Saturday, August 31, 2019

Disney Introduced Its Upcoming Film Slate to D23 Expo Attendees

Disney Presents Upcoming Live-Action and Animated Movie Slate at D23 Expo 2019

The Walt Disney Studios—including studio leaders and filmmakers from Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Disney live action, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios—offered guests at D23 Expo 2019 a captivating look at Disney’s upcoming film slate. Alan Horn, co-chairman and chief creative officer, The Walt Disney Studios, was joined by Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, Disney live action’s Sean Bailey, Pixar’s Pete Docter and Disney Animation’s Jennifer Lee for the presentation in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center, featuring never-before-seen footage and a host of stars from films such as Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Marvel Studios’ The Eternals, Jungle Cruise, Onward and Frozen 2.

“You’re not just fans, you’re family,” Horn said, as he kicked off the highly anticipated presentation. “It’s because of you that we keep working so hard to make great movies, and we love D23 Expo because it’s where we can share them with you first.”

Here are the films that were in the spotlight:

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy welcomed director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams to the Hall D23 stage to celebrate the end of a saga that began 40 years ago. They were joined by nine stars from the film—returning cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, and Billy Dee Williams, and newcomers to the galaxy far, far away, Naomi Ackie and Keri Russell. A brand new poster was revealed for the audience, who were also given a look back at the incredible legacy of Star Wars storytelling and treated to a sneak peek of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which opens in U.S. theaters on December 20, 2019.

Black Panther 2 (working title)

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige was joined by Black Panther director and co-writer Ryan Coogler to confirm that a sequel to the blockbuster 2018 film will be released on May 6, 2022.

Marvel Studios’ The Eternals

“We’ve pulled back the cosmic curtain on the MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe] in ways you can’t imagine,” Feige said, as he brought the cast of The Eternals to the stage. Richard Madden portrays the all-powerful Ikaris; Kumail Nanjiani plays cosmic-powered Kingo; Lauren Ridloff portrays the super-fast Makkari, the first deaf hero in the MCU; Brian Tyree Henry plays the intelligent inventor Phastos; Salma Hayek plays the wise and spiritual leader Ajak; Lia McHugh portrays the eternally young, old-soul Sprite; Don Lee plays the powerful Gilgamesh; and Angelina Jolie stars as the fierce warrior Thena. Feige revealed concept art images of each character and announced three new cast members and their characters: Gemma Chan, who plays humankind-loving Sersi; Kit Harington, who was cast as non-Eternal Dane Whitman, and Barry Keoghan, who portrays aloof loner Druig, and was on hand for the event. Chloé Zhao, who helmed the critically acclaimed Sundance film The Rider, directs. The Eternals opens in U.S. theaters on November 6, 2020.

Black Widow

Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe kicks off with Black Widow, opening in U.S. theaters on May 1, 2020. Cate Shortland directs the film, which stars Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, David Harbour, as Alexei the Red Guardian, and Florence Pugh, who plays Yelena. Today, Feige gave the D23 Expo audience an exclusive look at the upcoming film.

Jungle Cruise

Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, kicked off a preview of upcoming releases for the studio with next summer’s Jungle Cruise, a rousing adventure inspired by the classic theme-park attraction. Star Dwayne Johnson, who plays riverboat captain Frank Wolff, “sailed” into Hall D23 aboard an original Jungle Cruise boat, introducing a “trailer” that showed off his character—so much so, that co-star Emily Blunt, who portrays Dr. Lily Houghton, arrived via classic car to share with fans her own “trailer,” offering a different perspective. Bailey laughingly informed Johnson and Blunt that neither trailer was official.

“We are keenly aware of the responsibility we have for such a beloved property, and that property is Jungle Cruise, the ride,” Johnson told fans, acknowledging the reverence fans have had for the attraction for generations. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Disney’s Jungle Cruise hits U.S. theaters on July 24, 2020.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

In the follow-up to the hit 2014 film, Maleficent, portrayed by Angelia Jolie, and her goddaughter Aurora, played by Elle Fanning, begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies and new dark forces at play. “We really pose the question and fight for the belief that what is different makes you stronger,” Jolie shared today. “And what is family and what defines family is what you believe in and how you love and what you stand for—it’s not just blood, and it’s not because you’re the same.” Jolie and Fanning were joined today at D23 Expo by Michelle Pfeiffer, who portrays Queen Ingrith, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, who stars as Connal, one of the leaders of the dark fey who becomes Maleficent’s ally. Directed by Joachim Rønning, who co-helmed 2017’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil arrives in U.S. theaters on October 18, 2019.

Mulan

Niki Caro, directs Disney’s Mulan, the upcoming live-action reimagining of the 1998 classic animated film. “What drew me to this project was Mulan herself,” Caro detailed. “Her journey from village girl to male soldier to warrior to hero, I think represents all of us. And the story is as relevant and inspiring today as it was when it was first written over 1,500 years ago. In Mulan, which opens in U.S. theaters on March 27, 2020, the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders. So, the eldest daughter of an honored but ailing warrior masquerades as a man, transforming into a heroic warrior to ultimately earn her the respect of a grateful nation and a proud father.

Cruella

Emma Stone and Emma Thompson star in the all-new feature film Cruella, which director Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya; The Finest Hours) brings to the big screen on May 28, 2021. Stone, who plays the iconic “Cruella,” sent D23 Expo fans a greeting from the film’s London-based set. Additionally, fans were able to get a taste of the fresh, 1970s, punk-rock approach Gillespie is bringing to the film through an image of Stone in full costume with the title character’s signature black-and-white hair.

Soul

Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, making his first Expo appearance since taking the helm of the Emeryville-based studio, shared exclusive looks at Pixar’s two original films slated for release in 2020. “Sequel or original, the most important thing for us at Pixar is making films that speak to everyone,” Docter said. Soul journeys from the streets of New York City to the never-before-seen cosmic realms and “The You Seminar,” the fantastical place where we all discover our unique personalities.

Producer Dana Murray, co-director/writer Kemp Powers and writer Mike Jones joined Docter on stage, and together they set up the film for the audience and shared a sneak peek. They were joined by members of the voice cast, revealed for the first time in Hall D23: Jamie Foxx stars as Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz; while Tina Fey is 22, a soul-in-training who has an unexpected encounter with Joe when he accidentally finds his way to the “The You Seminar.” Together, they embark upon finding a way to get Joe back to Earth, making him think again about what it truly means to have soul. Rounding out the cast—and joining Foxx and Fey today—are Ahmir Questlove Thompson as Curly; Phylicia Rashad as Libba; and Daveed Diggs as Paul. Filmmakers also revealed that globally renowned musician Jon Batiste will be writing original jazz music for the film, and Oscar® winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network), from Nine Inch Nails, will compose an original score that will drift between the real and soul worlds. Disney and Pixar’s Soul opens in U.S. theaters on June 19, 2020.

Onward

The movie, which opens in U.S. theaters on March 6, 2020, stars Tom Holland and Chris Pratt as two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left in the world. Set in a modern fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s Onward is inspired by Scanlon’s personal experiences with his brother. Holland, Pratt and Julia Louis-Dreyfus—who voices Mom in the movie—joined the filmmakers on stage—much to the delight of the audience, who watched an eight-minute clip from the film and also received an exclusive Onward poster.

Raya and the Last Dragon

“For nearly a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the most incredible artists and technicians in the world. And like me, they came to Disney because they were inspired and they wanted to help create the animated films of the future: adventures in completely original, fantastical worlds; stories from around the globe; and the next generation of musicals,” said Jennifer Lee, who, today, marked her first D23 Expo appearance as Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Lee presented an overview of the studio’s next two features, beginning with the Thanksgiving 2020 fantasy-action-adventure, Raya and the Last Dragon.

Directors Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins (Big Hero 6, Frozen), producer Osnat Shurer (Moana) and writer Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians) joined Lee on stage to set up the film, which introduces Raya, a lone warrior from the fantasy kingdom of Kumandra who teams up with a crew of misfits in her quest to find the Last Dragon and bring light and unity back to their world. The D23 Expo crowd was the first to get a look at the new film, viewing an exclusive three-minute piece. They also met two newly announced members of the voice cast: Awkwafina lends her voice to Sisu, the Last Dragon, who was left on Earth in case dark forces return to the world, and Cassie Steele voices the lead character, Raya. Exploring themes of community and hope, and inspired by the beautiful and diverse cultures of Southeast Asia, the fantasy-action-adventure Raya and the Last Dragon opens in U.S. theaters on November 25, 2020.

Frozen 2

Lee, who directs Frozen 2 with Chris Buck, and wrote the screenplay, invited Buck to join her on stage as the Oscar®-winning duo revealed new details about the upcoming film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 22. Lee and Buck shared with Disney fans that together, along Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, they realized they still had more of Anna and Elsa’s story to tell, and that together, Frozen and Frozen 2 form one complete story.

Two new Frozen 2 cast members were introduced: Sterling K. Brown, who voices Lieutenant Destin Mattias, and Evan Rachel Wood, who voices Queen Iduna, Anna and Elsa’s mother. The crowd received an exclusive D23 Expo Frozen 2 poster and saw never-before-seen footage of the new characters, including a scene that featured Wood, as Iduna, singing to young Elsa and Anna. The song, “All Is Found,” is one of seven all-new original songs by Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The audience also saw a sequence from the movie that showcased Elsa’s yearning for answers about the past, culminating in another song, “Into the Unknown.” The studio presentation drew to a close with a climactic performance of the song “Some Things Never Change” by Menzel, Bell, Groff and Gad that brought the audience to its feet for a spectacular finale to a truly unforgettable presentation at D23 Expo 2019.

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Friday, August 30, 2019

Bluefin Offers New Transformers Furai Model Kits


BLUEFIN OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR NEW TRANSFORMERS FURAI MODEL KITS FROM FLAME TOYS

Leading Collectibles Distributor Details Two New Kits Based On Characters From IDW’s TRANSFORMERS Comic Book Series; Skywarp And Drift Set For December Retail Release

Anaheim, CA – BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (dba: Bluefin), a BANDAI NAMCO Group company and the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan and Asia, expands its product catalog for Fame Toys as it opens pre-orders for a pair of new Transformers Furai model kits.

Based on IDW’s Transformers acclaimed comic series, Flame Toys’ officially licensed releases of the Skywarp Furai model kit and Drift Furai model kit each deliver an eye-catching new addition to the personal collection of any ardent Transformers fan. Both kits (non-transforming) feature easy snap-together assembly and are rendered in ABS and PS plastic, which can be easily custom painted.

Skywarp and Drift are set for retail release in December and will be available from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and also from select leading online outlets. Bluefin is the official North American master distributor for Flame Toys.

Flame Toys Skywarp Furai Model Kit · MSRP $38.00 · Available December 2019

The 9th Transformers FURAI MODEL kits presents Skywarp. Standing 6 inches tall, this modernized depiction of the Decepticon Seeker features realistic articulation with over 50 movable joints. The kit is made of hard plastic ABS & PS, which makes it ideal for expert builders to add their own custom paint. With different injection colors of runner parts and simple assembly design, this is also a kit that is great for beginners and experts alike.

Flame Toys Drift Furai Model Kit · MSRP $50.00 · Available December 2019

The long-awaited 10th FURAI MODEL arrives with the release of Drift. Standing 6.1 inches, this new and excited model depicts the Autobot Drift as he is seen in the beloved IDW Transformers comic book series. Drift features over 50 points of articulation and can assume any pose with ease. The model is constructed from ABS and PS plastic which can be easily custom painted. The joints are rendered in soft plastic for stable, movable performance. Model parts come color molded so no painting is required making this model kit ideal for beginners and experts alike.


About BLUEFIN
BLUEFIN is a leading master and channel distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. The company’s extensive product line features a diverse and continually expanding catalog of high quality and popular collectibles from Asia. As a BANDAI NAMCO Group company, BLUEFIN distributes products in the U.S. for BANDAI / BANDAI SPIRITS Tamashii Nations, Hobby and Shokugan. The company’s array of brand offerings also includes products from Storm Collectibles, Mr. Hobby/GSI, SEN-TI-NEL and Flame Toys, for which the company is the North American exclusive distributor. BLUEFIN is also the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Additional company information is available at: https://bluefinbrands.com/

https://www.instagram.com/Bluefinbrands/

https://www.facebook.com/BluefinBrands/

https://twitter.com/BluefinBrands

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClaqOdyh-gLzT27x9p-o0nw

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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Disney+ Streaming Service Announces New Titles and Upcoming Series and Films

Disney+ Announces Six New Titles, Showcases Upcoming Slate of Original Series and Films at D23 Expo 2019

Fans inside Hall D23 at D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, California, were the first to learn of six new series in development for Disney+ and discover key details about the highly-anticipated streaming service. The star-studded event featured in-person and video appearances from the stars of Disney+’s slate of originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, and included sneak peeks, trailer premieres and exclusive news about the service and its upcoming projects.

“With less than three months until launch, Disney+ will soon entertain and inspire audiences of all ages for generations to come, and we’re excited to preview some of the amazing original content being created for the service exclusively from our world-class brands today at the D23 Expo,” said Kevin Mayer, chairman of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”

Today’s presentation was hosted by one of the stars of the Disney+ original film Lady and the Tramp, Yvette Nicole Brown, and featured some of the creative minds behind Disney+’s content slate including Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Productions; Kevin Feige, president, Marvel Studios; Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm; and Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channel Worldwide.

With the streaming service set to debut on November 12, 2019, many of the stars, filmmakers and creatives behind Disney+’s original movies and shows that will be available at launch were in Hall D23 today for the first public preview of the eagerly anticipated content. Six new trailers were seen for the first time today at D23 Expo 2019, along with a first look at an animated shorts series from Pixar:

The Mandalorian

As Lucasfilm ventures into Star Wars episodic live action for the first time in history, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy told Disney fans, “It’s both exhilarating and liberating to be able to tell stories that expand beyond two hours, and the quality of our episodic series for Disney+ will be identical to our feature films.” Brand-new Disney Legend Jon Favreau and his fellow executive producer Dave Filoni were joined by series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito—as well as Taika Waititi, who brings the droid IG-11 to life—to premiere the teaser trailer for the first-ever Star Wars live-action series, The Mandalorian.  Additionally, earlier today, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger also announced that new Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen will join the cast of the series. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, the series follows the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

Ahead of a screening of the first episode of the 10-episode scripted series at D23 Expo 2019, the cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series performed the multi-platinum hit song “We’re All In This Together” to kick off the Disney+ presentation in Hall D23. The series, set at the real-life East High, where the original movie was filmed, follows a group of students as they countdown to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical.

Lady and the Tramp

The canine stars of the film—Rose (“Lady”) and Monty (“Tramp”)—helped premiere the first trailer from the original film. In the timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home.

Noelle

Stars Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner unveiled a trailer for the film that will premiere on Disney+ on November 12. In the upcoming holiday comedy, Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away… but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Goldblum, the series’ star and host, offered a sneak peek into the upcoming series from National Geographic… where nothing is ever as it seems.

Encore!

From executive producer Kristen Bell, Encore! brings together former castmates of high school musicals for a reunion like you’ve never seen before, as they re-create their original performance years after they last performed it.

Forky Asks a Question

The 10-short series from Pixar Animation Studios is centered around craft project-turned-toy Forky from Toy Story 4, who ponders questions about how the world works, such as: What is love?… What is time?… And even, what is cheese? Actor Tony Hale, who voices the title role, premiered the first short in the series, “Money,” today in Hall D23.

And looking beyond the November launch date, six new titles were announced for Disney+:

  • An untitled Obi-Wan Kenobi series in development from Lucasfilm will star Ewan McGregor, who made a surprise appearance on the Hall D23 stage to announce his return to the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

  • Marvel Studios is developing three new live-action series from Marvel comics. Kevin Feige announced that Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk are coming to the streaming service. “The opportunities that Disney+ is bringing to the MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe] to grow and to evolve and to expand are tremendous,” Feige said.

  • An all-new Lizzie McGuire series will once again feature Hilary Duff in the role that she made famous. Terri Minsky, who created the original Lizzie McGuire, returns for the new series.

  • Muppets Now will star Kermit the Frog, along with Miss Piggy and the Muppets gang, who bring their own special blend of mayhem and laughter to Disney+ in the unscripted short-form series.

Post-launch, an exciting and robust lineup of content is planned for Disney+, and stars of the upcoming projects shared new details about films and shows that will launch in the coming months, including:

  • Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

In a first look, fans met the quirky Timmy Failure, who operates his own detective agency in Portland—with the help of his 1,500-pound polar bear, as well as a very unique, deadpan sense of humor. Launching in early 2020, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is directed by award-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy from a screenplay by McCarthy & Stephan Pastis, and based on the best-selling book series by Pastis.

  • Togo (Launching in early December)

The untold true story  is an exhilarating and uplifting adventure set in the winter of 1925 across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra. Togo stars four-time Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe, along with Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl, Richard Dormer, Michael Greyeyes, Michael McElhatton and Michael Gaston. Ericson Core directs from a screenplay by Tom Flynn. Kim Zubick is the producer.

  • Diary of a Female President (Premiering in January)

Gina Rodriguez executive produces (and is a recurring guest star) on the half-hour single camera series that follows a 12-year-old Cuban-American girl’s journey through the trials of middle school, which set her on the path to ultimately become president of the United States. Tess Romero stars as Elena.

  • Stargirl (Launching in early 2020)

Series stars Grace VanderWaal and Graham Verchere introduced the coming-of-age film based on the critically acclaimed New York Times best-selling young adult novel of the same name by Jerry Spinelli. Julia Hart directs from a screenplay by Kristin Hahn and Julia Hart & Jordan Horowitz; Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lee Stollman and Kristin Hahn are producers. Karan Brar, Maximiliano Hernandez, Darby Stanchfield and Giancarlo Esposito also star.

  • The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (Launching in 2020)

Following the events of Marvel Studios’ Avenger: Endgame, Falcon and the Winter Soldier (played by Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, respectively) team up. During today’s presentation, Kevin Feige revealed that Emily VanCamp will reprise her role as Sharon Carter, and introduced Wyatt Russell, who will portray John Walker—a Marvel Comics character—for the first time on screen. The series is directed by Kari Skogland and Malcom Spellmen serves as head writer.

  • Monsters At Work

The new series from Disney Television Animation takes fans back to Monstropolis and follows a new cast of monsters—including Tylor (played by Ben Feldman) and Millie (played by Aisha Tyler)—in the series inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Oscar®-winning feature film Monsters, Inc. Monsters At Work will feature special appearances from the film’s beloved buddies, Mike and Sulley, who will again be voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman. Today, Feldman and Tyler shared a special look at their characters with fans at D23 Expo 2019.

  • WandaVision (Premiering in 2021)

As Vision and Wanda Maximoff, Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen play two super-powered beings trying to live ideal suburban lives… until they begin to suspect that things are not as they seem. Kat Dennings and Randall Park will reprise their roles from Thor and Ant-Man and The Wasp, and they’ll be joined by Kathryn Hahn (who will play a new character in the series). Matt Shakman serves as director, with Jac Schaeffer on board as head writer.

  • Loki (Debuting in 2021)

Tom Hiddleston returns to play the fan-favorite villain Loki in a series set after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Kate Herron directs the new series centered around the god of mischief, with Michael Waldron as head writer.

  • What If…? (Premiering in 2021)

The animated series from Marvel Studios’ focuses on different heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and imagines what happens if the events in the films had different outcomes. Haley Atwell, who will voice Peggy Carter in What If…? joined director Bryan Andrews and head writer Ashley Bradley today in Hall D23.

  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Premiering in February 2020)

The Emmy® award-winning animated series will return with 12 all-new episodes and will mark the return of classic characters Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and  fan-favorites Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex.

  • A second Lucasfilm live-action eries

Diego Luna (Cassian Andor) and Alan Tudyk (K-2SO) reprise their roles from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in this, the second live-action series from Lucasfilm for Disney+. The series, currently in development, follows Andor’s adventures as a rebel spy during the formative years of the Rebellion, before the events of A New Hope.
Guests at D23 Expo 2019 had the opportunity throughout the three-day event to experience the Disney+ app, complete with features and functionality confirmed for the global launch dates in November.

For a monthly price of $6.99 USD or an annual rate of $69.99 USD, Disney+ offers viewers of all ages a compelling price-to-value proposition, with a consumer-friendly experience that’s easy-to-navigate with personalized recommendations, high-quality and commercial-free viewing, up to four concurrent streams and unlimited downloads with no up-charges.

The Disney+ app experience, available to consumers on November 12, will feature:

  •     Unlimited Downloads: Subscribers have access to unlimited downloads of shows and movies on the Disney+ app to watch offline later on up to 10 mobile or tablet devices, with no constraints on the number of times a title can be downloaded per year. Once downloaded, subscribers can watch on the go and without an internet connection. The number of titles stored at one time on a device is dependent upon the available storage space on a subscriber’s device.
  •     High-Quality Viewing: Subscribers will enjoy an ultra-high-definition viewing experience with up to 4K Ultra HD video playback in Dolby Vision ultra-vivid imaging, HDR10 and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on supported devices for available programming.
  •     Commercial-free Viewing: Subscribers can access unlimited viewing of Disney+ content without having to watch a single commercial.
  •     Profile Customizations: Subscribers can set up to seven different profiles and choose an avatar tailored to their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel or Star Wars characters, with over 200 avatars available.
  •     Concurrent Streaming: Disney+ allows subscribers to concurrently stream video content on up to four registered devices with no up-charges.
  •     Multiple Languages: At launch, Disney+ will offer support for English, Spanish, French and Dutch languages, including both user interface as well as audio support and/or subtitles for library content, with additional languages available for Disney+ Originals.
  •     Accessibility: The app offers support for closed captioning, descriptive audio and navigation assistance to help subscribers with disabilities discover and enjoy their favorite stories.
See video associated with this press release at this link.

For more information, visit DisneyPlus.com.

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Review: Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 8 (of 2019) by Leroy Douresseaux

Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown (2017) – Video
Running time:  79 minutes (1 hour 19 minutes)
DIRECTOR:  Matt Peters
WRITERS: Candie Kelty Langdale and Doug Landale
EDITORS:  Steve Donmyer and Craig Paulsen
COMPOSERS:  Kristopher Carter, Michael McCuistion, and Lolita Ritmanis
SONGS: Joshua Funk
ANIMATION STUDIO: Digital eMation, Inc.

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Kate Micucci, Carlos Alazraqui, Max Charles, Gary Cole, Jessica DiCicco, Tania Gunadi, Eric Ladin, Nolan North, Stephen Tobolowsky, Lauren Tom, Melissa Villaseñor, Kari Wahlgren, and Gary Anthony Williams with John Schwab (no screen credit)

Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown is a 2017 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It is also the 28th animated movie in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation, which began in 1998 with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  In Shaggy's Showdown, Mystery Inc. attempts to solve the mystery of a ghost that is rampaging through a small wild west town and a dude ranch.

Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown finds Mystery Inc.Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Grey DeLisle), Velma Dinkley (Kate Micucci), Norville “Shaggy” Rogers (Matthew Lillard), and the Great Dane, Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker), visiting the wild west town of Sorghum City.  They are surprised to find that the people there scream and run away when they encounter Shaggy.  The gang's next stop is “Crazy Q Ranch,” a dude ranch owned and operated by Shaggy's “third cousin, twice removed,” Tawny Rogers (Melissa Villaseñor).

A long-lost cousin, Tawny invited Shaggy to her ranch so they the cousins could reconnect, but the reunion is being ruined by the ghost of a notorious outlaw, Dapper Jack Rogers (John Schwab).  The ghost bears a striking resemblance to Shaggy, who, like Tawny, is a descendant of Dapper Jack.  The ghost has been terrorizing Sorghum City and also the Crazy Q Ranch, and if the ghost continues its haunting, Tawny will be forced to sell the ranch.  Now, Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have a new ghostly mystery to solve.

Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown is the third consecutive Scooby-Doo animated film I have seen that I really like.  I think that one thing that makes this one appealing to me is the dude ranch element.  I have been a fan of films set on dude ranches, and I have enjoyed TV series in which the characters visit a dude ranch for a particular episode.  Combine a dude ranch with my love of the Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc., and that is entertainment I cannot resist.

So take my recommendation with a grain of salt off the table at a dude ranch when I tell you that Shaggy's Showdown is one of the best recent Scooby-Doo movies.  I like the animation, especially the color, and there are some good subplots:  Shaggy riding a horse, Scooby's ability to “talk” to farm animals, and a child overcoming his fear of horses all make this particular straight-to-video Scooby-Doo film exceptional.

Seriously, Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown is a nice change of pace for the series.  A quasi-Western comedy, it means that the Scoody-Doo DVD animated movies can show a bit of freshness now and then.

8 of 10
A

Wednesday, August 28, 2019


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, August 26, 2019

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for August 28, 2019

BOOM! STUDIOS

JAN199486    (USE JUL198300) ONCE & FUTURE #1 (OF 6) (2ND PTG)    $3.99
FEB199066    ANGEL #3 (2ND PTG)    $3.99
JUN191258    ANGEL #4 CVR A MAIN PANOSIAN    $3.99
JUN191259    ANGEL #4 CVR B PREORDER BUONCRISTIANO    $3.99
JUN191303    AVANT-GUARDS TP VOL 01    $14.99
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