Sneak Peek at Disney's Big Hero 6

Watch the brand new clip from Big Hero 6 that debuted during tonight’s ABC special, “The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic.” See the full film in theatres in 3D November 7.

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF "FROZEN" IN NEW ANIMATED SHORT "FROZEN FEVER"

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF “FROZEN” FAVORITES ANNA AND ELSA IN 2015’S NEW ANIMATED SHORT “FROZEN FEVER”

BURBANK, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2014) From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes the new animated short “Frozen Fever,” welcoming back to the big screen Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and, of course, the one-and-only Olaf.

Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, with an all-new original song by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, “Frozen Fever” marks the first project reuniting the Oscar®-winning original team from Disney’s “Frozen.”

The announcement was first made within the ABC Television Network special “The Story of Frozen: Making an Animated Classic,” which aired September 2. The special also featured the world television debut of a scene from the new action comedy adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6,” as well as a sneak peek at the upcoming season of the ABC series “Once Upon A Time.”

In “Frozen Fever,” it's Anna's birthday and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but Elsa's icy powers may put more than just the party at risk.

The short debuts Spring 2015.

Blu-Ray Review: Tarzan Special Edition

Tarzan is one of my favorite Disney animated films. It  made great use of hand-drawn and CG animation. The vine surfing scenes hold up as well today as they did in 1999. There is also a very smooth flow to the film as it moves from one scene into another. This was the Disney animated film that showed me that Disney could tell a mature story with heart and sensitivity. In a sense, Disney animation had grown up and reached me on several levels. How does the blu-ray look? Well, it's not bad but it's not perfect either. Let's get into the review shall we?

Video Quality:

Sadly the 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation doesn't live up to Disney's usual high standards. There are issues with this transfer such pixilation, macroblocking in the animal fur, and some strange flickering. I had high hopes for another flawless Disney transfer of an animated film that deserved a better presentation. It's not bad but it's not perfect either.

Audio Quality:

Another strange choice here is that Disney decided to go with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 mix instead of remastering the audio and create a 5.1 surround track. I was wondering why there wasn't the powerful thundering sound coming from my speakers as Tarzan fights an enemy or two or when he is vine surfing. Now I know why. The rest of the soundfield is fairly solid as dialogue is clear, directional focus makes this a fun immersive experience, and the songs and score will fill your room. So the audio presentation is good but just not as strong as it should have been. 

Bonus Features:

• Audio Commentary: The same audio commentary from Directors Chris Buck and Kevin Lima and producer Bonnie Arnold that was recorded for the DVD release of the film but still very insightful if you have never listened to it. They cover everything from the design, to the script, to the voice talent, to the animation, to innovations, and the music. They also make reference to the first time that any Tarzan film has shown the progression of Tarzan's famous yell.
• History and Development (SD, 8 minutes): An all too brief look at some of the early development of the movie, "From Burroughs to Disney," "Early Presentation Reel" and "Research Trip to Africa."
• The Characters of Tarzan (SD, 23 minutes): A great look into the character development, featuring "Creating Tarzan," "Animating Tarzan," "Creating Jane and Porter," "Creating Kala and Kerchak," "Creating Terk and Tantor" and "Creating Clayton."
• Animation Production (SD, 14 minutes): I love this look into the "Deep Canvas" innovation for the film. Four segments are presented here, including: "The Deep Canvas Process," "Deep Canvas Demonstration," "Production Progression Demonstration" and "Intercontinental Filmmaking."
• Story & Editorial (SD, 6 minutes): Take a look at the script writing and the storyboarding with these two featurettes: "Building the Story" and "Storyboard-to-Film Comparison".
• Music & More (SD, 41 minutes): Learn more about the score and the songs of Tarzan in these featurettes: "The Making of the Music," "Tarzan Goes International," "You'll Be in My Heart" and "Strangers Like Me" Music Videos, a "Trashin' the Camp" studio session with Phil Collins and N'Sync, and an original Phil Collins song demo.
• Deleted Scenes (SD, 10 minutes): Take a look at several unfinished and deleted scenes along with two scenes with an alternate opening. 
• DisneyPedia: Living in the Jungle (SD, 6 minutes): An educational featurette for kids.
• Publicity (SD, 5 minutes): Three theatrical trailers.

Conclusion:

One of my favorite Disney animated films and I was disappointed by this blu-ray release. The problems with the video and audio are minor though. While not perfect the movie still a lot of fun with great action and heart, great music and some fun bonus features. This still deserves a place on your shelf.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided but the review is strictly my own opinion.*

First Drive: 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage ES - This Small Car Will Impress You!

Meet the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage ES! This is the perfect car for your kids or for a second car to have for commuting purposes! Don't let the small size fool you! This subcompact car has the same features that you would find in larger cars! I was impressed by all of its bells and whistles and how this car handled. Let's head off into the review!

I loved the aerodynamic lines of the Mirage! The design allows the Mirage to get amazing gas mileage. The car is rated to get 40 MPG with 37 in the City and 44 on the highway. I was averaging slightly above 40 MPG. That was super impressive to me! Part of the fuel economy is because of the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 74 horsepower. You might laugh at that lack of horsepower but I had no problems getting through traffic or onto the freeways. This car has a lot of power!

Check out the halogen headlights and the fog lights. These throw out quite a bit of light so you can see what's on that open road.

Taking a look at the side of the Mirage. The tires are 14' alloy wheels. You can see the stylish rear spoiler. There is a short pole antenna as well as power side mirrors.

Soft memory foam seats await you.

Check out the layout. All of the controls are easily within your reach. You have steering wheel mounted cruise control, audio controls and Bluetooth controls. There is even push button start!

Would you have thought you would see a touchscreen entertainment/navigation system with a rearview camera? Neither did I! The entertainment system is a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 4 speakers. Powerful sound in a small car!

Even the USB plug has safety in mind. You charge your phone while it is in the glovebox, out of sight out of mind. Plus the Mirage comes with side curtain airbags, driver's side knee airbag and front airbags. There is a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock braking system and active stability control. This is one safe car for your kids or for yourself.

It's hard to believe how much room there is for the rear passengers. Once again the design of the vehicle allows for a lot of headroom.

The memory foam seats continue to the back as well.

Such a great looking car! I couldn't help but want to sit in the driver's seat and take it for a drive!

Here is the back of the car. Nice and clean look and you can see something that I showed in an earlier photo.

That's the rearview camera. Another options I never would have expected on a subcompact and another great safety feature.

Not surprisingly the trunk space is at a minimum.

But there is a full size spare. Another nice surprise!

The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage ES would be the perfect first car for college students or for those simply looking for a smart second car to commute or run short trips.

A quick trip to the market or running any other errands is perfect for this car.

The Mirage is also a smart choice for college students looking for their first car. Great gas mileage for those on a limited income is perfect. Plus getting to and from class and hanging out with friends.

The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage ES starts at 12,995.00 but the version I tested was $17,105.00. It comes with a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, a 7 year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation warranty, a 5 year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and even a 5 year unlimited roadside assistance warranty. Your college student or yourself will be in very good hands with this car.

I thoroughly enjoyed driving around in the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage ES. I was impressed with the look of the car, its gas mileage, it's handling and all the features that it can come with. This is the perfect college student car or for those looking for a second car for commuting purposes.

*Disclaimer: The vehicle was provided for a week to review and the review is strictly my own opinion.*