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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Giveaway: Beauty and The Beast Valentine's Mugs + Starbucks Gift Card


Tale as old as time! Enter to win these Beauty and The Beast Valentine's mugs plus a $20 Starbucks gift card! This giveaway is open worldwide! The winner will be notified by email!

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Monday, January 30, 2017

Final Beauty & The Beast Trailer


The final trailer for Beauty and the Beast is here 🌹 On March 17, rediscover a tale as old as time. Get your tickets now at BeOurGuest.com

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Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

The Best Meal in Disney California Adventure during Lunar New Year's (Jan. 20 - Feb. 5, 2017) Is...


The Cach Chien Ca Gion Ngon, which is the whole crispy tilapia with chili-lime vinaigrette. You can find this meal, meant for a family or two very hungry people at the Paradise Garden Grill. For $24.99 you get this massive tilapia, rice, steamed vegetables and two bowls of clear broth soup with onions and mushrooms. 


Here is the full family-style feast! This is a massive meal!


You get a nice portion of steamed rice and steamed vegetables.


The clear broth soup with onions and mushrooms is served hot and is very tasty. You get two bowls of this!


But the star is the main course which is the whole crispy tilapia which is light and delicious. The chili-lime vinaigrette is a perfect compliment to the fish.

It is really hard to believe that this amazing sit down quality meal is coming from a quick service restaurant. The price is an exceptional bargain for any theme park and I hope it finds a way to stay on some menu somewhere so I do not have to wait until next year to have it again.

To try this exceptional meal you will have to hurry as the food offerings for Lunar New Year's only last until February 5th. Now excuse me but I have to get back to the park to have this meal at least one more time!

J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Loot Crate - A Matter of Time Unboxing


Time for Matt and I to unbox the latest J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Loot Crate! This time it is for A Matter of Time box! Let's see what's inside!

Star Wars Smuggler's Bounty: The Empire Strikes Back Unboxing


It's time for Matt and I to unbox the latest Star Wars Smuggler's Bounty Box! This time it is for The Empire Strikes Back! Watch the video and see what is inside!

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Josh Groban to Release Original Song “Evermore” from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" Soundtrack


ACCLAIMED SINGER/SONGWRITER JOSH GROBAN
TO RELEASE ORIGINAL SONG “EVERMORE”
FROM DISNEY’S “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” SOUNDTRACK

BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2017) – Multi-platinum international recording artist and songwriter Josh Groban has recorded an all-new original song, “Evermore,” for Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast.” The song will appear in the film’s end credits as well as the soundtrack.

“Evermore,” a soaring ballad performed in the film by the Beast (Dan Stevens) after he releases Belle (Emma Watson) to be with her father, is written by eight-time Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”) and veteran lyricist and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (“The Lion King,” “Evita”). Menken also provides the film score, as well as new recordings of the classic songs from the animated film written by himself and Ashman. The original motion picture soundtrack will be released by Walt Disney Records on March 10, 2017. The pre-order is available now at http://disneymusic.co/BeautySndtrkP.

Says Groban, “I am honored to sing this beautiful new song by two of my absolute favorites, Alan Menken and Tim Rice. ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has been with me since my childhood and to have a musical connection to this new film makes me so happy.”

Mitchell Leib, president of music for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production, helped to bring Groban into the musical mix for the film. “Alan Menken, director Bill Condon and I were talking about which contemporary recording artist could even sing such a demanding song, let alone succeed with it. Josh stood alone,” says Leib. “His voice is a natural fit for this showstopper of a composition.”

Possessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multi-platinum albums and DVDs (over 30 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances. The 35-year-old Los Angeles native is the only artist who has had two albums on the Top 20 Best-Selling Albums list of the past decade, according to Billboard. He has appeared in the feature films “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “The Hollars,” “Coffee Town” and “Muppets Most Wanted,” as well as on NBC’s “The Office,” FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and CBS’ “The Crazy Ones.”

Groban has released seven studio albums, his 2001 self-titled 5x-platinum debut, 2003’s 6x-platinum “Closer,” 2006’s double-platinum “Awake,” 2007’s 6x platinum GRAMMY-nominated “Noel,” 2010’s gold-certified “Illuminations” and 2013’s gold-certified “All That Echoes,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, giving Groban his first No. 1 debut and third chart-topper. Groban earned GRAMMY Award® nominations for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for his 2015 album “Stages,” a collection of some of the greatest songs from musical theater and 2016’s “Stages Live,” which featured performances recorded at the historic Los Angeles Theater for his all-new PBS special “Josh Groban: Stages Live.”

Over the summer, he embarked on an extensive North American tour to support “Stages,” entitled “Josh Groban: On Stage.” Also in 2016, Groban made his Broadway debut starring in the new musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” which opened to glowing reviews. The production has just announced a six-month extension to its run, carrying the show into summer. An active arts education philanthropist and advocate, Groban is a member of Americans for the Arts Artists Committee and Groban’s Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness. 

About the film:
The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a. with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, like us on Facebook.com/ disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic and Instagram.com/disneymusic/.

For more information on “Beauty and the Beast,” follow us on:

Facebook.com/BeautyandtheBeast
Twitter.com/Beourguest
Instagram.com/BeautyandtheBeast

MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON “BLACK PANTHER”


MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON
“BLACK PANTHER”

Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis Star in the Newest Chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe


BURBANK, CALIF. (January 26, 2017)—Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Black Panther,” starring Chadwick Boseman (“Captain America: Civil War,”  “Get on Up”), Michael B. Jordan (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”), Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “12 Years a Slave”), Danai Gurira (“The Walking Dead,” upcoming “All Eyez on Me”), Martin Freeman (“Hobbit” trilogy, “Sherlock”), Daniel Kaluuya (upcoming “Get Out,” “Sicario”),  with Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett (“American Horror Story,” “London Has Fallen”), with Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”), and Andy Serkis (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”).

Additional cast members include Letitia Wright (“Urban Hymn,” “Glasgow Girls”), Winston Duke (“Person of Interest, “Modern Family”), Florence Kasumba (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Emerald City”), Sterling K. Brown (“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) and John Kani (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Coriolanus”).

Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”) directs Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” from a screenplay he co-wrote with Joe Robert Cole (“The People v. O.J. Simpson:  American Crime Story”).  The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018, will be shot in Atlanta and South Korea.  

“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. However, when an old enemy reappears on the radar, T’Challa’s mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk. 

Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” is produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Coogler’s creative brain trust includes his frequent collaborators: director of photography Rachel Morrison, A.S.C. (“Dope,” “Fruitvale Station”), production designer Hannah Beachler (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”), editors Claudia Castello (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”) and Michael P. Shawver (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”); along with costume designer Ruth E. Carter (“Selma,” Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”), visuals effects supervisor Geoffrey Baumann (“Doctor Strange,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), Academy Award®- winning makeup designer Joel Harlow (“Star Trek Beyond,” “Black Mass”) and seven-time Academy Award® nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”). 

Based on the Marvel comic character that first appeared in “Fantastic Four Vol. 1” Issue 52, published in 1966, “Black Panther”joins Marvel Studios’ slate of releases  in its Phase 3 commitment to introduce film audiences to new heroes and continue the adventures of fan favorites over the course of four years and nine films.

In 2016, Marvel Studios continued its unprecedented success with the release of “Captain America: Civil War,” which opened onMay 6 with the fifth largest opening weekend of all time and has since garnered box office receipts of over $1.1 billion worldwide. 

The juggernaut studio ended the year with its newest Super Hero “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rachel McAdams. The film opened #1 at the box office on November 4 and went on to gross more than $659 million worldwide to date. The two films propelled Marvel Studios’ #1 domestic box-office opening streak to a record-breaking 14 consecutive films.

Marvel Studios’ other epic big-screen adventures include  Marvel’s  “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (May 5, 2017), “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (July 7, 2017), “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017) and “Avengers: Infinity War” (May 4, 2018).



About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. ©2017 MARVEL

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - The Prince


Take a look at the character poster for The Prince played by Dan Stevens.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Maurice


Take a look at the character poster for Maurice played by Kevin Kline.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Lumiere


Take a look at the character poster for Lumiere played by Ewan McGregor.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - LeFou


Take a look at the character poster for LeFou played by Josh Gad.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Garderobe


Take a look at the character poster for Garderobe played by Audra McDonald.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Cogsworth


Take a look at the character poster for Cogsworth played by Ian McKellen.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Cadenza



Take a look at the character poster for Cadenza played by Stanley Tucci.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Belle


Take a look at the character poster for Belle played by Emma Watson.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - The Beast


Take a look at the character poster for The Beast played by Dan Stevens.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Gaston


Take a look at the character poster of Gaston played by Luke Evans. 

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Plumette


Take a look at the character poster of Plumette played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Beauty and The Beast Character Poster - Mrs. Potts


Take a look at the character poster of Mrs. Potts played by Emma Thompson.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Giveaway: Wall-E and EVE Valentine's Day Mugs + Starbucks Gift Card

Enter to win these Wall-E and EVE Valentine's Day mugs with a $20 Starbucks gift card! This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email! Good luck!

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Monday, January 23, 2017

And The Title For Star Wars Episode 8 Is...


The title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga is:  STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is scheduled for release December 15, 2017.

How do you feel about the title? What could the title mean? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Friday, January 20, 2017

Tiny Planet of Hogwarts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood



A beautiful day to go to school at Hogwarts! This is my Tiny Planet photo taken with my Samsung Gear 360 Camera in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Tiny Planet Selfie at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood



Take a look at my Tiny Planet photo of my first selfie with the Samsung Gear 360 camera. This was taken with the conductor of the Hogwarts Express at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Blu-Ray Review: The Light Between Oceans


Based on the best-selling novel, The Light Between Oceans is an epic movie about love, moral dilemmas and what one will do for their loved one. Set in Australia after the Great War, Tom Sherbourne (Michael Fassbender), is a veteran who is looking for solitude as he had seen so many of those around him die and he now lives with the guilt of having survived. He takes up a job as a lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, a job that no one wants, and will give Tom the isolation he believes that he needs. 

Fate, however, has other plans for Tom. On his way to Janus he meets Isabel Graysmark (Alicia Vikander), a beautiful woman who has lost her two brothers in the war. Their love blossoms and over time the two are married. Tom brings Isabel back to Janus Rock. Unable to start a family, hope arrives in a rowboat with an infant girl being held by a dead man. Isabel feels that this was meant to be and wants to take the child as their own. Tom feels that the right thing to do is to report the child and the dead man. 

In the end, Tom gives in to Isabel and they raise the child as their own, who they name Lucy. Years later when they visit the mainland, Tom discovers, by mere coincidence, who the child may be. This is when things really begin to unfold and a love triangle between parents begins. Tom and Isabel on one side and Hannah (Rachel Weisz), who is Lucy's biological mother, on the other. A series of twists and turns follows.

Fassbender gives us another powerful performance as a man who has given up on the world and fate won't let him. Vikander proves why she continues to be one of my favorite actresses in a role that you still fell sympathetic for Isabel even when she has completely flown off the rails. Weisz provides another equally powerful performance as she is perhaps the most complex and sympathetic character in the movie.

What will happen? Make sure to watch The Light Between Oceans on blu-ray when it comes out January 24, 2017.
 


Video Quality:

As always Disney's 1080p video presentation is impressive. Details are superb. The grass and rocky terrain around the lighthouse is sharp and crisp. Clothing reveals fine fabrics and stitching. Colors are rich and vibrant. Skin tones are accurate. There is next to nothing to complain about in the video transfer. 


Audio Quality:

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack is solid. You will feel like you are in the middle of the island in the middle of nowhere. This is a reference quality soundtrack. There is a moment during the storm scene that is truly encompassing. You will feel the power of this powerful storm from the gale force winds to the heavy downpour of rain. The score blends in seamlessly with the environmental effects. The dialogue is precise and center-focused. But it's the storm that will be a standout for years to come. 


Bonus Material:

There are two featurettes as well as an audio commentary. A digital copy of the film is also included.

  • Bringing The Light to Life (1080p, 16:47): This featurette takes a look at the movie's story and themes, shooting locations, cast and performances, life on the set, and more.
  • Audio Commentary: Director Derek Cianfrance and Film Studies Professor Phil Solomon, discuss Solomon's potential involvement in the film's title sequence and many of the basic commentary insights: technical construction, sound design, editing, cast and performances, and more. It is definitely worth a listen. 
  • Lighthouse Keeper (1080p, 5:40): This featurette focuses on finding just the right shooting location for the film.

A solid film with a gorgeous 1080p transfer, reference quality audio as well as several good bonus features. The Light Between Oceans reaches store shelves on January 24, 20117. 

Giveaway: Luke Skywalker lightsaber umbrella

May The Force Be With You as you enter to win this Luke Skywalker lightsaber umbrella. This giveaway is open to anyone in the Galaxy! Winner will be notified by email!

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CELINE DION TO PERFORM ORIGINAL SONG "HOW DOES A MOMENT LAST FOREVER" FOR DISNEY'S "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST"


BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2017) – Five-time GRAMMY® winning and best-selling recording artist Celine Dion will perform an all-new original song, “How Does A Moment Last Forever,” for Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast.” The song will also be included on the film’s soundtrack.

Written by eight-time Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”) and veteran lyricist and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (“The Lion King,” “Evita”), “How Does A Moment Last Forever” is an emotional ballad about holding onto life’s precious moments. Portions of the song are performed throughout the film and interpolated into the underscore before Dion’s full-length version debuts in the film’s custom main-on-end title design.
Says Dion, “Being a part of the original ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was such a magical experience in my life, and I'm truly honored to be a part of this film again.”  
President of Music for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production, Mitchell Leib, approached the artist on behalf of the project with the idea of recording one of the three new songs written for the film. “Celine was the unanimous choice of the filmmakers and studio to perform this song,” says Leib, “And everyone involved with the film is thrilled she agreed to be part of this new live-action adaptation.”

Dion originally performed the duet “Beauty and the Beast” – featuring Menken’s haunting melody and two-time Oscar-winner Howard Ashman’s unforgettable lyrics – with Peabo Bryson for the animated film. The song became an instant classic and went on to receive an Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and three GRAMMY Awards.
Menken also provides the film score along with new recordings of the classic songs from the animated film written by himself and Ashman. The original motion picture soundtrack will be released by Walt Disney Records on March 10, 2017. The pre-order is available now at http://disneymusic.co/BeautySndtrkP.

About the film:
The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a. with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, like us on Facebook.com/ disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic and Instagram.com/disneymusic/.

Owen Wilson, Voice of Lightning McQueen In Disney / Pixar's 'Cars 3' Named Grand Marshal For 59th Annual DAYTONA 500


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 19, 2017) – Actor Owen Wilson, the voice of the animated character Lightning McQueen in Disney•Pixar’s upcoming movie “Cars 3,” will serve as Grand Marshal for the 59th annual DAYTONA 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Feb. 26 at Daytona International Speedway.

The DAYTONA 500, the season-opening race for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, will begin at 2 p.m. (TV – FOX, FOX Deportes; Radio – MRN Radio, SiriusXM) following Wilson delivering the famous “Drivers, start your engines” command to the 40-car field. In addition to giving the command, Wilson will ride in one of the Grand Marshal cars during pace laps prior to the green flag of the 200-lap, 500-mile race and attend the drivers meeting.

“Cars 3” opens nationwide on June 16. Wilson, who voiced Lightning McQueen in “Cars” (2006) and “Cars 2” (2011), is also known for starring roles in a variety of hit comedy films including “Wedding Crashers,” “Meet the Parents,” ”Zoolander” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Wilson stars in the upcoming “Wonder” and the Woody Harrelson-directed live film “Lost in London.”

“Owen Wilson is one of America’s most beloved comedic actors and his voice has brought Lightning McQueen to life for millions of movie-goers over the last 10 years,” said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. “His star-power, and of course his personality, are perfect fits for ‘The Great American Race.’”

For more information on “Cars 3” visit http://disney.com/Cars3.

Wilson is the latest name on a long list of actors who have served as DAYTONA 500 Grand Marshals including Gerard Butler, Vince Vaughn, John Travolta, Ben Affleck, Nicolas Cage and Matthew McConaughey.

Tickets for the 2017 DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can also follow NASCAR on Twitter and stay up to speed on the latest news by using #DAYTONA500 and #SPEEDWEEKS. Stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on TwitterFacebookInstagramYouTube,Pinterest and Snapchat,and by downloading the Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.

ABOUT “CARS 3”
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Monday, January 16, 2017

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood in 360


It is time for 360 photos and a 360 walk-thru video from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood! Let's follow this Ravenclaw and look around! And yes, muggles are welcome!

If you have a VR headset the immersion is magical!



The first stop upon entering Hogsmeade is in front of the Hogwarts Express with the conductor!



Heading over to Honeydukes! So many yummy treats to choose from! How does one decide?



Right across from me is the Owl Post for all of your mailing needs. Behind me on the left hand side are the restrooms. Do not be startled when you hear Moaning Myrtle in there.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Giveaway: Lady and The Tramp Valentine's Day Mugs + Starbucks Gift Card

Win this beautiful set of Lady and The Tramp mugs with a $20 Starbucks gift card. a lovely gift for you and yours for Valentine's Day. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck and the winner will be notified by email.

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Saturday, January 14, 2017

Disney's MOANA Sails Home on Digital HD Feb. 21 and Blu-ray March 7




Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Epic Comedy-Adventure
Sails Home on Digital HD Feb. 21 and Blu-ray™ March 7

Continue the journey with hours of fun-filled extras showcasing an all-new mini-movie,
the charismatic cast, famed filmmakers, dynamic musical team, the beautiful people and cultures of the Pacific Islands, a deleted song, deleted scenes, and more!

BURBANK, Calif., Jan. 13, 2017 — Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” the sweeping story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her people, starring newcomer AuliiCravalho as the voice of brave and tenacious Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”) as the  larger-than-life demigod Maui, has dazzled both critics and audiences. The film earned a 95% critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes and the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office opening weekend. Now, “Moana” sets a new course, arriving to homes on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Feb. 21, and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on March 7.

Continuing the fun-filled adventure, families can continue their journey filled with hours of extensive and entertaining bonus offerings including: a new, hilarious mini-movie featuring Moana and Maui; an in-depth look at how the people, cultures and heritage of the Pacific Islands shaped the story of “Moana;” revealing Q&A with co-stars Aulii Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, and famed animation directors Ron Clements and John Musker; insider access to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi, the trio behind the film’s moving music; four mini-documentaries highlighting the movie’s groundbreaking effects; deleted scenes; a deleted song; hidden Easter Eggs; music video; “Inner Workings,” the theatrical short film directed by Leo Matsuda that spotlights the internal struggle between a man’s Brain and Heart; and much, much more.

“Moana” stars Aulii Cravalho as the voice of Moana, Dwayne Johnson as the voice of Maui, Temuera Morrison (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Once Were Warriors,” “Six Days, Seven Nights”) as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Rachel House (“Whale Rider,” “Hunt for Wilderpeople,” “Eagle vs Shark,” “Boy,” “White Lies”) as Moana’s trusted Gramma Tala; and Nicole Scherzinger (Grammy®-nominated singer, West End’s “Cats”) as Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; Jemaine Clement (“The BFG,” “Despicable Me,” “Rio,” “Rio 2,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” Flight of the Conchords) voices Tamatoa, a self-absorbed, 50-foot crab; and Alan Tudyk (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Big Hero 6”) lends his voice to stowaway rooster Heihei.

According to directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the story of “Moana” was inspired by the great explorers who masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. “Voyaging is a real source of pride for many Pacific Islanders, a part of their identity,” says Clements. Many experts believe that about 3,000 years ago, those deep-sea exploratory voyages halted for about a millennium before resuming. This rebirth of exploration sparked the filmmakers’ imaginations, and the heroine at the heart of the story. “The idea of a teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a navigator—considering the abilities of her ancestors—was so appealing,” explains Musker. Moana’s quest to become a wayfinder also serves as a journey of self-discovery, empowering her to find her own identity – a beautiful and powerful message for audiences of all ages and genders.

Bonus features include*:

Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & Digital 3D/HD/SD:
  • Theatrical Short Film: “Inner Workings” – With introduction by the filmmakers, is the story of the internal struggle between a man’s pragmatic, logical side and his free-spirited, adventurous half. Created by a small team at Walt Disney Animation Studios in a unique, fast-paced style that blends CG and traditional hand-drawn animation, the short explores the importance of finding balance in daily life. 
  • Maui Mini-Movie: “Gone Fishing” – When Maui decides it’s time to take charge of the ocean and catch his next meal, Moana must show him the error of his ways … with a little help from her friends!
  • Voice of the Islands – An in-depth look at how Pacific Island people and cultures inspired the filmmakers to create the story of “Moana.” 
  • Things You Didn’t Know About …
    • Meet the stars of “Moana” in this dynamic Q&A featuring Dwayne Johnson, newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho, and famed animation directors Ron and John. 
    • Meet the musical team behind “Moana” in this fascinating Q&A featuring Opetaia Foai, Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda. 
  • Island Fashion – Find out how costume designer Neysa Bové took on the unique challenge of creating costumes using materials and techniques native to the islands of Oceania.
  • They Know the Way: Making the Music of “Moana” – Musicians Opetaia Foa‘I, Marc Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda take us on a personal journey through their involvement in the movie and how it changed their lives.
  • Fishing for Easter Eggs – Dive deep into the ocean and fish for the Easter Eggs hidden by the animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
  • The Elements of … – This series of four mini-docs explores the technical achievements behind some of the ground-breaking effects used in the film.
    • Mini Maui – Meet “Mini Maui,” Maui’s tattoo sidekick. Animated by legendary hand-drawn animator Eric Goldberg, we explore how the 2D world collides with CG animation to bring the demigod’s tattoos to life.
    • Water – In the movie, the ocean is a character. This piece explores how the water is given a personality, along with the technical feats of creating a believable ocean landscape farther than the eye can see.
    • Lava – Te Kā is a creature made of lava, smoke and fire. This piece dives into the challenges of making an animated creature of massive scale brought to fiery life by character, technical and effects animators.
    • Hair – One of the greatest technical achievements of the film was the animation of the beautiful, curly hair on Moana and Maui. Take a look at the hair-raising detail that goes into animating each strand, adding performance to the movie that has never been seen before. 
  • Deleted Song: “Warrior Face” – With introduction by songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda.
  • Deleted Scenes – Ron and John introduce the following deleted scenes:  Race the Wind/Ties that BindDiscussing Moana’s FutureUnder the SeaGrandmother’s Warning/Legend of MauiEducation of MoanaFather, Daughter, Boat; and Canoe Race.
  • Music Video: “How Far I’ll Go” – Performed by Alessia Cara.
  • “How Far I’ll Go Around the World” – Multi-language reel of the song “How Far I’ll Go.”
  • Audio Commentary – With directors Ron and John.

DVD:
  • Theatrical Short Film: “Inner Workings,” Music Video: “How Far I’ll Go” and Audio Commentary




Helmed by Clements and Musker, the directing team behind “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin” and “The Princess and the Frog,” and co-directed by Chris Williams & Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6” -Best Animated Feature Film in 2015), “Moana” is produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and executive produced by John Lasseter. Jared Bush (“Zootopia”) wrote the screenplay. “Moana” features original songs from a diverse and dynamic team that includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning lyricist/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton,” Tony-winning “In the Heights”), Mark Mancina (“Speed,” “Tarzan” “The Lion King”) and Opetaia Foaʻi (founder and lead singer of the award-winning world music band Te Vaka). Mancina composed the original score.

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:
Product SKUs: Digital 3D/HD/SD, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Copy),


Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Copy),


Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand
Feature Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes
Rating: PG in U.S., PG in CE, and G in CF.


Bonus material not rated with exception of Inner Workings which is rated G.
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray 3D Feature Film = 2.40:1; Blu-ray Feature Film = 2.40:1 &


DVD Feature Film = Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA & 2.0 Descriptive Audio,


Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks;


DVD = English and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks,


English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Languages/Subtitles: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray = English SDH, Spanish and French;


DVD = English SDH and Spanish

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ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!