Concept Art from the Jungle Book

Disney is releasing the Jungle Book Diamond Edition on Blu-ray February 11, 2014.

Check out the concept art slideshow to get you excited about the disc!

Press Release: Imperial Update Unleashed for ‘Star Wars: Tiny Death Star’

I've spent some time playing Star Wars: Tiny Death Star and it's a fairly enjoyable business simulator game. Disney has released a few upgrades to the game.

The Empire is entering phase two of its destructive master plan in making the Death Star fully operational with the launch of the new Imperial Update.  

Now, Star Wars: Tiny Death Star players can go even deeper into the Dark Side with regular Imperial Events to fulfill the Empire’s sinister scheme of amassing resources and collecting special rewards. The game’s overhauled Imperial Assignments system gives players even more missions with additional requirements to be handsomely rewarded. An Events system has also been built to handle the multiple types of events players will be participating in. Finally, a brand new level has been created to access all the new rewards earned: the Cargo Bay.  

It’s time to start building resources for the Imperial Army as it will eventually require AT-ATs, TIE Fighters, etc. for the invasion of Rebel Bases and completion of the Death Star’s primary weapon!  

In the Imperial update for Star Wars: Tiny Death Star players will now have: 

• New Imperial Assignments System: The Emperor is demanding for more work to be completed, so do the Emperor’s bidding by visiting the new, Imperial Assignments center. 

• Complete over 100 new missions and be handsomely rewarded. 

• Weekly Special Events: Participate in special, limited-time events to protect your battle station.

• Exclusive Rewards: Earn completely brand-new rewards such as VIPs, Imperial Bux, Costumes, Levels, and Characters by completing assignments and special events. 

• Cargo Bay Floor: It’s your one stop shop to collect special rewards and packages as appreciation for service to the Empire. 

Star Wars: Tiny Death Star is available from the from the App Store http://di.sn/eOY, Google Play http://di.sn/cNb, Windows Phone Store http://di.sn/dNX, Windows Store http://di.sn/rHq, and Amazon App Store http://amzn.to/1e4wj44.

Are you playing Star Wars: Tiny Death Star?

Communicore Weekly with Sam Gennawey

This week Sam Gennawey joins us for It's Time for Disney History to talk about early Disneyland history. I also review More Cute Stories, Vol 3 by Rolly Crump.

Check it out and tell all your friends!

http://www.bamferproductions.com/communicore/0108-CommunicoreWeekly.mp3

Press Release: Disney Infinity's Rapunzel Saves the Day Sweepstakes

Disney Infinity has been a pretty popular title for my youngest son on our Xbox 360 console. What's surprised me is that he doesn't care which character he plays. He really is into exploring and using the different powers of the each character in the game and the toy box.

Disney has released a sweepstakes where you can win a starter kit and more!

Best Sweepstakes Ever? You bet it is! Enter the “Rapunzel Saves The Day” sweepstakes each week for a chance to win a Grand Prize of a Rapunzel Disney Infinity Figure, Disney Infinity Starter Pack and a Xbox 360® Console, PlayStation®3 system, or a Wii U™ console. This sweepstakes runs through February 28, 2014 and changes each week with a new game system, so come back each week and enter for a chance to win!

Check out this link for more information and to register!

Thor 2 Bonus Clips

Thor 2: Dark World was just released on blu-ray. We got our review copy and you can expect coverage at Mice Chat and on Communicore Weekly soon. First up are some bonus features from the disc.

Enjoy!

Marvel's Thor: The Dark World Bloopers



Marvel's Thor: The Dark World Deleted Scene

PRESS RELEASE: D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind

I attended the D23 Destination D Celebration of 40 years of Walt Disney World in May, 2011 and it was a spectacular event.

You can read my review of the event, here.

So, when word was released by D23 about a similar event being held this summer, I was pretty excited. I've also spoken to a few of the presenters and there is going to be a heavy 1964/1965 New York World's Fair presence. If it even comes close the the Destination D event from 2011, then it will not disappoint.

Will we see this many Disney Legends in Florida again?

Disney Legend and Imagineer Bob Gurr surprises the audience by turning the tables and taking pictures of them as his fellow Disney Legends laugh along with the gag. © Disney

DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H20 Plus: Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s in that spirit that guests this summer will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. Destination D: Attraction Rewind, held July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World Resort, will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and revealing stories. In addition, several presentations will be dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

Visit Imagineering, Jim Henson's Studio and Walt's Apartment at Disneyland!

Visit Imagineering, Jim Henson's Studio, Walt's Apartment at Disneyland and so much more!

That's right, there are still a few slots left on the CommuniTOUR that's set for April 27, 2014 to May 2, 2014.

The CommuniTOUR is a 6 day adventure of Southern California covering some incredible Disney-related sites.

• TCL Chinese Theatre
• El Capitan Theatre
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Lunch at the Tam O'Shanter (one of Walt's favorite hangouts)
• Tour of the Jim Henson Studio
• Tour of Walt Disney Imagineering
• Lunch at the Walt Disney Studios Commissary
• Tour of the Disney Archives
• Tour of Walt's Apartment in Disneyland
• Private ride on the Lily Belle
• Private tour of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
• VIP seating for World of Color and Disneyland's Nighttime Spectacular

In addition to the Adventures By Disney itinerary, you’ll also enjoy some extra fun, provided by the Communicore Weekly boys, such as:

• A private dinner with Disney Legends 
• A recording of a Communicore Weekly episode, with special guests 
• Trivia and Prizes 
• Tons of giveaways, including Communicore Weekly t-shirts and buttons 
• A Five Legged Goat scavenger hunt 
• A DVD of all the photos taken on the trip 
• And more surprises to come! 

Space is VERY LIMITED and filling up fast, so be sure to inquire today! 

Act before February 28th and we’ll also give you:

• A copy of More Cute Stories, Vol 1, Vol 2 & Vol 3 narrated by Rolly Crump, for every attendee
• Limited Edition, custom-designed CommuniTour Poster 
• Limited edition CommuniTour shirt!

We’d love for you to join us!

For more information, the full itinerary, and to request a quote, be sure to visit Fairy Godmother Travel!

CG Story by Christopher Finch

I received a review copy of the CG Story: Computer Generated Animation and Special Effects by Christopher Finch a few months ago. Due to the backlog of reviews at Mice Chat and Communicore Weekly, this book has been waiting for some attention. A full review is coming soon.

Christopher Finch is well-known for penning the multitude of editions of the Art of Walt Disney, which is truly a definitive work on the career of Walt Disney.

I wondered how Finch would tackle such a huge part of modern film-making. He's been writing about films for years, so he's a natural choice to analyze and write a historical treatise on any aspect of film. It's extremely in-depth and Finch interviewed most of the key players over the past 30 years or so. There are plenty of photos and illustrations, including stills from various films and commercials.

As expected, Pixar is heavily covered, but Finch doesn't shirk a lot of the minor players, either. If I had any complaint about the book, it's that the coverage of television is very limited. Once we hit the 2000s, Finch does spend more time looking at the groundbreaking and award-winning titles.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you have an interest in computer animation, then it's a great addition to your collection.

Mice Chat Anniversary

I wanted to help spread the news about the amazing events taking place during the Mice Chat Anniversary Celebration (February 7, 8, and 9, 2014). There are going to be some amazing programs, meet ups, games and a chance to meet Jeff Heimbuch!

Check out some of the links and if you're going to be in the Southern California area, make sure to be there. They've really pulled out all of the stops on this one.

DON'T MISS OUT: MiceChat Anniversary
February 7th through 9th - at the Disneyland Resort! 

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FRIDAY February 7th

ALL Proceeds from your ticket will go toward saving the home Walt Disney was born in!

Journey back with us to the year 1901. William McKinley was President of the United States, Major League Baseball had just been formed, and a man named Walt Disney was born in a small house in Chicago Illinois. The modest family home on the corner of Tripp Avenue and Palmer Street was designed and built by Flora and Elias Disney, Walt and Roy Disney's mother and father. Both Walt and Roy were born in this home and lived there until Walt was four and Roy was twelve years old.

We have already lost too many buildings that were an incredibly important part of Disney history. 

 

Join the folks at the Save Walt Disney's Birthplace project as we explore Walt's early history and discover how we can preserve the home where he was born! We guarantee you'll be wowed and entertained and leave satisfied that you are doing something very important. 

Space is strictly limited to 70 guests for this FABULOUS event. 

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR AN EVENING WITH WALT DISNEY HERE

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8th

Celebrated Imagineer, Tim Delaney, will lead a fascinating presentation about the building of the most beautiful Magic Kingdom of them all, Disneyland Paris. Learn about the challenges, creative opportunities, and wonderful stories that make this park so unique in the universe of Disney theme parks. This will be a breakfast event at the ESPN Zone (bacon, bacon, bacon) with a 90 minute audio/visual presentation and an opportunity to meet a true creative genius. Event is limited to 125 guests and will sell out quickly.

Tim Delaney's 34 years at Walt Disney Imagineering included 19 years as a creative director and Vice President of Design. He has been instrumental in all phases of design from initial concept through design development, corporate sponsorship, project production and onsite construction supervision through completion. As a designer, illustrator, painter, creative director, producer and art director, Delaney has lead teams that have designed and constructed over $1.2 billion of Disney Parks and attractions worldwide, including Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Hong Kong.Tim has been awarded the 2002 Ray Bradbury Award for Lifetime of Creative Excellence. He was the subject of the popular BBC documentary ''Shoot the Moon.'' And, in, 1995 he was awarded the Themed Entertainment Association award for best attraction for Space Mountain at Disneyland Paris.

Tim will sign copies of Disneyland Paris From Sketch To Reality (copies of this beautiful book are available at a VERY special price for this event only)

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BUILDING THE DREAM BREAKFAST HERE

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Put your Disney skills to the test as Fishbulb presents one of his famous eye spy/scavenger hunt events. This two hour event will be free to enter (you'll just need park admission). There will be fun prizes sponsored by Fairy Godmother Travel and this is always a great way to meet fellow MicePals and have a great time in the park.

REGISTER FOR THE DCA MICEQUEST HERE

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Communicore Weekly Musical Meet-up - Feb 8th, 6:30pm

Meet Jeff Heimbuch and learn more about the epic Communicore Weekly Musical project. This event will be presented in the same location as the Game Show. Two great events, one great location. SIGN UP FOR INFO HERE

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Monorail Man's EXTRA Limited Time Magical Game Show - Feb 8, 7pm

The game show has become a MiceChat anniversary tradition. Why? Because Monorail Man isn't just a Disney nerd but a game show nerd as well. And what excuse do we need to have a good time and win prizes? The show lasts for about an hour and prizes will be given throughout.SIGN UP FOR INFO HERE

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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9th MiceChat/MiceAge Classic Sunday in Disneyland

Breakfast at the Riverbelle Terrace, a grand circle tour of Disneyland aboard theDisneyland Railroad, Mark Twain trip around the Rivers of America, MiceChat noon meet with prize giveaway, group photo, lunch with friends, D23 Fanniversary Scavenger Hunt, "Practically Perfect Tour," farewell meet withgrand prize giveaway.

It's a MiceChat tradition that's not to be missed. All are welcome to join us for as much or as little of this day of magic as they'd like. All events, except for the Evening with Walt Disney and the Breakfast with Tim Delaney, are free (you just need theme park admission).

Add your email address below to be notified when the final event schedule with dates/times/locations of all of the above listed activities is available. 
SIGN UP FOR INFO HERE

Perry the Platypus in Caribbean Plaza

Check out my article at Mice Chat to read about the history of the Caribbean Arcade and some new Five Legged Goats!

• Perry of the Caribbean!

Communicore Weekly Season 2 Finale

Make sure to check out the season 2 finale for Communicore Weekly (the Greatest Online Show™).

• Includes special appearance from Kevin Yee!
• DISNEY HISTORY! – Meanwhile, George and Jeff talk about Michael Eisner in this weeks Disney History! 
• BOOK OF THE WEEK! – Jeff…and then George…talk about Work in Progress: Risking Failure, Surviving Success for the Book of the Week! 
• WINDOW OF THE WEEK! - Jeff looks at the Main Street Marching Band for the Window of the Week! 
• FIVE LEGGED GOAT! - And finally, we have a super awesome, super secret Five Legged Goat! 

Download on iTunes here! | http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/communicore-weekly/id496333443
Direct download here! | http://www.bamferproductions.com/communicore/0104-CommunicoreWeekly.mp3 Call The Communicore Weekly Hotline and leave us a message at 424-785-GOAT! That’s 424-785-4628!
Want to wear your love of Communicore Weekly? BUY THE SHIRTS!!! at http://www.communicoreweekly.com 

How to stalk us in style: LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Follow us on the Twitter: @JeffHeimbuch and @ImagiNERDing

Email: communicoreweekly@gmail.com

Music by Steve Williard and Andrew Taylor from Amplify This Music

Communicore Weekly featuring the Rocket Rods and the Lone Ranger

Check out the latest episode of Communicore Weekly (the Greatest Online Show™). It's Time for Disney History features the Rocket Rods from Disneyland. George's Book of the Week is the Vault of Walt Vol. 2 by Jim Korkis. Jeff and I review the blu-ray of Lone Ranger. The Five Legged Goat is Star Wars-related!