Radio Disney has launched a new programming initiative called “Next Big Thing” or N.B.T. for short. It allows kids to vote for unsigned talent on RadioDisney.com or by texting NBT to DISNEY (347639). The winning artist will get to perform at a Radio Disney concert. Now we all know that Radio Disney helped create artists like Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers as well as introducing kids to what would become the phenomenon of High School Musical. I have no doubt that Disney is trying to find a way to find the next Demi Lovato. We all know that their attempt to do it through reality television was a bust. (Does anyone remember “Get in the Picture”?)
Thought I do find something interesting in watching Radio Disney evolve. Radio Disney started as part of ABC Radio Networks and has changed a lot since its launch over 10 years ago. But as Disney prepared to sell ABC Radio, they moved Radio Disney to the Radio Disney group. Now I can’t point to any major changes to Radio Disney since their managment changed, but I am keeping a close eye on it. Radio Disney aligned great with Disney Channel and Walt Disney Records to launch those Disney stars we are now accustomed to. But will being to close to the television network mess with that chemistry? So far the answer is no. But it will be interesting to see how one of Eisner’s good ideas will grow under Iger’s leadership.
Quick Takes:
Studio Entertainment: I got Sleeping Beauty on Blu-Ray and I am very suprised at how pleased I am. Not only is the film beautifully remastered; the bonus features are just cool. While the BD-Live feature that Disney has been pushing still seems pointless to me, the Cine-Explore feature more than makes up for it. I was not convinced that Blu-Ray was a game changer…I was wrong.
Parks and Resorts: So long, Pal Mickey. Walt Disney World is ritiring the interactive plush after it sells its inventory. Pal Mickey was big when it first launched, but the novelty wore off. Guests ended up not wanting to lug around a bulky plush all day. I wonder if their interactive guide that uses a Nintendo DS will surplant the plush and provide a more user-friendly guide to the parks. Do you remember when he launched and his speaker was not loud enough rendering the whole device pointless? Those were the days….
Consumer Products: Who should I dress up as for Halloween? Please feel free to leave suggestions. Past winners were Paul Pressler, PUSH the trashcan’s “friend”, and Evelyn Davis.
Disney Interactive Media: Disney released their racing game, Pure, about a month ago. Now it is time to check how it is doing. I checked Metacritic.com and it has a score of 84 out of 100 which is a great score for Black Rock’s first game under Disney. Now only time will tell if these reviews will turn in to sales.
What to Watch: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will air on ABC at 8/7 central. Odds are that someone will be going to a Disney destination in this new episode as usually somebody does.
Video of the Day: Hollywood Records has posted Demi Lovato performing Get Back live at the Gramercy Theatre on YouTube. They make a point of mentioning that her CD features 6 songs co-written with the Jonas Brothers and 1 new duet with the Jonas Brothers. You think they are trying to spread some of the J. Bro’s magic? I have no doubt she will be featured in the Jonas Brother 3D concert film next calander year. I wonder if the brothers have shared their secret weapon of the “trash can” with her.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: Good Morning America reports on how what happens in the economy affects what the public views on television. I wonder what watching a show about a pie maker that can bring people back from the dead or a program about two twin boys living on a cruise ship says about the economy? The sad thing is, I don’t need to watch TV to realize that Disney stock reaching a 52 week low is not a good thing.
NY Times: State’s film production incentives are causing jitters among law makers that are valuing every dollar as dollars seem harder to come by. These tax credits encourage studios to produce films in various states. Life on Mars and Ugly Betty are taking advantage of New York’s tax credits and in the last shareholder meeting, Bob mentioned that Swing Vote took advantage of incentives in the state of New Mexico. Now that I think about it, is New Mexico a swing state anyway?
USA Today: All I have to say is, “seriously”. New York is fighting with Beverly Hills as the home of people that do cruel things to their dogs? I love dogs, I can’t stand fury debutants.
LA Times: The LA Times reports on the Blue Sky Cellar, which will be opening at DCA on October 20th. You know I think this is a great idea, but does it really deserve this much press? The answer: YES
Orlando Sentinel: Apparently, Walt Disney World has stopped serving foie gras at the four resteraunts that served it. Victoria & Alberts, California Grill, Citricos, and Les Chefs de France will have to make do without duck and goose liver which has been the source of controversy due to what some consider cruel farming techniques. I don’t know if it is true or not, but I am still glad Disney has stopped serving it. I will no longer have that akward moment of trying to pronounce “foie gras” while ordering my meal.
Variety: This is the best Disney news since the AMC at Downtown Disney started serving pizza. ABC is bringing back “V”. The mini-series from the 80’s about aliens that had many interesting ideas on how to serve man is being remade. I can’t wait. If there is one thing I have always said television was missing it was reptiles disguising themselves as human. Don’t you agree?