Monday, July 17, 2006
'Pirates' Becomes Year’s Top-Grossing Film
LOS ANGELES (AP) – “Pirates of the Caribbean" is looking more like "Treasure Island." Already a record-shattering blockbuster, Johnny Depp's sequel "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" dug up $62.2 million in its second weekend, raising its 10-day total to $258.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The movie has quickly become the year's top-grossing film, rocketing past "X-Men: The Last Stand," which has taken in $232 million in eight weeks. The "Pirates" sequel has grossed an additional $125 million overseas. "It's really fun when you're riding a comet like this," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney, which based the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies on its theme park attraction. "This thing is just unbelievable. It creates its own wake." Hollywood's business dipped for the first time in two months. After eight straight weekends of rising revenues, overall receipts totaled $156 million, down 5 percent from the same weekend last year, when Depp also was at the top of the box office with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Still, the second weekend gross for "Dead Man's Chest" topped the debut of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which opened with $56.2 million. "Dead Man's Chest" had the third-best second weekend ever, behind "Shrek 2" ($72.2 million) and "Spider-Man" ($71.4 million). By next weekend, "Dead Man's Chest" should climb past the $305 million domestic total rung up by its predecessor, 2003's "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," Disney's Viane said. Ending with a cliffhanger, "Dead Man's Chest" will be closely followed by a third "Pirates" movie due out next May, with Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and other co-stars on a voyage to rescue Depp's rakish pirate Capt. Jack Sparrow. "Huge expectations. 'Pirates 2' is maybe the toughest act in box-office history to follow," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "'Pirates 3' is the definition of a predestined blockbuster."
52,000 Participate in Volvo Treasure Hunt
IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) – Seven would-be pirates from around the world will converge in a secret location next month as Volvo Car Corporation's global, multi-media treasure hunt for a Volvo XC90 V8 SUVthat has been buried somewhere in the world reaches its final leg. The hunt, which Volvo is conducting as part of its official promotion of Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," drew more than 52,000 US participants. The individuals participated for about a month in a challenging online adventure to solve a series of online clues and puzzles using an official treasure map obtained at Volvo dealerships nationwide. Throughout the course of the online hunt, participants created and joined in on message boards and blog sites sharing tips and information on the hunt's oft-times complex clues. The finalists who will now participate in the final leg will be selected from those who were the first to correctly guess the final clue when the online leg concluded July 12. The finalists – expected to be three from the United States and one-each from the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan and Austria – will, in August, be flown to the Volvo XC90's secret location, where for two days they will receive additional clues to lead them to the vehicle's burial site. Volvo's promotion of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" grew out of the partnership with Disney for the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo ship bears the name of the same boat in the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, "The Black Pearl." The Ocean Race began in Vigo, Spain on Nov. 12, 2005 and ended in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17, 2006.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
La Nouba By Cirque Du Soleil Celebrates Its 5 Millionth Guest at Walt Disney World Resort Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- La Nouba, the spectacular Cirque du Soleil production exclusively presented at Walt Disney World Resort, is about to reach the important milestone of having hosted 5 million guests. Attaining such an amazing number of spectators would not have been possible without the loyalty of the residents of Florida who have attended La Nouba since its opening in December 1998. This is why Cirque du Soleil has decided to thank its local fans with two remarkable events.
First, from July 20 to Sept. 30, Florida residents can enjoy the daring acts, live music and dazzling choreography of La Nouba for 20 percent off the regular price on select seats.
Second, to celebrate its 5-million-guest milestone, the cast and crew of La Nouba will select one of the Florida residents attending the 6 p.m. performance on Thursday, Aug. 10, to be its honorary 5 millionth guest. This person will enjoy an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience, which includes a personal on-stage recognition by the cast, interaction with select La Nouba characters during the show, unique La Nouba memorabilia gifts, and an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with the artists.
La Nouba continues to perform twice nightly at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the Cirque du Soleil theater, by calling 407/939-7600, or on http://www.cirquedusoleil.com . For more information on the 20 percent-off promotion, Florida residents can call 407/WDW-SEAT.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, please visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com .
SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort
First, from July 20 to Sept. 30, Florida residents can enjoy the daring acts, live music and dazzling choreography of La Nouba for 20 percent off the regular price on select seats.
Second, to celebrate its 5-million-guest milestone, the cast and crew of La Nouba will select one of the Florida residents attending the 6 p.m. performance on Thursday, Aug. 10, to be its honorary 5 millionth guest. This person will enjoy an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience, which includes a personal on-stage recognition by the cast, interaction with select La Nouba characters during the show, unique La Nouba memorabilia gifts, and an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with the artists.
La Nouba continues to perform twice nightly at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the Cirque du Soleil theater, by calling 407/939-7600, or on http://www.cirquedusoleil.com . For more information on the 20 percent-off promotion, Florida residents can call 407/WDW-SEAT.
Fun Facts:
* La Nouba celebrated its 3500th performance on Saturday, May 13, 2006.
* There are 1730 audio cables running through the theatre. Placed end to end, they reach a total length of 865,000 feet or approximately 164 miles!
* When La Nouba first opened to the public, it did not feature the Cycles act, which is now an intricate part of the show.
* The average age of the cast of La Nouba is 31 1/2. Ages range from 10 to 50 years old.
* The wardrobe department handles over 300 costumes and headpieces every day. Most of the 67 artists performing in La Nouba wear three different costumes per show.
* Over 1200 lighting fixtures are used for each performance of La Nouba.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, please visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com .
SOURCE Walt Disney World Resort
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
EarthCam joins POTC2 cast...kind of
Click here for the ultra cool, super fast and way too short Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest timelapse movie file. (Be sure to keep an eye out for the way scary Kraken arms!)
NEW YORK, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthCam (http://www.earthcam.net/),
the leader in providing webcam software and technology, is pleased to announce that it provided the producers of Walt Disney Pictures' record breaking blockbuster summer movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (in theaters now), with technology to monitor and document the filming.
Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley reunite in this sequel to the 2003 blockbuster, distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski.
"EarthCam's webcam technology was an invaluable tool for me and my production team to remotely monitor the set," said Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. "In addition, the cameras created an HD time-lapse movie of the construction progress which could make for an exciting DVD extra."
"We are ecstatic to be working with Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Walt Disney Pictures," said Brian Cury, CEO and Founder of EarthCam, Inc. "Developing opportunities to record significant events for the entertainment industry that feature our unique technology is important to our company's growth." EarthCam's professional-duty MegapixelCam system provided high definition, megapixel color images with digital Pan/Tilt/Zoom, enabling examination of the smallest picture details. The HD images were archived around the clock, providing the producers with instant access to the highest quality digital photographs and time-lapse videos. To view a sample video, visit http://www.earthcam.net/pirates.
A second camera, an EarthCam ConstructionCam system, offered producers critical real-time monitoring of the set building process including construction of the largest open-water tank in the western hemisphere. The tank holds 60 million gallons of water, is 30ft deep and accommodates multiple ships. The professional duty camera includes a cooling system and wiper that kept it working through the Caribbean summer and a fierce hurricane.
EarthCam is the recognized leader in providing webcam technology and managed services to businesses since 1996. EarthCam provides complete infrastructure services to manage, host and maintain live streaming video camera systems for its corporate clients. Clients include Ford, Sprint, Toyota, Panasonic, Yahoo!, This Old House, Coca-Cola, Discover Card, Turner Construction, Bechtel Corp, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, numerous government agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Visit EarthCam at: http://www.earthcam.net/.
SOURCE EarthCam
Related links:
http://www.earthcam.net/
http://www.earthcam.net/pirates
NEW YORK, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthCam (http://www.earthcam.net/),
the leader in providing webcam software and technology, is pleased to announce that it provided the producers of Walt Disney Pictures' record breaking blockbuster summer movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (in theaters now), with technology to monitor and document the filming.
Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley reunite in this sequel to the 2003 blockbuster, distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski.
"EarthCam's webcam technology was an invaluable tool for me and my production team to remotely monitor the set," said Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. "In addition, the cameras created an HD time-lapse movie of the construction progress which could make for an exciting DVD extra."
"We are ecstatic to be working with Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Walt Disney Pictures," said Brian Cury, CEO and Founder of EarthCam, Inc. "Developing opportunities to record significant events for the entertainment industry that feature our unique technology is important to our company's growth." EarthCam's professional-duty MegapixelCam system provided high definition, megapixel color images with digital Pan/Tilt/Zoom, enabling examination of the smallest picture details. The HD images were archived around the clock, providing the producers with instant access to the highest quality digital photographs and time-lapse videos. To view a sample video, visit http://www.earthcam.net/pirates.
A second camera, an EarthCam ConstructionCam system, offered producers critical real-time monitoring of the set building process including construction of the largest open-water tank in the western hemisphere. The tank holds 60 million gallons of water, is 30ft deep and accommodates multiple ships. The professional duty camera includes a cooling system and wiper that kept it working through the Caribbean summer and a fierce hurricane.
EarthCam is the recognized leader in providing webcam technology and managed services to businesses since 1996. EarthCam provides complete infrastructure services to manage, host and maintain live streaming video camera systems for its corporate clients. Clients include Ford, Sprint, Toyota, Panasonic, Yahoo!, This Old House, Coca-Cola, Discover Card, Turner Construction, Bechtel Corp, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, numerous government agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Visit EarthCam at: http://www.earthcam.net/.
SOURCE EarthCam
Related links:
Disneyland Resort Debuts First-Ever Video Podcast; Introduces Newest Episode of Its Popular Audio Podcast
Dead Men May Tell No Tales But New Audio and Video Podcasts Tell
Behind-the-Scenes Story of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Film Premiere
and Attraction Re-Opening
ANAHEIM, Calif., July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the groundbreaking
precedent of its popular monthly audio podcasts the Disneyland Resort in
Southern California today introduces a new monthly series of video podcasts
that will bring all the magic and fun of "The Happiest Place on Earth" to
fans around the world via their desktop computer or video iPod. As one of
the first organizations to successfully venture into audio podcasting
(launching its first podcast in May 2005), Disneyland Resort now debuts the
first episode of its all-new Disneyland Resort Video Podcast series.
In the premiere video episode, available now on the Internet, viewers
will witness the creation of one of the most spectacular movie premieres in
Hollywood history and certainly one of the most elaborate events ever
staged at Disneyland -- the official world premiere of the new Disney film
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and the re-opening of the
classic attraction Pirates of the Caribbean, which has recently been
extensively enhanced. All the excitement of getting ready for this amazing
event is captured in this fun and entertaining mini-documentary.
Viewers will walk the red carpet with the film's stars Johnny Depp,
Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, plus meet many of the die-hard "Pirates"
fans who made the premiere an unforgettable event. It's a fast-paced look
(6 mins. 4 secs.) behind-the-magic at one of the most incredible nights in
Disneyland history.
Like the Official Disneyland Resort Audio Podcast, the new video
podcast is a free monthly Internet-based show accessible to a global
audience via a "Disneyland" search on the iTunes Podcast Directory.
Listeners can also subscribe to both podcast versions (audio and video)
through the iTunes Podcast Directory to receive new episodes automatically
each month.
The monthly video podcast takes viewers behind-the-scenes of what's new
and exciting at the resort plus showcases stories from the resort's 50-year
legacy of creating magical moments for guests from around the world.
Similar to its initial entree into audio podcasting, the Disneyland Resort
enters the emerging world of video podcasting in its infancy -- there are
currently only 150 free video podcasts available on the iTunes Podcast
Directory but interest in, and use of, the medium is rapidly increasing.
Additionally, the newest episode of the Official Disneyland Resort
Audio Podcast is now available online and takes listeners to all the
excitement of the world premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's
Chest," which had its official bow at Disneyland on June 24. Recorded live
on the world's longest red-carpet (2,000 feet from the beginning of Main
Street, U.S.A. to the riverfront in New Orleans Square) this podcast (38
mins. 50 secs.) features an array of segments, including:
* Interviews on the red carpet with "Pirates" film producer Jerry
Bruckheimer, actor Bill Nighy (Davy Jones in "Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest") and Disney CEO Bob Iger.
* Actor Johnny Depp encounters the newly added Captain Jack Sparrow for
the first time inside the recently enhanced Pirates of the Caribbean
attraction.
* Walt Disney himself in a very rare clip from a 1965 press conference at
WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) where he describes his
vision for Pirates of the Caribbean, the use of models in the creation
of the attraction and his description of Imagineering.
* A new interview with Jason Surrell, Disney Imagineer and author of the
book "Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies."
* An encounter with one of the fans of the Official Disneyland Resort
Podcast.
* A meeting with two diehard "Pirates" fans who traveled all the way from
Atlanta, Georgia, and Mobile, Alabama, to visit Disneyland and
participate in the premiere.
* Meet a Disneyland Cast Member who was so enthralled with the film
"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" that she has
become a bona fide Pirate historian.
* A five-year old Pirate fan gives the newly enhanced attraction a
"Thumbs-Up!"
* Premiere recap and attraction overview from author and Disney historian
Tim O'Day.
Achieving a rating of four-and-a half stars out of a possible perfect
five on the iTunes Podcast Directory, the Official Disneyland Resort Audio
Podcast continues to be a hit with listeners. Each episode features an
engaging mix of original programming recorded live throughout the resort
including locations in Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure Park, the
Downtown Disney District and the resort's three landmark hotels -- Disney's
Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
-- creating a "you are there" audio experience.
More information about the continuing Disneyland 50th anniversary
celebration and vacations at the Disneyland Resort is available at
http://www.disneyland.com, by calling (877) 700-DISNEY, or by visiting local
travel agents.
SOURCE Disneyland Resort
Behind-the-Scenes Story of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Film Premiere
and Attraction Re-Opening
ANAHEIM, Calif., July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the groundbreaking
precedent of its popular monthly audio podcasts the Disneyland Resort in
Southern California today introduces a new monthly series of video podcasts
that will bring all the magic and fun of "The Happiest Place on Earth" to
fans around the world via their desktop computer or video iPod. As one of
the first organizations to successfully venture into audio podcasting
(launching its first podcast in May 2005), Disneyland Resort now debuts the
first episode of its all-new Disneyland Resort Video Podcast series.
In the premiere video episode, available now on the Internet, viewers
will witness the creation of one of the most spectacular movie premieres in
Hollywood history and certainly one of the most elaborate events ever
staged at Disneyland -- the official world premiere of the new Disney film
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and the re-opening of the
classic attraction Pirates of the Caribbean, which has recently been
extensively enhanced. All the excitement of getting ready for this amazing
event is captured in this fun and entertaining mini-documentary.
Viewers will walk the red carpet with the film's stars Johnny Depp,
Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, plus meet many of the die-hard "Pirates"
fans who made the premiere an unforgettable event. It's a fast-paced look
(6 mins. 4 secs.) behind-the-magic at one of the most incredible nights in
Disneyland history.
Like the Official Disneyland Resort Audio Podcast, the new video
podcast is a free monthly Internet-based show accessible to a global
audience via a "Disneyland" search on the iTunes Podcast Directory.
Listeners can also subscribe to both podcast versions (audio and video)
through the iTunes Podcast Directory to receive new episodes automatically
each month.
The monthly video podcast takes viewers behind-the-scenes of what's new
and exciting at the resort plus showcases stories from the resort's 50-year
legacy of creating magical moments for guests from around the world.
Similar to its initial entree into audio podcasting, the Disneyland Resort
enters the emerging world of video podcasting in its infancy -- there are
currently only 150 free video podcasts available on the iTunes Podcast
Directory but interest in, and use of, the medium is rapidly increasing.
Additionally, the newest episode of the Official Disneyland Resort
Audio Podcast is now available online and takes listeners to all the
excitement of the world premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's
Chest," which had its official bow at Disneyland on June 24. Recorded live
on the world's longest red-carpet (2,000 feet from the beginning of Main
Street, U.S.A. to the riverfront in New Orleans Square) this podcast (38
mins. 50 secs.) features an array of segments, including:
* Interviews on the red carpet with "Pirates" film producer Jerry
Bruckheimer, actor Bill Nighy (Davy Jones in "Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest") and Disney CEO Bob Iger.
* Actor Johnny Depp encounters the newly added Captain Jack Sparrow for
the first time inside the recently enhanced Pirates of the Caribbean
attraction.
* Walt Disney himself in a very rare clip from a 1965 press conference at
WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) where he describes his
vision for Pirates of the Caribbean, the use of models in the creation
of the attraction and his description of Imagineering.
* A new interview with Jason Surrell, Disney Imagineer and author of the
book "Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies."
* An encounter with one of the fans of the Official Disneyland Resort
Podcast.
* A meeting with two diehard "Pirates" fans who traveled all the way from
Atlanta, Georgia, and Mobile, Alabama, to visit Disneyland and
participate in the premiere.
* Meet a Disneyland Cast Member who was so enthralled with the film
"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" that she has
become a bona fide Pirate historian.
* A five-year old Pirate fan gives the newly enhanced attraction a
"Thumbs-Up!"
* Premiere recap and attraction overview from author and Disney historian
Tim O'Day.
Achieving a rating of four-and-a half stars out of a possible perfect
five on the iTunes Podcast Directory, the Official Disneyland Resort Audio
Podcast continues to be a hit with listeners. Each episode features an
engaging mix of original programming recorded live throughout the resort
including locations in Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure Park, the
Downtown Disney District and the resort's three landmark hotels -- Disney's
Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
-- creating a "you are there" audio experience.
More information about the continuing Disneyland 50th anniversary
celebration and vacations at the Disneyland Resort is available at
http://www.disneyland.com, by calling (877) 700-DISNEY, or by visiting local
travel agents.
SOURCE Disneyland Resort
Monday, July 10, 2006
You tell me...
Should Keith Richards really join the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 as Captain Jack Sparrow's dad? Would commercial Hollywood have it any other way? Johnny Depp offered up part of his salary to make it happen? Keith fell out of a coconut tree? It's a perfect story.
Dad!
Son!
Friday, July 07, 2006
Pirates Breaks Record as Fandango's Top Day-Before-Opening Ticket-Seller
LOS ANGELES (PRNewswire) – Fandango, the online, phone, and mobile movie ticketing service, announced a new ticketing record: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest now stands as Fandango's top day-before-opening ticket-seller. The previous record-holder was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, followed by Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Pirates is making news across the board:• Thursday, July 6 was Fandango's biggest ticket-sales day of the year, surpassing opening days for The Da Vinci Code, X-Men: The Last Stand and Superman Returns.
• For several hours on Thursday, Pirates was selling an average of seven tickets per second.
• On Thursday, Pirates broke Fandango's hourly sales record for the day before a film's opening.
• Hundreds of late night Thursday shows sold out in advance across the country.
• On Thursday, Pirates represented 91 percent of all ticket sales on Fandango.
"Pirates' advance ticket sales have been truly extraordinary," says Chuck Davis, Chairman of Fandango, "and we expect to break even more records on Friday. You don't usually see this kind of enthusiasm until the final installment of a franchise, so this bodes well for the series' future."
Pirate Ghost Ship Sighted at Disney's Castaway Cay
CELEBRATION, Fla. (PRNewswire) – A mysterious pirate ship has landed at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, providing Disney Cruise Line guests with a swashbuckling photo opportunity and a sneak peek into movie-making magic. Starting in early July guests sailing on a Disney Cruise Line vacation will discover a 175-foot ghost ship anchored at Castaway Cay. The ship is the Flying Dutchman, which makes its silver screen debut on July 7 in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. The Flying Dutchman's commander is the legendary Davy Jones, who serves as nemesis to the infamous pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, in the upcoming film. The intricate film prop is unlike any other pirate ship – with ragged sails and a barnacle-encrusted bow, the ship looks like it was raised off the ocean floor to haunt the open seas for eternity. The Flying Dutchman will provide a scenic photo backdrop, and guests renting boats on the island will be able to get an up-close look at the ghost ship. While visiting Castaway Cay, guests should also be on the lookout for the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. With the Flying Dutchman lurking just off the shore, the eccentric captain may be spotted around the island. Guests are encouraged to approach the hero and hear his tales about adventure on the high seas. The charming pirate graciously accepts requests for portraits and autographs – if guests can manage to track him down. Disney Cruise Line will also hold a PremEAR at Sea of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest in the Walt Disney Theatre of both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. On Friday, July 7, guests aboard Disney Cruise Line will receive commemorative buttons and pirate-themed temporary tattoos and will be invited to view the premiere of the film at 12:01 a.m.
ABC absent from the top 20?
I guess Disney doesn't much care for the summer ad revenue. It seems they may have all their eggs in the "LOST", "Housewives" basket.
(AP) – Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for June 26-July 2. Top 20 listings include the week's ranking, with viewership for the week and season-to-date rankings in parentheses. An "X" in parentheses denotes a one-time-only presentation.
1. (33) "America's Got Talent," NBC, 11.0 million viewers.
2. (6) "Without a Trace," CBS, 10.9 million viewers.
3. (8) "CSI: Miami," CBS, 10.8 million viewers.
4. (3) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 10.6 million viewers.
5. (11) "House," Fox, 9.9 million viewers.
6. (18) "CSI: NY," CBS, 9.2 million viewers.
7. (16) "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 8.9 million viewers.
8. (56) "So You Think You Can Dance," (Wednesday), Fox, 8.8 million viewers.
9. (56) "So You Think You Can Dance," (Thursday), Fox, 8.5 million viewers.
10. (50) "CBS Sunday Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," CBS, 8.4 million viewers.
11. (35) "Law & Order," NBC, 8.4 million viewers.
12. (15) "NCIS," CBS, 8.3 million viewers.
13. (X) "Fox NASCAR Nextel Cup," Fox, 8.2 million viewers.
14. (23) "60 Minutes," CBS, 8.2 million viewers.
15. (28) "Criminal Minds," CBS, 8.1 million viewers.
16. (97) "Hell's Kitchen," Fox, 8.0 million viewers.
17. (19) "Cold Case," CBS, 7.8 million viewers.
18. (33) "New Adventures of Old Christine," CBS, 7.6 million viewers.
19. (X) "48 Hours Mystery," CBS, 7.5 million viewers.
20. (44) "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," NBC, 7.2 million viewers.
(AP) – Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for June 26-July 2. Top 20 listings include the week's ranking, with viewership for the week and season-to-date rankings in parentheses. An "X" in parentheses denotes a one-time-only presentation.
1. (33) "America's Got Talent," NBC, 11.0 million viewers.
2. (6) "Without a Trace," CBS, 10.9 million viewers.
3. (8) "CSI: Miami," CBS, 10.8 million viewers.
4. (3) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 10.6 million viewers.
5. (11) "House," Fox, 9.9 million viewers.
6. (18) "CSI: NY," CBS, 9.2 million viewers.
7. (16) "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 8.9 million viewers.
8. (56) "So You Think You Can Dance," (Wednesday), Fox, 8.8 million viewers.
9. (56) "So You Think You Can Dance," (Thursday), Fox, 8.5 million viewers.
10. (50) "CBS Sunday Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," CBS, 8.4 million viewers.
11. (35) "Law & Order," NBC, 8.4 million viewers.
12. (15) "NCIS," CBS, 8.3 million viewers.
13. (X) "Fox NASCAR Nextel Cup," Fox, 8.2 million viewers.
14. (23) "60 Minutes," CBS, 8.2 million viewers.
15. (28) "Criminal Minds," CBS, 8.1 million viewers.
16. (97) "Hell's Kitchen," Fox, 8.0 million viewers.
17. (19) "Cold Case," CBS, 7.8 million viewers.
18. (33) "New Adventures of Old Christine," CBS, 7.6 million viewers.
19. (X) "48 Hours Mystery," CBS, 7.5 million viewers.
20. (44) "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," NBC, 7.2 million viewers.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Disney Changes "Game Plan" After the Rock's Injury
(AXcess News) Hollywood - Walt Disney Corp. (NYSE: DIS) was forced to change its script after Dwayne Johnson, better known to wrestling fans as "The Rock", injured his leg while practicing football for Disney's new family film, "The Game Plan".
Dwayne Johnson, seen here with his trade mark cocked right eyebrow, says to tell fans "nothing can stop The Rock."
While at a football practice Monday for his new Disney film, "The Game Plan", The Rock injured his Achilles tendon. Johnson was practicing for his upcoming role as a professional quarterback in the movie, which was previously known as "Daddy's Girl."
Johnson is to undergo surgery Friday in Miami to repair the torn tendon. Until The Rock can resume filming, Disney's studio is putting production on the shelf. The film's shoot will have to wait for Johnson to undergo therapy as well following his operation. Doctors nor Disney have said how long "The Game Plan" will be kept in limbo waiting for The Rock to recover.
Disney was ready to begin shooting the film in Boston next week Monday.
Walt Disney Motion Picture Group president Nina Jacobson was quoted as saying, "While this is a setback for our production schedule, we completely support him as he recuperates and look forward to resuming production when Dwayne is fully recovered."
"The Rock" said to reporters, "I anticipate that with some TLC, pizza and a lot of donuts, I will be making a speedy recovery and will be able to get myself, and everyone who has been working so hard on this production, back to the business of doing what we love most, making movies."
Johnson has appeared in the films, "The Rundown", filmed in 2003; "The Scorpion King", filmed in 2002; and is best known for seeing his film career take off for "The Rock's" role in "The Mummy Returns", filmed in 2001.
Disney Shows Muscle with Boys Properties
Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean," Disney*Pixar's "Cars" and "Toy Story" and "Power Rangers" Combine to Capture Elusive Boy Market
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced that 2006 will bethe best year ever for boys. Driven by the tremendous success ofDisney*Pixar's "Cars," the establishment of "Pirates of the Caribbean"as a long-term franchise and the ongoing popularity of "PowerRangers," Disney is reaching boys with everything from die-cast,action figures and bikes to MP3 players, video games and books.
"With the strength of our entertainment, we knew 2006 would be theyear we became a power house boys player," said Andy Mooney, chairmanof Disney Consumer Products. "Similar to DCP's girl's portfolio, whichis the best in the industry, our boy's portfolio offers everythingfrom the whimsical 'Cars' and 'Toy Story' characters to the heroicrite of passage that is 'Power Rangers' for younger boys, to thecooler, more aspirational 'Pirates of the Caribbean' brand for theolder boy."
"Power Rangers" - DCP's #1 Boys Brand
DCP kicked-off its year experiencing strong demand for "PowerRangers" action figures, its perennial boy's property, during theHoliday 05 season. In 2005, "Power Rangers" was ranked second in theaction figure category behind "Star Wars," according to The NPD Group.Next year's theme will be called "Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive.""Power Rangers" airs more than 65 times each week in over 40territories worldwide, and continues to expand worldwide withsuccessful launches in Italy, India and other countries this year.
Disney*Pixar's "Cars" - phenomenal success
The tremendous anticipation of "Cars" before the film was releasedcombined with the huge box office opening resulted in record-breakingretail sales for merchandise based on a Disney*Pixar theatrical film.The film's humor, story and character personalities were incorporatedinto its products, which featured many category firsts for aDisney*Pixar film, including the first power ride-on, kids electronicsline and bedroom suite. Currently, "Cars" is recording 10 to 1 moreretail volume than "Finding Nemo" at the same point in its release.DCP plans to expand and refresh product with new creative style guidesfor fall and beyond. Large retailers have already committed to "Cars"feature shops for the entire months of November and December tomaximize the DVD release.
"Pirates of the Caribbean" - evergreen boy's franchise
On July 7, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" willrelease to theaters and reignite a pirate frenzy that started in 2003."Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl" recorded morethan $650m in global box office sales, and "Dead Man's Chest" is oneof the most highly-anticipated events of the summer. With ongoingentertainment support, DCP is positioning "Pirates of the Caribbean"as an evergreen boy's franchise, comparable in opportunity to its"Disney Princess" franchise for girls.
Since the audience for "Pirates of the Caribbean" is so broad, DCPlooked to create innovative product and edgy creative designs formultiple consumers. Toy licensee, Zizzle's Black Pearl playset wasalready chosen for Toy Wishes "Hot Summer Toys" list, a high-endapparel and jewelry line tied into the current Pirates fashion trendwill launch to specialty stores, and Disney Publishing developed thelargest live-action publishing series ever -- including the latestnovel, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (junior novel),currently on the New York Times children's best-seller list. "Piratesof the Caribbean" product will be featured in all key categoriesrepresented at major retailers worldwide.
"Toy Story" - 10 Years Strong
And let's not forget about Woody and Buzz. Ten years from itsinitial release, the "Toy Story" franchise continues to show growth atretailers like Target, which showed double-digit growth in "Toy Story"merchandise sales this year. Additionally, "Toy Story" is thebest-selling boy's property at Disney Store North America, with newBuzz Lightyear and friends product in all key categories featured inmore than 100 stores.
For more information, please visit: www.disneyconsumerproducts.com
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The WaltDisney Company (NYSE:DIS) that extends the Disney brand to merchandiseranging from apparel, toys, home decor and books to interactive games,food and beverages, stationery, electronics and animation art. This isaccomplished through the work of DCP's various lines of business:Disney Toys, Disney Softlines, Disney Home, Disney Food, Health &Beauty, Disney Stationery, Disney Publishing, Buena Vista Games, BabyEinstein, the Muppets Holding Company and Disney Shopping, Inc.'scatalog and disneyshopping.com. The Disney Store, which debuted in1987, also falls under DCP, through stores currently owned andoperated by unaffiliated third parties under licensing agreements inNorth America and Japan, and wholly owned stores in Europe.
Disney's Dinner Bell
Disney's new magic: licensing some pixie dust.
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz
Motley Fool
Updated: 9:34 a.m. ET June 21, 2006
There will be more pixie than dust in Disney's (NYSE: DIS) latest marketing initiative. At the Licensing 2006 International Show in New York this week, Disney unveiled its plan to turn Tinker Bell and her friends into its next big stars.
Until now, Fairies has been little more than an unassuming book line hoping to hook young girls with whimsical story lines. That will change. Disney has tapped Brittany Murphy to voice Peter Pan's spunky sprite in a direct-to-video animated feature next summer. Dolls and toys will follow.
The family entertainment giant has already had a few successful years with its Disney Princesses line. Marketing the heroines of its animated classics has turned into a $3 billion a year franchise. Going from Belle to Bell won't be as easy, especially since audiences know little about Tinker Bell and even less about her fellow fairies, but Disney could be well-served by going in this direction.
The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Narnia have all whetted the appetites of fantasy fans. Even if the audience for Fairies overlaps with the Disney Princesses crowd, Disney would rather hit them from both sides than let toy companies like Mattel(NYSE: MAT) win them over with Barbies and American Girl. Meanwhile, MGA Entertainment's Bratz and Build-A-Bear Workshop's (NYSE: BBW) personalized bears and friends 2B made lines are also gunning for the same audience.
Disney's consumer products division can use the attention. With strength at its theme parks and the resurgence in its media networks, the last time that Disney's consumer products made headlines was when it was partly bowing out of retail by handing over its Disney Stores to Children's Place(Nasdaq: PLCE). Last year, consumer products accounted for just a 7% slice of the company's revenue pie. The top line there has slipped 1% through the first six months of fiscal 2006, despite a 9% improvement in operating profits.
Scoring a hit with Fairies will help. Other recent homegrown successes, like the unlikely hit High School Musical, are already helping. So Tinker Bell, often relegated to gliding high in the sky before a fireworks show, will hopefully take flight for Disney again.
Pixie dust? Who needs it when you have shrewd merchandising at play?
Disney is an active recommendation forStock Advisornewsletter service subscribers, while Mattel is anInside Valueselection. Whatever your investing style, the Fool has a newsletter for you.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz is still a kid at heart, smitten over the right kind of animation. He owns shares in Disney. The Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick is also part of theRule Breakersnewsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz
Motley Fool
Updated: 9:34 a.m. ET June 21, 2006
There will be more pixie than dust in Disney's (NYSE: DIS) latest marketing initiative. At the Licensing 2006 International Show in New York this week, Disney unveiled its plan to turn Tinker Bell and her friends into its next big stars.
Until now, Fairies has been little more than an unassuming book line hoping to hook young girls with whimsical story lines. That will change. Disney has tapped Brittany Murphy to voice Peter Pan's spunky sprite in a direct-to-video animated feature next summer. Dolls and toys will follow.
The family entertainment giant has already had a few successful years with its Disney Princesses line. Marketing the heroines of its animated classics has turned into a $3 billion a year franchise. Going from Belle to Bell won't be as easy, especially since audiences know little about Tinker Bell and even less about her fellow fairies, but Disney could be well-served by going in this direction.
The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Narnia have all whetted the appetites of fantasy fans. Even if the audience for Fairies overlaps with the Disney Princesses crowd, Disney would rather hit them from both sides than let toy companies like Mattel(NYSE: MAT) win them over with Barbies and American Girl. Meanwhile, MGA Entertainment's Bratz and Build-A-Bear Workshop's (NYSE: BBW) personalized bears and friends 2B made lines are also gunning for the same audience.
Disney's consumer products division can use the attention. With strength at its theme parks and the resurgence in its media networks, the last time that Disney's consumer products made headlines was when it was partly bowing out of retail by handing over its Disney Stores to Children's Place(Nasdaq: PLCE). Last year, consumer products accounted for just a 7% slice of the company's revenue pie. The top line there has slipped 1% through the first six months of fiscal 2006, despite a 9% improvement in operating profits.
Scoring a hit with Fairies will help. Other recent homegrown successes, like the unlikely hit High School Musical, are already helping. So Tinker Bell, often relegated to gliding high in the sky before a fireworks show, will hopefully take flight for Disney again.
Pixie dust? Who needs it when you have shrewd merchandising at play?
Disney is an active recommendation forStock Advisornewsletter service subscribers, while Mattel is anInside Valueselection. Whatever your investing style, the Fool has a newsletter for you.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz is still a kid at heart, smitten over the right kind of animation. He owns shares in Disney. The Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick is also part of theRule Breakersnewsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Researchers Try to Talk with Dolphins at Epcot
LAKE BUENA VISTA (Orlando Sentinel) – Calvin's got rhythm – and scientists are excited, since the Disney performer weighs 450 pounds and breathes through a blowhole. A 12-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin living in the backwaters of Epcot at Walt Disney World, Calvin is being taught a vocal form of communication that involves the cadence of his sounds, something that's never been done before with animals, his researchers said. He is one of four dolphins that spend much of the day swimming around Epcot's Living Seas attraction to the delight of customers, then moonlight at Disney as scientific research subjects. Calvin stars in an experiment that has scientists exploring whether dolphins can communicate with language that doesn't rely on the pitch, timbre or intensity of vocalizations – the variations that humans most typically use to form words – but on the sounds' duration and rhythm. Think Morse code: One long sound could mean one thing. A bunch of quick sounds uttered in staccato might mean another. In a project overseen by New College of Florida psychology professor Heidi Harley, Disney researchers and trainers are teaching Calvin to associate such rhythms with specific objects. The trainer, normally Disney marine mammal specialist Leslie Larsen-Plott though others take turns, holds up an object. If Calvin responds by vocalizing the right rhythm, he gets a fish. A basketball, for example, is identified with chirp pause chirp pause chirp pause, a rhythm that researchers dubbed the "dribble." Chirp pause long whistle means the Batman action figure. Long whistle pause long whistle pause long whistle is the watering can. So far, Calvin has seven rhythms down, and two more to go in the first phase. Harley has presented some of their findings at two scientific conferences, for the Acoustical Society of America and the Comparative Cognition Society. The next step is to see if Calvin can find objects when the trainers play back recordings of his rhythmic sounds. Perhaps some day they might see if dolphins could communicate with each other with the rhythms.
Disney Institute propaganda
How do you promote a new business venture that you'll bulldoze a few years from now? Like this:
Official Pirates Site Launched
(comingsoon.net) – Walt Disney Pictures has launched the official website for the highly-anticipated Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, hitting theaters on July 7th. At the site, you can view trailers, learn about the movie, get downloads such as desktops, buddy icons, e-cards, the movie poster and digi-tal trading cards, as well as play games, view the gallery and the world map. The world map takes you to scenes in the movie in which you'll have to "plunder" items in order to be able to open the chest of Davy Jones at the end for hidden items.
Disneyland Autopia Cars Race for Charity at the Indy 500
HONG KONG (Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) – Checkered flags waved, crowds cheered and engines roared as two American traditions teamed up to celebrate special milestones. In honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary and the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500, "The Happiest Place on Earth" and "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" teamed up for the "Minnie Indy Charity Race" on Wednesday, May 24 (at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Minnie Mouse herself was on hand to wave in the likes of Danica Patrick, Dan Wheldon, Eddie Cheever, Jr., and Dario Franchitti who were among the 31 IndyCar Series drivers who participated in the whimsical race. They were driving miniature cars taken directly from one of Disneyland's original opening day attractions – the ever-popular Autopia. Instead of racing along the highways of Disneyland's Tomorrowland, the Autopia cars and their speed-loving IndyCar Series drivers traversed a comical obstacle race course (at top speeds of 10 mph!) that took place on a specially designed "Minnie" roadway created on the famous Brickyard. The Autopia tradition will continue this summer as a new generation of futuristic cars cruise over to Hong Kong Disneyland where they will make their new home in Tomorrowland. Guests of all ages will whiz down the highway of Tomorrow in their electric space cars and encounter all sorts of alien landscapes, promising a fun adventure for the entire family. "This summer Hong Kong Disneyland will welcome its very own version of Autopia," said Bill Ernest, executive vice president and managing director Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. "This will be a very exciting moment for all our guests as they experience for themselves the classic Disney Autopia attraction – with a futuristic twist!"
Deluge Hits "Cars" Outdoor Premiere
CONCORD, NC (Hollywood Reporter) – A heavy rainstorm couldn't dampen the spirits of the 30,000 people who turned out for the premiere of Disney/Pixar's "Cars" at an elaborate event staged at the Lowe's Motor Speedway. Friday's spectacle featured a 12-lap auto race, a performance by country star Brad Paisley, and the screening of the movie on four giant custom-built screens. A deluge hit the speedway right before the event, causing a planned helicopter entrance to be aborted and delaying the celebrity arrivals. When the rain finally cleared, a 166-yard long red carpet leading into the Speedway sprang to life with the high-wattage voice cast of the movie, including Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and NASCAR greats Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The film opens June 9.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Sarah Litzsinger Returns to Beauty and the Beast May 30
NEW YORK (Broadway.com) – Sarah Litzsinger will be returning to the role of Belle in Broadway's Beauty and the Beast on May 30. Current star Ashley Brown, who will play the title role in Mary Poppins on the Great White Way this fall, is set to have her final performance in Beauty on May 28. Most recently Litzsinger played Eva Peron in the 25th anniversary tour of Evita. The actress, who first played the role of Belle on tour, has previously done long stints with the Broadway company of Beauty and the Beast. She also starred as the Narrator alongside Donny Osmond's Joseph in the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. (Osmond will be joining Beauty and the Beast for a nine-week limited engagement as Gaston on September 19, thus reuniting the actors.)
Sarah went to my high school in Carmel, IN.
Sarah went to my high school in Carmel, IN.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Dubailand Rivals Disneyland
UNITED ARAM EMIRATES (AME Info) – Dubailand's Chief Executive Officer, Salem Bin Dasmal, believes that Dubai's massive leisure zone will be able to challenge Disneyland for its share of Europe's tourism market within five years, reported Gulf News. Bin Dasmal feels that Dubailand has much more to offer, with attractions such as its Dinosaur Park and planetarium, not provided by Disneyland. Bin Dasmal went on to describe Dubailand as 'Disneyland on steroids'.
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