Inside The Universe...

Coolness never seemed needed...





If you've seen the list/photos of Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One, then you know how cool it is...

Now, Marvel Studios/Disney's home entertainment division even got a trailer for it. Yes, that's right. A Trailer for a Blu-Ray box set.

But to be fair, it's a really, really cool box set...

Lucky Rabbit Ears...

Are you marketing guys paying attention...






You're looking at one of the most asked for items in Buena Vista Street...

And it's not for sale. It's not even available. But the Cast Members working at Elias & Company as well as other stores/shops like Oswald's gas station have been telling guests we don't have any. Not that they're out of stock, but they don't have any Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Ears.

This is actually a giveaway item that the makers of Epic Mickey 2 were handing out to people at E3. Little did they know they'd create such a demand for something. These are now collector's items that are selling for between $80 and $400 on ebay right now. And still people are asking where they can buy them.

It doesn't help seeing all those people walking around the park wearing them. It makes people think they can be purchased there. And if all those Cast Members keep telling their managers, and those managers tell their higher ups, then we might see some of these available in the parks sometime in the near future. It's not like the Mouse doesn't like to make money on something.

Especially when so many people are willing to spend the cash so they too can walk around the park wearing a pair...

Stating The Obvious...

A long, long time ago, hopefully soon to be bought...



Disney is still in the buying mood it appears...

In a conference call with investors for the Walt Disney Company the other day, Bob Iger mentioned that the Mouse was looking at the opportunity to buy other characters. Now, I know that people will complain about a lack of creativity, but the Maestro himself purchased the rights to several characters he didn't own(101 Dalmatians, Winnie the Pooh, ect.). Many of those characters today are thought of as being as Disney as Mickey Mouse. But I'll take this opportunity to stand up on my soapbox once again:

Star Wars/Indiana Jones/Lucasfilm.

These characters have been inside Disney Parks for two decades and most guests, particularly young boys, identify them as Disney characters to begin with. To inform them that they aren't owned by Disney would be a surprise to most if not all. If Iger is true to this statement then it's time to purchase them from Lucas and make it happen. I can only cross my fingers that this is what has been happening in back channels. I dream of Iger having meetings with George Lucas up in Marin County, discussing a transaction similar to the Marvel deal over a nice lunch at Skywalker Ranch.

If there is any company that Lucas could/would/should leave his characters in the hands of, it's the Walt Disney Company. It represents a strong collection of characters that Iger can utilize across all sectors of the company. From merchandise, television, film, theme parks, the brands represent an opportunity for the company to expand earnings and generate content with a very recognizable list of characters.

If George doesn't want to continue the films beyond Episode VI then you could have adventures like "Knights of the Old Republic," or that "Boba Fett" film that Joe Johnston wants to make. How about a Star Wars animated film from Pixar or Walt Disney Animated Studios under the guidance of John Lasseter? Or even a possible reboot/reinterpretation of the films the way J.J. Abrams did with "Star Trek."

Television offers opportunities as well, with the Clone Wars series being such a success on the Cartoon Network, shows made for Disney XD would be a given. And lets not forget to mention my long dream of an "Indiana Jones" animated series from Paul Dini. How about an animated series focusing on "The Adventures of Han & Chewie?" And if ABC can have a network show coming that stars the Hulk, could you not see one staring Republic Commandos?

Then there is the possibility of expanding the Lucasfilm brand in the parks. Could you see an entire section in the Hollywood Studios dedicated to Star Wars? Or even better: A Fifth Gate that is nothing but that? The opportunities are endless and as big as the universe the Bearded One created. So, I think Bob Iger should take the advise of one of Star Wars wisest characters:

Do, or do not, there is no try...

Hat Tip to The Disney Blog.

Every Play A Part, Every Ride A Toy...

All the fun in a 3" size...






Star Tours premieres this summer and the merchandise from it is starting to appear...

All, or many of the characters that appear in the new 3D version are now available in toy form. From Darth Vader, Boba Fett to the newly created Skytroopers. Get out your wallets now.

Coming soon to an exiting display near you...

ObservaTRONs...

Game over, man...

Or not...



A lot of news/rumors about Walt Disney Pictures' "Tron Legacy" have circulated over the past few days...

Just wanted to chime in on it with a combination of opinion and knowledge from Blue Sky's unique perspective. I know Harry from Ain't It Cool News has been quite vocal in his support of the film as well as his reporting on the green lighting of TR3N/inclusion of a trailer for it on the upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray release. While I don't have his contacts, my own Bothans haven't given me any news about that, but I do have my own musings.

There was an initial belief that for the film to be a worthy success that it would have to gross $200 mil domestic/$200 mil international, but at the certain studios that logic could fly out the window. The film is on track to top out around $175 million domestic and around $190 million more internationally. That puts the film on track to come in somewhere around $365/$375 million total. Not chump change, but not a picture that turned in "Avatar" numbers of course. Still, it will come pretty close to the that $400 million mark that studios tend to use as a guide for judging if a film could/should have a sequel.

But as in the case of a film like "Cars," box office isn't the only factor in such a matter. That little film grossed only $461 million during its run in theaters. While not a small amount, it was far less than other Pixar films had or have made during their runs. Still, we look forward to a sequel to that film to come out this summer. That's what happens when a film has merchandising levels of 2 billion dollars a year. And that's why with all the marketing power of Disney behind it and five years of building that brand with new, young males it has the potential to do far more at the box office than the original film.

Tron merchandise hasn't quite reached that level, but it is selling remarkably well. Enough so that they have had trouble keeping stock of specific items in the theme parks. The Disney rave known as "ElecTRONica" has been an unprecedented success that has been extended till April. And as a brand factory, the Mouse is looking for properties that it can take and exploit. Tron could be one of those properties. While a movie like "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" has made a slightly similar box office take ($335 million), it hasn't produced nearly the benefit of expanding beyond people actually going to see it in a theater. Translation: Not enough shirts, toys and games were sold to justify any sequel.

And for those that think studios won't make a sequel to this because of the box office, remember a little film called "G.I. Joe" that came out in 2009? It had a worldwide gross of $302 million dollars. And if anyone has been paying attention, Paramount is moving ahead with a sequel, albeit without original director Stephen Sommers. And for those that think it cost less than Legacy; it cost more (Joe: $175 mil/TL: $170). The Studio suits saw the potential for merchandising and it was justified to make another one. I'm sure Disney Suits are taking note of all the people that have seen this film 2,3, and some up 7 or 8 times in a theater. That kind of brand loyalty is very difficult to find.

So a sequel to the sequel to the original isn't dead and doomsayers and haters should caution their tantrums and insults. Tron Fans should also take a note of caution as well, there is no green light yet. Those plans for a trailer of TR3N could turn out to be just extra scenes for the Blu-Ray/DVD or maybe even just a teaser for "Tron Uprising."

But either way, the last line of code has yet to be written on the Grid...

28 Years Versus 28 Months...

Game on, again...




I'm sure you all saw that post over at Ain't It Cool News yesterday...

Now, I have no confirmation of this. In fact, I've been waiting to hear back from several bothans, and I know as of last week the Bothans in Glendale were still waiting to hear if their proposals would be moving forward out of the blue sky phase.

But according Harry and his sources, the Mouse is about to green light a third Tron film. A sequel to Legacy would be the second of a proposed new trilogy that sets the original in a place of its own. Now I know many people didn't expect another Tron film, several have considered this one a bomb. It's not a bomb, but it certainly isn't the "Star Wars" type of blockbuster that Disney was hoping for. That said, it has just crossed the $300 million figure and will likely top out between $350 and $400 million global. Not bad, but for it to have been the hit Burbank Suits were wanting, it would have had to come close to half a billion. Still, the merchandise is selling well, the ElecTRONica event at DCA is a HUGE hit that has been extended to April (at least) and there are still those cable, pay-per-view and DVD/Blu-Ray sales to consider.

When it all comes to a close the film will be profitable, but the question is how popular? And if that will be enough to green light another film. One thing I can tell you is that if another film comes together, John Lasseter and the Brain Trust will have much more say in the story. Rich Ross has been actively involving John in the process far more than Dick Cook ever did. He's been picking apart what the folks at the Lamp feel about much of the upcoming slate. So if we do get to go on the grid, next time you're going to see a more solid script before they start filming. From what I've heard, the animated series is still going ahead. Nothing has been stopped, no plugs have been pulled. So all you haters can hold off on your funeral for Kevin Flynn and his kin.

There may yet be another chance to ride those light cycles...

Covering Tron...

The Code, the Code...




Programmers Unite...
With all the Tron related stuff that's coming out soon, I thought this would be nice...

What you're looking at is the front cover/back cover for the Marvel Comics prequel to the film, "Tron: Betrayal." Pretty cool, huh? The painting, done by famous comic book artist Jock is one of several that he produced for the project. Here are the rest if you'd like to take a look at them.

By September the onslaught of Tronmania will begin to build and build until you cannot stop or avoid it.

Give in, Programs...

Hat Tip to io9.

The Color Of Money...

The world is a carousel of color...


There's a lot of colorful bling on the nighttime scene...

If you've seen Disney California Adventure's "World of Color" night time show, then you've more than likely have seen the many things you can buy to show all those that haven't seen it that you have.

Disney is never one to miss an opportunity to market something to its guests and to milk it for everything it's worth. This isn't an insult by the way, I happen to have several shirts from this thing as well.

I figured we would take this opportunity to show you that haven't seen it, some (but not all) of the items you can spend some green to show some color. Or, show the world that you've seen the world.




Last night, a group of friends and I spent the evening watching the 4th of July fireworks at Disneyland and then went over to DCA for that new swanky, water show. If you were there, you would have seen me. I was wearing this...







It comes in light blue and pink as well. I don't own a pink one, btw.

Not enough info? Well, my lovely date was wearing this...







And a good friend tagging along happened to be wearing this...









And his lady-friend was wearing this...







When she wanted this...







When it got a little chillier, I put on this...







Because this would have been too spot on for me...








And after watching the show from the shower that is the front section, I dried off with this...





Of course, they offer several items exclusively for Annual Passholders as well, like this pin...






I don't know why anyone, even a kid would one of these goofy, useless things...





I mean, one of those rainbow lightsabers would've been better.

Then there were the people I saw walking around wearing bracelets like these...



I was hungry, but we decided to wait until later. Flavored popcorn is not my thing...




But those drinks were tasty, once alcohol was added, I mean...



And this glass was magical. Literally, because it changes colors depending on what you put in it. If you put orange juice, it turns orange. If you put grape juice it turns purple. If you put water in it, it miraculously turns transparent...



And those balloons that glow are interesting, but I'd hate to be the kid that wakes up the next day to find it flat. I swear it was glowing and floating last night, dad...






And that's only some of the things you can buy while there. But I think Disney has done a great job of creating interest in the show and watching these things fly off the shelves shows that guest really like it. It's nice to see people coming into the resorts sister park for something only it has. Instead of people coming simply because they have one more day on their pass and they haven't checked out the other park yet.

Change is coming and this is only the beginning and it's good to see some fruit of the TLC that this part of the Disney Empire is getting. It's slow, but it is happening.

I can't wait till they start working on that new front entrance that is going to give the park it's own version of what Main Street is to Disneyland. It now has it's own version of "Fantasmic!" to get guests into the park.

It's going to be interesting to see what becomes this park's "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction as we move into the second decade of this second gate...

ReImagined Magic...

$$$$$$...




$$$$$$...
Those of you that wondered what the new Disney Store would look like finally have your chance to see what all the hype is about...

Opening today at The Shops at Montebello is the first revised example of what the new "Imagination Park" as it's sometimes called will be. So if you live in Southern California you might want to brave traffic and take a trip with your young boy(s) or girl(s) to, as Disney likes to say "The best thirty minutes of a child’s day."

Interested?

The best way to find out is to take the drive...

Powerful...

It appears that Haim Saban has bought back the "Mighty Morphing Power Rangers" from the Walt Disney Company...

Good riddance.

Let me make this clear, I HATE the Power Rangers. I've never enjoyed or understood the love for them since the early Nineties. Yes, I know that they're not made for me, but neither was "Phineas and Ferb," but I find that show quite a fun experience. And it's not the Anime look that the series has. I love "Gatchaman" (Battle of the Planets), but am ambivalent on "Voltron." It's always been just a cheap, badly acted, badly written, badly produced show. Not anything that I would equate with the Disney name. And Disney didn't go out of it's way to get PR either. It simply acquired them in the purchase of the "Fox Family Channel," which became the "ABC Family Channel." I wish Saban well with them, but I'm glad they're not part of the Disney stable.

Now that Iger has gotten rid of a group of characters that don't belong in the Disney world, perhaps he'll purchase some characters that are perfect for it...

Fairy Tale StorE...

When you dream upon some cash...



Makes no difference where you stash...
Over the last few years, an experience at a Disney Store hasn't been any more memorable than walking into any other store...

That's supposed to change soon.

Remember that re-imagining of the Disney Stores that Bob Iger has planned for the chain? Well, it's going to be opening it's first new vision of the retail outlet next month at The Shops at Montebello in Montebello, CA. Over the next seven years the plan will be to change the atmosphere at each of the approximately 200+ stores of the chain (about 20 will open this year in America and Europe). When the Mouse sold the chain there were near five hundred stores, but the brand became diluted and the service became less memorable.

Here's to the new shops getting a little more of that Disney magic...

A Jewel, A Gem No Longer...

The one-of-a-kind "Jewel of Orleans" is a gem no longer. The River front store in Disneyland's New Orleans Square that sells rare estate and other unique jewelry will be closing due to "tough economic" times on, oddly enough, April 15th. The store was privately run, which I didn't know, and they have decided to close up shop and focus on their other locations:

“Our Dear friends,

We want to extend our thanks for all you both have done to help us over the years. It is with deep sadness that we must tell you that we are closing our Disneyland location. We plan to close The "Jewel Of Orleans" on April 15th. Due to this tough economic time we have no choice but to focus on our two Northern California stores. We will continue to offer sales and special deals on our company website. We also encourage you to check us out on facebook. And please keep in mind that our Home store in San Francisco is not far from the new "Disney" museum!”

After the "Jewel of Orleans" closes Disneyland will have one remaining store like this that is not the gimmicky merchandise local that seems to choke the atmosphere right out of each land - and that is the Coat-of-Arms in Fantasyland. Selling plaques and shirts with family crests and sabers and swords and such. And I'd bet the Coat-of-Arms days are numbered too!

It's very sad to see these shops go. I think part of the charm of Walt's early Disneyland was that there were shops that evoked the spirit of each land like the flower or candle shop on Main St., or the old one-of-a-kind antique shop in New Orleans Square among others.

Given the times, reinforcing this kind of shopping that is half entertainment and nostalgia could go a long way. I'd love to see things like a baseball card shop on Main St. 0r an old time hat shop in Adventureland? Walt built the berm around Disneyland to keep the rest of the world out. Now there's Quicksilver and Roxy all over Adventureland, with the same stuff at any mall in America. - and you can buy any merchandise from the parks online anyway. Why not preserve some of the Gems that make Disneyland a diamond in the rough?

D23 Exposition...

With the D23 Expo just around the corner more details have started to leak out...

For those of you that never really like it when I include Star Wars news in my post, you won't like this one, or the Expo for that matter. Since characters from George Lucas' universe will have a place at the event as well. Over at the official website they mentioned this:

"In response to inquiries from Star Wars fan sites about Storm Troopers at the D23 Expo, D23 issues the following statement: "We were contacted by the Galactic Empire and have been advised that Imperial dignitaries will be attending Disney's D23 Expo," said Steven Clark, head of D23. "As a result, a legion of Storm Troopers from the 501st Battalion will be patrolling the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday, September 12."

There's an official promo reel that they've put up on you YouTube you might want to take a look at.

And they've started some viral teases with videos like this one here.

And don't forget to check out D23's Twitter page for continued updates.

Expect more to come before the fun of September begins...

It's All In The Details...

The Walt Disney Company has finally started to release details about the upcoming D23/Expo this Fall...

Go over and check out all the events that are planned and expect many more announcements between now and then.

Come September...

Mea Culpa...

Looks like the critics of Pixar's "Up" have finally started to admit they were wrong...

The New York Times has a nice article by Brooks Barnes that talks to some of the people that originally doubted the Lamp could pull this off and they've finally started say they misjudged the film a bit.

But just a bit...

Nerdvana: Disney Style...

I may actually have to attend this...

I knew about D23 well before it was announced, but the details were kind of vague as to what would finally be offered. Now that the info for this expo has been released I'm starting to get giddy. Just a bit. But it seems the Mouse is planning on having its own version of Comic-Con, just with Disney related items, panels and merchandise. Now at first I was a little skeptical, but after seeing the line up I'm kind of impressed. If they actually pull this off, I think this could be the beginning of something beautiful and something big.

Time will tell...

Here's the preliminary schedule which will undoubtedly change as it gets closer to September:

D23 EXPO, THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EXPERIENCE,
COMES TO THE ANAHEIMCONVENTION CENTER SEPT. 10-13

Four Extraordinary Days of Live Events, Interactive Pavilions and One-of-a-Kind Entertainment Celebrate the Past, Present and Future of Disney.

ANAHEIM and BURBANK, Calif. – June 3, 2009 – Disney fans will be given unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center when Disney and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans present the first-ever D23 EXPO.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available beginning today at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is discounted for members of D23.

“We hope this will be the ultimate event for the multitude of fans who have been so instrumental in Disney’s success,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “The D23 Expo represents the finest in Disney entertainment from across our great company and will offer a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle added, “The upcoming D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center will serve as an exciting opportunity to present Anaheim to the millions of Disney enthusiasts around the world. For the thousands of inaugural-year D23 Expo attendees who will visit our city in September, this will be a special and a memorable time in the birthplace of Walt Disney’s original theme park. It is a great honor for Anaheim and the Anaheim Convention Center to host this event.”

Among the centerpiece events of the D23 EXPO will be an extraordinary, exclusive opportunity to get early glimpses of several all-new Disney feature films. Only at the D23 EXPO will guests preview a wide range of upcoming movie events, including The Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON, Toy Story 3, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Walt Disney Pictures will present these special sneak peeks in a state-of-the-art cinema built especially for the D23 EXPO.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will take D23 EXPO guests behind the scenes to explore the rich legacy and exciting future of Disney’s theme parks and vacation destinations worldwide. Highlights will include a special look at what’s being imagineered for the future of Disney’s California Adventure, a peek behind closed doors at the amazing new technologies defining today’s and tomorrow’s Disney theme park experience, and the opportunity to meet and hear from the Imagineers, Cast Members and key Disney Parks and Resorts executives who create lasting memories for millions every year.

In many different ways, the D23 EXPO will explore the history and heritage of Walt Disney and the company he founded more than 80 years ago. The D23 EXPO will be home to the 2009 Disney Legends Awards – a 22-year tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to Disney entertainment. This year’s recipients will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12, marking the first time the prestigious event has been held off Disney property.

In an extraordinary exhibition designed specifically for the D23 EXPO, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney’s history. Ranging from the original Mickey Mouse Club and the musical classic Mary Poppins to recent hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” is a never-before-experienced exhibit that’s a D23 EXPO exclusive.

The D23 EXPO spotlight will also shine on Disney Channel's brightest stars in a can't miss-special event. There will also be an ESPN Sports Lounge, live broadcasts from Radio Disney, and a preview of ABC's new fall primetime shows, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks at www.D23Expo.com.

For Disney fans who want to take home part of the magic, Disney Consumer Products will offer myriad opportunities to do just that. Only at the D23 EXPO will guests be able to walk through the eight-room “Disney Dream Home,” celebrate the holidays Disney-style, see fine art created before their eyes, learn about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, experience Disney couture fashion shows, meet and hear from the authors of a dazzling array of Disney books, prepare for trick-or-treating with the latest Disney Store Halloween costumes, and more ... all under one roof.

The D23 EXPO also will be home to the “Disney Dream Store,” where guests will find exclusive D23 EXPO merchandise and collectibles; the Disney pin-trading headquarters; and much more, including the chance to build your own Mouse ears.

Showcasing Disney’s appeal to fans of every generation, the D23 EXPO has created a multi-layered experience: Avid Disney enthusiasts can attend dozens of specially created panels and celebrity-speaker events, details of which will be announced over the next several weeks. Younger Disney fans, meanwhile, will be able to experience special interactive play areas, meet their favorite Radio Disney DJs broadcasting live, watch “Princess makeover” demonstrations from the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique, and have fun in the Baby Einstein play area. Together, families can enjoy the Disney Lace Name and learn about Disney-themed scrapbooking.

The D23 Collectors’ Forum will present a wide range of options for collectors to show and sell their Disney memorabilia, and those interested in exhibiting can visit www.D23Expo.com for more information.

Fans also will be able to view and even take part in the first-ever Disney Fan Art Gallery, which will include the finalists in the Donald Duck 75th Anniversary Portrait Contest, as well as a one-of-a-kind fan art show. Full details and contest rules can be found at www.D23Expo.com or www.disney.com/D23.

All activities at the D23 EXPO are included in single- and four-day admissions, including the “50 and Fabulous Film Festival,” which honors three classic Disney movies that are celebrating their golden anniversaries this year. Sleeping Beauty, The Shaggy Dog and Darby O’Gill and the Little People, all originally released in 1959, will be presented on the big screen, one movie each evening, for Disney fans of all ages to enjoy together. Also featured at the D23 EXPO will be a special screening of Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming Tinker Bell: Lost Treasure, along with an in-depth exploration of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition, which will be released this fall by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO, which go on sale today, are $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children 3-12. To experience every bit of entertainment and excitement at the D23 EXPO, four-day passes are also available at $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four same-day admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Special vacation packages are available at the D23 EXPO website, from both the Walt Disney Travel Company (including Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations, D23 EXPO tickets and theme park admission), and the Anaheim Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, which is offering a limited number of area hotel rooms at special rates to those attending the D23 EXPO.

Many more details about the entertainment, events and special guests that will be part of the first-ever D23 EXPO will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all of the announcements by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywoodlace>. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 85-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 EXPO in Anaheim, California, September 10-13, 2009. Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United Stateslace>, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.

The "T" Word...

Every studio wants franchises...


Franchise are a guarantee of revenue over a period of time and nothing pleases Suits and stockholders better than the ability to know you'll have a reliable source of profits. Although nothing is certain in this world, franchises are perhaps the closest thing to a sure thing in Hollywood.

Disney likes them too, but lately, the Mouse is being more specific on what it wants from franchises. It wants a trilogy. This gives them a franchise with a beginning and and an end in sight when it comes to focusing on the cost of these creations. And even though they are magnets for money, they also cost a lot of money. Now if the trilogy is a success then they'll do more(Pirates 4 anyone?), but these projects are big enough that three are more than enough to keep the film, marketing and merchandise departments busy for the better part of a decade.

The new remake/prequel/revision of 20K is being positioned as such. Don't imagine that this first project that McG wants to do as being a one shot thing. Should it be successful the company has plans to move forward with a trilogy. A second film has already been discussed and story ideas are already in play. This isn't the only project that Iger, Cook and Aviv are intent on exploiting with this strategy. The film division is working to create many projects over the next years that will be "Tent Pole" events that can function as a trilogy should the box office gods shine upon them. Iger has been heard talking about projects that can be spread across the many divisions of the Walt Disney Company. Having two, three or even four properties that can be used as trilogies will be very profitable and very key to the corporate strategy of Disney over the next decade. So when you see Walt Disney Pictures filled with characters and stories that you love and want to see again, you may get your wish.

Again and again and again...

$elling Bolt$...

With Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Bolt" only days away from it's DVD/Blu-Ray release I remembered going to see it once again...

I remember stopping by The Disney Store to see what merchandise they had for it and finding very little, but also hearing that many of the plush, stuffed figures they had were constantly sold out. I went to another store and found the same problem. While Bolt merchandise didn't light marketing on fire, it did do surprisingly well, even though I didn't see much of it.

So in light of the new formats being released this month and the approaching $300 million dollar figure at the box office, I figured I'd see some of what Disney Consumer Products had made for the dog that I hadn't seen...

Pete's Dragon Returns...

Kind of...

Many of us have wondered what some of the projects that Disney's new comic book company would be working on... Speculation has run from many theme park attractions to several lesser known films. I can tell you that one of the project it's working on....

It appears that Kingdom Comics is working on new stories featuring Elliot the lovable Dragon from "Pete's Dragon" back in those bellbottomed 70's. Not sure if or how much Pete will play into this, if at all, but the primary focus will be on Elliot.

It's not known if this will lead to a film project, but that was one of the original intentions of Kingdom; to develop properties that could be turned into games, television and film crossovers.

Developing...

The Beauty In All Things Tangible (Part One)...

There a lot of things one can collect if they're into Disney...

There is an art sometimes to just packaging. A sculpture sometimes says more than just what it's trying to convey or a DVD collection can be just a thing of beauty. Let's take a look at some of the interesting things that can come from a Mouse....

On video or DVD or Laserdisc even...


























Or the lovely way you can showcase music...







Or even the packages that hold the packages...





And speaking of music, check out these maracas from the very talented designer Kevin Kidney...



Or if you wanted to listen to music in the 30's/40's and loved Disney, how about these nice Emerson radios...





Then there's the lovely tomes that are available, even if they're not your cup of tea...







And some that you might find interesting if you, like me, enjoy pirates...



Or these fantastic recreations from Disney classics by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily...









And if you're looking at these when it starts getting dark you may need a little light. How about this lantern inspired by the "Song of the South" film?



Or if you have a large house, a mansion if you will, then perhaps this table lamp recreation from a prop in the Haunted Mansion...



Me? I prefer this very Arts and Crafts style lamp that focuses on Bambi...



How about a game? Let's play an old classic themed to Disney love...



Perhaps a game of cards...



Into a little nostalgia? How about a replica of the old Hyperion sign from Disney Studios...



And if you're getting a little tired curl up on your bed with one of these Mary Blair art inspired pillows...



Or this beautiful glasswork based on the famous poster from 20K that Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily did...






And you all know how much I love posters, like this one about the Tiki Room is very cool and interesting...





Now if you've got a dog that you know happens to love Disney then these are waiting to be placed around his neck...





And if you're running late you might want to carry one of these...





Sometimes you need to carry that Disney artwork with you and it just won't fit. That's when a themed thumb drive like this comes in handy...





And while we're talking about technology, if you want to carry those Disney tunes around this might make a swell thing to do it with...




I've never been a big lanyard person, but if I were this would be the first thing on my list...




Also there are those really rare or expensive specialty items...





Or for those of you that want to be like John Lasseter there is this...




And if watching the latest Disney film makes you cry, I've got the solution...




Wouldn't you have liked to have had these to send just a few weeks ago...




And lastly, we can't forget the stamps...



TTFN...