Toy Story “Wii-mote” Mania Opens This Fall

WDWNT Author on March 24, 2009

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Wii video game console and loves the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at Disney’s California Adventure park is sure to be excited by this news today:

BURBANK, Calif. – (March 24, 2009) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature “Toy Story,” will be released exclusively for the Wii™ home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on the new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort attractions, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar “Toy Story” franchise.

“The ‘Toy Story’ franchise is a fun, dynamic and heart-warming series containing characters and themes that connect with every age group,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Toy Story Mania! combines those popular elements with the unique antics of the new theme park attraction for the ultimate in family entertainment.”

In Toy Story Mania!, players experience the fast-paced, zany fun of the Toy Story Mania! theme park attraction, which is an interactive experience requiring 3D glasses and involving rapid or quick-firing shooting galleries. In addition to galleries adapted from the attraction, the game includes new and original galleries and a series of mini games, all hosted by beloved characters from the movies. The thematically-connected levels are designed for up to four players of all ages with competitive and co-operative multiplayer options. Toy Story Mania! also includes bonus 3D features, transforming the game experience with eye-popping visuals.

The Pixar-created “Toy Story” and ”Toy Story 2” have both had successful box office and DVD sales. The Disney Digital 3D™ theatrical re-release of “Toy Story” is in the works and will open in theatres on October 2, 2009, followed by the 3D re-release of “Toy Story 2” opening on February 12, 2010, leading up to the premiere of “Toy Story 3” in 3D summer 2010. Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to place characters from these films into a carnival game setting and is expected to resonate with fans of the films and the attraction, as well as gamers who like pick-up-and-play party games

Developed by Papaya Studio, Toy Story Mania! will be available this fall exclusively for Wii.

Something to Treasure

WDWNT Author on December 11, 2007

Walt Disney Home Entertainment continues its esteemed Walt Disney Treasures series with Wave VII — three new 2-Disc DVD volumes available December 11, 2007 in a limited supply, just in time for the holidays and in honor of Walt’s birthday. Each volume, with material all new to DVD, is hosted by film historian Leonard Maltin; each is individually numbered, with an authenticity certificate, and each includes an exclusive lithograph. Adding to the value is the collectible packaging. The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will be housed in a handsome gold tin; Chronological Donald, Volume 3 and Disneyland: Secrets, Stories and Magic in distinctive silver tins.

The Adventures of Oswald The Lucky Rabbit
This double disc set features the legendary and rarely-seen Oswald, Walt Disney’s first big animated star (predating Mickey Mouse), who recently returned home to the Walt Disney Company. Produced from 1926 to 1928 with Walt’s personal touch, this collection of some of these silent shorts are revitalized with brand-new musical scores by well-known silent film accompanist and composer Robert Israel . Several of the shorts offer audio commentary from Animation Film Historians Leonard Maltin, Mark Kausler and Jerry Beck.

“Chronological Donald, Volume 3”
Features the most prolific character of “Walt’s Fab Five,” the short-tempered but hilarious Donald Duck in 31 solo shorts from 1947 through 1950.

“Disneyland: Secrets, Stories and Magic”
This comprehensive look at the “Happiest Place on Earth” features never-before-seen documentaries and featurettes that show the creativity and magic behind one of the world’s most famous and beloved destinations. The set will also include a vintage collectible of one of the original Disneyland Theme Park tickets.

Note: Episode 21 of the WDW News Today Podcast will have a full review of all 3 of these DVD sets.