next phase of Marvel films.  Certainly Matt Murdock won't be appearing in the Second Phase of films that Kevin Feige has in store for moviegoers, but plans are being worked to introduce him in the Third Phase.

As of now, there is no plan for coming out with an actual stand alone film, but possibly introducing him in one of the other character's films or possibly "Avengers 3".  It's not ruling out a reboot of the character by Marvel Studios, but it's thought that an introduction to him among other characters will justify Daredevil getting another chance to swing across the silver screen in his own film.  So we may not see him upfront in his own film, but we will see him.

Fear not...


UPDATE:  Wow.  Literally hours after posting this, word has started to spread about an interview that Feige did with Newsarama (Hat Tip: /Film).  In it he was asked about taking ownership of the character and confirmed it.  Let the speculation begin, but let it start with what my Bothans told me.


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

24/7/365...










That's how much Star Wars there will be over the years starting after Episode VII...

News from Disney's presentation at CinemaCon let the world finally know what has been speculated:  Star Wars every year.  When there isn't a chapter with an Episode before the title, there will be a stand alone film.  And you can be sure that the ones that are successful will have sequels of their own.

Kathleen Kennedy has been taking meetings with a who's who list of talent over the past few months, with several of them pitching there dream projects in George Lucas' universe.  Several projects have been lined up for development, others have been discarded with courtesy to the pitchers.  But a small selection of pitches have been given the opportunity to move forward.  You're not likely to hear much about these until we more information about J.J. Abrams' take on the galaxy.

And we know how forthcoming with info J.J. is...

How The West Was Fun...











The Wild West never looks so wild...

The final trailer for Walt Disney Pictures "The Lone Ranger" is out.  Gore Verbinski can deliver spectacle that's a given, but can he deliver a great story?  The answer is sometimes.  He's a very visual director and this movie comes up big when it comes to action and visual imagery.  But will the story match it?

Looks like a trip to those thrilling days of yesterday will be necessarily to find out...

The Beginning Of The DCU...












So this is how it starts...

We've now finally seen a full trailer for the "Man of Steel" film from Warner Bros. Pictures.  And it looks great.  Amazing footage, lots of action and heart.  Henry Cavill looks like he made the mold for the Last Son of Krypton.  Now we have to wonder if this is what Jeff Robinov was talking about.

Is this the opening shot of the DC Cinematic Universe?

My main fear for this film was that they'd try and make it dark.  As if that was the sole reason that "The Dark Knight" was what it was.  It was good, that's why it became the cultural phenomenon t did.  And after the misfires of "Green Lantern" and "Superman Returns" we were wondering if they'd get this reboot right.  They did.

Now all they have to do is translate a character that's not an alien or a vigilante...






Monday, April 15, 2013

Blue Sky Buzz: A Long Time Ago, In A Land Not Too Far Away...











Yes, I know that you've seen those questionnaire at Disneyland, but there's more...

Much more.  Everyone is thinking that the Mouse is going to add a new ride, or land here in Anaheim, but it will be a land, and not just here.

There are at least two other locations that have plans for Star Wars lands to be build over the next 3-5 years.  These two locations are international, in addition to the land here, and a possible one in Florida.  It's always been my hope that Florida Project would get an entire Star Wars theme park, but as of now that's not the plan.  It appears that the financing for an entire new park might be too much given the current economic state of the world.  But lands?  Lands will work just fine for now.  And like the Cars Land area, the thought is to have at least three attractions.

The Imagineers in Glendale are in deep blue sky mode right now and several plans have been presented.  As of a few weeks ago, my Bothans said a final design was yet to be chosen.  Tom Staggs working closely on it, with an eye on a place his sons would love to go and ride/play.  George Lucas is being kept in the loop and Kathleen Kennedy has full authority to nix any plans that don't meet up with her taste.  Of course, Iger has final approval.  But what you've always thought of has been pitched.  From a Tattooine landscape to a Coruscant themed landscape have been presented.  Imagine the characters?  Perhaps a parade themed to land?  The meet and greets would be awesome too.

Depending on how smoothly things go, D23 could be very interesting...

Rata2lle...










The Lamp has been known for original films for most of its history...

But that doesn't mean a lot of people wouldn't like to see more stories of their favorite characters.  And Emeryville has started to make more films as long is it has a story worth telling.

Alex Zalben over at MTV News got to interview Patton Oswalt and one the questions he asked was the possibility of a sequel to Pixar's "Ratatouille" in the actor's future.  Click over to see what he had to say.

Brad Bird has a lot on his list and a return trip to Paris won't likely  be in his future...

Sunday, April 14, 2013

3000 Thoughts...















It's hard to believe that there have been over three thousand posts on Blue Sky since that first one went out across the web not so long ago...

A little place where my friends and I could give our thoughts, talk about rumors and hear about the latest news has grown so much more that I could have wanted.  Thanks to all you who have stuck with us through the years; through high and low, many posts or times of drought, it's been a wonderful experience.  Hopefully we will continue to grown and expand as a place for thoughts on the Mouse and other areas of entertainment.  Again, thanks for sticking with us and the entire Blue Sky staff looks forward to a thrilling next few years.  As we find out what's happening in film, parks and other formats, the excitement is just beginning.

Now, on to four thousand ...

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Keane Observation...












On this day...

Fifty-nine years ago today, my favorite Disney animator was born.  Well, he's no longer a Disney animator sadly.  But he's moved on to entertain and train others in animation beyond the Mouse.  But he will forever have a heavy imprint on Disney Animation and Disney in general.

Happy Birthday, Glen Keane...

Friday, April 12, 2013

Kings & Queen In Waiting...













A NOTE: Thanks to all who have expressed the warm wishes for me.  I'm greatly touched.  The real world has priority, but blogging should begin to become more common over the next few weeks.  I've missed you, and hopefully, God willing, we'll get to spend a lot of time together.  There's a lot of exciting news We/I haven't been able to cover.

HH


With that note...




It is less than two years before a pivotal event occurs...

Last month, being March would have marked the two year countdown to the transfer of power from Bob Iger to his successor.  And who is that successor you ask?  Well, as of right now Iger probably doesn't know.  He's got an idea.  He's got a favorite.  But the actual decision has yet to be made.  What we do know, is who is in line for his job.  Once that person is installed/elected then Bob will go off to the title of Chairman Emeritus for at least another year, but he'll be in an advisory roll for the most part.  So who are the ones that have their hands out for the crown?

Tom Staggs - The former Chief Operations Officer of the Mouse.  Currently the Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, is the current odds on favorite to get the job, but by how much we don't know.  Staggs has become a common guest at several of the parks, particularly the ones at the Disneyland Resort.  Unlike Jay Rasulo, Staggs and his family have been seen often on both sides of the Esplanade.  Since taking the job he's had a much more proactive role in determining what gets done and what gets approved.  And having boys has had a different take on choices for future attractions.  This is a stark contrast to Rasulo's "Princess-centric" view of the Disney kingdom.  Odds 3/1

Jay Rasulo - The dark prince himself is in the running for the crown, but thankfully he's not the favorite.  His lack of care at the parks and his One Disney initiative have complicated his chances.  But he's great with numbers, which a person lacking in creativity would be be perfect for.  Hopefully, if he's passed over he'll stay in this position, as an executive bean counter I have no problem with him.  But having him in charge of the creative process is a bit scary.  Were he to get the job, I'd be frightened for the company.  Can we say Paul Pressler II?  Let's hope not.  Odds 10/1

Alan Horn - One of the surprising new guys on the block.  Horn took over last year in the film division.  But let's not think that Walt Disney Pictures are all he can (or wants) to handle.  Alan Horn was President and COO at Warner and he's used to handling a large part of an entertainment company.  And he might eventually find the confines of the studio a bit too small.  Iger will have to do a balancing act when choosing between Horn and Staggs for the top spot so as not to have either go somewhere else.  Egos at this level are large, but also fragile.  It's easy to be offended when you are at this tier of the business, but some Suits have the ability to rise above it.  Horn is known to be wise and gracious, so if he's passed over he might show the good side of his character.  Odds 5/1

Kathleen Kennedy - The outsider that could shake things up.  We know she just came to power over at Lucasfilm, but Kennedy is a major power player in Hollywood and Iger may want to take advantage of her skills as well as be known as the man that put a powerful woman in charge of the Mouse.  Kennedy has developed major skills over the past three decades dealing with the likes of Steven Spielberg and the Bearded One.  She could also open the doors to many in the town that aren't accustomed to working with Disney.  A fresh perspective from her might be the kind of turn that Iger feels is needed for him to step away from.  Odds 7/1

One of these four executives is likely to be in charge by this time two years from now.  Of course, things could change, but it is more likely that individuals will the ones that get the nod.  Times always change and the Walt Disney Company is headed for another major change in leadership.  It's a good sign that Iger realizes he shouldn't be in power forever.  He knows that he doesn't want to overstay his welcome like Eisner did.  I have to give him credit for setting up his own sunset without having to be disgraced sometime in the future like his predecessor.

But not Jay, Bob.  Please, not Jay...