So Enchanted is now available on Disney DVD and Blu-Ray. This film was heralded as the first of the new direction in Disney films and that it showed Disney's commitment to making the right films. The fact that it reveled in Disney's past was an additional plus. I don't know if I agree with that sentiment. I loved Enchanted and can't wait to get it on Blu Ray, but I don't believe that it marked a new age in Disney cinema. First of all, Enchanted's journey began long before Iger took power and Uncle John and Uncle Ed took over animation company wide, let along ascert their influence on live action. Disney originally bought the spec script for the film in 1997. The same year of Light Magic and just two years after Toy Story was released. Bob Iger did not even become President of Disney until 2000, so is it fair to claim this is the first film that was developed by his team?
While I have no doubt, that the film kept changing during its long development process, I still think those that want a seminal moment to mark as a new golden age of live-action led by Bob's team, might want to look a few years down the line. And for those of you that want to hang on to this myth, if Enchanted was the first film of the new age, do you want to live in an age in which "Beverly Hills Chuhuaua" gets a summer release date? Bob and his team understand the Disney Difference and I think we will see a lot of great Disney films, both live-action and animated coming down the pipe, but please enjoy Enchanted for what it is, without putting the burden of launching something it was not ready to launch.
But with all of that off my chest, I have to say Enchanted was one of my favorite films of last year. It striked the right balance of teasing Disney about its past without being edgy. It might have made fun of some animated conventions, but it did it with love. Who Framed Roger Rabbit, one of my favorite films, made fun of cartoons and Enchanted made fun of the animated feature, but both films were made with animation fans in mind. And both will be two of my favorite DVDs.
Quick Takes:
Media Networks: ABC Family and Aeropostal announced a partnership to promote the second season of their original series, GREEK, which premieres next Monday. During the promotion customers, in store and on-line, can purchase GREEK: Season One Chapter One DVD as well as receive a free, limited edition Rush Aero Greek T-shirt, while supplies last, with any $50 purchase. GREEK was the second ABC Family series that can be considered a success after Kyle XY. It is great to see Eisner's Foley finally achieving some success. Hopefully, this is just the beginning, because $3.2 billion is a lot to spend on an underperforming asset.
Parks and Resorts: We are starting to get early buzz on Toy Story Mania, which is just months away from opening. With the media getting a sneak peak at Disney's California Adventure during the media blitz surrounding the Pixar Play Parade and Disney's Hollywood Studios weeks away from reopening what used to be Mickey Avenue, this long awaited attraction is finally near. I hope the attraction lives up to the hype, and I have no reason to believe it wont. And with Toy Story Mania almost complete, the question begins of "what are they going to do next?"
Consumer Products: I mentioned before, that I loved Enchanted. But I have to wonder, how many of these has the Disney Store sold? I know he is a big hit among Grey's Anatomy audience, but is he with girl 7-12?
Video of the Day: Yahoo Movies has a clip looking behind the creation of "Happy Working Song". That wonderful homage to "Whistle While You Work" took a lot of work to create with complex special effects and terrific acting from Amy Adams. Check it out.
What to Watch: Men in Trees is on ABC Wednesday night at 10/9c with an original episode. Now I had to see an episode of this show when I flee back from the shareholder meeting. Therefore, if I had to endure it, everyone should.