Anyone concerned that poor critical reviews (33% rotten on Rotten Tomatoes) or the absence of franchise stars Kiera Knightly and Orlando Bloom would keep Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides from being a mega hit can rest easy.
Promotional image for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, image copyright Disney
The fourth installment in the Pirates franchise may have performed weakly by domestic standards (only $236 million to date as compared to $305 million for The Curse of the Black Pearl, $309 million for At World’s End, and a whopping $423 million for Dead Man’s Chest), but it was only the second Pirates film to break the $1 billion mark worldwide, and only the eighth film overall, including three others by Disney: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Toy Story 3 (2010). On Stranger Tides was the first of the franchise to be shot and screened in 3D, and the film’s considerable box office success was helped by 3D and IMAX premium ticket prices.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1491
July 15th is sure to be a day of nostalgia for movie goers, thanks to two major releases from family-friendly franchises.
This Friday marks the end of an era when the eighth and final Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011), makes its theatrical debut almost ten years after the magical trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione (played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson) first journeyed to Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s [Philosopher’s] Stone (2001).
Screenshot from Winnie the Pooh (2011), copyright Disney
While Harry Potter‘s epic showdown between good and evil is sure to wow the millions of fans who grew up with the beloved children’s series, movie goers looking to revisit their childhoods in a more mellow fashion can mosey on over to the theater next door for another visit to the charming Hundred Acre Wood, home of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger too.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1481
Two weeks after the Disney Channel launched the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off, the competition is going strong, with more than 5,400 (!) audition videos submitted online by talented young dancers from all over the United States.
Screenshot from the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off website, image copyright Disney
When Disney first announced the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off several weeks prior to the launch of the official website, there was very little information online regarding specific rules and regulations. At first it was unclear how the six finalists would be chosen as it was announced that dancers could submit their videos online OR audition in person at five audition cities throughout July. A lively discussion started up on this blog about the contest, and hopefully everyone got their questions answered. Thanks to all of the commenters!
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1439
ABC Family is a cable network that specializes in contemporary family programing, and it is one of the networks owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group (along with A&E, Lifetime, the former SOAPnet, and all of the ABC and Disney channels).
I recently finished a 40-episode Netflix marathon of one of ABC Family’s original series, Make It or Break It, and I gotta say, I loved it. The teen-centric series follows the lives of four elite gymnasts as they tumble their way through the gym, relationships, betrayals, injuries, eating disorders, and family dysfunction in their quest for Olympic gold.
Promotional image for Make It Or Break It, image copyright Disney-ABC
The four friends/frenemies are Payson Keeler (Ayla Kell), an intense and super-focused athlete who’s used to being number one until a major injury sidelines her; Kaylie Cruz (Josie Loren), a gymnast whose sudden rise up the ranks leads to self-doubt and an eating disorder; manipulative, boy-crazy Lauren Tanner (Cassie Scerbo) who will do whatever it takes to get her man, her father’s attention, and her place on the podium; and new girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Emily Kmetko (Chelsea Hobbs), who struggles to rise above her background and prove that she belongs with the elites.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1420
With the school year wrapping up and summer finally here (in the northern hemisphere, anyway), it’s the perfect time for families to go outside and connect with their communities and get kids actively involved in changing the world for the better.
I recently completed volunteer orientation with New York Cares, New York City’s largest volunteer organization whose 50,000+ volunteers help more than 400,000 disadvantaged New Yorkers every year. I am excited about the opportunity to start volunteering with one of the hundreds of projects available every month, from sorting pantry foods to painting schools, knitting with senior citizens, organizing books at the local library, recording books for the blind, and weeding and planting community gardens.
New Yorkers aren’t the only ones who have embraced the volunteer spirit, and the Walt Disney Company is inspiring kids around the world to become more environmentally active through Disney Friends for Change: Project Green, an innovative multi-platform environmental initiative on Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Disney.com that invites young people to join together to help the planet.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1234
