From 1957 to 1959, Disney’s Zorro was one of the most popular series on television starring Guy Williams, Henry Calvin, and Gene Sheldon. The show helped transform the literary character Don Diego de la Vega into the ultimate iconic, beloved swashbuckling masked hero of the time. The adventures of Zorro and his trusty steed Tornado have captivated audiences since their inception, gaining new audiences when it was re-aired on the Disney Channel in 1983 and re-colorizing the episodes in the 1990s. After the series conclusion, the Zorro adventures lived on from 1960 to 1961 on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in the form of a four-episode anthology series of hour-long Zorro specials, all of which are also included in Walt Disney Treasures Wave IX.

Both debut Walt Disney Treasures sets are hosted by noted film historian, author and critic Leonard Maltin. Each limited edition, individually numbered volume includes a Zorro pin, an authenticity certificate, exclusive lithograph and comes in a unique, collectible black tin.

BONUS MATERIAL
Zorro: The Complete First Season
• Zorro: El Bandido – Part 1 of a 2-part story shown as a 1-hour-special on the Disneyland television show (original air date: October 30, 1960)
• Zorro: Adios El Cuchillo – Part 2 of a 2-part story shown as a 1-hour-special on the Disneyland television show (original air date: November 6, 1960)

Zorro: The Complete Second Season
• Zorro: The Postponed Wedding – A 1-hour special that originally aired on the Disneyland television show (original air date: January 1, 1961)
• Zorro: Auld Acquaintance – A 1-hour special that originally aired on the Disneyland television show (original air date: April 2, 1961)

Episode stills below.

Source & Image Credit: © Disney. All Rights Reserved.

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Tink has come a long way since her first incarnations by the Disney artists. Check out these preliminary sketches and concept art to see her evolution! From a wide range of looks and ideas, she became the precocious pixie pal of Peter Pan. Last year, in her first feature film, Miss Bell was re-introduced to audiences with a polished familiar look. And now, just in time for her journey out of Pixie Hollow, Tink’s got a brand new costume for her autumnal adventure!

Here is the evolution of Tinker Bell.

Picture 1

See the rest below!

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

Picture 5

Picture 6

Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios and Click Communications

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One of the ways this Rapunzel is different is she uses her hair as a weapon. Check out this concept drawing from “Rapunzel” with the prince using her long hair to climb into this dome.

There are some changes to Rapunzel when it comes to the other Disney princesses, but she will still hold some of the same characteristics we all know and love about them. She still sings, there is still a prince involved and films have been made out of all five Disney princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid and Beauty.

At the D23 Expo, John Lasseter said, "The sixth one finally comes to life. Take a closer look at the girl behind the golden hair."

More concept art drawings of “Rapunzel” below.

Source

Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and New Media Strategies

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“The seven dwarfs, we knew, were ‘naturals’ for the medium of our pictures.  In them we could instill boundless humor, not only as to their physical appearances, but in their mannerisms, personalities, voices and actions.”  – Walt Disney

By late 1933, Walt Disney began to crystallize his idea of making Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a feature-length animated film.  Development on the Seven Little Men began early on and by the Fall of 1934, from several early story meetings in Walt’s office, initial shapes and designs of these characters gave them more of a forest Nome look.

• Individually, each dwarf represents a type of human personality generally found in most offices, schools or neighborhoods.
• Other names considered for the dwarfs early on included: Wheezy, Puffy, Stuffy, Biggo-Ego, Jumpy, Baldy, Nifty, Gabby, Stubby and Burby.
• Six of the famed dwarfs have eyebrows fashioned after Walt Disney’s own expressive eyebrows as they fascinated everyone who ever sat in story meetings with him.  Walt’s eyebrows tended to wander about, helping to more perfectly express anything Walt wanted to convey.  Early on, the artists agreed on this resemblance however, Happy is the only one who is different as his eyebrows are white and bushy.
• These rosy-cheeked, apple-faced dwarfs stand about knee high to Donald Duck and made their living at their own mine where they daily hauled gold, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires and other precious gems.  Nice work if you can get it!
• With the exception of Dopey, the dwarfs are dressed in woodsy russet, tan, brown and grey jerkins layered over neutral-colored breeches which tuck into soft leather footgear. 
• It was determined early on that upon meeting the Dwarfs, the audience should get a sense that things have gone along unbothered for these fellows for hundreds of years.  Everything is pleasant in a humdrum sort-of-way – everything going according to schedule.  The startling interruption of Snow White into their lives clearly shakes things up for these gentle men. 
• Personal hygiene for the Dwarfs is usually not a priority as washing and bathing apparently occurs on rare occasions such as an annual event like New Years Day for example.  But with Snow White’s mandate, the Dwarfs respectfully mind their best table manners and wash up!
• “Jiminy Crickets” – is usually chorused by all of the Dwarfs when something astonishing or surprising occurs.
• By late in 1936, it was determined that Doc would be the leader of the crew
• It was determined early on that the Dwarfs would carry picks rather than shovels or sacks as they make their way to and from the Diamond mine.  Dopey was initially designated to carry a lamp swinging from his pick, but in the end, it is Doc leading the way with his lantern. 
• Other commonalities include having only 3 fingers and a thumb.
• Final designs of the Seven Dwarfs were approved by late 1936.
• Artists were offered $5.00 – a hefty sum by late 1930’s standards — for every gag featuring the Dwarfs that made it into the final film.  
• The Seven Dwarfs appeared together in several commercial shorts after the release of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,’ including: ‘The Standard Parade’ – 1939, ‘The Seven Wise Dwarfs’ – 1941, ‘All Together’ – 1942 and, ‘The Winged Scourge’ – 1943.

Meeting the Dwarfs Film Clip

DO YOU KNOW ALL SEVEN NAMES? See below for their names and description.

DOC

Appearing a bit pompous at times, this self-appointed lead of the group has a habit of getting his words and ideas mixed up.  Easily befuddled, Doc’s spectacles often slip a little too far down on his nose as his words often tend to get mixed up.  Overly gracious and highly efficient in his own mind until an important decision is necessary and his nerves take over, preventing any relevant decision from being made.  A little nervous,

Doc never seems to know what to do with his hands.  

HAPPY –

A fat, roly-poly little fellow, Happy is easily recognized with a perpetual smile and his bright, cheery disposition. His unique bushy white eyebrows are constantly bobbing with his eager grin as Happy always looks on the brighter side of things. 

SLEEPY – 

He sees the world through half-closed eyes and always seems to be talking through a yawn.  Perpetually nodding off, Sleepy could easily recline anywhere to get some sleep.  A rare talker, when he does have something to say, it is always straight and to the point – even though he’s too tired to know it.

SNEEZY – 

His chronic hayfever presents a difficult challenge as Sneezy often tries to talk through his nose.  Always sneezing at the wrong time, Sneezy is a hardworking and loyal friend…in between sneezes.  

GRUMPY –

The real leader of the group, Grumpy is ‘agin’ everything.   Hi is grouchy, crabby, and his primary dislike is ‘wimmin!’ While his nose is the most prominent part of his face, his soft, tender heart is even bigger under all that gruff veneer – much to his own disgust.  When trouble arises, it’s Grumpy who acts first to save the day!

BASHFUL –

An incurable romantic, Bashful is a willing and kind-hearted friend, but it’s Snow White who brings out the blush in this shy fellow.  Full of wriggles, giggles and ‘oh gosh’-es, Bashful is often twisting one foot around the other or braiding his beard while batting his bashful baby blue eyes.

DOPEY – 

This loveable, slightly-balmy, child-like fellow gets a great kick out of life.  Imbued with a sense of fun, he is a bit like Harpo-Marx, in that Dopey doesn’t speak, but his sly grin seems to ‘tell all.’  Dopey’s garments are at least 5 sizes too big for him, but that only adds to his charm.  Somewhat mischievous, Dopey somehow manages to capture the hearts of everyone.

Source & Image Credit: Click Communications

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The full-length adventure stars Pooh and other beloved characters as they celebrate friendship, family and the true meaning of the holidays. Set in the Hundred Acre Woods, Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving 10th Anniversary Edition follows Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Rabbit on a brave quest to find a favorite season they have seemed to miss – winter. Accompany them on a wild search for the perfect ingredients to creative a festive Thanksgiving feast and share in the warm glow of a Christmas that brings a surprise from a very special friend.

Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving 10th Anniversary Edition includes two new-to-DVD (U.S only) Pooh episodes (“The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Magic Earmuffs,” “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Wishing Bear”) plus five heartfelt songs and a collectible Christmas stocking.

BONUS FEATURES

*“The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Magic Earmuffs”

*“The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Wishing Bear”

This makes such a great gift! The collectible Christmas stocking is adorable and really makes a good addition to anyone’s Disney DVD collection. This is a classic Disney movie that is fun for kids and adults to watch. I know my family enjoyed it!

Source & Image Credit: © Disney. All Rights Reserved.

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Story:

Celebrate the holidays with Mickey’s Christmas Carol, a beloved classic short film that is now part of the Disney Animation Collection! Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many more of your favorite characters join the cast in this delightfully charming adaptation of a classic holiday tale.  Ebeneezer Scrooge (Scrooge McDuck) is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is the time for kindness and generosity.  So, with the guidance of some wise ghosts (with Goofy and Jiminy Cricket), and the examples set by his clerk Bob Cratchit (Mickey Mouse) and nephew Fred (Donald Duck), Scrooge learns how to embrace the true spirit of the season.  Each volume in the Disney Animation Collection series is packed with classic Disney short films that will bring laughter and merriment into your family’s home.

Bonus Shorts

• Pluto’s Christmas Tree
• The Small One
• Santa’s Workshop

This DVD would make a great gift for a classic Disney fan and is a great addition to your Disney DVD collection. The Christmas Carol Story is one of my all-time favorites and Mickey and Donald play the roles of Bob Crachit and Ebeneezer Scrooge so well. Get your copy today and you’ll be in the Christmas spirit in no time!

Source & Image Credit: © Disney. All Rights Reserved.

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I sat down and watched this DVD the other night and was thoroughly impressed! The Disney team has done a fabulous job at making the picture brighter and even more enjoyable to watch. It was so much fun to re-visit this story again and watch it with people who had never seen the movie before. It received a thumbs up from everyone in my family!

Story:

Experience the extraordinary animation, enchanting music and Academy Award(R)-winning special effects (1971: Best Effects, Special Visual Effects) of Disney’s beloved classic BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS — now fully restored and remastered in the Enchanted Musical Edition with dazzling new bonus features. Viewers will need to hold on tight
for a magical, musical, fun-filled journey! When young Charlie, Carrie and Paul move to a small village during World War II, they discover their host, Miss Price (Angela Lansbury), is an apprentice witch! Although her early attempts at magic create hilarious results, she successfully casts a traveling spell on an ordinary bedknob, and they fly to the
fantastic, animated Isle of Naboombu to find a powerful spell that will save England! All-new fun is brewing in this Enchanted Musical Edition, including "The Wizards of Special Effects" feature. Also starring David Tomlinson (MARY POPPINS) and Roddy McDowall, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS is a heartwarming adventure viewers will love to revisit!

Not only was the movie and the new picture great, but the bonus features were a ton of fun. The Wizards Special Effects was my favorite one.

Bonus Features

THE WIZARDS OF SPECIAL EFFECTS – Hosted By Jennifer Stone From Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place Jennifer Stone, Harper on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, becomes a Special Effects Wizard Apprentice and learns about the academy award winning 1971 special effects in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, then compares them to the special effects
magic of her current show Disney’s Wizard’s Of Waverly Place. 

MUSIC MAGIC: The Sherman Brothers – Take a look behind the scenes from a musical point of view of Bedknobs and Broomsticks with The Sherman Brothers, Angela Lansbury and Scott MacQueen.  This featurettes explores the origins of the songs, including what was deleted and what made it into the final version of the film.

DELETED SONG – “A Step in the Right Direction”

“PORTOBELLO ROAD” Recording Session – A rare clip of David Tomlinson’s recording of the song “Portobello Road”

I highly recommend this movie! If you saw it when you were younger, you will love seeing it again and if you’ve never seen it or heard of it, it is one very fun story!

Source & Image Credit: © WDSHE. All Rights Reserved

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The cast includes Sean Marshall (“To Race the Wind”), Helen Reddy (Sgt.Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band), Mickey Rooney (Night at the Museum), Jeff Conaway (Grease), Shelley Winters (The Poseidon Adventure), Jim Dale (“Pushing Daisies”) and Red Buttons (“ER”), with Charlie Callas as the voice of Elliot the Dragon.

Synopsis:

Pete’s Dragon is an uplifting musical adventure about a spunky young orphan that blends live action and stellar Disney animation. With his only friend Elliot, a tubby, 12-foot tall dragon who can make himself invisible, Pete (Sean Marshall) takes refuge from his abusive adoptive family in the seaside town of Passamaquoddy, Maine. After Elliot’s invisible antics wreak havoc with the residents and Pete gets the blame, Nora (Helen Reedy) is touched by the youngster’s plight and takes him to live with her and her tippling father Lampie (Mickey Rooney) in the Passamaquoddy Point lighthouse. Lampie’s tipsy tales of the boy and his dragon amuse the disbelieving townsfolk, until the local quack, Dr. Terminus, discovers that Elliot is real and hatches a scheme to capture the dragon. An exciting and inspiring story with unforgettable music, including the Academy Award nominated “Candle on the Water,” “There’s Room for Everyone” and “Brazzle Dazzle Day,” Pete’s Dragon High Flying Edition will be a perennial favorite with children and parents.

Bonus features and pictures from the film below.

Bonus Features
• Brazzle Dazzle Effects: Disney’s Movie Magic – An entertaining new look at Disney’s pioneering work in the magical mix of live-action and animation, narrated by
the star of Pete’s Dragon, Sean Marshall.
• Deleted Storyboard Sequence: “Terminus & Hoagy Hunt Elliot” – A rare demo dialog track and storyboard sketches.
• Original Song Concept: “Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)” – The first demo recording for one of the film’s unforgettable musical sequences with story sketches for an early concept of the song Pete sings to Elliot.
• Original Demo Recordings (Audio Only) – A special audio-only feature that includes early demo versions of “Brazzle Dazzle Day” and “Every Little Piece” before they evolved into the songs heard in the movie. Also includes “The Greatest Star of All,” a song originally intended to be sung by Ferdinand, a character later deleted from the film.
• Promotional Record (Audio Only) – Pop versions of “It’s Not Easy,” “Brazzle Dazzle Day,” “There’s Room For Everyone” and Academy Award nominee for Best Song, “Candle On The Water,” originally released together on a 7” record to promote the film’s music.
• “Where’s Elliot?” – The Disappearing Dragon Game
• Pete’s Dragon Art Galleries
• Publicity
• Trailers
• About Pete’s Dragon
• Disney Family Album
• The Plausible Impossible
• Lighthouse Keeping

Source & Image Credit: © Disney. All Rights Reserved.

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“Race to Witch Mountain” is coming to theaters on March 13th. I am so excited for this film and will be seeing it on opening night, so I’ll have a review for you the next day.

Just as this new movie is being released, the original films that launched the Witch Mountain saga, Escape to Witch Mountain and Return to Witch Mountain, are returning to DVD in special new editions from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. You can get your copy on March 10, 2009.

Although these films are older than I am sure most of you are used to watching, I really think you might like them. They would be great for you to watch before you head to the theaters for the newest one. We watched both of these and just loved the story of these two kids.

Escape to Witch Mountain and Return from Witch Mountain are about two children who learned to use their magical powers. The first one was released in 1975, with the second following in 1978.

The new Walt Disney Family Classics DVD editions both contain extensive bonus features, including all new Pop-Up Fun Facts, filmmaker commentaries, and more. They will be available in stores on March 10, three days before the theatrical release of “Race to Witch Mountain.”

Here’s the synopsis for both of these movies:

Escape to Witch Mountain Synopsis
An evil millionaire (Ray Milland) lures Tony and Tia Malone (Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards) to his mansion in order to exploit their paranormal abilities for his own greedy purposes. Escaping their would-be captor with the help of a vacationing widower (Eddie Albert), the siblings discover puzzling clues about their origins that eventually lead them on a thrilling journey home to far away Witch Mountain. Adapted from the book by Alexander Key, the movie brims with timeless appeal and amazing acts of wizardry that will delight young and old alike. Starring Eddie Albert, Ray Milland, Donald Pleasence, Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann and a flying RV!

Return to Witch Mountain Synopsis
Bette Davis, Christopher Lee, Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann star in a sequel every bit as exhilarating and fun as its inspiration. Adapted from Alexander Key’s book Escape to Witch Mountain, this Disney Family Classics’ DVD presentation is perfectly timed to coincide with the March 13 theatrical debut of the new Race to Witch Mountain, starring Dwayne Johnson. Return from Witch Mountain – Special Edition is packed with fun and intriguing bonus features, including all new Pop-Up Fun Facts, filmmaker commentary and much more.

Image Credit: © WDSHE All Rights Reserved.

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On March 10th, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is releasing the Disney classic “Pinocchio” on DVD and Blu-ray. It’s the 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition and is one of those timeless classics that just doesn’t get old.

The movie features the Academy Award winning song “When You Wish upon a Star”. Have you seen the music video with “Camp Rock’s” Meaghan Jette Martin? It’s a fabulous music video!
Join Gepetto’s beloved puppet— with Jiminy Cricket as his guide—on a thrilling quest that tests Pinocchio’s bravery, loyalty and honesty, virtues he must learn to become a real boy.

The special 2-Disc Blu-ray release not only includes a bonus standard definition DVD of the classic animated film in the same package, allowing viewers the opportunity to enjoyPinocchio on a standard def DVD while they are preparing to upgrade to a 1080p Hi-Def Blu-ray experience in the near to present future, but provides viewers accessibility to Disney’s popular BD-Live Network, a backstage pass for Blu-ray Disc owners to chat, video stream, participate in communal games and download exclusive content unavailable to general DVD owners.

See below for all of the bonus features on the disc. There are tons! Also included are some stills from the movie.DVD BONUS FEATURES
DISC ONE
• Pinocchio’s Matter of Facts – - Learn fun facts about Pinocchio and other related subjects as you
watch the movie.
• Audio Commentary — An all-new audio commentary with Leonard Maltin, Eric Goldberg and J. B.
Kaufman.
•   Disney Song Selection — Select this option to sing along with favorite songs as the lyrics appear
onscreen.

DISC TWO
• No Strings Attached: The Making of Pinocchio – - Witness the behind-the scenes magic that
transformed Carlo Collodi’s popular book into a classic animated film.

• Deleted Scenes –
The Story of the Grandfather Tree – - Kindly Geppetto tells Pinocchio about the Great Pine
Tree from which Pinocchio is descended.
In The Belly Of The Whale – - The most elaborate of Pinocchio’s deleted scenes that remain
in the Disney Archives, these recently discovered storyboards reveal a different version of
Geppetto inside Monstro.

• Alternate Ending – - A recently uncovered set of small storyboard panels reveal plans for a different
version of Pinocchio becoming a real boy.
• The Sweat Box – - The Sweatbox was a small projection room at the Disney studio where Walt
critiqued story reels, rough animation, and dailies of films in progress with his anxious artists.  This
piece traces the history of the Sweatbox and brings to life this important part of Walt Disney’s artistic
process.
• Live Action Reference Footage
• Pinocchio Art Galleries
• Deleted Songs – - An audio collection of period “pop” recordings of songs that not used in the final film.
• Pinocchio Puzzles – - Hosted by Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio’s Puzzles is a multi-tiered Puzzle game that
contains six unique wooden puzzles for the viewer to assemble. Each puzzle forms an image from the
film that comes to life once they are complete.

BLU-RAY BONUS FEATURES
* Disney BD-Live Network features only available in the U.S.
DISC ONE
Includes the movie plus …
• Cine-Explore
• Disney BD-Live Network – The Disney BD-Live Network is just one of the many ways movie lovers,
families, and loved ones can continue to stay connected and engage in their favorite movies.

Image Credit: © WDSHE All Rights Reserved.

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