Disney’s ‘Wish’ Wednesdays Continues with Affirmation Song “I’m a Star”

November 8, 2023November 9, 2023 Michael Lee

The songs of Disney animated musicals have quite a range. There’s the “I Want” Song, the villain song, the welcome song, and the romantic song just to name more than a few. And every once in a while there comes a song that affirms that you, yes you, can be a star. And so, the studio has debuted “I’m a Star” as a part of their weekly release series, Wish Wednesdays.

Animation, Music

Disney’s ‘Wish’ Wednesdays Drops Its Latest Magical Song, “Welcome To Rosas”

November 1, 2023November 2, 2023 Michael Lee

Disney has released “Welcome to Rosas,” their latest song for the Wish Wednesdays campaign. Following songs like “One Jump Ahead,” “Casa Madrigal,” and “Belle,” “Welcome to Rosas,” sung by Asha (Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose) gives audiences an idea of the size and scope of the kingdom where dreams and reality collide and one can have their wish come true, just as long as you give it to the charming but narcissistic King Magnifico (Chris Pine).

Animation, Movies

Disney Announces Limited Early Screenings of ‘Wish’

October 26, 2023October 27, 2023 Michael Lee

Disney is certainly showing its confidence in their upcoming release of Wish. Their 62nd animated musical feature serves as a celebration of the studio’s centennial anniversary. So Disney is paying it forward by giving fans early access to screen the film in 750 theaters nationwide.

Animation, Interview, Movies

‘Wish’ Producers Discuss Bringing Julia Michaels to Write Seven Songs

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023 Michael Lee

Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Wish is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. And with good reason. Just in time to celebrate the studio’s 100th anniversary, Wish is a hybrid of two different animation styles. The 2D watercolor techniques combine with modern CG technology. And it creates for a unique look that has been tested many times through their shorts.

Animation, Movies

Discover the Origins of the Wishing Star Through Animation and Song in ‘Wish’ Trailer

September 27, 2023September 28, 2023 Michael Lee

Walt Disney’s animated musicals are built upon a legacy of rich innovation, resonating storytelling, and heartfelt songs. So for Wish, its 62nd feature, which also celebrates the studio’s 100 anniversary, Disney veteran director Chris Buck and first-time director Fawn Veerasunthorn, using a script written by Disney Animation Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, are delivering audiences a celebration of the visual storytelling medium. Now a new trailer gives us a better look at how 2D watercolor techniques and 3D animation work in tandem to create something that’s a century in the making.

Animation, Movies

‘Wish’ Trailer Celebrates 100 Years of Disney Through Animation and Song

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 Michael Lee

Disney’s no stranger to reminding us what happens when we wish upon a star. It’s an iconic song whose theme introduces each of their projects. And to celebrate 100 years of Disney, the studio has released the first trailer for the forthcoming film, Wish.

Animation, Movies1 Comment

D23Expo: The Future Classics of Disney Animation

September 10, 2022September 10, 2022 Mike Manalo

Disney is a household name. From the moment we learn to walk or talk, we are exposed to the most legendary stories and cinematic classics that the company has produced over the past 100 years; from Snow White to Encanto.

Conventions, Movies

D23Expo: ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ First Look Takes Flight

September 9, 2022September 12, 2022 Michael Lee

David Lowery wowed us with these beautifully composed shots of the north western portion of North America in his live-action adaptation of Pete’s Dragon. But that film put a different twist on a familiar story. One that was quite refreshing. But it looks like his take on Peter Pan & Wendy intends to stay faithful to the original, while also adding some new content by expanding on the Peter Pan and Captain Hook dynamic.

Animation, Movies, Streaming

Disney’s ‘Raya and The Last Dragon’ Announces the Rest of the Cast

January 26, 2021May 15, 2021 Laura Sirikul

During a special presentation with select press last Tuesday, the creative team behind Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon revealed the rest of the ensemble that joins Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina in the first Southeast Asian-inspired fantasy animation set to release this March. Set in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons coexisted in harmony. But when an evil force called the Druun threaten their world, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, the Druun have returned and it is up to Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) to track down the last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina), and find the missing pieces to the Dragon Gem to rid their land of evil and unite its divided people.

Animation, Interview, Movies1 Comment

Of Cyberspace and The Sea: A Magical Afternoon at Walt Disney Animation Studios

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019 Mike Manalo

When I was 10, I wanted to be a Disney Animator. It happened around the time my single-parent mother, who was always working to make end’s meet for us, managed to scrounge up enough money to take us kids to Walt Disney World in the mid-90s. One of the parks we ended up visiting, the old MGM Studios Park, had this attraction called “The Magic of Disney Animation.” Sure that park also featured attractions for Star Wars and Indiana Jones, and not to mention the first-of-its-kind “Tower of Terror.” But for me, The Magic of Disney Animation was everything that made the park so special.

For 15-20 minutes, I got to see how true art was made. I learned about how the hundreds of talented artists came together and brought to life the iconic “Be Our Guest” sequence from Beauty and the Beast, and how those same people were working hard at that second to bring together future classics, Mulan and Lilo and Stitch. I went into that building a complacent boy who only watched movies, and exited a person inspired by a dream and a drive to make it come true.

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