Over the weekend, at WonderCon, Disney previewed the first 46 minutes of the upcoming Pixar film, Up. There has been no secret that this movie is not intended to be a franchise. The different kind of Pixar film doesnt have a cute character or exciting plot to lure moviegoers. A film described as an action-adventure film starring an old man doesnt get me to jump in line to get tickets. In order to start creating buzz on an inherently buzzless film, Disnsey has been giving sneak peeks at the film that is a new style of marketing for a Pixar release.
This shows how much confidence in the film. There have been reports of laughter and tears from the test screening. Pete Doctors other film, Monsters Inc., is one of my favorite Pixar films as I believe it balances the heart and humor brilliantly. In fact, I think Bolt is more like Monsters Inc. Than most Pixar releases. I dont know if I will like the film or not. But I am encouraged, not only by the reaction to the film from the test screenings, but the fact that they are having test screenings at all. Bob has talked a lot about managing the relationship Disney has with its base. If Up succeeds, Bob will have evidence of how important that relationship is.
Quick Takes:
Media Networks: The High School Musical franchise is returning to Disney Channel in 2010. High School Musical 4 will feature new cast members but the produces and screenwriter are all set to return. While no mention of cameo appearances are mentioned, there is an even more glaring omission. Kenny Ortega! Forget Zac, Vanessa, Corbin, Ashley, Monique, or Lucas. Kenny is the key to the franchise and the rest of the entertainment industry has realized this, which means he might to busy to continue with the Disney Channel phenomenon.
Parks and Resorts: Disney announced that TrenD will open this summer in the former Summer Sands location. (ironic). I only hope and pray that TrenD is nothing like Vault 28 at the Disneyland Resort. I have never been more upset at Disneyland than the first time I entered that store. Disney should never change its core principles in order to be cool.
Disney Interactive Media: Disney Interactive Studios is shifting its strategy to focus more on the Wii and less on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It seems the Wii is the console of choice for Disneys target demographic. Poor Sony. No wonder they are in so much trouble; they are no longer the king of consumer electronics.
Consumer Products: Miley Cyruss autobiography Miles to Go was released on Tuesday. I wish I could write an autobiography at her age. At 16 , I had a hard time writing a three-page personal statement. (double spaced).
Who is Celebrating: This Sunday, everyone will be. It is DST time! What will you be doing to pass the time away until 3am? I am going to be play Disney Wheel of Fortune. Category is Before & After. The answer is Club Disney Club.
Video of the Day: Watch an oddly unprofessional video of Jesse McCartney perform his new song, Body Language, live. I remember seeing him perform at the Hollywood Pictures Backlot to support a Disney Mania and look how far he has come. He is now a part of the ensemble of AB C Familys Greek. You know when you have hit basic cable, you have reached the big time.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: Good Morning America has joined Twitter. I mention this as an excuse to plug my Twitter account at http://www.twitter.com/figgy999.
NY Times: Wall Street bounced back today, with the DOW gaining 149.82 points. Disney was up .58 points or 3.55%. Finally, some good news. See what happens when I right a blog about how great Bob is.
USA Today: Robin Williams had to cancel comedy shows in Florida due to illness. I cant blame him. I felt ill after seeing the first clips of Old Dogs, the Touchstone film being released that stars the voice of the Genie and the voice of Bolt.
LA Times: Here is an LA Times article about the recent installment of The Bachelor. Sigh. I am so glad Michael Eisner stuck to his guns and didnt let ABC sink to the level of having to air bad reality television.
Orlando Sentinel: The Orlando Sentinel is asking if it is time for GMs last lap on Epcots Test Track. Now I know GM is facing hard times and it might not make sense to renew their sponsorship. But I have to ask, what will Disney executives do without their free Cadillac? First Yamabuki closes for lunch and now this. It is not a good time to be a Disney suit.
Variety: The Disneys studios U.K. head, Robert Mitchell has suddenly left his post. As I said before, it is not a good time to be a Disney suit.