What do Miley Cyrus, Jay Leno, Sally Field, Calista Flockhart, Jimmy Kimmel, Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt, Patrick Dempsey, Kyle McLaughlin, Doug Savant, Maurice Benard, and Lady Gaga have in common? They are all going to be guests on The View when it broadcasts from The Walt Disney Studios March 9-13. Now I wont get started on how they are defiling Legends Plaza by interviewing folks from The Hills there, but I do find this whole thing to be quite interesting. Here is a quote from the press release: All week long the co-hosts will celebrate the history and magic Disney has to offer, including appearances by some of the worlds most beloved characters, retrospectives of classic Disney and Pixar films, fun factoids, a private tour of the Disney archives, music and TV stars from Disney/ABC, behind-the-scenes of some popular primetime shows, giveaways, surprise guests and more!
Since when did The View feel the need to pay tribute to its owners history and heritage? Now this might just be a bizarre sweeps marketing ploy, as they moved Sweeps from February to March because of the digital transition that never happened. But I cant help but notice that this also coincides with the Are You 23? announcement. Its like Disney has finally realized that the public has an affinity for its brand, history, and traditions. They want to transition Disney to a company where the customers are profoundly loyal like Lucas Film, Apple, or Southwest Airlines; a company where the public loves the company as much as the executives do. Will it work? Maybe Could it hurt? Probably not. So its worth a shot.
Bob Iger wants Disney to be the most admired company in the world. Part of that process is to make you feel a connection to the wonderful world of Disney. Are You 23? is one way, The View is another, and who knows what else might be up his sleeve. In any case, as charter Disney fans, we should be in for some neat surprises in the near future.
Quick Takes:
Studio Entertainment: The Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience did not mean box office projections. In its opening weekend, with a $12,510,374 opening weekend, which includes $765,000 from IMAX screenings. I know why the film underperformed. It didnt feature the trashcan. That would have made a huge difference.
Parks and Resorts: There was a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany for the two new Disney Cruise ships. I cant wait!
Disney Interactive Media: Another month, another contest. Click here for the Celebrate Your Dream Sweepstakes where Disney Store is giving you a chance to win one of ten magical Disney celebration vacations in 2009.
Consumer Products: DisneyShopping.com has a Pinocchio Store, on their site. It features collectibles and apperal featuring the film that is being released on DVD and Blu-Ray next week. In addition, the mini-site features, I kid you not, Gepetto on DVD. So if you are in the mood for a bad telefilm featuring a bad game show host on DVD, here is your chance.
Who is Celebrating: March 2nd is Daniel Craigs birthday. He really doesnt have much of a Disney Channel connection, but 007 is just cool.
Video of the Day: In case you havent heard, Disney Parks are asking What Will You Celebrate? Here is a video with Guests answering that question. Notice that none of them say, The amazing new attraction Disney Parks opened this year.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: ABC News, on the heels of Beverly Hills Chihuahua being released to DVD and Blu-Ray offers a look at famous dog lovers including Mickey Rourke and his Chihuahuas. Lets just be glad the movie features the cute dogs and not Mickey Rourke.
NY Times: Paul Harvey, from ABC Radio, died at the age of 90. When Disney first purchased ABC, I turned on ABC Radio and the first voice I heard was Paul Harvey. His news and commentary, as well as the Rest of the Story was unique and harkened back to a day gone by. While he was no longer a part of Disney as a result of the ABC Radio spinoff, he will still be missed.
USA Today: It looks like politicians arent the only ones that have a problem paying their taxes. Dancing with the Stars champ and race car driver, Helio Castroneves began his tax evasion trial on Monday. I guess he learned he should have kept his fancy moves on the dance floor and not on his tax return.
LA Times: The LA Times reports on Siegfried & Roy returning to the Vegas stage for a farewell performance. The 10-minute act will air on ABCs 20/20 (Cause a magic trick is news). Here is another Disney connection for you. Their show was produced by Feld Entertainment, the folks behind Disney on Ice.
Orlando Sentinel: Virgin Megastores, including the one at Downtown Disney, are closing. The last day for the Disney location is May 31. I dont know what will take its place, but I have made no secret about what I want. IMAX!!!
Variety: Last nights two hour episode of Brothers &Sisters won the ratings last night despite not having Desperate Housewives as a lead in. The show films on the Disney lot. In fact, I think you can see a picture of the Zorro Parking Structure in the article.