D23 Reveals 2015 Membership Gift

As 2014 comes to an end, D23 is excited to announce its 2015 Annual Member Gift: a reproduction of a rarely seen Disneyland pitch portfolio.

The gift, created in honor of the 60th anniversary of Disneyland, is based on an original piece of artwork from the Walt Disney Archives collection that features more than 20 pieces of stunning concept artwork used to sell the park to prospective licensees on the East Coast.

Uniquely colored photographic reproductions of artwork that was originally designed by such artists as Bruce Bushman, Peter Ellenshaw, Harper Goff, and Herb Ryman have been recreated in the gift. “These beautiful and detailed works of art served to convince organizations to bring their businesses and products to the park,” writes Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith on a notecard included with each gift, “forging relationships that helped bring Walt’s dream for Disneyland to reality.”

The gift will be available to all members who join—or renew their 2014 membership—at the Gold level in 2015.

For more information about the benefits of D23 Membership, click here.

Rob Marshall and James Lapine Discuss Evolving Into the Woods From Stage to Screen

In adapting Into the Woods for the screen, the creative team had some tough decisions to make.

How do you expand the world of the show onto film while staying true to its heart?

D23 spoke with director Rob Marshall and screenwriter James Lapine, who also wrote the musical’s book, about the tough—and not-so-tough—choices they had to make.

Q: You’ve done musical adaptations before. How difficult is it to balance what fans of the show will know and love as a theatrical experience, while translating that into a different medium?

Rob Marshall: There were many times where I was protecting the material more than [Lapine and composer Stephen Sondheim] were. Because they know that they’re creating a film, and they’re looking at creating a piece that works on film, which is very different than on stage, which has a two-act structure, which you can sit for two-and-a-half hours. It’s harder to do that on film. You know, film’s much more literal.

But I think the most important thing is to not push it into the film world as it existed, because that never works. You wish it could work, but it doesn’t. They’re really two different mediums. So you have to be smart enough to know what does work, and you try things. I mean, certainly, we try different things to see what could play and what doesn’t play.

Q: Can you talk about the elimination of the Narrator/Mysterious Man character?

Marshall: Sure. Well, the narrator character is a device in the theater, so that doesn’t work on film, obviously. So that went away. And we were trying to also focus the story more, giving the Baker and the Baker’s Wife more of a central storyline. So we eliminated a mysterious man character, and created something a little bit more about the Baker having issues and trouble becoming a father. So that led to the elimination of the song “No More,” which I know is tough for people. But I have to say, that even if the Mysterious Man was in, “No More” would have been really hard to make work on film because of the amount of ballads in the second act on stage and our third act.

Q: How are ballads on stage different than on film?

Marshall: Ballads are very difficult to do on film. You have to earn them because it slows down the movie to a halt. And with “No One is Alone” right behind it, and then “Children Will Listen” following that, it’s very difficult to have three in a row. I think we would have lost the audience, especially those who don’t know this piece. Where you can accept many ballads on stage in a different way, it’s very difficult to do on film. It’s very aware of time and movement and the pacing of something. So that made sense, for those two reasons.

Q: You also eliminated the Act One finale “Ever After.”

Marshall: A song like “Ever After,” is now an instrumental in our film. It’s very difficult, I find, to do group numbers on film. It can become a parody of a musical within a second, and so it’s very difficult to do. So that went away.

Q: In the original production, Jack and Red Riding Hood were played by slightly older actors. In the revival, they were more age-appropriate. What made you choose to go with the latter?

Marshall: Jack’s never been sung up the octave. It’s always been sung by someone whose voice has already changed. Our Jack sings it literally up the octave because he was 13 when he did the film. And Little Red is usually maybe at least 16 years old, if not older. And to me, the whole piece is about children and adults, and parents and children. And to not have children in the piece made no sense to me, at all. And I think James and Steve were thrilled by that. And I think it brings, you know, that dynamic into the world. So at the end of the film, you have a family that’s been created with parents and children.

Q: In the film version, the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince are played by two separate actors, but on stage it’s traditionally been played by one actor.

James Lapine: You know, it was economics basically [on stage]. It was just trying to give actors a little more to do and have a slightly smaller cast. There’s nothing that suggests that it has to be the two. Of course, theoretically they’re sort of related thematically. But with the costume and all, I don’t think anybody really connected all that much to the Prince also playing the Wolf—unless they’re looking at their program or know the show. So I have to say there wasn’t a big intention to make a statement about it.

Q: That’s so funny. I had always assumed it was something intentional on your part. I’m glad I had the opportunity to ask.

Lapine: [LAUGHS] Well, it’s funny, you know you get caught a lot of times in these economic situations; and sometimes it’s more attractive to an actor if they have a couple things to play. There were a lot of characters that came and went in the original Into the Woods. We had the Three Little Piggies. We had Rumpelstiltskin. You know, we just, for economy sake, had to start paring down. How many fairy tale characters can we have waltzing through this thing?

A Classic Christmas Storybook From the Disney Vault

December 20, 2014January 8, 2018

By D23 Team

Walt Disney insisted that some of the studio artists get involved in Disney Golden Books illustrations and he particularly enjoyed seeing the various interpretive approaches that these artists would take. In the spirit of every new assignment that Walt gave, he told them to approach storybook illustration in a way that only The Walt Disney Studios would approach it. In other words, given that they were already the world’s greatest storytellers on screen, what would they bring to books that would be innovative, defining, but especially quality in terms of artwork and storytelling?

One of the most fondly remembered of these books was Walt Disney’s Santa’s Toy Shop from 1950. Disney Legend Al Dempster left an enduring legacy in his work on the design and illustration of more than a dozen Disney Golden Books and we couldn’t pass up this opportunity to share the art and this Disney story with you through our D23 Days of Christmas!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Character Names Revealed, See Inside Out’s Emotions In Action

A Droid By Any Other Name…

Last week our friends at StarWars.com revealed the names of some of the characters we’ll be meeting in Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and they made their announcement in the coolest possible way, through a series of digital trading cards. Eight images can be viewed on StarWars.com right now, and we have our fingers crossed that the numbers on each photo—which range from 11 to 96—mean that there’ll be more of these cards to cast our eyes upon as the movie’s release date grows closer. But in the meantime, we already know that we’re going to love BB-8, the adorable rolling droid, and we’d be lying if we didn’t admit to being more than a little afraid of Kylo Ren and his scary Lightsaber. The film opens in theaters December 18, 2015.

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 at Newsies—On Tour
Through January 4, 2015
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
August 14-16, 2015
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California
Television
December 1–25
ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas”
January 6
Marvel’sAgent Carter premieres on ABC at 9 p.m. ET

Parks
November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, and 30; and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park
Studios
December 25
Into the Woods opens in theaters.
February 20, 2015
MacFarland, USA opens in theaters.
March 13, 2015
Cinderella opens in theaters.
April 17, 2015
Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom opens in theaters.
May 1, 2015
Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters.
May 22, 2015
Tomorrowland opens in theaters.
June 19, 2015
Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava).

**Check Out the Latest Inside Out Trailer**

You know those voices inside your head? The ones that keep talking about how excited you are to see Inside Out when it opens next year (June 19, 2015), or about how happy the latest Inside Out trailer makes you, or about how simply relieved you feel to know that even the creative geniuses at Pixar like to listen to the little voices inside their heads, too? Those voices come to life in the trailer above, which introduces the emotions that live inside the head of Riley, a teenage girl, and her parents. Enjoy!

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows—Like a Home Away from Home

This rendering of the new Disney Vacation Club Bungalows at Walt Disney World Resort has us dreaming of the vacation of a lifetime. These 20 Bungalows at Disney Polynesian Village Resort sleep up to eight guests, provide a view of the fireworks over Magic Kingdom Park, and feature a plunge pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. And while Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is part of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts, all rooms are available for rent by any Disney guest when they aren’t in use by DVC Members. Visit the Disney Parks Blog for more information about Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows and the re-imagining that’s taking place throughout the resort.

**The Descendants Are Coming!**

With an evil Stepmother, an army of Stormtroopers, and the terrifying Ultron coming to the big screen in 2015, we’re positively thrilled that we’ll get to enjoy some wickedly wonderful villainy on the small screen as well. The Disney Channel Original Movie Disney Descendants will introduce the teenage children of some of Disney’s most notorious villains—you might recognize some of their silhouettes in the recently release teaser above. The film is directed by Kenny Ortega, and features Kristin Chenoweth as Maleficent and Dove Cameron as her daughter, Mal.

**Returning in Star Wars Rebels, Yoda Is**

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” These words, spoken by Master Yoda, are highly appropriate in light of the announcement that Frank Oz will provide the voice of Yoda in an upcoming episode of Star Wars Rebels, “Path of the Jedi.” We’ll only hear the voice of Yoda, communing with Kanan and Ezra, but we will not try to contain our excitement, nor should you. Do watch the episode when it airs Monday, January 5 at 9 p.m. Do not forget that you can watch it early on the Watch Disney XD app beginning Monday, December 29. There is no try—this is a must-watch!

Adventures by Disney Traveling to Tuscany and Spain in 2015

Arrivaderci! Adios, amigos! We’re dusting off our passports and planning trips to Tuscany and Spain, now that Adventures by Disney has announced two new itineraries for 2015. The Tuscany Culinary Adventure is a seven-day, six-night tour that includes truffle hunting, cooking lessons, and wine blending (while “Junior Adventurers” learn to make biscotti). The Spain Adventure will let you dance the Flamenco, visit the Prado Museum, and make paella. To see all of the amazing activities included in these trips, visit the Adventures by Disney website. And we’ll see you in Italy!

‘Tis the Season for Disney Holiday

The holidays are such a busy, exciting time of year and there are so many “Disney” ways to celebrate: D23 Days of Christmas, Disney Channel’s Fa-La-La-Lidays, ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas… To be able to keep up with all of Disney’s holiday-themed content on one site would be a gift that keeps on giving throughout the season. Disney has set up a digital holiday headquarters at Disney.com/Holiday. Enjoy Disney-themed holiday stories from the Disney Blogs, check out seasonal crafts and recipes inspired by Disney Family, and play games and watch videos with the entire family.

Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration Sneak Peek

Once the presents are opened every Christmas morning, we at D23 like to curl up with our loved ones and watch the annual presentation of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. This year, ABC is broadcasting Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration at 10 a.m. ET, 9 a.m. CT/PT, with appearances from celebrities including Ariana Grande, Tim Tebow, and Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts—along with, of course, Arendelle’s biggest names, Anna and Elsa. Visit Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade for a glimpse at all of the Frozen fun.

**Oh My Disney’s Mickey’s Christmas Carol RomCom**

The holiday season means so many different things to so many different people, but a good movie can bring everyone together. Our friends at Oh My Disney have taken an already great movie, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and re-imagined its trailer as the ultimate romantic comedy. Enjoy this fun twist on a holiday classic—no “Bah Humbugs” allowed!

Disney Holiday Favorite Toy Tinkers

December 16, 2014January 8, 2018

By D23 Team

Released on December 16, 1949—Toy Tinkers follows the Christmastime adventures of Chip an’ Dale, as they invade Donald’s home to purloin the candy and nuts hoarded there for holiday gifts. Donald hits upon the happy thought that a Santa Claus disguise will bring the mischievous pair within range of his punishing hand, but this, of course, backfires and results in an outrageous battle. The story culminates in an exchange of explosive missives, sent through telephone wires. After Donald surrenders, a parade of toys, filled with nuts, cookies, and other Christmas season goodies, accompanies the victorious Chip an’ Dale on their merry way.

Toy Tinkers was one of eight animated shorts directed by Disney Legend Jack Hannah nominated for an Academy Award®. During his 26-year career at The Walt Disney Studios, Hannah directed more than 75 animated shorts—most of which have been considered Donald Duck’s most comical tales. Toy Tinkers marked only the seventh theatrical appearance of the lovable chipmunks.

Our friends at the Animation Research Library digitized these story sketches to share how the short looked in its infancy.

Marc Jacobs and Damien Hirst Release Limited-Edition Mickey T-shirt

Other Criteria and Marc Jacobs International announce the release of a limited-edition Mickey T-shirt produced as a collaboration between Marc Jacobs and artist Damien Hirst.

The T-shirt features the artwork of Hirst’s unique representation of Mickey Mouse, using his characteristic spot motif to interpret one of Disney’s most loved characters.

The limited edition T-shirt is available exclusively from Other Criteria and Marc Jacobs, with 2,500 units available in white and black.

All proceeds will be donated to Kids Company, a U.K. charity Hirst has long supported. Based in London and established in 1996, Kids Company provides practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people.

The T-Shirt is available in available in Marc Jacobs stores across the U.S., U.K. and Europe, along with Other Criteria stores in New York, London, Ilfracombe and online at MarcJacobs.com and OtherCriteria.com.

Alan Menken and the Music of The Little Mermaid

December 12, 2014October 9, 2019

Disney Legend Alan Menken has composed the music for scores of beloved Disney musicals, from Beauty and the Beast to Tangled,

. . . but Disney fans first came to know his work in 1989, when he and the late lyricist Howard Ashman wrote the music for The Little Mermaid. This year, The Little Mermaid celebrated its 25^th anniversary, and with that came the release of Walt Disney Records’ The Legacy Collection The Little Mermaid album.

Pre-Order Walt Disney Records’ The Legacy Collection and get an exclusive lithograph set ►

In this new video, which Walt Disney Records wanted to share with D23 Members first, Alan shares the inspiration behind the score for The Little Mermaid, including where the inspiration for those tinkling piano keystrokes in “Part of Your World” came from.

Marvel Brings Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Life

The writers and artists at Marvel are bringing a beloved Disney Parks attraction to life in their latest Disney Kingdoms series—Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

—and D23 is pleased to debut the first cover, created by Pasqual Ferry, above.

In this never-before-told saga, readers will learn how Big Thunder Mountain’s dangerous gold mine became the haunted legend it is today. Here’s what we know about the story:

“Malevolent mine owner Barnabas T. Bullion is determined to shelter his teen daughter Abigail from the dangers of the Wild West, but this brave young hero has other ideas… which include robbing her own father’s mine as a masked bandit.”

This action-packed series from the acclaimed duo of Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Woman) and Tigh Walker (Avengers Undercover) promises action, romance, mystery, and of course, adventure. Hang on for an exciting ride!

Q&A With the Witch From Into the Woods

Why is this Witch different from those that have come before?
I changed my mind when this role came along because this Witch is quite different. First of all, she transforms. Her whole reason for being is to reverse a curse that has been placed on her; she sets in motion all sorts of devices and causes a dramatic upheaval in everybody’s lives.

How is Into the Woods different from other musicals?
This is a musical with a brain. There is an intelligence at work because it is Sondheim and Lapine. It is visually fun and emotionally satisfying, but it also has this other element that engages us as artists and makes us want to bring everything we can to it.

How do you feel about the idea that fairy tales evolved as cautionary tales?
They were told to scare children away from the dangers they would encounter in their lives and to encourage young women to marry rich men. Everyone is encouraged to find a prince and live happily ever after, and sometimes it doesn’t work that way.

What was it like working with Director Rob Marshall on the film?
Rob has a percussive sense of the movement of the piece, like a conductor. He has got the rhythm of it in his body.

Costume Designer Colleen Atwood, who won Oscars® for Alice in Wonderland, Chicago, and Memoirs of a Geisha, had the chance to design for characters who are all from different fairy tales. What makes her work so appealing?
Colleen is a tornado. Her work is so imaginative, free, and dramatic, and at the same time, she is well known for her attention to detail and some of the work is so carefully thought out, delicate, and beautifully made.

Were you familiar with the stage show and Sondheim’s work when you were approached about the film?
I went to see the musical when it was on Broadway, with the great Bernadette Peters playing the Witch, and I thought it was fantastic. There is no one like Stephen Sondheim. There is no one who writes sing-able, character-driven music that tells a story. The wit, the intelligence, and the daring in his music is unparalleled, so I was really happy to have the chance to work on it. Musically it is challenging and thrilling, and so this is what I hope for the audience: that they, too, will be thrilled and challenged.

Meet the Characters and Cast of Into the Woods