Cast Your Vote in Our Disney Oscar® Ballot

February 19, 2015April 19, 2021

With the Oscar® telecast coming up this Sunday, pop culture junkies and office comrades around the country are passing around ballots to try to guess who will win on the big night.

D23 is all about giving a voice to the fans, so we decided, “To heck with guessing!"—we're going to let you vote!

Thanks for voting! See who won below.

Best Critter in a Supporting Role
Gus, Cinderella
Emile, Ratatouille
Meeko, Pocahontas
WINNER- Pascal, Tangled
Thumper, Bambi

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Best Costume for a Ball or Special Occasion
Anna in her coronation dress, Frozen
Aurora in her magical pink and blue gown, Sleeping Beauty
WINNER- Cinderella in her ball gown, Cinderella
Charlotte in her masquerade ball gown, The Princess and the Frog
Giselle in her wedding gown, Enchanted

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Best Special Effects by a Villain
Chernabog, Fantasia
Dr. Facilier, The Princess and the Frog
Judge Doom, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Yokai, Big Hero 6
WINNER- Maleficent, Sleeping Beauty

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Best Act of Bravery by a Hero in a Leading Role
Carl rescuing Russell and Kevin, Up
Hercules fighting the hydra, Hercules
Merida vowing to save her mother, Brave
WINNER- Mulan volunteering to fight on behalf of her father, Mulan
Quasimodo helping Esmeralda escape, The Hunchback of Notre Dame

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Best Song Sung by a Leading Character About Their Hopes and Dreams
Disney Legend Howard Ashman called this the “I Want" song, where the main character sings about what they want, usually one of the first three songs in a classic fairytale musical.
“Almost There," The Princess and the Frog
“Belle," Beauty and the Beast
“Out There," The Hunchback of Notre Dame
WINNER- “Part of Your World," The Little Mermaid
“Someday My Prince Will Come," Snow White

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Best Scenic Design of a Castle
WINNER- The Beast's Castle, Beauty and the Beast
King Candy's Castle, Wreck-It Ralph
The Palace of Agrabah, Aladdin
Rapunzel's Castle, Tangled
Sleeping Beauty Castle, Sleeping Beauty

The Oscars air February 22 on ABC.

Check out our Oscars study guide on Pinterest before you watch the telecast ►

Everything You Need to Know Before You Watch the Oscars, A New Pirates Movie Begins Filming, and More in News Briefs

And the Oscar® Goes To…
Can it be Sunday already? Because—in case you’ve forgotten to mark this on your calendar—next week isn’t just any Sunday, it’s Oscar^® Sunday! We’re, of course, rooting for Disney films to win in the seven categories they’re nominated in, but there are so many other reasons why we can’t wait for the telecast to start:

Neil Patrick Harris is hosting. (We guess it’s too much to hope for him to count down the final seconds to the Oscars the way he counts down to blastoff on California Screamin’ at Disney California Adventure park.)

Not only is Neil Patrick Harris hosting, but he’ll be performing an original musical number written by songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, whom you might remember from last year’s Oscar telecast, when they won for Best Original Song (for a little number called “Let it Go” from Frozen).

This year’s presenters include stars from a variety of current and upcoming Disney films, such as Chris Pratt, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Zoe Saldana, Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Cate Blanchett.

There will, per usual, be music!

There will, per usual, be music! Six-time Grammy^® winner Lady Gaga has signed on to perform a special tribute performance, Common and John Legend will perform their Oscar-nominated song “Glory,” Tim McGraw will perform Glen Campbell’s Oscar-nominated song “I’m Not Gonna Miss You,” and Adam Levine will perform the Oscar-nominated song “Lost Stars” from Begin Again.

Into the Woods‘ Anna Kendrick will be performing something special that the show’s producers, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, say “is sure to be an ‘Only on the Oscars’ moment.”

The fun begins before the show even starts. Good Morning America‘s Robin Roberts and Lara Spencer, and LIVE with Kelly and Michael‘s Michael Strahan will host the Oscars pre-show, airing at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC.

And once the last Oscar is handed out, the party moves over to the 10th annual Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Oscars, which will air following the local news in the Eastern and Central time zones and at 10 p.m. PT, on ABC. John Travolta will be in the studio with Jimmy Kimmel, and the show will also feature appearances by Oscar host Neil Patrick Harris, Emily Blunt, Lupita Nyong’o, Kristen Bell, and many more!

. . . tune in for all of the Oscar Sunday festivities . . . !

So tune in for all of the Oscar Sunday festivities, beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC!

For more, check out our Oscar study guide on Pinterest►

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
Fall 2014-2015
D23 Member Nights and Upcoming Events
March 12
Cinderella Lights Up the Palace of Fine Arts
March 13
A Taste of Disney at Silverado Vineyards
March 15
The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience
August 14-16, 2015
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Television
March 3
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT

Parks
March 4–May 17
22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
May 15–June 14
Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Studios
February 20
McFarland, USA opens in theaters.
March 13
Cinderella opens in theaters.
April 17
Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom opens in theaters.
May 1
Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters.
May 22
Tomorrowland opens in theaters.
June 19
Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava).
July 17
Ant Man opens in theaters.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Begins Production
It’s always exciting when filming commences on a Disney film, but we’re thrilled to know that production on the fifth entry in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is officially underway in Queensland, Australia. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is directed by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Ronning (the team behind Kon-Tiki), and the cast includes Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), rising young stars Kaya Scodelario (The Maze Runner) and Brenton Thwaites (Maleficent), and Golshifteh Farahani (The Patience Stone). Geoffrey Rush reprises his role as Barbossa, along with Kevin R. McNally as Joshamee Gibbs and Stephen Graham as Scrum. And, saving the best for last, Johnny Depp is returning to the iconic, Academy-Award-nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow! Here’s the official synopsis: “Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea… including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.

Sail to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Well, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) may not actually be able to take you to Tatooine or Hoth by sea—but our friends at DCL are going to bringing the Star Wars universe to the Disney Fantasy. Eight special sailings of the ship in 2016 will feature Star Wars Day at Sea, a day-long event that includes a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise. Whether you consider yourself a mere Padawan or a wise Jedi Master, you can enjoy at-sea screenings, compete in trivia games, and spend an evening at the nightclub, feeling like you’re in the Mos Eisley cantina scene in Star Wars. Star Wars Day at Sea will take place on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on January 9 and 23, February 6 and 20, March 5 and 19, and April 2 and 16, 2016. Cruises depart from Port Canaveral. To see the entire seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary and learn more, visit Disney Cruise Line‘s official website.

Get the T Party Started
When the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration kicks off on May 22, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down—quite the opposite. Guests at Disneyland park can already look forward to the Paint the Night parade and Disneyland Forever fireworks; while Disney California Adventure park-goers are no doubt already thrilled to check out World of Color—Celebrate! when it debuts. But the Disney Parks Blog reported this week that a fan favorite, the Mad T Party, will be making a return to Disney California Adventure for the Diamond Celebration and will be a “new, dazzling experience.” We can’t wait!

Watch a McFarland, USA Featurette Today, See the Movie This Weekend!
The film follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. In this featurette, Costner, Grammy-winning Latin music star Juanes, and director Niki Caro talk about how the true story of the town and its high school inspired the film—and the featurette is inspiring us to run to our nearest movie theater this Friday and see McFarland, USA when it opens.

Star Will Fight The Forces of Evil for a Second Season
Star vs. The Forces of Evil has already been renewed for a second season, it was announced last week. The series’ opening title was previewed at last year’s Comic-Con and the series immediately found a devoted fan following—hundreds of fan art pieces have already been generated. Star vs. The Forces of Evil is created and executive-produced by CalArts graduate Daron Nefcy, and follows “fiercely awesome teen princess Star Butterfly,” whose Royal Parents send her to Earth—where she brings her “own unique inter-dimensional style.” Eden Sher (The Middle) voices the role of Star Butterfly, alongside Adam McArthur (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as the voice of Star’s best friend, Marco Diaz. A preview episode will be available on WATCH Disney XD beginning February 23 in advance of the show’s Monday, March 30 debut on Disney XD at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Nominees for the 2015 RDMA Will Be Announced February 27 on Disney Channel
This year, for the first time ever, the broadcast nominees for the 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA) will be announced in a special that will air on Disney Channel February 27 (7–7:30 p.m. ET/PT)—a television special that promises to be almost as entertaining and exciting as the RDMA itself. The special will include appearances by Nick Jonas, Jessie J, Meghan Trainor, Olly Murs, Becky G, Sabrina Carpenter, Fifth Harmony, and more; and online voting for all categories will open immediately following the special at Disney.com/RDMA. Who will the “ARDY” go to this year? The 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards will take place Saturday, April 25 at Nokia Theatre LA LIVE in Los Angeles, and a 90-minute televised special, Disney Channel Presents the Radio Disney Music Awards, and a 30-minute pre-show will be presented Sunday, April 26 on Disney Channel.

Get Ready to Go Back to the Beach
If it’s cold and snowy where you are, the official trailer for Teen Beach 2 will put you in a summery mood. Ross Lynch and Maia Mitchell are back as Brady and Mack; but this time, they’re staying put while Lela And Tanner end up in their modern-day world, bring their ’60s sensibilities—and dance moves—with them.

Take a Closer Look at Cinderella’s Beautiful Wedding Gown
We’ve been dazzled by Cinderella’s stunning blue ball gown since we saw it in the first frame of the first trailer! The butterflies . . . the Swarovski crystals . . . . Now our friends at the Disney Style blog have shared images of costume designer Sandy Powell’s stunning design for Cinderella’s wedding gown (which first appeared in Vanity Fair) and we have new details to fixate upon, like the beautiful floral detailing on the skirt. Sigh. We would say “yes” to this dress long before the clock strikes midnight.

Mickey’s Magical Arts World Lets Kids Bring Their Own Characters to Life
Disney’s new learning initiative, Disney Imagicademy, provides an opportunity for young learners to build, create, design, and invent; and the newest app, Mickey’s Magical Arts World, puts a whole new world of creativity right at kids’ fingertips. Within the app, kids can experiment with color, shape, line, and visual texture in “Mickey’s Sketch Artist”; explore improvisation, storytelling, costume design, dialogue, and character development tools in “Donald’s Costume Play”; create and play music in “Mickey’s Music Maker”; create and design unique digital toys in “Pluto’s Crafty Creator”; and design buildings and practice key design principles using “Minnie’s Art-chitect.” Mickey’s Magical Arts World and Disney Imagicademy Parents (a companion app) are available on iPad and iPhone on the Apple App Store.

Limited-Edition Frozen Dolls Are a Cool New Arrival at Disney Store in March
For the first time in forever, beginning Tuesday, March 3 (and at approximately midnight on Wednesday, March 4), limited-edition Frozen dolls will be available at Disney Store. Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will all be available—but in limited quantities; so if you wait to buy them “In Summer” you might be too late. Anna and Elsa are 17 inches tall, while Kristoff stands at 18 inches. All feature exquisite detailing, from Elsa’s dark purple gown and the detailing on Anna’s dress to Kristoff’s mandolin. You might just have to “Let It Go” and buy one of each!

Ready for the Red Carpet

You might think after 11 Oscar® nominations—and three wins—the bloom may be off the rose for designer Colleen Atwood.

Not so. "It's still really exciting," she says. "You never know what's going to get nominated." This year, she is being honored for her colorful creations for Into the Woods, one of the many projects she's done with Disney, including Alice in Wonderland and Chicago (both of which she won Oscars® for as well). We had the chance to catch up with Atwood before she walks the red carpet on February 22, to discuss working with "growing" talent, who she'll be wearing on the big night, and secrets to looking your best.

D23: How did you learn about your nomination?

A: I was in England working, so it wasn't first thing in the morning. It was the afternoon. I forgot about it. All of a sudden I started seeing a million texts and it was like, "Oh my gosh!"

D23: Do you put pressure on yourself to be more creative every time you work on a project?

A: I'm really lucky in that I get to do so many interesting and creative projects. You feel a pressure not to repeat yourself, and to take what you've learned from one and apply it to another but still expand on what you're doing artistically.

Colleen Atwood Costume Designs from Into the Woods

D23: When we spoke to the cast for our magazine ***Disney twenty-three*, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt were both amazed at how nimble your team was, coming up with creative elements to hide Emily's pregnancy. Can you talk about the effort that went into that?**

A: When someone is expecting a baby, their body changes every day. And it doesn't stay the same once it's changed. We had multiple dresses, so I'd bring in the multiple and get it prepped for the next day. I'd raise the neckline of the blouse or shade the side. Luckily, because Emily has a really nice, long neck, you couldn't tell [she was pregnant] from her face. So we managed to get away with a huge amount. But we really had to be on it. The difference in the first costume to the last day of shooting was huge!

D23: Anna Kendrick told me she felt badly that she kept getting the pitch material from the stairs all over the dress.

A: It was hard for her not to, doing what she was doing—lying down on those steps. But luckily it rinsed out. It was just molasses. We just spot-cleaned them after each take.

D23: How many of those gowns did you create?

A: It was made out of a vintage fabric, so I only had two of them. So it was a little bit scary when she started doing that number. I was just worried someone would step on it and rip the back, because, believe me, I tested the "tar" way ahead of time!

Colleen Atwood costume designs for The Wolf and Cinderella in Into the Woods

D23: You've worked with Johnny Depp many times before. Did you talk with him when designing his zoot suit Wolf costume?

A: Yeah, I showed him the sketch and he was excited about it. He came in a couple days early for a fitting to see what it would move like. He really loved it. It was a great fitting. We were in a hotel room trying it on. He was running around swishing his tail at people.

D23: What's he like to work with as a costume and as a "model" for some of your more intricately designed outfits?

A: He's one of those guys who puts something on and it feels like he's been wearing it for days. He has such an ability to wear clothes. And I love bringing lots of extra bits to play with. He is so creative, he'll come up with ideas if you present him with something.

**D23: And now you've worked with him again on Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass. What's it like returning to a world you first designed the look of—from the dresses to all the hats!**

A: The hats are still in. The Hatter is still in, but he has some surprise changes. There are some new characters. There's a fun, exotic vibe to the whole thing. The Red Queen is back and she has some really great new stuff. It was fun to take the characters to the next place of their journey.

D23: Do you need to be consistent with the original film's look and feel?

A: Not really. Because it's the same story with the same people so there are some things you want to tie together. But you want to expand the world that you've started. So it's a fun challenge.

D23: With the big day coming up, do you design your own dresses for your red carpet walk?

A: I have some years. And other times I haven't. This year I bought something I'm remodeling. My workrooms are so busy, I think if I asked them to make me something right now they might want to hit me over the head with a pair of scissors.

D23: So can I ask who you'll be wearing?

A: It's a Lancing dress. I like it.

D23: Are there any stores or designers you like?

A: I definitely am a fan of some of the basics of Club Monaco and Gap for layering. I like The Row for their great simple jackets. I use them a lot for work.

D23: Not everyone gets to walk a red carpet, but I feel like everyone wants to look their best, whether it be at a nice dinner or a gala event. What are the secrets to dressing well that won't leave you in pain—or bust your bank account?

A: I think that simple is always better. It's important not to overdress. Also, own what you're wearing. Stand up straight. Present yourself in a way that conveys confidence. Then you can pull anything off.

The Oscars air February 22 on ABC.

Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero Premieres on Disney XD and Disney Channel This Friday

When Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero co-creator and executive producer Jared Bush was growing up, he learned that his father wasn’t a nondescript government employee but, in fact, an agent for the C.I.A.—as was Bush’s grandfather before him. Bush could have chosen to go into the “family business” himself, but instead found a way to bring the family business into his chosen field: animation. Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero follows the adventures of a regular boy who inherits the not-so-regular job of part-time hero. Sam Levine, the series’ other co-creator/executive producer, also drew from his childhood to craft the teenage protagonist’s action-packed existence. Levine’s father was a movie projectionist in New York City, so Levine spent a large part of the ’80s in movie theaters. Not only can Levine point to movies of the era like Back to the Future and Ghostbusters as inspirations for Penn Zero, but the projection booth itself served as a portal in the show, to “zap” Penn and his friends into new environments and new superhero personas, giving them the chance to save the world every week.

It’s like an 11-minute third act—when those heroes really need to buckle down and figure it out

Each mission requires Penn and his friends to fill in for heroes in need, and Bush explains that it’s like they’re zapping into the third act of a movie. “Seeing our guys get to go on the coolest part of all those adventures felt really right to us,” he says. Levine agrees, saying of each story, “It’s like an 11-minute third act—when those heroes really need to buckle down and figure it out. And within that, we have our own structure, of course.” The adventures that Penn goes on with his best friends, Boone, an “underqualified wise man” and Sashi, an “overqualified sidekick,” include trips to the old west, an underwater kingdom of fish-people, and Chuckle City, a “clown universe” where whoopee cushion jokes and seltzer sprays are in awesome abundance.

This eclectic and diverse lineup of worlds means that the characters’ appearances and the settings change drastically from one adventure to another. Levine admits, “This show is filled with fun challenges—that’s one of them, keeping the consistency but also getting variety.” The talented cast helps with that variety. Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) provides the voice of Penn, and Levine says, “He really feels grounded, real, and funny and he has a broad range.” Boone and Sashi are voiced by Adam DeVine (Pitch Perfect) and Tania Gunadi (Enlisted). “They’re not doing put-on voices and they feel real to us,” Levine explains. The show’s villain, Rippen, is brought to life by Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), who “loves playing a villain… getting in there and being goofy,” Levine adds before extoling the virtues of Larry Wilmore (The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore), the voice of Larry, as a comedian and great improviser.

Both Bush and Levine have extensive backgrounds in feature animation, and their love for the amazing visual development work typically done in the early stages of animating a feature film helped them shape the aesthetic of Penn Zero. Bush says, “Early on Sam thought, ‘Could we make the show look like those vis-dev pieces?'” Levine points to the period of the 1960s and mid-century Disney design as a big inspiration for the series, and he cites One Hundred and One Dalmatians as his favorite animated film, visually speaking; while Bush says he could watch Jungle Book “over and over and over again.”

Both Bush and Levine are dads—Bush to 5-year-old twins and a 7-year-old son, while Levine’s sons are 12 and 10. They definitely want their kids to like the show and take inspiration from it, but, Levine admits, “We’re making this show, we’re trying to entertain ourselves—it’s one and the same. If we’re going to laugh at something and we’re going to think it’s cool, then we get in touch with the kids inside ourselves.” And given that the spark for the series came from both of their childhoods, staying in touch with their inner children is bound to make Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero a full-time success.

Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero premieres Friday, February 13 at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD and Disney Channel.

Revisit a Disney Classic with the 101 Dalmatians Diamond Edition

If you haven’t seen One Hundred and One Dalmatians in, well, a dog’s age, or if somehow you’ve never quite gotten around to watching this fun-filled canine caper, there’s no time like the present to sit down and view this beloved Disney animated film. The Diamond Edition has just become available for the first time on Digital HD, Blu-ray, and Disney Movies Anywhere and On-Demand.

Disney fans might be especially eager to check out The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt

The Diamond Edition includes several bonus features, including Cameron Boyce (who plays Cruella De Vil’s son Carlos in the upcoming Disney’s Descendants) giving “the 411 about 101” and “Lucky Dogs,” which profiles some of the artists involved in the making of the original film. But Disney fans might be especially eager to check out The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt. Owners of real pets already know that few things are cuter than watching their dog watch another dog on TV—and watching Pongo and Perdita’s puppies as they follow the Adventures of Thunderbolt is one of One Hundred and One Dalmatians‘ more adorable scenes. But the episode in the film ends with a cliffhanger, and for the Diamond Edition, Walt Disney Animation Studios created The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt, imagining how the sequence that so thrilled the puppies might have ended. This “extension” of the sequence was inspired by character drawings discovered at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and, in case you were wondering, the show is still brought to you by Kanine Krunchies!

Animator and Disney Legend Floyd Norman was involved in the making of The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt, and was an assistant animator at the time One Hundred and One Dalmatians was being produced. He says, “I can’t think of an artist here at Disney who wasn’t excited about what we were doing on Dalmatians, because it was such a break from the past, such a change from the European fairy tales we had been doing. Now all of a sudden, we have this new, bold contemporary look. And it was like a breath of fresh air here at the Disney Studios.”

The artists that Norman speaks of, by the way, include such Disney luminaries as “Nine Old Men” animators Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas, John Lounsbery, and Eric Larson; and the color styling was done by Walt Peregoy. According to Norman, “The use of color was bold and different from things we had done before. Walt Peregoy brought a new design sensibility to this film.”

L-R: Animator and Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Mimi Gibson (voice of Lucky), and Lisa Davis (voice of Anita)

Actress Mimi Gibson voiced the role of Lucky, the Dalmatian pup whose spots fall in the shape of a horseshoe. She explains that she and the other kids who voiced the puppies read the lines for multiple roles and were essentially “cast” later. “I didn’t know who I was [playing] and the others didn’t know who they were,” Gibson details. Gibson is happy to add the Diamond Edition to her collection of One Hundred and One Dalmatians-themed items, which already includes a beautiful Swarovski Crystal pin. “It’s always fun to see my friends tell their grandchildren that I was the voice of a puppy in One Hundred and One Dalmatians. And they look at you and they can’t quite figure out how I’m the voice of a puppy,” she says.

Lisa Davis, who provided the unmistakable voice of Anita, says of the new Diamond Edition, “This new Blu-ray version is beautiful. It’s absolutely beautiful. And I must tell you quite honestly, when I see it, it still makes me cry. As many times as I’ve seen it, when the puppies are out in the snow and lost and they’re trying to find their way home, I still worry that they’re not going to make it—and I know they are. I definitely know they are. Yes, what a wonderful experience to have had. I feel very fortunate.”

And we feel very fortunate for the opportunity to revisit this very special film.

See “Glass Slippers” Inspired by Cinderella, Amazing News About Spider-Man, and More in News Briefs

If the Slipper Fits, Wear It —and Watch a New Cinderella Trailer, Too!
Everyone who has seen the classic animated fairy tale Cinderella knows that there is only one person who can wear the shoe that our heroine leaves behind while fleeing the ball. And everyone who has seen the trailer for the Disney’s upcoming live-action Cinderella knows that Helena Bonham Carter’s Fairy Godmother provides some “surprisingly comfortable” glass slippers to complete Lily James’ stunning ball attire. Now Disney Consumer Products has collaborated with nine designer shoe brands on a collection of shoes that reimagine the most iconic shoe in fairy-tale history and allow you to dance in your own “glass slipper.” Swarovski—which produced the film’s glass slipper under the watchful eye of costume designer Sandy Powell—has again provided the crystals utilized by this collection’s designers, Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman, René Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Jerome C. Rousseau, and Stewart Weitzman.

Here in the U.S., the shoes will be available for order at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and Beverly Hills, and in early March, windows at both of those stores will also bring Cinderella to life with fairy-tale vignettes that will feature the complete designer footwear collection, along with select props from the film.

See “Glass Slippers” Inspired by Cinderella, Learn the Amazing News About Spider-Man, and More in News Briefs for February 10, 2015

Cinderella opens in theaters March 13, and Walt Disney Studios has just released a new trailer for the film. Watch it here, and then browse the designer sketches of the Cinderella-inspired shoes and imagine which one you would wear to the ball.

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
Fall 2014-2015
D23 Member Nights and Upcoming Events
March 12
Cinderella Lights Up the Palace of Fine Arts
March 13
A Taste of Disney at Silverado Vineyards
March 15
The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience
August 14-16, 2015
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Television
February 13
Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero premieres on Disney XD and Disney Channel at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT
March 3
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT

Marvel-ous News About the Amazing World of Spider-Man
Comic book fans have long hoped that Spider-Man—always an integral part of the Marvel Universe in the comic books—would one day become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And yesterday Sony Pictures Entertainment and Marvel Studios announced that day is coming. The next installment of the Spider-Man franchise will be released on July 28, 2017, by Sony Pictures, but the new Spider-Man will first appear in an upcoming Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Marvel and Sony Pictures are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films. The next Spider-Man installment will be produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal. Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films. A fan-favorite, Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel’s world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU.

Pete’s Dragon Begins Principal Photography
Disney fans who grew up in the ’70s no doubt remember Pete’s Dragon, the 1977 classic about the special bond between an orphaned boy, Pete, and his best friend, Elliot—a dragon. We’re thrilled that production has just commenced upon a reimagining of the film, which will blend live action and CGI, and is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters in August 2016. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help) as Grace, a park ranger who discovers the existence of Elliott; 10-year-old Oakes Fegley (This is Where I Leave You) as Pete; Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games) as Jack, a local mill owner; New Zealand native Karl Urban (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Jack’s brother, Gavin; Oona Laurence as Natalie, the young girl who befriends Pete; and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, All the President’s Men) as Grace’s father. Pete’s Dragon is directed by David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints) from a screenplay by Lowery and Toby Hallbrooks. WETA Digital, the New Zealand-based visual effects company founded by filmmaker Peter Jackson, will utilize the latest in digital effects to bring Elliot to life.

A Whole New Diamond Edition
We’ve been watching the trailer for the Aladdin Diamond Edition—coming to Blu-ray, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere October 6—and it’s been reminding us of all of the reasons why we loved Aladdin so much when it was released in 1992. The animation is still breathtaking, Genie still delights and amuses us, and our hearts still skip a beat when Aladdin asks Jasmine, “Do you trust me?” before whisking her off on a thrilling magic carpet ride. If we could have just one wish on a magic lamp it would be for the Diamond Edition to come sooner than October.

Chris Pratt and Chris Evans Super Bowl Bet Makes them Super Heroes to Us
Many Disney fans were glued to their TVs during the Super Bowl to see whether the Seahawks or the Patriots would win—not because of love for their team or football in general, but to find out whether Chris Pratt (a loyal Seattle fan) or Chris Evans (New England all the way) would end up paying a visit to a children’s hospital in the “losing” city, dressed as their on-screen persona (Star-Lord or Captain America). The New England Patriots, of course, won the Super Bowl but everybody ended up winning. Chris Pratt made good on his wager, visiting a Boston hospital this week, and Chris Evans has promised that Captain America will pay a visit to a Seattle children’s hospital, as well. Super Heroes on screen . . . Super Heroes in real life.

All-New Experience Driving Into Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
Like they say, when one (car) door closes, another one opens. On February 16, Luigi’s Flying Tires will close—the Parks Blog reports that Luigi’s destined for an extended vacation to his Italian homeland—but will reopen as a completely new attraction in early 2016, which will feature a new ride system and ride vehicles. So we’ll sadly say “Ciao” to Luigi for the time being, but will say “Ka-chow” along with Lightning McQueen on our visits to Cars Land until he returns.

Peter Pan’s Flight Soars Even Higher
The beloved attraction Peter Pan’s Flight has become even more beloved at Walt Disney World with the debut of its new interactive queue, which takes you into the Darling family home, shows you your shadow, and even features Tinker Bell making a bit of mischief. Check out this behind-the-scenes video from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog.

Aladdin and Jasmine—Happily Ever After… For Infinity
There’s nothing like a happy ending. And Disney Infinity makes it possible for an infinite number of them. The latest news to make us feel like true love conquers all and that our favorite Disney super couples are meant for each other is the announcement that Princess Jasmine is joining Aladdin in Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0. Jasmine is available for purchase individually or in the Aladdin Toy Box Pack, which includes both Jasmine and Aladdin figures and two Aladdin-themed Power Discs, “Jasmine’s Palace View” and “The Sands of Agrabah,” allowing players to create a whole new world of their own.

Disney XD to Debut Two New Series
2015 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Disney XD—and for the Disney fans who tune in. Two new series were announced this week. Becoming is from ESPN films and executive-produced by LeBron James and his Springhill Production Company. This half-hour show will feature inspiring stories profiling athletes from around the world. LeBron James said he’s excited about the series “because it’s something every young kid can relate to. It shows them that everyone faces adversity and challenges while growing up—even their heroes.” Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything is a live-action comedy series that stars Cameron Boyce (Jessie, Disney’s Descendants).

He is reunited with his three former gamer friends

This series follows Conor (Boyce), a 15-year-old video game phenom, forced to attend high school for the first time after a thumb injury sidelines him from the glamorous pro gaming circuit. As a coping mechanism, he begins to visualize life as a video game. He is reunited with his three former gamer friends who he left behind for life on the pro circuit World Tour, and he quickly realizes that restoring his friendships is vital in his quest to “level up” to his former glory. The series was created by Devin Bunje & Nick Stanton (Zeke & Luther, Turbo Fast), who also serve as executive producers. Jim O’Doherty (Grounded for Life, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Kickin’ It) is executive producing and will serve as show runner of the series.

Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything is scheduled to premiere in summer 2015, while Becoming will have its premiere later this year.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians Diamond Edition Has Everyone Seeing Spots
One Hundred and One Dalmatians Diamond Edition is now available on Blu-ray, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere. You can check out the movie and special features, starting today. The film shows how tough it can be to be a Dalmatian puppy, and this adorable video shows that all pets face challenges—and sometimes that challenge might mean having to dress up in costume.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park February 19–22
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will again dress in their Lunar New Year costumes and celebrate the Year of the Sheep at Disney California Adventure February 19–22. The Paradise Gardens area of the park will host the celebration, a multi-day annual tradition observed within the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. The festivities will include live performances, a daily procession, delicious food, as well as special merchandise.

Let Classic Disney Couples Inspire Your Date Nights This Week

Today is, of course, Valentine’s Day, the day we celebrate love—

—something Disney couples know a thing or two about. If you’re feeling a little pressure to come up with a romantic way to commemorate the day with your one-and-only—or if you’re just looking for something fun to do with a friend, a group, or anyone special in your life—you can relax and let these Disney couples provide some ideas. We’ve even added some Disney Dates boards on Pinterest to get your wheels turning! Here are our suggestions for ways to make this Valentine’s Day feel just a little more magical:

If you’re inspired by Anna and Kristoff (Frozen):

Find a café with a great selection of panini and finish each other’s sandwiches like Arendelle’s super couple, Anna and Kristoff. (We know Hans would only have snagged the last bite for himself.) Let it go at a local rink and ice skate, or if there’s snow on the ground where you live, just have a good old-fashioned snowball fight and finish your Valentine’s Day with hot cocoa and extra marshmallows.
Get More Inspiration for an Anna and Kristoff date on Pinterest►

If you’re inspired by Tiana and Naveen (The Princess and the Frog):

Even if you’re nowhere near the French Quarter of New Orleans and the birthplace of jazz, you can seek out live music that makes you feel like you’re “Almost There” in the Big Easy. Make the evening complete with a Cajun meal out—or prepare your own at home, with recipes for Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Shrimp and Grits and Gingerbread Beignets.

If you’re inspired by Ralph and Vanellope (Wreck-It Ralph):

So many iconic video game characters and games were referenced in Wreck-It Ralph. Hit your local arcade and see how many of them you can play. Then live out a real-life version of Sugar Rush with a trip to a go-kart raceway. You can also enjoy another kind of sugar rush by ending your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note at an old-fashioned candy store or soda fountain shop.

If you’re inspired by Belle and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast):

Spend the afternoon strolling through your city’s zoo, checking out the beauty of the beasts that reside there, some of which may have inspired the animators who brought the Beast to life on the big screen. For an evening worthy of royalty, make a reservation for dinner at a French restaurant with more courses than you usually indulge in and candelabras that remind you of Lumière, and follow up your decadent dining with fairy-tale footwork at a ballroom dancing lesson.
Get More Inspiration for a Belle and the Beast date on Pinterest►

If you’re inspired by Pocahontas and John Smith (Pocahontas):

Take a walk in nature. Drop a pebble in the water and watch the ripples as they get larger in size. Run the hidden pine trails of the forest. Look up at how high the sycamores grow. You might just “learn things you never knew you never knew.” And if you work up an appetite taking in the riches that are all around you, you might consider dinner at a restaurant that specializes in organic foods, made by folks who have the same respect for their environment and its resources that Pocahontas demonstrated in the film.

If you’re inspired by Roger and Anita—or Pongo and Perdita (One Hundred and One Dalmatians):

Who says humans have to have all of the fun on Valentine’s Day? If you already have a Valentine—and a dog—why not go on a dog-friendly hike at sunset? And if you’re still searching for someone to give your (candy) heart to, take your pooch to the local dog park. If your dog has your back like Pongo had Roger’s, you just might meet a kindred spirit. And with 101 Dalmatians Diamond Edition available on Blu-ray and digital HD this week, you the perfect excuse to come home and curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn for you—and maybe a box of Kanine Krunchies for man’s best friend.

If you’re inspired by Rapunzel and Flynn (Tangled):

Chances are your tresses aren’t as long or as high-maintenance as Rapunzel’s long hair, but that doesn’t mean that a little pampering and personal care can’t be part of a date night or day. Indulge in mani-pedis or a massage at a local spa—or try something a little different, like aromatherapy or a hot stone massage. Once you’re feeling radiant and relaxed, check out the local gastropub that most reminds you of the Snuggly Duckling. Just watch out for Pub Thugs!
Get More Inspiration for a Rapunzel and Flynn date on Pinterest►

If you’re inspired by Carl and Ellie (Up):

Frankly, we should all take inspiration from Carl and Ellie, who taught us that “Adventure is out there!”—even when you aren’t necessarily aware that you’re on an adventure in the first place. Earn your own “Ellie Badge” exploring parts of your city that you’ve never seen before. Try a new cuisine that you’ve always been curious to sample. Talk about visiting far-off places you someday want to venture, and start filling a jar—or savings account—to make that dream a reality. And while you’re doing that, take lots of pictures and print them. Everyone has their own Adventure Book to write and the best time to start it is now.

Six Very Rare Pinocchio Slides Show the Studio’s True Colors

As we celebrate 75 years of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio (1940)—heralded by many as the most technically perfect animated film ever made—D23 presents a selection of rare, behind-the-scenes photos of the Disney Studio on Hyperion Avenue (1926–1940), where most of the film’s production took place. In addition to showcasing some of the work put into Walt’s second full-length animated feature, these images offer a rare glimpse into the former Studio’s offices in glorious color.

“We received these extremely rare color slides in the early years of the Archives,” recounts Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith. “While there are many black-and-white photos from the Hyperion days, these are some of the only color images known to exist of that Studio.”

Please enjoy this exclusive trip back 75 years, courtesy of the Walt Disney Archives.

The newly established character model department created dimensional puppets and miniatures that were studied by artists during production. Here, animators Frank Thomas and Art Elliott study a final Pinocchio puppet made by sculptors Wah Ming Chang, Charles Cristadoro, and Bob Jones and used for publicity purposes.

Effects animator George Rowley explores the animation of bubbles—an effect used extensively in *Pinocchio*—with fellow staff members at Hyperion.

Animator Ward Kimball (center) is pictured at the Studio Library, where artists could study a variety of subjects. For *Pinocchio*, extensive research was performed on subjects ranging from Italian architecture to carnivals and amusements.

Animator Bernie Wolf studies a live-action reference model for Jiminy Cricket, a character whom he animated for the film. Notice the “Keep it simple!” and “Boil it down!” reminders posted alongside character model sheets.

Art director John Hubley references photography while designing the ship and raft swallowed by Monstro. Additional layouts are seen tacked to the board to his left.

An artist in the Inking and Painting Department adds color to a cel featuring Pinocchio. More than 1,500 shades of paint were used for the Technicolor production.

Pinocchio: Five Unforgettable Scenes

In writing Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic [out May 26, 2015 on Walt Disney Family Foundation Press], I had the opportunity to study the production of Pinocchio in depth. One of the most fascinating aspects of the film was the special effects—both effects animation and photographic effects. Added to the brilliant character animation, these effects gave the film an extra layer of luxurious production value. Some of them, like the spectacular moving-camera scene that moves over the rooftops and down into the street, are famous in themselves, but others are sometimes overlooked. I’ve picked out five scenes that used special, innovative techniques. Next time you watch Pinocchio, take a closer look at these fascinating moments on the screen:

Jiminy Cricket enters Geppetto’s workshop.

In this scene, rich with special effects, the artists used shadows and “blend” to suggest color modeling on the Cricket. Then, as he strolls toward the fireplace, the coals were deliberately overexposed for a glowing effect, and realistic heat distortion was added above the hearth.

The wishing star approaches Stromboli's wagon — The wishing star approaches Stromboli’s wagon.

One feature of the multiplane crane was that it allowed the technicians to light individual background planes separately. Here, as we view the star through the window, it passes over distant mountains and plains—and its glow lights up the landscape as it approaches.

Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket escape Stromboli's wagon — Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket escape Stromboli’s wagon.

Disney technicians built two miniature wagons and filmed them rolling over a bumpy track. Then those motion picture frames were photographically enlarged onto washoff relief cels, which were painted like ordinary cels. The character animation of Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket was added on top.

Pinocchio and Geppetto push the raft toward the whale's mouth — Pinocchio and Geppetto push the raft toward the whale’s mouth.

Watch this scene closely: six different artists worked together to animate the characters, the raft, the whale’s jaws, distant and foreground waves, seagulls overhead, and smoke from the fire—for a scene that lasts barely over four seconds on the screen!

This is an extremely complex scene. Many scenes used double exposures for shadows and other effects, but this is a quadruple exposure—each exposure involving four different cel levels, to accommodate the puppet, the “real” Pinocchio, and multiple levels of blue light, vibrations, and sparkles.

These five scenes are just a sample; the film is filled with lavish, imaginative special effects, some of them very subtle. The more closely you look, the more you’ll see!

Written by: J.B. Kaufman

Tron Characters Now Available on Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 iOS App

Sam Flynn and Quorra from Tron: Legacy have just joined the Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 digital character lineup, exclusively on the iOS app! The characters are now available as digital exclusives for Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) via the Disney Infinity: Toy Box 2.0 iOS app for $2.99 each, and will be available for PC in March 2015. Both will join all of the previously announced Disney and Marvel characters in the Toy Box mode.

Download Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 from the App Store ►

Fans of Tron: Legacy will remember Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy, rebellious son of Kevin Flynn from the original Tron film. When he’s pulled into the grid in his search for his father, Kevin unites with Quorra, a fearless warrior, to escape the digital world and preserve ours.

“The iOS version of Disney Infinity has always attracted our largest audience, so we wanted to do something special to celebrate its launch. I can’t think of a more appropriate digital exclusive than Sam Flynn and Quorra from Tron,” said John Vignocchi, Vice President of Production, Disney Infinity.

Disney Infinity: Toy Box 2.0 debuted last week as a mobile app for iPads and—for the first time ever—iPhones. The app—which can be downloaded for free—includes all the tools and enhanced features of Toy Box 2.0 from Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition), along with all-new multiplayer functionality. You can transfer your creations to different platforms by syncing your mobile devices and your console, and enjoy a seamless play experience across console and iOS devices. Bring on the Toy Box!