2012 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Slate

In this blog post, you will read about these 11 movies:


Beauty and the Beast 3D
THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY
JOHN CARTER 
CHIMPANZEE
MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS
BRAVE  3D
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
Finding Nemo 3D
FRANKENWEENIE
Wreck-it Ralph
OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (In Disney Digital 3D™)

January 13, 2012

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Genre:                                      Animation

Rating:                                      G         

Release Date:                           January 13, 2012

Voice Cast:                               Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers,

Angela Lansbury, Bradley Pierce, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Hal Smith,
JoAnne Worley

Directors:                                  Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

Producer:                                  Don Hahn

Executive Producer:                  Howard Ashman

Screenplay by:                          Linda Woolverton

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical classic “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince. 

Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Notes:

·         The film was nominated for six Academy Awards®, winning Oscars® for Best Song, by the renowned Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and Best Original Score (Menken).

·         “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to cross the $100 million plateau in its initial release.

• Alan Menken has been nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 15 times with seven wins.  Prior to his death in 1991, Howard Ashman received six Oscar® nominations with two wins.
• Three years after the film’s debut, “Beauty and the Beast” hit Broadway. The musical opened at the Palace Theatre and ran in New York for 5,464 performances between 1994 and 2007, becoming the eighth-longest running production. It has played in 13 countries and 115 cities and continues to enchant audiences worldwide.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical classic “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), the Beast (voice of Robby Benson) and the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock.

Up next  in theaters is ..
(click Read More! )

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY

Release Date:      February 17, 2012

Voice Cast:                                 Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, David Henrie, Moises Arias

Director:                                      Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Producer:                                  Toshio Suzuki

Screenplay by :                         Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa

Based on “The Borrowers” by:    Mary Norton

Director – English Language

Version:                                    Gary Rydstrom

Executive Producers –

English Language Version:        Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall

English Language Screenplay by:      Karey Kirkpatrick

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all.  From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”

Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. The English language version of “The Secret World of Arrietty” was executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and directed by Gary Rydstrom. The film hits theaters Feb. 17, 2012.

Notes:

• Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most influential and admired filmmakers working in animation today and is a major figure in the Japanese cinematic landscape. His films have inspired moviegoers and colleagues around the world, from Pixar's John Lasseter to fantasist Guillermo del Toro to Chinese director Tsui Hark, and consistently top the box office in his native Japan.
• Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a top animator at Studio Ghibli, was responsible for the animation in a signature scene in “Ponyo,” in which Ponyo runs atop ocean waves.
• English language voice talent director Gary Rydstrom is a seven-time Academy Award^Ò winning sound designer/mixer (“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”). He joined Pixar Animation Studios as an animation film director in 2003.  His directorial debut for the studio was the Academy Award^®-nominated short film “Lifted,” and he directed the short film “Hawaiian Vacation,” which was released with “Cars 2” in June 2011.
• Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall are highly successful producing partners whose films, separately and together, include “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “E.T.,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” the Indiana Jones films and the Jurassic Park films. In total, Kennedy and Marshall have earned 11 Oscar® nominations.
• English language screenplay writer Karey Kilpatrick’s credits include “Spiderwick Chronicles” and “Over the Hedge,” which he also directed (with Tim Johnson).

JOHN CARTER is Disney's next big release!

out on March 9, 2012

Q & A    w/   Taylor Kitsch

Q:        Your character John Carter has an amazing back-story. How did that inform you as an actor?

A:         When I first read the script, I was drawn to the character-driven story and the fact that it will benefit from being a big studio movie.  It gave the filmmakers a chance to make the film in an amazing way. You get to know John Carter’s background with his family, the Civil War and everything. It’s heavy to play but it gives me such a base to draw from through the whole movie. For example, in one scene, you’ll see Carter playing with his rings and you’ll know what that truly means to him. It’s great as an actor because it’s something to really dive into.  It’s great.

Q:        What kind of character is John Carter?

A:         Carter is a man who has lost everything he ever cared about. He comes back from the Civil War to find his wife and child dead. He basically goes into this recluse mode of living and is driven to mine for gold. It’s like a Band-Aid solution—he’s covering up what he hasn’t dealt with, the guilt and the loss of his family, whom he went to war to protect.

He has a fear of taking responsibility again and that’s what he’s fighting through the whole movie. He lands in the Civil War between Helium and Zodanga. He’s on Mars but their conflict is incredibly relatable for him, so he just wants nothing to do with it. You have Dejah, Tars and everyone reminding him or literally telling him that there’s a cause here and you have to be part of it whether you like it or not. He’s made that choice before and everything was just ripped from him, so obviously there’s that fear of actually engaging in that again. So that’s what he’s always pushing away from.

Q:        This movie covers such an incredible epic span from the Civil War era to Western America to Mars. How was the epic adventure sense of it for you as an actor?

A:         The grandeur and what Stanton’s done and how it works and how it’s all intertwined is quite epic and I felt that as an actor. My character is definitely on an epic adventure. We go from the 1800s on the streets of New York to the Arizona Territory in the West, to the plains of Mars—all in one movie.  As an actor I experienced my character John Carter in many different settings that had specific emotions and needs that I had to evoke.

I can’t recall any movie that’s done it the way we have. The ending brings the adventure full circle brilliantly, but you’ll have to see it to understand what I mean.

Q:        What do you think audiences are going to love about this movie?

A:         There’s a lot. I keep saying that the great white ape scene is worth the price of admission alone. Visually it’s going to be incredible. I think they’ll like the characters; they’re going to be able to relate. It’s not just a special effects movie with things blowing up and basically one guy that you don’t care about. You care about John Carter and you care about his journey. You see an incredible arc of who he is, his new beginning and rebirth, and although you have special effects, you’ve also got the brilliant actors whom I’ve had the fortune of working opposite as well.

Q:        Please talk about your character’s relationship with Lynn Collins’ character, Dejah Thoris.

A:         In the books it’s almost love at first sight and John would do anything for Dejah, but in the film you follow an arc that happens with John and Dejah as their relationship develops. I love the banter back and forth. We rib each other and we challenge each other through different scenes and finally the truth just comes out. It’s a love story with everything else going on but it means so much to the film. It’s quite the backbone of it.

Our characters’ relationship at first is about pushing each other’s buttons to see how we’ll each react. That changes as we grow and she stops trying to test him and begins to see the real John, the part he can’t even see himself.

           

But through the relationship, Dejah and John have so much going on that those moments become very special and, in a sense, earned. It would be unreal just to play that relationship as it is in the moment. You have to understand that the stakes are always so high, so you have to create these small moments that are earned and not just like, “Oh, you’re pretty today.” You definitely have to work and earn those moments, which make them that much more special in the film.

Q:        Did you enjoy working with Lynn Collins?

A:         Working with Lynn is fiery, which I love. Lynn has a great balance of fire and beauty and has done an amazing job with her character Dejah. She’s just a ton of fun. In every scene I play with her the stakes are quite high because she’s on such a driven path. Just to be in those scenes with her has been great.

We work really well with one another. Trust is everything and as an actor and as a good friend I trust her immensely. It’s been great to work with her.

Q:        How did director Andrew Stanton convey his vision to you? 

A:         Andrew Stanton’s vision was very infectious. He’s just brilliant and you just have to go along with it. You have to believe in it because it’s such an incredible vision that if you don’t, you’re not doing the story and the character justice.

Our first meeting was great. I was so excited because I am a huge fan of “Wall-E” and, come to find out, he’s a fan of “Friday Night Lights.” It’s just been a great relationship from the get-go and trust has been there from day one. It was great to be able to have him explain his vision and then to become part of it.

Q:        Where did the story of “John Carter” come from?

A:         It comes from Edgar Rice Burroughs, who created the character of John Carter. 2012 is the 100^th anniversary of the creation of the character. Burroughs wrote a whole series of books based on him.

I think Edgar Rice Burroughs was way ahead of his time, especially for his first science- fiction novel. It relates to what we’re living and doing right now—the lack of natural resources, the energy problems, the wars going on from racism to religion. He was hitting it all almost 100 years ago.

And even in the film we address all those things. What Stanton has done is taken the base of John Carter from Burroughs and definitely gone into more depth of who John Carter really is and where he comes from.

 Stanton has given me so much more to dive into with the character that wasn’t realized in the books. It’s been really great, script wise, to draw from that.

Q:        How does John Carter wind up on Mars?

A:         It’s actually quite brilliant. Edgar Rice Burroughs didn’t really address it in the book, in which he just wakes up on Mars.

Andrew Stanton’s John Carter goes into a cave on Earth where he tries to escape the Apaches. The cave has become a Thern way station where Therns transport back and forth from Mars.

Carter gets accidentally transported to Mars when he comes into possession of a medallion.

Q:        What makes the character of John Carter so appealing?

A:         What’s made him so interesting for me to play, and why I feel grounded in John, is the sense that he’s real.  And I think that will appeal to audiences, too. Carter’s sense of loss, his regaining his humanity and his honor and finding love again are all appealing human themes that play out in this character on the screen.

Q:        Does John Carter have powers on Mars?

A:         I don’t like to call them powers because then he’s going into a superhero realm, which this is not. His enhanced strength and ability to jump are based on the different gravity of Mars.

He learns that there’s a lack of gravity on Mars and he has to adjust to it. At first he doesn’t realize his enhanced strength, but when he does, he starts to figure out how to use that to his benefit.

Q:        Despite the serious underlying themes of the movie, it’s got a lot of wit and levity to it, too. Correct?

A:         Absolutely. It’s something that Stanton’s worked on from the beginning, with the script and in the filming. John Carter has a lot of funny things happen to him and engages in some witty conversation with Dejah, Tars and even Woola, his canine-like protector. Even his gestures become moments of levity, such as the shrug of his shoulders in the White Ape scene. It’s very situational comedy.

Q:        Can you talk about Woola, Carter’s dog-like protector?

A:         I’m telling you, Woola will steal this movie. That’s how brilliantly he’s worked into the story line. Of course, he saves my butt a few times, which is really great.

At the beginning, I hate him for blowing my cover in the Thark camp. And, annoyingly, he finds me wherever I go. He’s always able to find me at the right time and sometimes the wrong. He’s loud and awkward, like a puppy in a sense.

If anyone has an animal or has had an animal growing up, they know that there are so many things that you do with an animal that you don’t do in a relationship with another human. Eventually, John lets his guard down quite a bit and I love that because it makes those moments with Woola quite great.

Q:        Can you address the lengths to which the production and Andrew Stanton have gone to in order to get the right locations?

A:         We were on location in Utah even though we could have easily done those whole sequences around green screen. Every location, whether it was in Utah or in London, was researched and chosen very carefully. In doing so, Andrew’s made an incredible effort to keep it real. It’s always been performance before technicality. The focus is on getting the performance and being on location helps with that enormously.

Q:        What was it like working with the Thark actors in their motion capture suits?

A:         The actors were dressed in, like, gray pajamas with dots all over them and headgear. It all goes back to making it real, because the actual actors were dressed in the suits instead of stand-ins.

Stanton brought in an incredible group of actors to bring these characters alive. There’s a moment in the film where I do really look at Tars closely and there’s only one way you can do it. And by Willem Dafoe actually being there on stilts, I can connect with him and his face and with the character. It helped me so much.

I think it’s going to be an incredible trip to see the actual Tars Tarkas up there and me acting to these guys. We’ve done everything possible to make that real. Willem really brought Tars to life. He is incredibly professional and a lot funnier than people give him credit for. It’s a lot of fun to watch him. He is so great to work off of…all of them are. Sam Morton, Church, all these guys. It’s been great.

Q:        How important was it that Andrew Stanton create a somewhat believable world?

A:         It’s very important. The film actually takes place in the late 1800s, so it’s not set in the future. It’s real time on Mars, too. So Andrew Stanton created this real world that people can believe in, not a bunch of people running around in robot suits. I think it’s pretty amazing that we’ve created such a realistic world.

The key to everything is making it so you can relate and you can say, “Wow, you know, I bet that world exists.” And he’s done such a brilliant job with that.

Q:        Can you talk about the scope of the film?

A:         The grandeur and what Stanton’s done, and how it works and how it’s all intertwined, is quite epic. Of course, we’ve got these wonderful landscapes and all the amazing shots too, which add to the scope.

I don’t have a clue as to the actual scale of the film, but it feels like an epic to me. We go from the 1800s on the streets of New York to the Arizona Territory in the West, to the plains of Mars—all in one movie.  

           

Q:        This is Andrew Stanton’s first live-action film. What makes him the perfect director for “John Carter”?

A:         It’s quite simple. He’s a brilliant writer and he’ll tell a story like no other. What we needed first and foremost was an incredible character-driven story, which he delivered. He’s going to keep the audience on their toes through the whole movie. There’s no way they will figure out the ending.

Andrew Stanton is different from everyone else that I’ve worked with before. He directs me differently from the way he’ll direct William [Dafoe] or Samantha [Morton]. And that’s the trick. He knows what is going to work for you and you only. And that’s the difference of his direction compared to a lot of other directors I’ve worked with.

Q:        When did you know you wanted to be an actor and how did you get into it?

A:         There were things that kind of spoke to me while I was growing up, such as performances that changed my point of view. I love telling a story. I love bringing people into a performance. I love the kind of escapism that it brings.

I enjoy working with brilliant actors. I’ve had the pleasure to do so and hopefully it will continue. There’s no better art form that I’ve ever come across where you learn more about yourself. I always want to keep growing and becoming a better actor and everything that goes with that as well.

Q:        Do you enjoy seeing this type of science-fiction adventure in theaters?  

A:          I love going to a good film in theaters just as much as the next guy. It’s all about escapism and enjoying the arc and the wild ride and wondering where the next scene is going to lead and what’s going to happen. Just being a part of it and creating it makes it that much more special to me. I love movies that take you right into the conflict.

And I think we'll take you right into Mars and hopefully you feel it when I’m in the cave and when Dejah is fighting and when we’re surrounded by Tharks. And when we’re in the gladiator arena, I hope you’re right there with us.

Q:        Did you enjoy your stay in London and working for so long abroad?

A:         Unfortunately, I didn't really get to see a lot of London. But what I saw I loved. I worked so much that all I did was sleep and work.

I love being away from home, though. I’ve worked from South Africa to Australia, to London. Ironically, I’ve only worked for two weeks in Vancouver, where I’m from. I love being away, as it keeps me a lot more focused than when I’m home where other variables can come into play to detour me from work.

Q:        You did your own wirework and even worked with the second unit sometimes doing your own stunt work.  How physically demanding was this role?

A:         Honestly, no job will ever be as physical and exhausting, yet rewarding, as this one. I’ve been tested on every level and then some. The pure physicality of it, to the arc of the character, to the emotional spectrum he has. I’ve had to keep up my endurance this whole time, but again what you put in is what you hopefully get out. And I think that will be very specific to this role.

Q:        Did you have fun doing any of the physical scenes?

A:          I love doing the fight scenes. The Great White Ape scene was probably something I’ll never forget. The energy in that arena was really great. I knew early on from the screen test that this scene was going to be epic. The stakes are incredibly high and I love that.

 Cast:                                        Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West, James Purefoy, Bryan Cranston, Polly Walker, Daryl Sabara, with Thomas Haden Church and Willem Dafoe

Director:                                   Andrew Stanton

Producers:                                Jim Morris, Colin Wilson, Lindsey Collins

Screenplay by:                          Andrew Stanton & Mark Andrews and Michael Chabon (credit not final)

Based on the story “A Princess of Mars” by:       Edgar Rice Burroughs

From Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands. 

Notes:

·         Edgar Rice Burroughs was born in Chicago and is best known for writing and creating Tarzan—still one of the most successful and iconic fictional creations of all time.  “John Carter” is based on Burroughs’ first novel, “A Princess of Mars.”

·         Academy Award®–winning director/writer Andrew Stanton directed and co-wrote the screenplay for “WALL•E,” which earned the Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award® for Best Animated Feature of 2008. He was Oscar® nominated for the screenplay. He made his directorial debut with “Finding Nemo,” garnering an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of 2003. He was one of the four screenwriters to receive an Oscar nomination in 1996 for his contribution to “Toy Story,” and went on to receive credit as a screenwriter on subsequent Pixar films “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo” and “WALL•E.”

·         The award-winning below-the-line team includes Production Designer Nathan Crowley, Oscar®- nominated for both “Dark Knight” and “The Prestige,”   and Costume Designer Mayes Rubeo, whose work is showcased in “Avatar” and “Apocalypto.”

·         Michael Chabon, who won the Pulitzer Prize in Literature for his novel “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,” is a co-writer on the screenplay.

·         Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino has received numerous accolades for his work on previous Disney•Pixar films “Up” (Oscar® winner, Best Original Score; BAFTA winner, Best Music; Golden Globe® winner, Best Original Score for a Motion Picture; GRAMMY® Award winner, Best Score Soundtrack Album), “Ratatouille” (GRAMMY Award winner, Best Score Soundtrack Album; Annie Award winner, Best Music in an Animated Feature Production; Oscar nomination, Best Original Score) and “The Incredibles” (Annie Award winner, Best Music in an Animated Feature Production; GRAMMY nomination, Best Score Soundtrack Album).

John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to mysterious and exotic planet Mars, becomes embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions and discovers that the survival of the planet and its people rests in his hands. 

JOHN CARTER, JCM Design and PRINCESS OF MARS are trademarks of ERB, Inc. and used by permission.

CHIMPANZEE

U.S. Release Date:          April 20, 2012

This is the movie I am MOST excited to see in theaters!

Directors:                                  Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield

Producers:                                Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield, Alix Tidmarsh

Executive producer:                  Don Hahn

                                               

Disneynature takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with “Chimpanzee,” a new True Life Adventure introducing an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph.  Oscar’s playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Working together, Oscar’s chimpanzee family—including his mom and the group’s savvy leader — navigates the complex territory of the forest.  
 
The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps, who’d rather make mayhem than join their parents for an afternoon nap. But when Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band of chimps, he is left to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever.  Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“African Cats” and “Earth”) and Mark Linfield (“Earth”), “Chimpanzee” swings into theaters on Earth Day 2012.

Notes:

·         “Chimpanzee” is the fourth release for Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years.  The label was launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to capture a variety of wildlife subjects and stories.

·         The first three releases under the Disneynature label—“Earth,” “Oceans” and “African Cats”—are among the top four highest grossing feature-length nature films of all time. 

·         Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960, including “Seal Island” (1948), “Beaver Valley” (1950), “The Living Desert” (1953) and “Jungle Cat” (1958).  The films earned eight Academy Awards®. 

In theaters Earth Day 2012, Disneynature’s newest True Life Adventure introduces Oscar, a baby chimp whose playful curiosity and zest for discovery light up the African forest until a twist of fate leaves Oscar to fend for himself with a little help from an unexpected ally. 

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS

Release date:           May 4, 2012

Cast:                            Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson

Director:                       Joss Whedon

Producer:                      Kevin Feige                  

Executive Producers:    Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham                       

Written by:                    Joss Whedon                                       

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

In “Marvel’s The Avengers,” superheroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.

BRAVE (In Disney Digital 3D™)

Disney•Pixar

June 22, 2012 

Voice Talent:                 Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane

Directors:                      Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman

Producer:                      Katherine Sarafian

Composer:                    Patrick Doyle

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.

Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humor enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Notes:

·         Director Mark Andrews served as story supervisor for the Disney•Pixar films “Ratatouille” and “The Incredibles,” and was Oscar^®-nominated as the co-writer/co-director of the Pixar short “One Man Band.”  He also contributed to the screenplay as co-writer and served as second unit director for the 2012 Walt Disney Studios film “John Carter.” Director Brenda Chapman directed DreamWorks Animation’s “The Prince of Egypt” and was story supervisor for the Disney classic “The Lion King.” Producer Katherine Sarafian produced the Pixar short film “Lifted” and served as production manager for “The Incredibles.”

·         Actress Kelly Macdonald stars as Margaret Schroeder on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," and as Ravenclaw's ghost, The Grey Lady, in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”  Her film credits also include “No Country for Old Men,” “Gosford Park” and “Trainspotting.”

·         Appearing in the movies “Men in Black 3” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” Emma Thompson is an Oscar®-winning actress (“Howards End”) and screenwriter (“Sense and Sensibility”) who most recently starred in, wrote and executive produced “Nanny McPhee Returns.”   

·         Scottish comedian Billy Connolly most recently served as narrator for the Walt Disney Animation Studios short “The Ballad of Nessie” and appeared in “Gulliver’s Travels.”

A grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor, “Brave” uncovers a new tale in the mysterious Highlands of Scotland where the impetuous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom and inadvertently unleashes chaos, forcing her to discover the meaning of true bravery before it’s too late. Opens June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN

August 15, 2012

Cast:                            Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, Dianne Wiest, CJ Adams, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ron Livingston, M. Emmet Walsh, Odeya Rush, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lois Smith, with David Morse and Common

Director:                       Peter Hedges

Producers:                    Ahmet Zappa, Scott Sanders, Jim Whitaker

Executive Producers:    John Cameron, Mara Jacobs

Story by:                      Ahmet Zappa

Screenplay by:              Peter Hedges

Academy Award®–nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (“Dan in Real Life,” What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?”) brings enchantment to the screen with “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” an inspiring, magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim—and their small town of Stanleyville—learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.

When young Timothy suddenly comes into the lives of Cindy and Jim Green, they learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.

Finding Nemo 3D

Disney and Pixar rerelease this fish tale in 3D.

SEPTEMBER 14 , 2012

Nemo's a curious little clown fish who is ready to explore his watery world. Too bad his loving dad, Marlin, is a bit over-protective. As it turns out, Nemo gets more adventure than he ever bargained for when he is captured by a scuba-diving dentist and finds himself imprisoned in an aquarium. Marlin must face his fears and join forces with forgetful fish Dory to get his son back. Together they face vegetarian sharks, a forest of jellyfish, and a host of other perils as they search the ocean depths to find Nemo. Along the way, Marlin finds the courage to let his son grow up and spread his fins

This movie was a smash hit in 2003, revived later this year in 3D! 

Tim Burton's  - FRANKENWEENIE

October 5, 2012

Voice Cast:                                           Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell

Director:                                               Tim Burton

Producers:                                            Tim Burton, Allison Abbate

Executive Producer:                              Don Hahn

Screenplay by:                                      John August

Based on an original idea by:                 Tim Burton                   

From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” will be filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience.

In Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.

NOTES:

• When Tim Burton originally conceived the idea for “Frankenweenie,” he envisioned it as a full-length, stop-motion animated film. Due to budget constraints, he instead directed it as a live-action short, released in 1984. 
• “Frankenweenie” follows in the footsteps of Tim Burton’s other stop-motion animated films “Corpse Bride” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”—both of which were nominated for Academy Awards®.
• Over 200 puppets and sets were created for the film.
• The voice cast includes four actors who worked with Burton on previous films: Winona Ryder (“Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands”), Catherine O’Hara (“Beetlejuice,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”), Martin Short (“Mars Attacks!”) and Martin Landau (“Ed Wood,” Sleepy Hollow”).
• Several of the character names—Victor, Elsa Van Helsing, Edgar “E” Gore and Mr. Burgemeister— were inspired by classic horror films.

Releasing 11-12-12!

Wreck-It Ralph

Disney has announced a new title and also revealed more details regarding the upcoming animated movie. The film, previously titled Reboot Ralph, is now titled Wreck_It Ralph. Director Rich Moore (The Simpsons, Futurama) will helm the project. The voice cast includes John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch. 

And we also have an official plot synopsis of Wreck-It Ralph: 

Plot: 
"Wreck-It Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) longs to be as beloved as his game's perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer). Problem is, nobody loves a Bad Guy. But they do love heroes... so when a modern, first-person shooter game arrives featuring tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch), Ralph sees it as his ticket to heroism and happiness. He sneaks into the game with a simple plan—win a medal—but soon wrecks everything, and accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens every game in the arcade. Ralph's only hope? Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman), a young trouble-making 'glitch' from a candy-coated cart racing game who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a Good Guy. But will he realize he is good enough to become a hero before it's 'Game Over' for the entire arcade?" 


A few words from Director Rich Moore about Wreck-It Ralph: 

I love the idea of a very simple 8-bit video game character struggling with the complex question: "isn't there more to life than the role I've been assigned?" In his quest for the answer, we journey with our hero through three visually distinct video game worlds. It's unlike anything anyone's seen before, and I'm thrilled to be to creating it here at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Director Rich Moore

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

coming to theaters near you March 8, 2013

Cast:                                        James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff

Director:                                   Sam Raimi

Producer:                                  Joe Roth

Executive Producers:                Grant Curtis, Philip Steuer, Palak Patel

Screenplay by:                          Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire

Walt Disney Pictures’ fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

When small-time magician Oscar Diggs (James Franco) pulls one flimflam too many, he finds himself hurled into the fantastical Land of Oz where he must somehow transform himself into the great and powerful Wizard—and just maybe into a better man as well.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND GUILLERMO DEL TORO DEVELOPING DISNEY’S HAUNTED MANSION

Del Toro Set to Write and Produce Film for Disney

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – July 22, 2010 –Guillermo del Toro surprised the 6,500 fans gathered today at Comic-Con with the announcement that he is currently developing a new film for The Walt Disney Studios based on the classic Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion. 

“Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy.  After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters - think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as the Dragon or the Evil Queen in Snow White,” said del Toro.  “I couldn't be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real estate in the whole world!"

 “Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro,” said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”

Since August 1969, foolish mortals have dared to trespass on the macabre grounds of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. A hallowed landmark in Disneyland’s New Orleans square, it’s the dwelling place of 999 happy haunts dying to meet new visitors each day. The plantation-style of the mansion’s facade is a sweet deception for visitors. Inside, ghostly doom buggies line the hallways. Since its construction, the mysteries of the mansion have transcended the attraction with stories surfacing about horrifying encounters with the supernatural.  Versions of the daunting edifice have been built at other Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.