2015 D23 Expo

[fladogfan aka Gretchen 259]

Last night had a post all ready to send and ka-pow we got lightning right outside the window.  So close that my dogs were sitting under the desk with worried eyes, not even begging for food.  These 2 pups usually don't even flinch for thunder storms or the firework shows we can hear.  But last night they were worried.  Took a cue from them and shut down.   Below are a couple of the posts I wanted to comment about.

 

Try not to feel too blue about missing it.

 

[ba-dump-bump]

 

:user2552:  :rotfl5:

And my favorite so far...

MouseInfo ‏@MouseInfo 1m1 minute ago

And the audience goes mild at mention of My Magic Plus #D23EXPO

 

Yep, I'm real mild about Magic Bands too.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Today is the last day of the D23 Expo.  Here's a recap of this morning's "Live Action" event from WDWNews Today...

 

 

16 Aug
D23 Expo 2015: Disney Showcases Live Action Slate

 

STARS AND FILMMAKERS OF UPCOMING DISNEY, MARVEL STUDIOS AND LUCASFILM MOVIES FEATURED AT TODAY’S LIVE ACTION EVENT

 

Disney, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm presented their live action film slates this morning at the D23 EXPO 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. The presentations, which revealed exclusive news and details about the upcoming live action films, were aided by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers. Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn hosted the highly anticipated biennial event.

“It’s quite something to be able to have Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm all on the same stage, and it’s tremendously gratifying to unveil our upcoming projects to our most dedicated fans first,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We always have an incredible time at the D23 EXPO.”

 

After welcoming the crowd to D23 EXPO 2015, Horn introduced Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, to present overviews of the Marvel Studios and Disney live action slates. Later Horn returned to the stage to present the Lucasfilm film slate to the enthusiastic audience.

 

A recap of the presentation follows:

 

• Kevin Feige led off with a glimpse into the world of Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” featuring  a video greeting by Benedict Cumberbatch, who stars as the title character, followed by a pre-production piece that offered fans a taste of the look and feel of the upcoming  film, opening in U.S. theaters on October 26, 2016.

• Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” marched into D23 EXPO with an introduction by its producer, Kevin Feige. To the delight of the audience, Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie showed up on stage to help Feige show never-seen-before footage from the movie. Before the footage rolled, Feige revealed that there was a special “Easter egg” for fans to find: it was aptly a nod to D23 EXPO.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

 

The movie stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Emily VanCamp, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Frank Grillo, Tom Holland, with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” is directed by Anthony & Joe Russo and produced by Kevin Feige. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee serve as executive producers and the screenplay is by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.

 

• Sean Bailey took the stage to introduce the first film in the Disney live-action lineup, “The Finest Hours,” which is based on the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Chris Pine, who plays Bernie Webber, the captain of the rescue boat, joined Bailey on stage to give fans a peak at the heroic action-thriller.

Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and also stars Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana, transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale.

 

“The Finest Hours” is produced by Jim Whitaker and Dorothy Aufiero and Doug Merrifield is the executive producer. The film is based on the book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman and the screenplay is by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson.  “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016.

 

THE JUNGLE BOOK – WILD WORLD — Man-cub Mowgli (voice of Neel Sethi), who’s been raised by a family of wolves, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, guided by a panther-turned-mentor Bagheera. Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and featuring state-of the-art technology that immerses audiences in the lush world like never before, Disney’s “The Jungle Book” hits theaters in stunning 3D and IMAX 3D on April 15, 2016. ©2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

• After an introduction by Sean Bailey, Jon Favreau, director of Disney’s upcoming “The Jungle Book,” welcomed to the stage newcomer Neel Sethi, who was selected from thousands of candidates to play man-cub Mowgli; plus Oscar® winners Ben Kingsley, who helps bring panther-turned-mentor Bagheera to life, and Lupita Nyong’o, who lends her voice to the protective mother wolf Raksha. Favreau treated fans to a sneak peek of footage from the film, and each guest received a copy of the dramatic teaser poster following the presentation. The all-new, live-action epic adventure showcases Mowgli’s journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s 1967 animated classic, the film features state-of the-art technology that immerses audiences in the lush world like never before. “The Jungle Book” also features the voices of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito and Christopher Walken. Jon Favreau and Brigham Taylor produce and the screenplay is by Justin Marks. “The Jungle Book” hits theaters in stunning 3D and IMAX 3D on April 15, 2016.

• Bailey welcomed Mia Wasikowska to the stage, where she thrilled fans with a preview of the all-new spectacular adventure, “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories. Director James Bobin brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” in which Alice (Wasikowska) returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. The film, which once again features Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall, introduces several new characters as well: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father, and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.

Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd, and Tim Burton produce and John G. Scotti is the executive producer. The screenplay is by Linda Woolverton. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.

 

In addition to attending the film’s presentation in Hall D23 at the Convention Center, fans had the opportunity to transform themselves into their favorite characters from Underland with an interactive experience, Travel Through the Looking Glass. By means of a first-to-market face-tracking application, D23 EXPO participants entering one of four photo booths located on the show floor were able to become the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, the White Rabbit or the Cheshire Cat with full digital-makeup and cinematic 3D objects seamlessly—and instantly—applied to their reflections, and in real time. They were then emailed a 10-second video and still image, which they could share on their favorite social media platforms.

 

• Bryce Dallas Howard joined Bailey on stage to talk about her starring role in “Pete’s Dragon,” a reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film. The heartwarming adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon, “Pete’s Dragon” is directed by David Lowery, produced by Jim Whitaker, and executive-produced by Barrie Osborne, and also stars Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence and Robert Redford. “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

• Bailey, with the help of Lupita Nyong’o, introduced the crowd to the upcoming film “Queen of Katwe,” which is based on the inspirational true story of a girl from the poverty-stricken slums of rural Uganda who dreams of becoming a champion chess player. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” stars Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and newcomer Medina Nalwanga.

• Bailey next presented “Beauty and the Beast,” including a musical greeting from stars Emma Watson, Josh Gad and Luke Evans—sent from the London set where they are currently filming. The live-action musical, a retelling of the studio’s animated classic, stars Watson,  Dan Stevens, Evans, Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald and newcomer Nathan Mack. The film is directed by Bill Condon.  Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated classic, provides the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Tim Rice, as well as several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

• A surprise visit by Johnny Depp, who showed up on stage completely decked out as Captain Jack Sparrow, brought down the house and thrilled fans at Sean Bailey’s presentation of the next exciting film in the “Pirates of the Caribbean “ franchise, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” 

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him.  Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.

 

The film is directed by Espen Sandberg & Joachim Rønning and stars Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kevin R. McNally, Kaya Scodelario, Golshifteh Farahani, Stephen Graham, David Wenham and Geoffrey Rush. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Joe Caracciolo, Jr. and Brigham Taylor serve as executive producers. Jeff Nathanson wrote the screenplay. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” releases in U.S. theaters on July 7, 2017.

 

• Alan Horn took the stage again to present the Lucasfilm slate and timeline to the D23 EXPO fans.  Horn told the audience that there were only 124 days to the release of Episode VII, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” on December 18, 2015 and added that there have been record-breaking trailer views and fantastic fan response. Touching on “Star Wars: Episode VIII,” Horn reminded the audience that Rian Johnson will be directing the film slated for release on May 26, 2017. Then in a surprise announcement, Horn informed everyone that Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic World”) has signed on to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX,” which is scheduled for release in 2019.

Moving on to the new Star Wars stories series, Horn touched on the “Untitled Han Solo” stand-alone film, slated for release on May 25, 2018 by reminding everyone that it  will be directed by Christopher Miller & Phil Lord, with Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon Kasdan writing the screenplay.

 

• Horn then took the audience by surprise, announcing the cast for “Rogue One,” the first of the standalone Star Wars stories to hit the big screen, which has commenced principal photography. Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) is directing “Rogue One,” which tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star.

The filmmakers have assembled a stellar cast, including Felicity Jones, nominated for an Academy Award® for her leading role in “The Theory of Everything”; Diego Luna, who was featured in 2008’s Oscar®-winning “Milk” and the critically acclaimed “Killing Them Softly”; Ben Mendelsohn, recently nominated for an Emmy® for his leading role in “Bloodline” and co-starring  in the upcoming “Mississippi Grind”; Donnie Yen, Hong Kong action star and martial artist who starred in “Ip Man” and “Blade II”; Jiang Wen, who co-wrote, produced , directed and starred in the award-winning “Let the Bullets Fly” and “Devils on the Doorstep”; Forest Whitaker, recently featured in the critically-acclaimed Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” and winner of an Academy Award® for his leading role in 2006’s “The Last King of Scotland; Mads Mikkelsen, who starred in “The Hunt” and was the memorable villain from 2006’s “Casino Royale”;  Alan Tudyk,  who plays a performance-capture character in “Rogue One,” stars in the soon-to-be-released “Con Man” series and “Trumbo,” which releases this November; and Riz Ahmed, who was recently featured in “Nightcrawler” and starred in the BAFTA-winning film “Four Lions.”

 

The film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and is slated for a December 16, 2016 release.

• “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ended the live-action presentation with a bang as J.J. Abrams introduced stars John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Lupita Nyong’o. The crowd cheered when John Boyega announced that everyone there would get a Drew Struzan D23 EXPO commemorative poster to take home. Then, in a bringing-down-the house surprise moment, Harrison Ford, who is reprising his role as Han Solo, joined Abrams on stage to wild applause.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by J.J. Abrams & Lawrence Kasdan.  “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” releases in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2015.

 

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2015/08/d23-expo-2015-disney-showcases-live-action-slate/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Many thanks to Mo, the TCD gang and Beckers.

The news made the front page of the Orlando Sentinel today.  Right next to a big article about Cuba.

 

http://eedition.orlandosentinel.com/Olive/ODE/orlandosentinel2/

 

Apparently it was a pretty big deal on the other coast too. 

 

LaughingPlace.com ‏@laughing_place 1h1 hour ago

Look who made the front page of Sunday's newspaper! #D23Expo

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Video recap of the live action presentation...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7g0qShPp2o

 

Lots of the stars of the films appeared before a crowd of approx. 8,000.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Highlight of presentation for us was when they called Stan Lee up from the audience during a presentation about new Iron Man attraction, and he was seated three seats down from us.

 

Here's a video clip of that moment.  I tried to see if I could spot TCD and the twins... 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qilICflY6w

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

And just 'cause it's fun, video of Disney Cast Members singing a medley of nighttime show music...

 

Attractions Magazine

Published on Aug 15, 2015

Many Disney Cast Members came on stage at the end of the Parks and Resorts presentation to sing a medley of many of Disney Parks' various nighttime show songs.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy1fZU4J4Qs

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

OK TCD, so I have to ask.... was the crazy crowd situation and extreeeeeeeeemely long wait worth it?? 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Interactive panel.  I'm sure there will be more details on this posted later...

 

Chip and Company ‏@chipandcompany 49m49 minutes ago

Breaking - Disney Magic Kingdoms is coming to mobile devices and will allow you to make your own disneypark #d23expo

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Continuing the theme of "The People of D23" that TCD kicked off so well...

 

Inside the Magic ‏@InsideTheMagic 1m1 minute ago

#D23Expo 2015: Our favorite cosplay – Princesses, Villains, Bing Bong oh my! - http://www.insidethemagic.net/2015/08/d23-expo-2015-our-favorite-cosplay-princesses-villains-bing-bong-oh-my/ …

 

 

Denise at Mousesteps ‏@Mousesteps 5m5 minutes ago

Spider-Man is walking the floor at #D23Expo #cosplay #disney #marvel @DisneyD23

 

 

Denise at Mousesteps ‏@Mousesteps 43m43 minutes ago

Princess cosplay at #D23Expo #disney #princess @disneyd23 #cosplay

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

 

From the Disney Interactive panel.  I'm sure there will be more details on this posted later...

 

Chip and Company ‏@chipandcompany 49m49 minutes ago

Breaking - Disney Magic Kingdoms is coming to mobile devices and will allow you to make your own disneypark #d23expo

 

 

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/16166-disney-magic-kingdoms-mobile-game/

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

OK TCD, so I have to ask.... was the crazy crowd situation and extreeeeeeeeemely long wait worth it?? 

The bottom line is no, it was not worth it. This was another event where greed got the best of Disney. It was oversold, and way too crowded. I feel bad for the chumps who are actually D23 members. It is ridiculous to charge $70 admission for something like this, and then not being able to get a seat in the presentations without lining up hours ahead of time. We didn't see any merchandise to buy, because we would have had to stand on line for 2+ hours just to get in the store.

I'm glad that we did it, because it was interesting, but I am not happy with how much it cost. I feel ripped off.

No worries, though. I will be sending one of my signature emails to guest relations.

TCD

[Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie 119]

At least you got a shot with an Avatar ;0)

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

:banana:   Another Pete's Dragon movie!  One of my all-time Disney favorites!  Although it won't be the same without Mickey Rooney.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Inside The Magic recapped yesterday's giant Animation presentation from yesterday. Complete article with tons of photo and video...

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2015/08/d23-expo-2015-disney-animation-studios-and-pixar-wow-fans-with-epic-3-hour-presentation-of-upcoming-films/

 

Excerpted text...

 

 

The enthusiastic crowd at D23 Expo 2015 was abuzz with energy during the much-anticipated animation presentation this afternoon. Chairman of Disney Studios Alan Horn presented a sizzle reel of Disney Productions past, present, and future, live-action and animation, that got things off to an exciting start. He pridefully reminded the audience of the recent successes the studio had in “Inside Out” and “Big Hero 6″, and that “Frozen” is now the highest-grossing animated film in history and that a sequel is most definitely in the works.

 

The stage was then handed over to Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios John Lasseter (proud owner of over five hundred Hawaiian shirts) who talked about continuing the grand tradition of ninety-two years of Disney animation, and how his life changed for the better when Disney acquired Pixar in 2006. He said it marked both a guarantee that Pixar would live forever and that Disney Animation Studios itself would greatly improve, with an intentional change from executive-driven movies to filmmaker-driven entries.

 

The first upcoming animated feature discussed in detail was “Zootopia”, which director Rich Moore (of “The Simpsons”) described as a “Wind in the Willows” for today’s audiences. Moore and his creative team discussed how they researched the behavior and movement of animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and in the nation of Kenya. The movie takes place in a city designed for animals, by animals, divided into geographic climate zones like Sahara Square, Tundra Town, and the Rainforest District. The lead of the voice-over cast Ginnifer Goodwin (of “Once Upon a Time”) was then brought out on stage to talk about her character, Judy Hoops, a bunny rabbit police officer in her first day on the job.

 

Goodwin confesses she is a certified Disney addict, who lives in the house previously owned by Jim Cummings, the legendary voice of Winnie the Pooh, among many other famous Disney characters. The crowd was then treated to several hilarious clips from the film, including one highlight that takes place in a DMV run exclusively by sloths. The movie looks like a lot of fun and will be released in March.

 

The first big announcement of the presentation came in the form of “Gigantic”, a Disneyfied take on the classic tale of “Jack and the Beanstalk”. Director Nathan Greno hopes the movie will become the definitive version of the tale. It takes place in Spain during the Age of Exploration and Discovery, and centers around the friendship formed between the adventurous Jack and an eleven-year-old girl giant named Inma as they face off against the warring race of Storm Giants. “Frozen” songwriters Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez were brought on-stage to perform their terrifically fun original song “My Little Man” written for the movie, set to storyboards of the scene during which it will play. “Gigantic” certainly seems to be Disney’s attempt to replicate the successes of both “Frozen” and “Tangled” in reinterpreting age-old stories for contemporary audiences. From what we saw today, that success is all but guaranteed.

 

Directors John Musker and Ron Clements of “Moana” promised a movie inspired by the people, stories, and music of the South Pacific, and it looks to be a visual treat. The story takes place two thousand years ago and focuses on a sixteen-year-old girl who aspires to continue the traditions of her people, renown as the world’s greatest navigators. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays the legendary demigod Maui, and the famous actor/professional wrestler delighted the D23 audience by coming out on stage to discuss his character and how thrilled he was to be in the movie and a part of the Disney family. We were then shown several clips of the film, which looks gorgeous and moving, including a test of a fearsome living volcanic guardian. A subsequent musical performance by the band who will provide the film’s music was very rousing. Very cool!

 

Then came time for the Pixar portion of the afternoon’s presentation, and John Lasseter gushed about how proud he was of “Inside Out”, and how, to him, it may very well be the most important movie the studio has made. We were then treated to the exclusive world premiere of the new “Inside Out” short, “Riley’s First Date?”, which was very funny and should definitely please fans of the movie, and will be available on its blu-ray and DVD releases in the fall.

 

“The Good Dinosaur” is the most immediate release on Pixar’s docket, and its filmmakers were not shy about sharing several long clips of the film, which centers around a dinosaur named Arlo who must transform from timid to confident as he makes a long journey back home after being swept down a river. He is accompanied by a feral human child caveman who, though anachronistic, will likely become a favorite of anyone who sees the movie when it finally hits theaters this November. Despite its troubled production history, “The Good Dinosaur” appears to be a fun road-trip movie with classic Disney-style tropes and characters.

 

Internationally famous comedian and talk-show host Ellen Degeneres was on-hand to discuss “Finding Dory”, the sequel she publically demanded many times, as was demonstrated in a series of clips. Director Andrew Stanton discussed how he felt the only unanswered question from “Finding Nemo” was Dory’s history– where was her family? So Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy have been cast as her parents and new cast members Ed O’Neill and Ty Burrell (both of “Modern Family”) and Kaitlyn Olson (from “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”) play a variety of interesting sea creatures who help Dory on her quest to discover her past. The clips we were shown looked very promising.

 

Another original Pixar film in development is called “Coco”, a title finally given to the long-announced Mexican Day of the Dead-themed movie coming down the pike from the studio. The main character will be a twelve-year-old boy named Miguel who unravels a generations-old mystery. We were shown a brief “diorama” of what the world of the movie will look like– lots of skeleton mariachis, apparently– but not much else. This could be interesting, but it seems reminiscent in theme and design to the incredible LucasArts adventure computer game “Grim Fandango”. Part of me wishes Pixar had simply developed that story into a movie instead, considering Disney now owns that property as well.

 

The final upcoming Pixar film to be previewed at this year’s D23 Expo was the hotly-anticipated “Toy Story 4″, which will once again be directed by the man himself, John Lasseter. Lasseter talked about how he and his creative team made a pinky-swear after “Toy Story 3″ came out that they would never make another one unless a truly worthy story came around. That story seems to have taken the shape of a quest by Woody and Buzz to track down the now-lost toy Bo Peep, voiced by Annie Potts, who did not appear in the third entry in the franchise. Lasseter said that each “Toy Story” movie was a different genre, and that this would be the first that could be considered a love story. Personally I think the trilogy works perfectly as it stands and well enough should sometimes be left alone, but I won’t kid myself that there is any doubt I will be in the theater once this new entry finally arrives.

 

The presentation was closed out by a brisk rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” performed by the always-terrific Randy Newman and accompanied by many Green Army Men, who rappelled from the rafters of the convention center to dance to the music with Woody and Buzz and shoot t-shirts into the crowd. All in all, it was a long, worthwhile afternoon showcasing the very promising near future of Disney animation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Seals 111]

I realize I'm not Disney's main demographic, or probably even a minor one (the cheap, middle aged woman demographic). But I'm looking forward a lot to Toy Story land, a little to Star Wars Land, and not at all to Avatarland. I'm looking forward to the new parade in Animal Kingdom. I'm looking forward to Finding Dory, Pete's Dragon and Gigantic and would be looking forward to Toy Story 4 if they weren't making it a love story with just about my least favorite Toy Story character -- Bo Peep. Woody can do much better IMHO.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Just ran across this from Inside the Magic which includes a video intro from Walt himself...

 

 

D23 Expo 2015: Disney in Concert – A Silly Symphony Celebration

Posted on

August 20, 2015
by Corinne Andersson

 

On the last day of the D23 Expo 2015 last weekend an animation concert was held celebrating the shorts from the 1920s and 30s called Silly Symphony. Two of the most popular shorts being The Skeleton Dance and Flowers and Trees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=111&v=HJ2XC-mu39M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lp__MwnM2s
 

The films were shown using newly restored digital film masters and were accompanied by the films’ original scores, played by a 32-piece orchestra under the baton of Steven Allen Fox. Leonard Maltin was the host for the evening.

 

 

 

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2015/08/d23-expo-2015-disney-in-concert-a-silly-symphony-celebration/