Here are two rather odd products both featuring your favorite small, blue alien that resides in Hawaii.
The first is a Stitch humidifier which is a product from a Japanese company. It belches plumes of fresh air right next to your computer. How nice. But, at around $100 a pop, this USB humidifier seems a little bit ridiculous--cute--but ridiculous.
The second is another product released from the same Japanese company. It is a 20-inch LCD TV that has a full-size stitch climbing over it, complete with movable jaw to cover or reveal controls. But this TV is also a bit pricey at around $1,015.
These are, sadly, only available in Japan, presumably due to their obsession with small, cute animals like Pooh and Stitch.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Stitch Humidifier and Television
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Mickey's Pics: 'Up'
Within the past few days, numerous photos have been released and leaked, all having to do with the forthcoming Pixar release of Up. Here are the photos and their explanations:
This is an image from the short, entitled Partly Cloudy, that will precede Up. Here is Pixar's official synopsis:
Everyone knows that the stork delivers babies, but where do the storks get the babies from? The answer lies up in the stratosphere, where cloud people sculpt babies from clouds and bring them to life. Gus, a lonely and insecure grey cloud, is a master at creating ‘dangerous’ babies. Crocodiles, porcupines, rams and more—Gus’s beloved creations are works of art, but more than a handful for his loyal delivery stork partner, Peck. As Gus’s creations become more and more rambunctious, Peck’s job gets harder and harder. How will Peck manage to handle both his hazardous cargo and his friend’s fiery temperament?
Here is the cover of the soon-to-be-released Up: The Video Game that was shown during the telecast of The View, John Lasseter was recently a guest.
This is a leaked still from Up: The Video Game. Download a free demo of the game here.
Here are two more leaked photos from the actual movie, Up. One is from The View, and the other from Upcoming Pixar (I really like this photo of Russell with his bugle and an annoyed Carl).
That wraps up the first round of Mickey's Pics, the day's news in pictures, and the pictures that are today's news.
'The Avengers' Postponed
Marvel has just announced that they are postponing the releases of both The Avengers and Thor. The Avengers will feature popular superheroes such as Iron Man, Captain America, Ant-Man, Thor, and the Hulk; all of which will already have or will soon have their own films leading up to the release of The Avengers which was scheduled for July 15, 2011, but has been pushed back almost a year to May 4, 2012. These heroes featured in The Avengers will stay consistent with the individual heroes' movies: Robert Downey Jr. will play Iron Man, Edward Norton will play the Hulk, etc.
In conjunction with this announcement, Marvel mentioned that the release of Thor will be pushed back as well from July 16, 2010 to June 17, 2011.
Marvel also shifted the release date for The First Avenger: Captain America, which will now come out on July 22, 2011 instead of May 6, 2011.
Iron Man 2's release, however, is still on schedule with a release on May 7, 2010.
David Maisel, chairman of Marvel Studios, has said that Marvel decided to shuffle around these release dates because "it maximizes the visibility of our single character-focused films, leading to the highly anticipated release of the multi-character 'The Avengers' film in 2012."
Source: Reuters
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday Link Roundup
Disney fans are quite overwhelmed with news today due to the announcement of D23, as well as other news which has arisen from either Pixar, Disney's shareholder's meeting, or who knows where else. Here is a comprehensive list of the day's important, Disney-filled news:
- The official synopsis of Partly Cloudy, the short preceding Pixar's newest feature Up, has been released by Pixar. Read it on Upcoming Pixar here.
- The release date for Disney's upcoming feature The Princess and the Frog has been brought back from Christmas Day to December 11 in order to avoid competition with an Alvin and the Chipmunks sequel. AWN has a great article talking about these reasons behind pulling the release date of The Princess and the Frog, which is Disney's first movie in about 10 years which centers around a princess and is 2D, both of these attributes, as you know, are very similar to classic Disney films.
- Bob Iger announced today something that is making theme park execs shake in their boots, if they haven't shaken 'em off already.
- The big news of the day is D23. Read my coverage of this new "Official Club for Disney Fans", or visit the official site.
- Bob Iger also announced the names of Disney's two new cruise liners. They are "Fantasy" and "Dream". Read all about it at The Disney Blog.
- Other news covered today by myself includes my review of the new Pinocchio DVD and Blu-ray Discs, and the launch of Up: The Video Game's site.
D23 Details Announced [UPDATED]
Here are all of the exciting new details , straight from Disney's press release, for D23, the "Official Community for Disney Fans":
A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:
• Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future.
• Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-for-framing member certificate – both specially created for D23’s Charter Year -- feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.
• Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces.
• D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo – to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 -- will be “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience,” featuring incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event opportunities throughout the year.
• Disney.com/D23: All fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s new website, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them.
All about Twenty-Three, the quarterly publication:
Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.
The premiere issue of Disney twenty-three includes exclusive features such as:
• Interviews with Tim Burton, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens
• Inside look at the new Disney/Pixar animated film Up, featuring interviews with Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera, concept and production art, and a look at the new animated short Partly Cloudy.
• A rare look inside Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Meet the Pixar team and learn the secrets behind the success of their films.
• The doors open for two of the most exclusive, magical suites in the world: the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Dream Suite overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America at the Disneyland Resort.
Disney twenty-three’s regular featured departments include:
• A Walk with Walt: A look back at the trials and triumphs of the man who made dreams come true and whose imagination started it all.
• D Society: From gala movie premieres and grand openings to candid Disney moments and memories, D Society takes readers backstage and onto the red carpet.
• PHOTOfiles: The legendary Walt Disney Archives Photo Library houses millions of Disney’s most cherished photographic memories, and the Archives team shares its Top 100, five in every issue. Let the countdown begin!
• Where in D?: Try to identify where in the world of Disney each issue’s mystery photo was taken.
• The Funny Pages: For the first time in decades, enjoy the vintage newspaper comic strips that helped make many of Disney’s most popular characters famous.
• Making Magic: Crafts for children of all ages, inspired by Disney’s favorite stories and experiences.
• Recipes from Disney’s most popular restaurants and eateries, past and present. Disney twenty-three subscriptions are available only by becoming a member of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans. Individual issues of Disney twenty-three retail for $15.95 and are available exclusively at all U.S. Barnes & Noble booksellers, all domestic Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disneyshopping.com.
DISNEY.COM/D23
The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical
retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twentythree, Expo & Events, and Boutique23.
Highlights include:
NEWS & FEATURES
• Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part of Disney.
• “Twilight Bark” – inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians – offers up the latest tidbits and news “bites” from all around the world of Disney.
• Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.
• Official Disney Bloggers – Get regular updates on films in production at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects, and the Walt Disney Archives.
WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
• “This Day in Disney” – A daily walk down memory lane.
• “What’s Old Is News” – Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within the Disney Archives.
• “Ask Dave” – Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your questions about Disney history.
• “Archives Library” – helpful Disney reference tools including biographies, filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and other archival information.
DISNEY TWENTY-THREE
• The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
• Expanded stories, interviews and imagery.
• “D Society: Online Edition” – regularly updated photo gallery.
• “The Funny Page: Daily Edition” – a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.
• “Making Magic” – An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twentythree.
• “Disney Dish” – Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twentythree.
EXPO & EVENTS
• “D23 Expo” – The official Web site for everything you need to know about “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience” September 10–13, at the Anaheim Convention Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.
• “D23 Member Special Events” – Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to attend and how to register.
BOUTIQUE 23
• D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection
• Hosted by Disneyshopping.com
D23 membership
D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.
Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and
www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer.
Steven Clark, the head of D23, says the following in an article that can be found on D23's new website:Now we get to share that excitement with you through D23, the first official community for Disney fans! We want to introduce you to the amazing, talented people in front of and behind the cameras and construction walls that make Disney the special place that it is. And when we say it's "made for you and me," we mean it, because we're sharing with you exactly what we'd want to see.
Well, there you have it! For $74.99 you can be one of the first members of D23; you can have access to the newest Disney news, get discounts to Disney events in Anaheim, receive a subscription to a very cool quarterly magazine, as well as receive a special gift, a D23 card and a certificate! I think that this is a little bit pricey, especially if, like me, you don't live in California, thus you can't reap all of the benefits of this new club made for true Disney fans like you and me.
Whether you're visiting the D23 Web site, experiencing the incredible D23 Expo in Anaheim this September or diving into Disney twenty-three magazine every three months, our goal is to make every moment special, new and — I don't think it's a stretch to say — magical. 
Update: Here is an official video ad for D23 that features clips from new and classic Disney movies and shorts, as well as interviews with cast members, Disney park guests and Disney CEO Bob Iger:
'Up: The Video Game' Website Launched
Briefly: Today, THQ launched a preview site for Up: The Video Game. It doesn't provide any further details about the movie, but offers a free, downloadable demo of the game which features the long-awaited score by Michael Giacchino. The news release featuring all further details regarding the game, which will come out in May, can be found here.
Pinocchio: 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition on DVD and Blu-ray
Disney's Pinocchio is a childhood classic that is based on the timeless book by Carlo Collodi. Today, Disney is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Pinocchio, and, to celebrate, they are releasing Pinocchio: 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition on DVD and Blu-ray!
DVD
The DVD's aspect ratio is full screen, as most classic Disney animated films are. It has a new sound mix which is in Dolby Digital 5.1, as well as French and Spanish audio tracks. The movie's image and sound quality is digitally restored, and looks and sounds beautiful.
Disc One includes, of course, the movie, as well as trivia, sing-along bonus features, and audio commentary by several notable historians from the film industry, including Leonard Maltin. Disc Two is loaded with great special features. Disc Two is a documentary, No Strings Attached: The Making of Pinocchio. But this is much more than a simple documentary; it includes footage from the production of the film, an alternate ending, a couple of never-before-seen deleted scenes, a featurette about Walt Disney and his "sweatbox" procedure, games, songs, and more! The second disc is very, very enjoyable, especially if you enjoy Pinocchio and Disney history.
Blu-ray
The Blu-ray edition of Pinocchio: 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition includes all of the above features dispersed among two Blu-ray discs which are in the beautiful hi-def format, as well as a normal DVD copy of the movie. This extra third disc doesn't include any features, which can all be found on the two Blu-ray discs. All Disney Blu-ray releases from now on will include this supplementary third disc that's playable in normal DVD players in an effort to boost Blu-ray disc purchases.
Pinocchio is one of my favorite Disney classics, and Disney doesn't disappoint with this DVD/Blu-ray release. The features are wholesome and wonderful, the video and audio are both beautifully redone without sacrificing anything from the original movie, the third disc is a very nice touch, and, as always, the Blu-ray format is very crisp and clear and makes for an even more fierce Monstro. I recommend getting the DVD or Blu-ray, as it will make a very nice addition to your DVD (or Disney) collection. Below you will find several videos that come from the DVD and its many bonus features (videos are from the DVD, but were originally posted at The Disney Blog):
"Transitions of Pinocchio"
"Rotoscoping"
"Sweatbox"
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