Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving to all who visit the Duckman's Blog Today!

 I'd like to give thanks to what I'm thankful for!

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed 
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head.

I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those 
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know.

Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure 
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure.

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Sixty of 'D23's Disney Geek' is now online!

This week, check out the following:

- "Newsies" is headed to Broadway!

- Spectacular 2012 D23 events announced for members from coast to coast

- A "Mary" milestone for the practically perfect musical on Broadway

- D23 Members enjoys "Muppet-acular Mayhem!"

- Phineas and Ferb celebrate Christmas with Kelly Clarkson

- See how Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland transform into a winter wonderland

- "Star Tours – The Adventures Continue" set to launch in Tokyo

- Walt Disney Imagineering honored for favorite Disney attractions and experiences

- "Cars" pulls up to the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles… and more!



Thursday, November 17, 2011

Mr. Hyde & the Cyclops Have Begun Arriving at Retailers This Week!

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Mr. Hyde ("Macabre Madman") & the Cyclops ("Myopic Monster") from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas have arrived and started shipping to retailers this week!

These two classic monsters, both sculpted by Patrick Romandy Simmons and Limited to Production 2011, join the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington.

Mr. Hyde is plussed with pewter, bronze and his signature metail chain.  The Cyclops is plussed with pewter arms and legs.

Please check your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection dealer for availability.

Lady And The Tramp & Cinderella Coming to Blu-ray in 2012

The Walt Disney Studios proudly announces the addition of Lady and the Tramp and Cinderella to its coveted, cutting-edge Blu-ray Diamond Collection line-up of animated classics. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, the lovingly pampered cocker spaniel and the mutt from across the tracks will unveil on February 7, 2012 and Cinderella’s clock will strike midnight in Fall 2012.

Disney’s Blu-ray Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studios’ most prestigious and treasured animated classics. Diamond Edition titles boast the highest level of picture and sound; feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content; and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

To date, the company has released four Diamond Edition titles – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, Bambi and The Lion King.

About Lady and the Tramp:


Generations of fans have fallen in love with Disney's 15th animated masterpiece -- an irresistible song-filled adventure about Lady, a lovingly pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a roguish mutt from across the tracks.

When Aunt Sarah moves in with her devious felines Si and Am to baby-sit, the very protective Lady soon finds herself being fitted for the unthinkable -- a muzzle! In her bid for freedom, she meets and is charmed by Tramp, dog-about-town. Together with friends Jock, Trusty, and Peg, they share thrilling adventures on an enchanting evening as Lady learns what it means to be footloose and leash-free.

About Cinderella:


Disney's Cinderella has enchanted generations with its unforgettable story, Academy Award-nominated music (1950 for Scoring of a Musical Picture, Song “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," and Sound Recording) and endearing characters. With a wave of her wand and some “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother transforms an ordinary pumpkin into a magnificent coach and Cinderella’s rags into a gorgeous gown, and then sends her off to the royal ball. But Cinderella’s enchanted evening must end when the spell is broken at midnight. It will take the help of her daring animal friends Jaq and Gus and a perfect fit into a glass slipper to create the ultimate fairy tale ending.

New Trailers from Disney!

In a land of tradition, a hero will rise in the brand new trailer for Disney Pixar’s BRAVE, in theatres summer 2012.

“BRAVE is an epic adventure chock-full of action, humor and heart,” says director Mark Andrews. “There’s no more perfect setting for this powerful tale than the dark and rugged Scottish Highlands. Imagine: magic, mystery and danger – all set within a haunting and beautiful landscape. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before from Pixar.”

With a courageous and impetuous heroine leading the way, Disney·Pixar sets out on yet another extraordinary journey – this time across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland in BRAVE. The big-screen adventure is the 13th feature-length animated film from Pixar Animation Studios.

 

 Toy Story Toons “Small Fry” Sneak Peek (full version in front of MUPPETS – November 23rd)

 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Fifty-Nine of 'D23's Disney Geek' is now online!

This week, check out the following:

- A star-studded Muppet-ational premiere with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Amy Adams, Jason Segel and more!

- All Aboard a stunning exhibit at Disneyland's Disney Gallery

 - The launch date for for "Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice" is announced

- A matrimonial "Tangled" short to debut before "Beauty and the Beast 3D" 

 - Disneyland sparkles for the holidays

- "Lady and the Tramp" and "Cinderella" to make their Diamond Edition debuts with bountiful bonus material

 - Phineas and Ferb to rock on through 2014… and more!

2012 Special Events From D23!


D23 SPRINKLES DISNEY MAGIC ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH A YEAR OF SPECTACULAR EVENTS

BURBANK, Calif. – November 16, 2011 – In 2012, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will take the show on the road as it kicks off a year-long celebration for D23 members with a bold lineup of fantastic events.

Throughout the year, D23 will delight Disney fans from Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Palm Springs to Orlando, Burbank and even Marceline, Missouri — Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown — with the thrill and excitement of uniquely magical Disney experiences.

“To help D23 celebrate its third ‘fanniversary,’ we developed the most exciting lineup yet of special events to bring our members truly one-of-a-kind Disney experiences,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We’re excited to visit our fans all around the country, and to create events we hope will surprise and delight them.”

Starting the year are two new extraordinary experiences: D23’s JOURNEY TO MARCELINE and D23 PRESENTS THE SMOKE TREE RANCH ROUNDUP.

For the first time ever, a special tour of Walt’s boyhood hometown Marceline, Missouri will take place for D23 members on March 14. Led by Disney archivists, the daylong Journey to Marceline explores this small town (pop. 2,221) in ways that will have special resonance for Disney fans.

In his later life, Walt found unique inspiration at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, and during the incredible, three-day Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup (January 23-25), D23 Members can experience this exclusive retreat in a completely unique way. In another first-of-its-kind, immersive experience, Disney fans will get to see what Walt called “my own laughing place,” taking part in screenings, presentations, activities and delectable meals, all while staying in a Smoke Tree Ranch cottage.

In the spring, D23 takes the party on the road with the D23 ‘FANNIVERSARY’ CELEBRATION. It commemorates more than 40 unforgettable Disney magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in 2012. Hosted by Disney archivists, D23 Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Orlando, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles and revisits some of the most beloved Disney theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series and more from 85 years of Disney history. Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance.

In the summer, D23 will offer an all-new “Destination D” event – DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATION, held over two days at the Disneyland Resort in California (August 11-12). As Disney marks the 75th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, D23 marks the occasion by gathering many renowned Disney animation legends along with top Disney animators, voice talent (past and present) and composers plus interesting demonstrations, fascinating presentations, autograph sessions and the chance to see entertaining animation rarities from the Disney vaults all in celebration of 75 years of Disney feature animation.

Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular series of movie screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. With a new series, FROM THE VAULTS, D23 will bring favorite live-action films back to the big screen, including special 20th anniversary screenings of Newsies (February 25) and Sister Act (May 26), plus the classic Disney adaptation of Treasure Island (September 22). D23’s 50 AND FABULOUS series also returns in 2012, with In Search of the Castaways (June 23).

The year also includes four special weekends of member-only tours of the Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, which are planned for February 11-12, April 28-29, September 8-9 and November 10-11 — doubling the capacity of these consistently sold-out D23 events.

In the fall, during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, D23’s popular Sip & Stroll event gets a Halloween twist and becomes SIP & SCREAM (October 2012). And during the holiday season D23 will again hold back-to-back presentations of its popular holiday offerings — DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December) and MAGIC & MERRIMENT (at Walt Disney World Resort, tentative dates: December 7-8 and 9-10), doubling your Disney holiday fun.

Look for more D23 events to be announced throughout the year including details on an Epcot 30th anniversary celebration and a fun-filled D23 third anniversary party at the Disneyland Resort. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2012 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at http://www.Disney.com/D23. All events and dates are subject to change.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 brings its members a host of exclusive benefits, including a bi-weekly email newsletter; a host of discounts and special offers; and free gifts throughout the year.  Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.Disney.com/D23, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23


Monday, November 14, 2011

First Look: Pixar Forges New Princess with 'Brave'

In this image provided by Disney, from left, Queen Elinor, voiced by Emma Thompson, King Fergus, voiced by Billy Connolly, Princess Merida, voiced by Kelly Macdonald, and triplets Princes Harris, Hubert and Hamish are shown in a scene from the animated feature "Brave."

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The newest princess from The Walt Disney Co. is more interested in shooting arrows and hunting bears than attending balls and finding Prince Charming. Merida, the spunky curly-haired Scottish heroine from the upcoming Pixar Animation Studios adventure "Brave," is breaking new ground as the archery-loving protagonist of the Oscar-winning studio's first fairytale.

"She's your anti-princess," said "Brave" co-director Mark Andrews. "She isn't your typical princess. She doesn't wear nice clothes except in a couple of scenes when her strict mom, Queen Elinor, makes her do it for special functions. She's an active and action-oriented person. She wants to get out in the outdoors of the Highlands, escaping from castle life and exploring the woods."

"Brave," scheduled for release June 22, 2012, is set in medieval Scotland and features the voices of "Boardwalk Empire" actress Kelly Macdonald as Princess Merida, Emma Thompson as Queen Elinor, Billy Connolly as her one-legged father, King Fergus, as well as Craig Ferguson, Kevin McKidd and Robbie Coltrane as the kingdom's noblemen.
Despite being the first Pixar film to focus on a female heroine, Andrews said "Brave" will be less about girl power and more about the oppositional relationship between mother Elinor and daughter Merida, likening the defiant red-haired princess to a scrutinized teenager who is forced to attend the same high school where her mother serves as the principal.
In the film's full-length trailer, out Tuesday, Merida's father tells of the 12-foot-tall beast with razor-sharp claws, a face scarred with a dead eye and "hide littered with the weapons of fallen warriors," that chomped off his leg while the rebellious Merida transverses a lush forest, ascends a mountain and lands a bull's eye at a tournament.

The role of Merida in "Brave" marks the first animated film part for Macdonald, a Scottish actress who has appeared in such movies as "Gosford Park" and "Finding Neverland." She acknowledged being struck by the significance of playing Disney royalty during a visit to Disneyland earlier this year as she watched Disney princesses gallivanting during the afternoon parade.

"I just thought, 'My goodness! There's eventually going to be a Merida doing her thing up there,'" said Macdonald. "The people that they cast to be the characters and wear the costumes at Disneyland have to do the accent, so somebody at Disneyland is going to be doing me. Some American girl will have to do my accent. It kind of blows my mind, really."

Other imagery teased in the new trailer includes Merida encountering mystical blue-hued wisps and the gnarly bear that took her father's leg. Andrews said despite the 3-D film's darker tone and visual style compared with past Pixar movies like "Toy Story" and "Cars," ''Brave" won't be "missing any of the comedy or entertainment you usually associate with Pixar."

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Latest WDCC Sold Out Numbered Limited Editions!

Click Image for Product Detail & Additional Angles
The Walt Disney Classics Collection is pleased to announce the Sold Out status of the following Numbered Limited Editions:

  • The Evil Witch from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
  • Sally and Skeleton Tree from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
Disguised as an old peddler woman, the sinister Queen stealthily steers her boat through the tall reeds of the swampy water. The epitome of evil, this wicked witch has a precious but poisonous cargo aboard: a cursed apple intended to destroy innocent Snow White.

A truly dramatic sculpture, this powerfully crafted piece (plussed with a pewter basket handle, pewter hands, wooden oar and resin reeds), conveys the darkness of animation’s most wicked villain, as well as the passion and grandeur of Walt Disney’s first full-length animated masterpiece.

"Poisonous Plot" sculpted by Ruben Procopio is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 and measures 7-1/2” H x 13-7/8” L x 7-5/8” W (at widest point).

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Deviltry, singing skeletons, and undersea mayhem make things merrily macabre as the emented denizens of Halloweentown welcome their Pumpkin King in their own wonderfully warped way. sweet rag doll Sally looks on amidst the eerily animated bony band of the vocalizing Skeleton Tree (plussed with pewter and real rope cord)!

"Otherwordly Ovation" sculpted by Patrick Romandy Simmons is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.

These items will not return to the line and no additional orders are being accepted.


Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability. 




Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

 Episode Fifty-Eight of 'D23's Disney Geek' is now online!

- A sneak peek at the Muppet-acular new issue of "Disney twenty-three" (and it's fuzzy!)\

- Disneyland and Walt Disney World have started to deck the halls 

- An advance look at Tim Burton's "Frankenweenie" 

- Big name talent—including Christina Aguilera—perform in the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" 

- D23 Member events at the Walt Disney Imagineering campus and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

- Brushing up on "Shakespeare in Love" as a new stage production is announced 

- An adorable addition to Disney's Animal Kingdom… and more! 

 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

More Planned for 1st Qtr. 2012? You Betcha!

Earlier today, the Walt Disney Classics Collection announced the following four releases for Winter 2012 (see blog entries below and/or click on link at left):
  • The Three Caballeros - NLE of 500 
  • Cinderella - NLE of 1,500 
  • Cinderella Whiteware - NLE of 200 (Gold Circle Exclusive 
  • Lady Tremaine - NLE of 500 (Villains Series)
The question was asked if this was all planned for 1st Quarter or could we expect more?

Received an email that there will be more upcoming releases announced (targeting January for the announcement) for additional first quarter releases including the Spring Premiere Event sculpture, a character making their debut in WDCC and more. WDCC/Enesco was ready to announce these now and did so to kick off 2012.

Take A Carpet Ride with Three Happy Chappies!!

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That quixotic quackster Donald Duck journeys into South America with dapper José Carioca from Brazil and ebullient Panchito Pistoles the Mexican rooster as his tour guides.

Panchito graciously invites his two amigos to accompany him on “a nice little trip to Mexico on the magic serape.”  This multi-colored magic carpet sweeps the birds-of-a-feather trio over the beautiful land of song, dance and romance.

Panchito, JosĂ© (who was introduced in Saludos Amigos) and Donald were animated throughout The Three Caballeros by, among others, Ollie Johnston, Ward Kimball and John Lounsbery, so it’s obvious Walt Disney wanted his most magnĂ­fico talent to bring these animated stars to the screen. 

Plussed with pewter spurs on Panchito and a pewter ribbon on Donald’s hat, this muy grande sculpture embodies the fun and fiesta spirit of this animated carnivale of animated delights.

"Airborne Amigos' sculpted by Bruce Lau is a Numbered Limited Editioin (NLE) of 500 and one sculpture I've wanted to see done for many, many years ... Thanks WDCC!!!!


WDCC: Winter 2012 Brings New Releases from Cinderella

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The Walt Disney Classics Collection announced new releases for Winter 2012!

Three of the four releases are from Disney's animated classic, Cinderella (1950).

Dashing downstairs from her lonely attic room, Cinderella excitedly shows off her pretty party dress, lovingly sewed and stitched together by the loyal mice Jaq and Gus and Cinderella’s other animal friends.

"Isn't it lovely? Do you like it?"sculpted by Dusty Horner is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,500.  Cinderella is plussed with pewter legs.

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As Cinderella shows off her new party dress, the mistreated scullery maid’s cruel Stepmother Lady Tremaine looks aghast.

"Manipulative Matriarch" sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 500 and the Villains Series release for 2012.

As lovely as she is kind, Cinderella gracefully models her party dress,handcrafted by her devoted animal friends with care, dedication and love.


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The same ingredients went into this exquisite sculpture, as evidenced by the beautiful (in its own right) whiteware version of Cinderella and her dress.

The creation of whiteware is part of the painstaking process in which each Walt Disney Classics Collection piece is crafted.

The whiteware version, a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 200 is a Gold Circle Exclusive for 2012.

Disney's D23 Winter Issue Features the Muppets

DISNEY TWENTY-THREE MAGAZINE GOES
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH STARS OF THE MUPPETS

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club Celebrates 25 Years
of Groundbreaking Animation with the Creative Minds at Pixar 

BURBANK, Calif. – November 3, 2011 – It’s time to raise the curtain!  Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo, Fozzie and friends grace the cover of the Winter 2011 issue of Disney twenty-three magazine, on stands November 15. These beloved characters return to the silver screen in the much-anticipated new film The Muppets (in theaters November 23).
Academy Award® nominee Amy Adams, star and writer Jason Segel, Oscar® winners Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minnelli, Alan Arkin and Chris Cooper, plus many more, share the spotlight with the furry co-stars in this Thanksgiving treat from Walt Disney Studios. And, yes, even Miss Piggy does a star turn. “I really do believe that in this movie I will finally get that Academy Award®,” Miss Piggy tells Disney twenty-three magazine. “I've been studying with Stanislavski.”
Exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes details on the making of The Muppets and a remembrance of Muppets creator Jim Henson with hisson, Brian Henson, and famed Muppets performer Steve Whitmire are just the beginning of what Disney twenty-three has in store for readers in its latest edition.
Throughout the magazine, readers will get in-depth insight into the best of Disney, including a special feature that celebrates the 25th anniversary of Pixar, which was established in 1986. Pixar artists discuss the 25 most important lessons they’ve learned during Pixar’s first quarter century, and detail scenes that were cut from such classic films as Wall*E, A Bug’s Life and Toy Story 3
 Readers will also go on a journey through the making of Walt Disney’s classic animated film Dumbo, now celebrating its 70th anniversary, with rare concept art and development sketches recently discovered by The Walt Disney Archives and published for the first time in Disney twenty-three magazine.
 A treasure trove of fascinating stories and spectacular imagery, the Winter 2011 issue of Disney twenty-three magazine also features:
·     Discoveries made by author Timothy S. Susanin as he investigated Walt Disney’s “missing decade” – the years leading up to the creation of Mickey Mouse – for his new book, Walt Before Mickey: Disney’s Early Years 1919- 1928;
·     A colorful recollection of Disney’s involvement in the fabled Rose Parade;
·     Exclusive interviews with Sarah Chalke and Chris Parnell, stars of the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice.
Disney twenty-three magazine is available at a growing number of retail locations across the country for$15.95, and can also be purchased online at DisneyStore.com and throughout the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts. Gold-level members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, are treated to each issue delivered directly to their mailbox, accompanied by a special collectible gift.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 brings its members a host of exclusive benefits, including a bi-weekly e-mail newsletter; a host of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; and exclusive, member-only special events.
 Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.Disney.com/D23, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

Catch Yzma Before She's Gone!

The Walt Disney Classics Collection has just announced the Sold Out Status for Yzma!

After much anticipation, Yzma made her WDCC in January 2011.

From The Emperor's New Groove, Yzma ("Calculating Conspirator") is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 500. One of Disney’s most hilariously heinous baddies, Yzma is plussed with pewter, resin and a magnet to hold the elaborate headpiece (featuring real feathers) in place.

Yzma was sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons,

Contact an Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability.


Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Fifty-Seven of 'D23's Disney Geek' is now online!

This week, check out the following:

- A Goofy new attraction coming to Tokyo Disneyland

- John Lasseter gets his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—with a little help from his friends

- A peek inside the colorful new shops of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure

- Minnie Mouse stars in a bow-tiful new series!

- Stunning new images from the upcoming animated film "The Secret World of Arrietty"

- "Chimpanzee" swings to life

- "Cars 2" races into homes with high-speed extras… and more!


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Going-Going-Gong! Mushu Honored with Retirement!


The Walt Disney Classics Collection has announced the dry retirement today of Mushu from Disney's Mulan.

Mushu made his WDCC debut in September, 2007 as an Open Edition, sculpted by Bruce Lau.

Special Note on Dry Retirements: A Dry Retirement indicates the item will no longer be produced and will not return to the line and there is no longer product in the warehouse.

Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability.