Tag Archives: Disney

Storytellers Behind “Frozen 2” Find Inspiration on Trip to Nordic Regions 

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Storytellers Behind “Frozen 2” Find Inspiration on Trip to Nordic Regions 

By Melanie Gable

*I recently attended an early press day for “Frozen 2” at Walt Disney Animation Studios. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s been nearly six years since we first met Elsa and Anna—royal sisters grappling with Elsa’s out-of-control, magical ice powers—back in 2013 when Walt Disney Animation Studios released “Frozen.” The film went on to become the highest grossing animated film of all time in worldwide box office, and the sisters became pop culture icons. With Elsa encouraging audiences to “let it go” and embrace their true identities, and quirky Anna saving the day with selflessness and familial love, both kids and adults fell in love with the characters and story.

Film still courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

Two short films followed: “Frozen Fever” (2015), which revisited the sisters celebrating Anna’s birthday in the spring, and “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” (2017), a holiday story. Both shorts were fun and beautifully animated, but Disney felt there were still enough questions from “Frozen” left unanswered that it was worth digging deeper into Arendelle’s past to create the story for a new feature film.

By now you’ve probably seen the official trailers for “Frozen 2,” which show Queen Elsa being haunted by a recurring siren song that leads her on a journey through gorgeous autumn landscapes to find the source of the voice and, possibly, her own powers. Joining her are her sister Anna, of course, Anna’s love interest Kristoff, reindeer Sven, and magical snowman Olaf.

                   Film still courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

What you may not know is that the filmmakers and artists behind “Frozen 2” took research trips to Norway, Finland, and Iceland and found great inspiration in both the natural surroundings and the myths of the Nordic regions, which created an important dichotomy for the story.

Marc Smith, director of story on “Frozen 2,” spoke enthusiastically about the crew’s journey overseas. “We took a trip to Finland and Norway, north of the Arctic Circle and then to Iceland, which is super fascinating and fun. And on the left here is Lake Inari in Finland and it felt like a fairytale. Like, it just got us—you understood why all of their tales are so imbued with magical spirits, forest spirits, magic. And it was really fascinating. And then on the right there, that’s Iceland and Iceland just felt mythic. It felt like nature was just trying to kill you,” Smith remarked, laughing. “Everywhere you turned you just felt like a tiny little human in the face of nature. So, we started developing these themes of fairytale and myth.”

Art courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

Director/writer Jennifer Lee, who is now Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, shared a bit about her own experiences on the trip. “In Finland we did an 8-mile hike through a forest that was very much feeling like it was coming alive as we went,” she divulged. “You have to ask the spirits if you want to do something and they’ll answer. And the joke of it was they didn’t seem to like me in the Norwegian forest. I…ripped my pants, falling down, everything went wrong for me in Norway. [Director] Chris [Buck] was skippin’ along…”

“Oh I had a great time in Norway,” laughed Buck. “Norway and Finland feel like this very fairytale world and it’s very cozy and warm and wonderful. Of course, we were there in the fall, so it was beautiful. And then we compared our stories.”

“Frozen 2” director Chris Buck and director/writer Jennifer Lee share insight into the filmmaking process at the early press day on the animation studios lot – Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

In Iceland, the adventurous Buck and cautious Lee reversed roles. Said Lee, “I get to Iceland, and I’m not a great flyer. I get afraid of things. And this was this incredible land that was alive. It could kill you at any turn. There were like jokes about that. Like, man is definitely not in charge. And I was like, ‘I’m home. I’m completely fine with this. I will go into the volcano. I will walk in the glacier. Yeah, I know you could slip and die if you go down that crevasse. I don’t care. I’m here.’” Confessed Buck, “I love adventurous things, but when you’re there, every second you feel like you’re gonna die. I’d rather take that cozy fairytale place.”

Art courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

While on the trip, Lee realized that the differences between her and Buck’s experiences could be reflected in Elsa and Anna. “Iceland for me, a lot of story in terms of Elsa’s journey came out well on that trip.” Buck agreed, adding that, “It was kind of a stark contrast between Norway and Iceland that framed the concept for us. Anna felt at home in Norway with its fairytale settings, but Elsa felt strangely at home in this dark, mythic Iceland.” The push-pull dynamic of warm autumnal beauty and frigid, icy landscapes was reflected in Elsa and Anna’s struggles as very different characters occupying the same story.

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Disney’s Aladdin (live-action) and Aladdin Signature Collection on Digital & Blu-Ray Now!

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Disney’s Aladdin (live-action) and Aladdin Signature Collection on Digital & Blu-Ray Now!

By Erin

I am sure I am not the only one out there who grew up watching the animated classic Aladdin over and over and over again. I am thrilled that Disney created a  live-action adaptation of Aladdin, and it has now landed in homes on Digital, Movies Anywhere and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD! Starring Will Smith, Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud, the release includes all new bonus features, such as deleted scenes, a blooper reel and more!

The release of the live-action adventure coincides with the addition of the original animated classic to the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection, granting Aladdin fans everywhere the opportunity to own both magical movies. In 4K for the first time, the new release features all new bonus content, including alternate endings! We celebrated this release with some JAMS! FIG Jams that is! Special thanks to Disney for this fun little package. 😉 We made some tasty Chicken and Fig Jam Sandwiches with them. They were delicious.

If you’d like to make a sweet treat to wash that down with, try making these Fig jam Cookies! YUM!

Disney’s “Aladdin,” the thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic will delight fans of all ages and will enjoy the exciting, humorous tale of the lovable “street rat,” Aladdin (Mena Massoud), courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and the larger-than-life Genie (Will Smith) with all-new bonus features. The release of the live-action adventure coincides with the addition of the original animated classic to the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection  —  granting “Aladdin” fans everywhere the opportunity to own both magical movies.

Extras explore elements of “Aladdin” that audiences adore, from the film’s treasured, iconic award-winning music to its beloved characters and their hilarious antics on and off screen. Viewers get the first look at an all-new song “Desert Moon,” deleted from the final film, written by eight-time Academy Award® winning composer Alan Menken and Oscar®-and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“The Greatest Showman,” “La La Land”). Features document Guy Ritchie’s joyful, easy-going approach to directing that led to movie magic; Will Smith’s fresh take on the infamous shape-shifting blue entity confined to an oil lamp; Naomi Scott’s powerful performance as the spirited princess who yearns to lead the people of Agrabah; and the indescribable feeling of playing Aladdin chronicled personally by Mena Massoud. Deleted scenes and a blooper reel round out the fun.

In addition, early owners of “Aladdin” gain access to exclusive bonus features. Fans who pre-purchase will receive a feature showcasing the making of the massive musical number “Prince Ali,” and those who bring home the film first on Digital will secure an exclusive extra detailing the creation of Jasmine’s new song “Speechless.”

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CHOC Walk in the Park 2019 and Giveaway!

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CHOC Walk in the Park 2019 and Giveaway!

By Monica Young

Just last week I attended the CHOC Walk media mixer event celebrating Disneyland’s birthday at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. During this mixer we were able to network and enjoy CHOCTails, delicious food (like shrimp and grits, tomato soup with mickey ears made out of grilled cheese sandwiches and even some Kahlua-filled beignets.

Since 1964, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) has provided loving care to children. In 1990, CHOC partnered with Disneyland and created the “Walk in the Park,” a 5k fundraising walk. Since the beginning of the partnership, Disneyland and CHOC have raised over $32,000,000 for CHOC programs and services.

The 2018 CHOC Walk raised $2.9 million dollars to help kids in Southern California. These funds go towards covering medical treatments so families don’t have to worry about bills. Money also went towards the Mental Health Inpatient Center, the ASPIRE Intensive Outpatient Program and broke ground on the Thompson Autism Center.

The CHOC Walk is happening August 11th at Disneyland Resort. Anyone can register to participate in the walk, which will go through Disneyland Resort. The registration fees and donations for the walk go to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)

Event Details

  • When: Sunday, August 11, 2019 (entrance cutoff time is 7:15)
  • Where: Disneyland Resort (Opening Ceremony at Main Street U.S.A. at 6:00 am)
  • Cost: $85 (early bird prior to 7/29/19) per CHOC Walk participant/team member (ages 3 and older). The price increases to $95 after 7/29/2019. 
  • Walkers ages 2 and under FREE
  • 5K walk through Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. (route TBD)
  • Parking:  Free parking is available at the Disneyland Resort for all CHOC Walk participants (parking lot opens at 4:00 am) 
  • By participating in CHOC Walk, you can receive discounts at Downtown Disney the day of the walk, as well as reduced admission prices at both parks ($67 – 1-Day, 1-Park ticket (valid at either Disneyland® Park OR Disney California Adventure® Park) and $93 – Disneyland® Resort 1-Day Park Hopper® ticket for BOTH Parks. (To receive discounted ticket prices, you will need to show your CHOC Walk wristband at the ticket booth. The ticket can be used August 11, 2019 through September 10, 2019 with the following blackout dates: 8/31/19 – 9/03/19)
  • As you walk you get to meet special Disney characters and also get the opportunity to take some photos with CHOC bear!
  • Registration: CHOCWalk.org

During our media mixer, we learned about the CHOC Walk happening August 11, 2019. We got the rundown on this years “Walk in the Park” events and fundraisers, including the special pin and medallion available and prizes for Annual Pass holders (AP) that are walking under the AP team. Here is a recap of what we learned

  • This is the 29th annual CHOC Walk in the Park, Presented by Disneyland.
  • CHOC Walk is a 5K walk through Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney to help raise funds for research and services at CHOC Children’s
  • Disneyland AP can join the AP team and win prizes such as: Star Wars 2019 collector’s pin, a Star Wars drawstring backpack, and AP Star Wars insulated water bottle. (insert photo of AP prizes)
  • There are also incentives for those walking in other teams. The 2019 pin for those that fundraise $225 and the 2019 Medallion for those that raise $350 (insert photo of pin and medallion)
  • Now there is an option to Fundraise via Facebook. So much easier to get those donations going.

 The countdown to the 2019 CHOC Walk in the Park is on, with less than a month to go, who is going to join me in my efforts to fundraise money for a good cause?

GIVEAWAY FOR 2 CHOC WALK WRISTBANDS!!

We even have two (2) wristbands to giveaway!! The two wristbands will allow you to attend the CHOC Walk as walkers without fundraising. You will, however, have to sign up to walk, but your $85 early bird registration minimum will be waived and you will need to pick up your wristbands during CHOC Walk check-in on Friday, August 9th and Saturday, August 10th at the CHOC Walk offices in Orange. Hours and location info on CHOC Walk check-in here: https://www.chocwalk.org/Static/Event-Check-In. Winners must be a US resident, 18 years of age or older. One winner per household. Void where prohibited by law and no purchase necessary to win. Ends 7/25/19 at 12AM PST Good-luck!

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