New World Template...

Going viral...






One part of the future of online entertainment has gone live...

The Internet series on YouTube that I mentioned a while back has gone online today:

H+

If you'd like to see the series (and it's fascinating viral videos, fictional/real website or Brian Singer's introduction), the first two episodes have been put up for you to watch. You can subscribe to the channel to see the rest. Each episode varies in length since this isn't on normal television, the rules and restrictions don't apply.

H+ Episode One: "Driving Under."

H+ Episode Two: "On Their Level."

A new episode will be released every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. PST. This will continue until the finale in January of next year.

It's compelling sci-fi that deserves a look. Even if the series doesn't succeed, the format likely will. You can expect more shows like this to follow as the Web gets bigger and our world gets smaller. And the opportunities for more/alternative/creative shows and entertainment will broaden as the technology gets democratized. Warner Bros. Digital Distribution seems to get this and is moving forward proactively. The Question you have to wonder, is the Mouse doing so as well?

I'm just saying...

Fancy That...

Looks tasty, what flavor...



We're big Apple fans here at Blue Sky...

So when I read that the Fruit Company was considering purchasing a company called "The Fancy," I checked into it. It apparently is a rival to upstart Pinterest, which is a social networking site that involves commerce through visual mediums. If you love pictures, art and design then check it out. Maybe join.

I did. And if you want to join, then click here and check out the possibilities...

Programming...

I figured since it was the weekend, I'd give you some homework...

Earlier in the month I did a post called "Channeling Success" that got a good deal of interest among the Marvel/Disney fans. There are a treasure trove of videos to watch on YouTube's Marvel Channel. I figured we could spotlight a few of them that were interesting and entertaining all at once.

If you were a fan of Joss Whedon's run on "Astonishing X-Men" then you should watch the first episode of the motion comic to his "Gifted" series run.

Bono and The Edge doing an interview about their involvement in "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," parts One and Two.

A nice little clip of Stan Lee talking about "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2" with some nice scenes that he narrates with that famous voice of his.

Those of you that have seen "Iron Man 2" remember that wonderful Stark Expo 74 film that was a homage to Walt Disney and his dream of EPCOT? Well, here is the actual video of it to watch without having to pay an admission ticket.

Remember when we announced that Marvel was forming their own internal television division, titled appropriately, Marvel TV? Well, here's a short discussion with Mar TV's VP, Jeph Loeb about his initial plans.

And finally, a short teaser clip for the new "Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" that premieres next year on Disney XD.

There are many more videos of interest and I suggest you go over and take a look at all the fun stuff. You guys should really be happy I'm such a caring guy. All this Marvel news is really starting to wear at my sensibilities. I'm taking one for the team for you people by reporting all this stuff.

After all, I'm a DC Guy...

Buying Cars Online...

Boys and boys at heart, start your engines...


The Mouse started opening car dealerships today...

Disney Interactive has released their latest attempt at extending the gold mine that is "Cars." "World of Cars," the online gaming site went live today for young boys and the little boy inside you. This is all part of broadening of the brand that has become this Pixar hit. As well as this invitation of the Net, there will be more Cars Toons later this year, next year sees the sequel film, "Cars 2" as well as the DisneyToon spinoff "Planes," which is the first of several straight-to-DVD animated features exploring a world occupied by mechanical beings, the following year the new expansion of DCA, "Cars Land" opens up to let fans literally walk into this world. That's the plan for the next few years for this Disney property. Over two billion dollars in merchandise flies out the door and the Suits want to keep that going.

So if you're looking for another mode of transport, check out Disney's new car show...

Channeling Success...

I know that Blue Sky has reported on the proliferation of tights over all media lately...

With the films that Marvel Studious will make for Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures and perhaps even, Hollywood Pictures. Then there are the television shows that Disney XD has coming from the television division, as well as the DVD/Blu-Rays of films. Then there is cable with G4 and those Marvanime series. And then there are several projects long form and short form that are being talked about on the Burbank Lot.

I know we mentioned in a previous post that XD was becoming The Marvel Channel, but did you know that the comic company actually has it's own channel? Marvel Comics has its own channel for watching shows, interviews and content that you can't see much anywhere else. Not everyone does or has gone there, but you can. And you should because it's fun and filled with all kinds of geeky, awesome stuff.

What I'm talking about of course, is YouTube. You see, Marvel has a channel called, wait-for-it, "Marvel's Channel" on the website that has many series that you can't find anywhere else. Or you have to go out and buy them. Here you get to watch them, with an occasional ad, in all their splendor while sitting on that comfy sofa in your underwear.

So go over, take a look, sit down and stay a while. Pull up that footrest and adjust that lever for your perfect back position. Grab that big soda and that warmed-up slice of pizza and enjoy.

Relax and take in the coolness...

2000 Pieces Of Sky...

Just a note...

Blue Sky Disney has now had over two thousand posts in two and a half years. Wow/Whoa. That's a lot of typing. Many of which I'm sure you've loved/hated. But I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming and reading a piece of my mind or the other authors.

I'm glad you appreciate the site and hope that we can continue bringing you more news, rumors and commentary about the Mouse and everything else.

Now, on to 3000...

Lamp Lectrocuted...

The College Humor site has a very funny parody of Pixar's opening logo featuring Luxo Jr. that you really should see...

Very creative, whoever came up with this.

The Lamp had it coming...

Hat Tip to Cartoon Brew.

I'm A Twit(ter)...

Hopefully, this won't backfire...

Yes, it's official...

I finally gave in after all those messages from people asking me if I'm on Twitter. I wasn't then, but now I am. So if you want to twit or tweet or what have you, then go here. Now leave me alone so I can sleep.

If I could just get Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

What's All The "Hulu"bub, Bub?

The Mouse is taking an equity stake in the internet site started by NBC Universal, News Corp. and Providence Equity Partners...

Hulu will have access to the titles from The Walt Disney Studios library of films and full-length episodes of television shows produced by the company.

I wonder how this will affect their relationship with Apple and Disney's biggest shareholder?

Several member of the Mouse, including CEO Bog Iger will join the Hulu board.

Developing...

Ztudios Behind ZillionTV...

The Hollywood studios and the networks are getting behind something new...

Everything moves so quick in life, sometimes when a technology finally achieves critical mass it suddenly becomes obsolete. Enter ZillionTV, a new company and technology that's being supported and partially funded by the entertainment industry. It's going to be a way for them to stream content directly to the consumer, avoiding broadcast TV and have an exciting feature like commercials? Wait, commercials that can't be forwarded through? Yes, I know what you're thinking.

Entertainment is a business and I understand where they're coming from... believe it or not I also follow that model which says nothing in life is free. Everything comes with a cost. But give the Hollywood Reporter article a read and then later this year, those that are experimental can give it a chance. Those that are not can keep finding those bootleg copies out there on the Web. Not that I'm promoting or advocating any of that kind of activity. Remember, nothing of value is free and nothing free is valuable. Yada, yada, yada.

Developing...

The Return Of Zorro & Davy Crockett?

One thing I failed to mention yesterday regarding the Annual Shareholder's Meeting was Bob Iger talking about the every expanding presence of the Web in Disney's future plans. And those future plans could involve... the past.

The past?

As in vintage television series like "Zorro" or "Davy Crockett" along with numerous other series could be available via the internet. Mr. Iger hinted as such during his talk:

“In the near future, you’ll see more of that product available on Disney.com, either for free or through some sort of subscription,” Mr. Iger, 57, said at the company’s annual meeting. “Providing physical goods on DVD is tougher and tougher these days because shelf space is limited.”

In the near future we may find the Coon Skinned Cap Hero available at iTunes or Disney.com for rental or purchase. Just make sure you have a nice screen to view it on...

Interesting.

Setting The Stage 9...

Bob Iger's push into digital and online media continues...

A couple days ago the Walt Disney Company announced the launch of it’s newest studio "Stage 9 Digital Media".

The new studio is focused on creating original, short series geared towards distribution across the Internet. "Squeegees" is the studios first show to be released on ABC.com and YouTube. The show will be sponsored by Toyota.

The Mouse said that Stage 9 is an integral part of their overall digital strategy and that it was created to bridge the gap between user-generated content and traditional production.

Iger appears to be making sure that Disney is on the cutting edge of emerging technology and entertainment.

Developing...

Buy Your Car Online...

Until we see that sequel to "Cars" sometime early next decade, it looks like you will be able to experience them online. Bob Iger was quoted the other day discussing a new "Cars" online game that lets you roam around the enviroment of Radiator Springs and experience the world that Pixar and John "The Mousetro" Lasseter created.

It's supposed to debut sometime in 2008.

Now, as for the sequel, there is talk about it, but it's only whispers. My Pixar contacts are not as extensive as my Disney ones, so I can't verify this, but I can tell you that with Disney's marketing muscle and the "Cars" characters pulling in about 2 billion this year, you can bet Lightning McQueen and company will be kept on the forefront of kids and kids at heart for the next few years. It's worth it just to create awareness for the Cars Land that DCA is getting in 2012. That alone is reason enough for the Mouse to keep everyone up to date about the characters.

So come next year, you could be buying your car online...

Or at least renting it from the Mouse.

Disney Buys Happy Feet?

Well, not quite...

In move to establish deeper roots online, the Walt Disney Company announced that it had purchased the virtual kids world, Club Penguin for $350 million dollars in cash, plus incentives based on performance over the next two years. Club Penguin gives kids the ability to customize their own virtual penguin. Penguins chat with other virtual penguins, play games and earn credits to purchase accessories.

Club Penguin was founded in 2005 in Kelowna, part of the British Columbia provence of Canada. Its founders will continue to run the site although it is likely to be renamed "Disney's Club Penguin."