Disney News
10/16 (‘The Hoax’, ‘The Invisible’)
Dear Journalist,
Please note the latest press releases from Buena Vista Home Entertainment:
- The Hoax (Street Date: 10/16)
- The Invisible (Street Date: 10/16)
THE HOAX – Oscar®-nominated director Lasse Hallström (“The Cider House Rules,”
1999) spins a thrilling, unbelievable true story of the man who nearly pulled
off the biggest media scam of the 20th century in The Hoax,
unraveling on DVD October 16th from Miramax Home Entertainment.
Starring Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, Marcia Gay Harden and a stellar supporting
cast, The Hoax is based on Clifford Irving’s controversial
autobiography by the same name.
Golden Globe® winner Richard Gere (“Chicago”) assumes the identity of Clifford Irving, a novelist-turned-literary-scam-artist who in the 1970s penned a bogus autobiography of reclusive playboy billionaire Howard Hughes. Screenwriter William Wheeler (“The Prime Gig”) based his “Hoax” script on Irving's own tell-all tome by the same name.
Son of a successful cartoonist, Irving was a critically acclaimed novelist with modest book sales in the early 1970s when publisher Andrea Tate played by Hope Davis (“The Weatherman”) turns down his newest effort. So Irving and friend Dick Susskind, portrayed by Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2”), conceived of a faux Hughes bio as a way to reinvigorate Irving’s literary career and make a few bucks.
Egged on by the likes of greedy publishing executive Shelton Fisher—played by Emmy® and Golden Globe® “Winchell” winner Stanley Tucci—Irving began writing the Hughes biography and forging letters supposedly written by the aviator-turned movie producer himself. Irving was eventually brought down by his own overreaching conspiracies, hoping to rope the Nixon administration and the real Howard Hughes into his counterfeit literary web. Irving and Susskind were carted off to prison for a few years and forced to return the $1 million paid out by duped publishers McGraw-Hill and Life magazine.
Academy Award® winner Marcia Gay Harden (“Pollock,” 2000) portrays Irving’s
hippie painter wife Edith, with Julie Delpy (“Before Sunset”) as Irving’s
mistress Nina Stanley.
DVD bonus features include “Stranger Than Fiction”, “Mike Wallace: Reflections
On A Con,” deleted scenes with commentary by Director Lasse Hallström and Writer
William Wheeler, feature audio commentary with Producers Leslie Holleran and
Josh Maurer as well as feature audio commentary with Director Lesse Hallström
and Writer William Wheeler.
THE INVISIBLE – The supernatural action-thriller The Invisible
haunts its way onto DVD and Blu-ray Disc® on October 16th from
Hollywood Pictures Home Entertainment. From the producers of the box office
smash hit “The Sixth Sense,” director David S. Goyer’s gripping thriller
The Invisible stars Justin Chatwin (“War of the Worlds”) as Nick
Powell, a bright and sensitive high school student with precious few hours to
solve his very own murder. In order to escape a haunting world between life and
death, Nick solicits the help of the only other person who can see him,
classmate Annie Newton (Margarita Levieva from TV’s “Vanished”).
In a tragic case of mistaken identity, Nick is brutally attacked and his body is left for dead. Now in limbo, not quite dead but invisible to all but one of the living, his spirit can only watch as his mother, and the police search frantically for him, unaware that he is only hours away from truly perishing.
Oscar® winner Marcia Gay Harden (“Pollock”) portrays Nick’s widowed mother Diane Powell, with Chris Marquette (“Alpha Dog”) as best friend Pete. The gripping bonus features include deleted scenes, music videos from two of the hottest bands, feature audio commentary from David S. Goyer and writer Christine Roum, and a second audio commentary with writer Mick Davis’ take on the film.
Director Goyer (“Zigzag”) broke into Hollywood in the early 1990s as a screenwriter and is now one of the industry’s more sought after action-thriller filmmakers, with “Blade: Trinity” among his recent directorial efforts. Goyer has rightfully earned a reputation as a topflight mystery-thriller scribe. His resume lists “Batman Begins” for director Christopher Nolan; Alex Proyas’ cult classic “Dark City”; and the “Blade” franchise starring Wesley Snipes. Based on a Mats Wahl novel and the subsequent 2002 Swedish film “Den Osynlige,” The Invisible was co-scripted by Mick Davis (who along with Wahl co-wrote the Scandinavian movie) and Christine Roum (TV hit “Law and Order”).
- Jungle Book 40th Anniversary Edition (Street Date: 10/02)
JUNGLE BOOK – On October 2nd, Walt Disney Home Entertainment
will celebrate The Jungle Book’s 40th anniversary with the
2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD. In addition to enhanced picture
and sound, this jumpin’ jungle Disney classic was the last animated film Walt
personally touched. The Jungle Book 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD
is overflowing with not only memorable characters like the wise panther Bagheera,
happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, and the menacing tiger Shere Khan, but amazing
special features that both new adventurers and seasoned explorers are sure to
enjoy.
The all-new bonus features include a new member of The Jungle Book family, the long lost character created for the original film and discovered for the first time - Rocky, a near-sighted and short tempered, but hilarious rhinoceros. “The Bare Necessities: The Making of The Jungle Book” featurette takes a look at Walt Disney’s contributions to his animated swan song and also examines how director Woolie Reitherman filled the legend’s shoes when putting the final touches on the production. “Disney’s Kipling” examines Walt’s interpretation of the Rudyard Kipling’s “Mowgli Stories,” and a film commentary from original animators Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and director Woolie Reitherman is presented alongside commentary from current top animated filmmakers including Brad Bird (“The Incredibles”), Glen Keane (Disney’s “The Little Mermaid), and Andreas Deja (Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast,” and “The Lion King”).
In “Mowgli’s Return to the Jungle”, Bruce Reitherman, the voice of Mowgli and the son of Woolie, shares his memories of making the film and how the experiences influenced his current job as a wildlife filmmaker. The swinging jungle fun continues with an all-new suite of games: “Baloo’s Virtual Swingin’ Jungle Cruise,” and much, much more!
Embark on a thrilling, adventure-filled journey with the boy, Mowgli as he makes his way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli ‘The Bare Necessities’of life and the true meaning of friendship. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s “Mowgli Stories,” The Jungle Book is the final film Walt Disney produced (his 19th) and will become Disney’s 10th title to be honored with Platinum status. The original cast includes a pair of “Winnie the Pooh” stars: voice of Pooh himself, Sterling Holloway as python Kaa, and Sebastian Cabot speaking for Bagheera the panther. Oscar winner George Sanders (All About Eve) voiced tiger Shere Khan. Bruce Reitherman, son of director Woolie, played Mowgli, with Phil Harris as Baloo the bear.
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The First Disney Channel Original Movie Ever Released in Blu-ray(R) High Definition! The Perfect Family Holiday Gift Arrives on December 11 Packed With Additional Extras Including Music Videos, Sing-Along and Karaoke Features, Plus Plenty of Behind-the-Scenes Action!
- "High School Musical 2," the most highly anticipated sequel of the year, comes to DVD and Blu-ray™ High-Def in an extended edition on December 11, 2007 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. There's a special bonus musical scene available only on DVD and Blu-ray™ High-Def, seamlessly integrated into the film, in which audiences can finally see the musical number Troy and Sharpay rehearse in the film but never perform. The scene features Sharpay playing the Pineapple Princess looking for her Fresh Fish Prince in the lavish Polynesian fantasy "Humuhumunukunukua'pua'a," in which Sharpay goes all out to win Troy -- and the Star Dazzle Award at the Midsummer Night's Talent Show. The number is complete with a hip-hop ode to Mighty Mount Fufu. "High School Musical 2" pops with more of the infectious music, high energy dancing and exuberant young cast that created worldwide "High School Musical"-mania, and brings back Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and the entire Wildcat gang in another spectacular must-own musical experience! "High School Musical 2: Extended Edition" is packed with bonus material including music videos and sing-along and karaoke features!
Fans of the top-rated Disney Channel Original Movie will want to watch again and again as the gang from East High takes the stage at the local country club summer talent show! Scheming drama queen Sharpay is at the center of intrigue once more, using her influence to get Troy a job at the club in order to make him her singing partner at the annual show. When Troy arranges jobs for Gabriella and the Wildcats too, Sharpay has to do some fancy maneuvering to keep the others off the stage. To get Troy to go along with her plan, she makes him an offer she thinks he can't refuse -- a chance at a college basketball scholarship -- forcing Troy to choose between his friends and his future.
Directed and choreographed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical," "The Cheetah Girls"), "High School Musical 2: Extended Edition" is an exuberant celebration of youth, friendship and music.
"High School Musical 2: Extended Edition" comes with a grab bag of exclusive-to-DVD and Blu-ray Disc® bonus features that will have fans out of their seats and dancing along in seconds, including:
-- Sing Along with "High School Musical 2" - On-screen lyrics for all the
songs from the movie let viewers join in with their favorite stars.
-- "High School Musical" Karaoke - Anyone can be a star with this
interactive, highly entertaining bonus feature.
-- Rehearsal Cam - An unprecedented opportunity to watch the rehearsal
footage in sync with the movie.
-- Bloopers - Nobody's perfect and that's half the fun! Watch as the
movie's stars try to cover their hilarious missteps.
-- Music Videos - Including a performance by popular Canadian artist
Nikki Yanovsky singing "Gotta Go My Own Way" in French and English.
"High School Musical 2" premiered on Disney Channel on August 17, and with 17.2 million Viewers, the premiere of "Disney High School Musical 2" now stands as the most-watched cable telecast of all-time, easily beating TNT's "Crossfire Trail" to become the No. 1 basic cable original movie ever. Furthermore, the Disney Channel original movie ranked as the most-watched TV telecast ever in Kids 6-11, and most-watched entertainment telecast ever in Tweens 9-14. Impressively, two-thirds of all Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 watching television tuned in to watch "Disney High School Musical 2." Compared to broadcast programming, "Disney High School Musical 2" outperformed every telecast of Fox's "American Idol" and CBS' "Survivor" in Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. Among Girls 6-11, a remarkable 4 out of 5 were watching "Disney HSM2." Moreover, "Disney High School Musical 2" was TV's most-watched entertainment Friday telecast in more than 5 years.
The "High School Musical 2" soundtrack rewrote chart history with its spectacular debut at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart, a first for a television movie soundtrack. The album also entered three other Billboard charts at No. 1: Top Soundtrack Albums, Top Kid Audio and Top Digital Albums. In its first week of release, the CD shipped over 2 million units and is a leading candidate to be the best-selling album of 2007.
"High School Musical," the movie that launched the franchise, was the 2006 #1 TV movie on DVD. An international smash hit in more than 100 countries, "High School Musical" earned two Emmy Awards, a DGA Award, a Television Critics Association Award, an Imagen Award, a Director's Guild of America Award and a Humanitas Prize nomination. Its soundtrack was the Quadruple Platinum best-selling album of 2006, received a Billboard Music Award for Soundtrack of the Year and was nominated for an American Music Award in the Favorite Album (Pop/Rock) category. It inspired a best-selling junior novel, a popular themed show at Disneyland Parks and Resorts, a sold-out 42-date arena concert tour in North America and Latin America, and a touring ice show.
Zac Efron ("Troy"), Vanessa Hudgens ("Gabriella"), Ashley Tisdale ("Sharpay"), Corbin Bleu ("Chad"), Lucas Grabeel ("Ryan") and Monique Coleman ("Taylor") all reprise their original roles in "HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: EXTENDED EDITION." Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical," "The Gilmore Girls") directs from a script by Peter Barsocchini ("High School Musical," "Drop Zone"). Bill Borden ("High School Musical," "End of Days") is the producer and Barry Rosenbush ("High School Musical," "Get on the Bus") is the executive producer.
The DVD is priced at $29.99 SRP in the U.S. and $35.99 SRP in Canada. The Blu-ray Disc® is priced at $34.99 SRP in the U.S. and $44.99 in Canada.
STREET DATE: December 11, 2007
Direct prebook: October 2, 2007
Distributor prebook: October 16, 2007
Suggested retail price: $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
Feature run time: 111 minutes
Rated: U.S. "G"; Canada "G"
Aspect ratio: Full frame 1.33:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Languages: English, French and Spanish; French and Spanish
Subtitles
Blu-ray Disc®
-------------
STREET DATE: December 11, 2007
Direct prebook: October 2, 2007
Distributor prebook: October 16, 2007
Suggested retail price: $34.99 U.S./$44.99 Canada
Feature run time: 111 minutes
Rated: U.S. "TV-G"; Canada "G"
Aspect ratio: 1080P High Definition Widescreen 1.78:1
Sound: 5.1 Uncompressed (48 khz/24 bit)
Languages: English, Spanish, French Dolby Digital 5.1
Surround Sound French, Spanish Subtitles
These press materials are available at www.BVHEpublicity.com
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.
© Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.
Disney's High School Musical 2 Soundtrack Debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart, a First for a TV Movie Soundtrack
Walt Disney Records' Release from Hit Disney Channel Original Movie Also Debuts at #1 on Billboard Soundtrack, Children's and Digital Charts HSM2 Ships Double Platinum
Aug. 22, 2007 Disney's High School Musical 2 soundtrack rewrites chart history this week with its spectacular debut at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart, based on sales of 615,000 copies, the second highest one-week total for an album this year. In its first week, it also certified Gold in Ireland, the UK, Canada, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia.
The feat comes just five days after the premiere of Disney Channel's Original Movie High School Musical 2 made history as the most-watched basic cable telecast of all time among Total Viewers (17.2 million strong) as well as the most-watched TV telecast ever in Kids 6-11, and most-watched entertainment telecast ever in Tweens 9-14. Impressively, High School Musical 2 was TV's most-watched Friday telecast in more than 5 years and was the #1 telecast of the week in Total Viewers across all TV.
Last year, the soundtrack to the first High School Musical TV movie spent two non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on The Billboard 200, and was the first television movie soundtrack to reach the top spot. High School Musical 2 goes its predecessor one better by becoming the first television soundtrack to ever debut at No. 1. The soundtrack also enters three other Billboard charts at No. 1: Top Soundtrack Albums, Top Kid Audio, and Top Digital Albums.
High School Musical 2 has a lot to live up to, and is proving more than equal to the task. The quadruple-platinum first soundtrack was the best-selling album of 2006 according to Nielsen SoundScan, and the 615,000 copies old of High School Musical 2 in its first week indicate this second soundtrack is a leading candidate to be the best-selling album of 2007, and surpass the quadruple-platinum status of the earlier CD. In its first week, High School Musical 2 has shipped double platinum; the first soundtrack went double-platinum in just under three months.
The first High School Musical soundtrack has sold seven million copies worldwide, and was ranked the #1 top selling album of 2006 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI represents the recording industry worldwide.)
About Walt Disney Records
Walt Disney Records is part of the Disney Music Group. The Disney Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of The Walt Disney Studios, which is a part of The Walt Disney Company. For more information, please visit DisneyRecords.com.
About Disney Channel
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 90 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on 27 Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney-ABC Television Group.
Disney's High School Musical 2 Soundtrack Debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart, a First for a TV Movie Soundtrack
Walt Disney Records' Release from Hit Disney Channel Original Movie Also Debuts at #1 on Billboard Soundtrack, Children's and Digital Charts HSM2 Ships Double Platinum
Disney's High School Musical 2 soundtrack rewrites chart history this week with its spectacular debut at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart, based on sales of 615,000 copies, the second highest one-week total for an album this year. In its first week, it also certified Gold in Ireland, the UK, Canada, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia.
The feat comes just five days after the premiere of Disney Channel's Original Movie High School Musical 2 made history as the most-watched basic cable telecast of all time among Total Viewers (17.2 million strong) as well as the most-watched TV telecast ever in Kids 6-11, and most-watched entertainment telecast ever in Tweens 9-14. Impressively, High School Musical 2 was TV's most-watched Friday telecast in more than 5 years and was the #1 telecast of the week in Total Viewers across all TV.
Last year, the soundtrack to the first High School Musical TV movie spent two non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on The Billboard 200, and was the first television movie soundtrack to reach the top spot. High School Musical 2 goes its predecessor one better by becoming the first television soundtrack to ever debut at No. 1. The soundtrack also enters three other Billboard charts at No. 1: Top Soundtrack Albums, Top Kid Audio, and Top Digital Albums.
High School Musical 2 has a lot to live up to, and is proving more than equal to the task. The quadruple-platinum first soundtrack was the best-selling album of 2006 according to Nielsen SoundScan, and the 615,000 copies old of High School Musical 2 in its first week indicate this second soundtrack is a leading candidate to be the best-selling album of 2007, and surpass the quadruple-platinum status of the earlier CD. In its first week, High School Musical 2 has shipped double platinum; the first soundtrack went double-platinum in just under three months.
The first High School Musical soundtrack has sold seven million copies worldwide, and was ranked the #1 top selling album of 2006 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI represents the recording industry worldwide.)
About Walt Disney Records
Walt Disney Records is part of the Disney Music Group. The Disney Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of The Walt Disney Studios, which is a part of The Walt Disney Company. For more information, please visit DisneyRecords.com.
About Disney Channel
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 90 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on 27 Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney-ABC Television Group.
Disney's Magical Blu-Ray(TM) Tour, Sponsored by Panasonic, Brings High- Definition Home Entertainment to Westfield Topanga Mall
Consumers To Experience Exciting High-Definition Blu-Ray Disc(R) Technology,
Interactive Games and First Look At Upcoming Cars and Chicken Little Blu-Ray
Releases
WHAT: Disney's Magical Blu-Ray Tour, sponsored by Panasonic,
provides local shoppers at the Westfield Topanga Mall with a
"hands on" experience of Blu-ray technology. The interactive
exhibit is designed to educate consumers about the features
and benefits of Blu-ray high-definition home entertainment
technology.
The Magical Blu-ray Tour consists of several interactive
stations that allow consumers to experience the picture
perfect audio and video quality of high-definition Blu-ray
technology and other special features such as integrated
menus, personal scene selections, title specific games and
high-definition bonus materials. Consumers will also get
first-hand experience playing the interactive "Liar's Dice"
game from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and
preview upcoming Blu-ray disc titles, Disney/Pixar's Cars and
Disney's Chicken Little. A highlight of the tour is a
special mini-theater hosting hourly live presentations on
Blu-ray technology and high-definition.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Friday, August 17
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Saturday, August 18
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Sunday, August 19
WHERE: Westfield Topanga Mall
6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Canoga Park, CA 91303
DIRECTIONS: The mall is conveniently located north of the 101 freeway, on
Topanga Canyon Blvd. between Victory and Vanowen Blvd in the
Warner Center, Canoga Park, California. The Magical Blu-ray
Tour exhibit will be set up in front of the Sony Style Store
on the first floor. The closest entrance is by the Farm
Restaurant. The closest parking garage is off of Owensmouth.
WHY: The Blu-ray Disc format is currently the leading
high-definition packaged media supported by the foremost
entertainment companies in film, music, gaming and computer
industries. Blu-ray discs deliver a truly unique high-
definition viewing experience that showcases picture quality
at six times the resolution of standard DVDs and theater
quality uncompressed audio in addition to enhanced menus,
games and high-definition bonus materials. Disney's Magical
Blu-ray Tour is devoted to providing clarity to the growing
number of consumers confused by high-definition home
entertainment technology.
Disney News