THE “LILO & STITCH” TRAILER IS HERE!!!

 

Your first look at “Lilo & Stitch” is here! The eagerly anticipated film, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, will open exclusively in theaters May 23, 2025. 

“Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. “Lilo & Stitch” is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.

 

“Lilo & Stitch” opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 23, 2025.

Disney’s MUFASA: THE LION KING Makes Its Streaming Debut on Disney+ on Mar. 26

 

Streaming audiences around the world will finally get to experience the epic adventure, unforgettable music and cinematic visuals of Mufasa: The Lion King again and again as the film journeys to Disney+ on March 26.

Directed by Oscar®-winning director Barry Jenkins and featuring all-new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda – including the viral sensation, “I Always Wanted a Brother” – Mufasa: The Lion King became a sensation, earning over $700 million at the global box office and becoming one of the top 10 biggest global releases of 2024.

Critics and fans alike have praised Mufasa: The Lion King as “adventurous” (Brian Truitt, USA Today), a “dazzling musical” (Kevin Maher, The Times), and “visually stunning” (Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood). It comes to Disney+ – the exclusive streaming home of the film – and joins other titles from the iconic franchise including The Lion King (1994), The Lion King (2019), The Lion Guard, and the recently-released The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl concert special. 
 
Now through March 30, new and eligible returning customers can subscribe to the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic for $2.99/month for four months – a $32 savings compared to the regular monthly price for four months – by visiting www.disneyplus.com.

ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR “DISNEY’S SNOW WHITE”

 

Advance tickets for “Disney’s Snow White,” the live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film, are now available for purchase at Fandango (Fandango.com/Disney SnowWhite) or wherever tickets are sold. A new clip from the magical music adventure which journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, is now available to download and share. “Disney’s Snow White” opens exclusively in movie theaters on March 21, available in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Cinemark XD, 4DX, and premium screens everywhere.

 

“Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and produced by Marc Platt, p.g.a., and Jared LeBoff, p.g.a., with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer, and features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including Waiting on a Wish, the recently released first single from the film’s original soundtrack. Waiting on a Wish is available now digitally on Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify.

RACHEL ZEGLER FROM “DISNEY’S SNOW WHITE” PERFORMS FILM’S FIRST SINGLE WAITING ON A WISH AT ROPPONGI HILLS ARENA IN TOKYO

 

Rachel Zegler, the star of “Disney’s Snow White,” was in Tokyo to perform Waiting on a Wish, the first single from Walt Disney Records’ original soundtrack. She was joined on-stage by local actress and singer Sakura Kiryu, who provides the Japanese dubbing voice of Snow White, at Roppongi Hills Arena, where they performed for hundreds of fans who lined the red carpet.

 

“Disney’s Snow White,” the live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film, is a magical music adventure which journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen. The film opens exclusively in theaters March 21, 2025. “Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and produced by Marc Platt, p.g.a., and Jared LeBoff, p.g.a., with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer.

 

Waiting on a Wish is available now digitally on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify. The original soundtrack of songs from “Disney’s Snow White” will be released March 14. Waiting on a Wish was written by EGOT® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with additional lyrics by Jack Feldman.  The song was produced by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Ian Eisendrath and Dave Metzger, and is performed by Rachel Zegler. 

SPECIAL LEGACY FEATURETTE FOR “DISNEY’S SNOW WHITE” AVAILABLE NOW

 

A brand-new legacy featurette on “Disney’s Snow White,” the live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film, is now available to download and share. The magical music adventure which journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, opens exclusively in theaters March 21, 2025. 

 

The stunning featurette includes interviews with cast and filmmakers, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips from the studio’s 1937 animated classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

 

“Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and produced by Marc Platt, p.g.a., and Jared LeBoff, p.g.a., with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer. The film features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and an original score composed by Jeff Morrow. The film also stars Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, Andrew Barth Feldman as Dopey, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Jason Kravits as Sneezy, George Salazar as Happy, Jeremy Swift as Doc, and Andrew Grotelueschen as Sleepy.

 

“I am so excited for audiences and fans around the world to see this sneak peek and to revisit the magical world of Snow White,” says Webb. “Our goal has always been to honor the original animated film, and we are extremely grateful to the team of amazing artists – from puppeteers to voice actors and motion capture technicians – for bringing these magical, charming characters to life in such a unique way.”

New Verse to “It’s a Small World” Featured in New Disney Short Paying Tribute to the Sherman Brothers

 

The Walt Disney Company premiered a poignant short film debuting a new verse to the iconic song, “It’s a Small World,” written by Richard Sherman before his passing in May of 2024. Sherman, who along with his late brother Robert wrote the song’s original verses from 1964 and many other timeless classics from some of Disney’s most celebrated films, shared the new verse with The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger in the summer of 2023 as his final gift to the studio that he so deeply cherished. The three-minute and 30-second short film, The Last Verse, premiered Wednesday as part of an ABC News Studios' two-hour documentary event, The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20, which commemorates the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Studios’ Mary Poppins (1964), for which the Sherman Brothers earned Academy Awards® for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.

 

"As the legendary creators of some of the most cherished music of the past century, the Sherman brothers will be remembered for their profound impact on our global culture,” said Bob Iger. “Hearing Richard Sherman recite the final verse to ‘It’s a Small World’ before he died will be a moment I will carry with me forever. This beautiful short film is our tribute to their immeasurable musical contributions, their memory, and to the countless memories they helped create for generations of people around the world.” 

The Last Verse serves as a tribute to the remarkable impact of the Sherman Brothers during their decades-long musical collaboration with Disney, ranging from “It’s a Small World,” to the timeless songs and scores from enduring Disney classics like, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book (1976), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), and many more.

 

“It's a Small World” was written for the attraction of the same name, which was created for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Personally overseen by Walt Disney in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the attraction was a major success and after two seasons, it was moved to Disneyland Park, where it opened on May 28, 1966. Today, the attraction and the Sherman Brothers’ original song are part of five Disney Parks around the world, including Disneyland Park, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World® Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

 

This touching short film takes viewers on a journey through the past 60 years of the song's history, showcasing its impact on global pop culture. Renowned director Henry Alex Rubin, best known for his award-winning documentary Murderball, helmed the project for Disney and creative partner adam&eveDDB.

 

Richard Brim, Global Chief Creative Officer for adam&eveDDB said, “It’s hard to truly capture the influence and impact that Disney has had on our lives over the past century. With this film, we wanted tap into those feelings of nostalgia that are so often associated with the iconic brand, whilst paying homage to the legends that are the Sherman brothers.”

Disney's Jungle Cruise Digital Review

 

Jungle Cruise takes its inspiration from the beloved attraction of the same name and combines it with elements of several hit films to create a fun adventure for the entire family. Without going into spoilers you will get hints of The African Queen (ironically which the attraction was inspired by), The Mummy and Pirates of The Caribbean. 

Searching for the Tears of the Moon, an ancient tree with mythical healing abilities, we find Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) and her brother (Jack Whitehall) in need of a skipper. They find their man in Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson), a man who is full of surprises. Right behind this trio is German aristocrat Prince Joachim (Jesse Plemons) who wants the tree and it's healing properties for his own sinister plans. 

As we head down the Amazon, we learn through a series of flashbacks about the history of the tree and get some insight about Franks past. We become more attached to Frank and see how Frank and Lily grow closer together. There is slapstick comedy as well as ample references to the attraction itself. Wait until you hear how many great one liners that the skippers actually use on the attraction are in the film! The chemistry of the actors works really well together and comes across the screen in the best of ways. 

Video Quality:

The 4K Dolby Vision video is pristine. The blacks are rich and inky, the details on clothing are well defined and the jungle looks as if you can reach out and touch it. Another excellent digital transfer from Disney. 

Audio Quality:

The 5.1 Dolby Atmos audio is solid with dialogue that is not drowned out by the score or sound effects. The sound effects such as the sounds of the jungle immerse you into the movie as you hear the sounds  of birds behind you.  James Newton Howard's score comes across brilliantly and becomes a character itself. 

Bonus Features

There is a wealth of bonus features here! Starting with the Jungle Cruise Expedition Mode which is as close to an audio commentary that you will get. You get a lot of fun information about the history of the Jungle Cruise attraction as well as some great behind the scenes details about the making of the movie. The Once A Skip, Always A Skip featurette is another favorite as it features a few former and current Jungle Cruise skippers at Disneyland including a friend of mine that I had no idea was making an appearance. Then the deleted scenes are all great and add some further insight into the storyline. 

• Jungle Cruise Expedition Mode – Climb aboard a ramshackle tramp steamer (or your own couch) to learn fun facts, discover Easter eggs and catch some pop-up trivia throughout the movie.
• It’s A Jungle Out There: Making Jungle Cruise – Director Jaume Collet-Serra, the cast and crew discuss the importance of the film’s elements, from casting to makeup to the use of an ancient indigenous language, in creating the world that honors one of Disneyland’s most beloved rides.
• Dwayne And Emily: Undoubtedly Funny – Go on-set with the two stars, whose newfound friendship helped them project a natural onscreen chemistry. Although their characters challenge each other throughout the film, the actors make each other laugh. A lot!
• Creating The Amazon – Explore the cinematic artistry involved in creating the world of “Jungle Cruise,” including how Frank’s boat coursed “dangerous” water in a tank in Atlanta, how a town was built in Kauai, and how a ferocious jaguar came to life, among other amazing effects.
• Once A Skip, Always A Skip – Join a panel of “Skippers” at the Disneyland Resort as they reminisce about the rewards, challenges and surprises they’ve experienced while helming the world-famous “Jungle Cruise” attraction, and hear their advice to aspiring skippers everywhere!
• Outtakes – Step behind the scenes of the production to catch the cast in a series of flubs, falls, foibles — and a whole lot of laughter.
• Deleted Scenes
  • MacGregor Drives The Boat
  • MacGregor Water Skis
  • Joachim And Nilo On The Dock
  • Frank Talks To Proxima & Lily’s Nightmares
  • Sub Gets Stuck
  • Proxima Surprises MacGregor
  • Frank Gets The Cold Shoulder
  • Trader Sam And Lily Walk In The Jungle
  • MacGregor And Trader Sam Say Goodbye
  • Frank Makes Tea For Lily

Final Thoughts:

Jungle Cruise is a solid summer movie full of action, adventure, comedy and heart. It's a fun ride and filled with great extras! Highly recommended! 

Jungle Cruise is now available to purchase on Digital and will be released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD November 16.

Disclosure:

I was provided a free digital copy of Jungle Cruise for this review. All of the opinions are my own. No other compensation was received. 

PHOTOS FROM DISNEY’S “JUNGLE CRUISE” WORLD PREMIERE AT DISNEYLAND

 

Last night at Disneyland, stars Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall and Veronica Falcón were joined by director Jaume Collet-Serra and producers John Davis, John Fox, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia and Beau Flynn for a walk down the red carpet where they greeted enthusiastic fans at the world premiere of Disney’s “Jungle Cruise.”

“Jungle Cruise” releases simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access this coming Friday, July 30, 2021.

Inspired by the famous Disneyland theme park ride, Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” is an adventure-filled, rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

 

Jaume Collet-Serra directs the film, which stars Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramírez and Jack Whitehall, with Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. The producers are John Davis and John Fox of Davis Entertainment; Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia of Seven Bucks Productions; and Beau Flynn of Flynn Picture Co., with  Scott Sheldon and Doug Merrifield serving as executive producers. The story is by John Norville & Josh Goldstein and  Glenn Ficarra & John Requa, and the screenplay is by Michael Green and Glenn Ficarra & John Requa. 

 

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CHECK OUT THE NEW TRAILER AND POSTER FOR DISNEY’S “CRUELLA,” STARRING ACADEMY AWARD®-WINNERS EMMA STONE AND EMMA THOMPSON

 

BURBANK, Calif. (April 7, 2021) – The Walt Disney Company has released a new trailer and poster for its all-new live-action feature film “Cruella,” starring Academy Award®-winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, directed by Craig Gillespie. The film will release simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access for a one time additional fee on Friday, May 28.

Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella. 

 

Disney’s “Cruella” is directed by Craig Gillespie (“I Tonya”) from a screenplay by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara, story by Aline Brosh McKenna and Kelly Marcel & Steve Zissis. It was produced by Andrew Gunn (“Freaky Friday”), Marc Platt (“Mary Poppins Returns”) and Kristin Burr (“Christopher Robin”), with Emma Stone, Michelle Wright, Jared LeBoff and Glenn Close serving as executive producers. Two-time Oscar®- winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “A Room with a View”) creates the dazzling and imaginative costumes, which take on a life of their own. 

DISNEY MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO SUMMER FILM RELEASE SCHEDULE

 

DISNEY MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO SUMMER FILM RELEASE SCHEDULE

 

Disney’s Live-Action “Cruella” and Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” Both to Release Day and Date in Theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28 and July 9, respectively 

  

Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” to Release Exclusively on Disney+ on June 18

 

BURBANK, Calif. (March 23, 2021) – Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution today announced new release details for a number of titles on Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming slate of films. The announcement updates rollout details for the forthcoming Disney live-action “Cruella,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow,” and Disney and Pixar’s “Luca,” and also includes revised premiere dates for several other titles.

 

“Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences.  By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.

 

Following the successful release of “Raya and The Last Dragon,” the highly anticipated live-action film “Cruella” and Marvel Studios’ long-awaited “Black Widow” will launch simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets on Friday, May 28 and on Friday, July 9, respectively.

Similar to the launch of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-nominated “Soul” that delighted Disney+ subscribers during the holidays, Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” will stream directly in homes worldwide exclusively on Disney+ beginning Friday, June 18, as a special offering to kick-off the summer season.  In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.

 

Theatrical release dates also shifted for several additional upcoming films. New release dates include:

 

• “Free Guy” on August 13, 2021
• “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” on September 3, 2021
• “The King’s Man” on December 22, 2021
• “Deep Water” on January 14, 2022
• “Death on the Nile” on February 11, 2022

Disney's Mulan | Final Trailer

When 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, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father. “Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” For more information on “Mulan,” follow on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waltdisneymulan Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneysmulan Instagram: https://instagram.com/mulan YouTube: https://youtube.com/disneymovietrailers Hashtag: #Mulan

PHOTOS FROM THE “MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL” PRESS CONFERENCE

Take a look at some photos from the press conference for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.

CAST FROM DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” KICK OFF MAGIC CARPET WORLD TOUR IN PARIS WITH FRENCH GALA AND PHOTO CALL

The cast and filmmakers of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, director Guy Ritchie and composer Alan Menken, participated in a photo call and attended a gala screening of the film at the historic Le Grand Rex in Paris earlier today, where they were greeted by throngs of  passionate fans lining the streets. The City of Light was the first stop on the Magic Carpet World Tour that will continue over the next two weeks which you can follow at #MagicCarpetTour. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.

Disney-Fox Updates Film Release Schedule: Star Wars, Avatar and More

The Walt Disney Studios has unveiled its upcoming slate following the recent acquisition of the Fox film studios, including changes to previously dated films and a number of major additions.

After kicking off with the record-setting success of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, The Walt Disney Studios’ 2019 summer slate includes Disney’s Aladdin on May 24, Fox’s Dark Phoenix on June 7, Pixar’s Toy Story 4 on June 21, Fox’s Stuber on July 12, and Disney’s The Lion King on July 19. Fox 2000’s The Art of Racing in the Rain moves up to Aug. 9, and Fox Searchlight’s Ready or Not will release on Aug. 23, while three films move to later dates: Ad Astra (9/20/19), The New Mutants (4/3/20), and Artemis Fowl (5/29/20).

The Studios’ 2019 slate rounds out with Fox’s The Woman in the Window on Oct. 4 and Ford V. Ferrari on Nov. 15, Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Oct. 18 and Disney Animation’s Frozen 2 on Nov. 22, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Dec. 20, and Blue Sky Studios’ Spies in Disguise, moving from September to Christmas. Among early 2020 titles are Fox’s Underwater on Jan. 10, a new Kingsman movie on Feb. 14, and Call of the Wild on Feb. 21, followed by Pixar’sOnward on March 6 and Disney’s Mulan on March 27.

The updated calendar also sets release dates for major franchises Avatar and Star Wars. With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker bringing the original Skywalker Saga to its conclusion, three new as-yet-untitled Star Wars films will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2022. Four forthcomingAvatar films, expanding the vibrant world of Pandora, will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2021. In the holiday corridor for 2020, Fox’s West Side Story adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, will debut Dec. 18 in the pre-Christmas slot, with Disney’s Cruella opening Wednesday, Dec. 23, for the long holiday weekend.

“We’re excited to put in place a robust and diverse slate that lays the foundation of our long-term strategy, bringing together a breadth of films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Fox, Fox Searchlight, and Blue Sky Studios to create an extraordinary collection of cinematic experiences for audiences around the world,” said Cathleen Taff, President, Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management, and Business & Audience Insights, The Walt Disney Studios. “With a strong summer already in place, we are eager to carry that momentum forward over the coming years thanks to a creative wellspring of bold and imaginative stories coming from our world-class studios – including several new chapters of two revered franchises, Avatar and Star Wars.”