Disney’s often fractious 17-year relationship with Miramax Films ended this morning when the entertainment conglomerate announced it agreed to sell the independent studio to a business consortium.
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment announces an exciting new line-up of Blu-ray initiatives in 2008, an ever-expanding Blu-ray slate and new technological-advancements in bonus feature materials, all which guarantee a superior high-definition home entertainment experience. “This is an exciting time for Disney as we not only announce the release of our first Platinum Disney animated classic on Blu-ray with Sleeping Beauty, but also allow consumers to create an entirely new home entertainment experience with stunning new bonus features and amazing interactive capabilities like never before seen,” stated Bob Chapek, President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. For the first time… Read more »
Faced with a protracted sales slump, record labels are now tapping into the tween scene, after Walt Disney Co. has become the unlikely hitmaker of the year with chart toppers like “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical.” “A lot of entertainment companies are trying to figure out how to replicate Disney’s formula and crack the tween code since it’s one of the market’s few sweet spots,” said entertainment lawyer Fred Goldring. After mostly ignoring tweens, kids aged 6 to 12, music labels from Sony BMG Music to Warner Music Group and EMI Group Plc are now signing or distributing tween… Read more »
Hong Kong – Stanley Cheung has been named Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company (China), it was announced today by Andy Bird, President, Walt Disney International. In this capacity, Mr. Cheung will be responsible for driving the company’s strategy, coordinating all of Disney’s business efforts in China, including overseeing Disney’s global brands in the market, expanding existing businesses and seeking out new business opportunities. With Mr. Cheung’s appointment, Disney will now have its existing businesses in China managed locally, with all business segments reporting into Mr. Cheung, as well as their respective business units. Mr. Cheung will be based in… Read more »
BURBANK, Calif. – Walt Disney Records honors one of the most celebrated and successful soundtracks of all time with the 40th anniversary release of the Mary Poppins 2-Disc Special Edition Soundtrack on November 16, 2004. The Mary Poppins collection features over 2 1/2 hours of content, including 13 never-before-released tracks, bonus interviews and commentary, a collectible 40-page booklet and a link to a sneak peek into the making of the new Mary Poppins stage musical. This must-have CD set compliments the fully restored and remastered Mary Poppins 40th Anniversary Edition DVD, available just in time for the holiday season on… Read more »
U.S. entertainment giant Walt Disney Co said Tuesday it was not liable in a dispute with South African lawyers over the copyright to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – one of Africa’s most famous tunes. Lawyers for the family of the song’s original composer, Zulu migrant worker Solomon Linda, are suing Walt Disney in South Africa for infringement of copyright to the song, which has earned an estimated $15 million since it was written in 1939. The song, originally called “Mbube,” has been recorded by at least 150 artists around the world and features in Disney’s “Lion King” on film and… Read more »
Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik is still enjoying a Top Ten hit with his song “I’m Still Here (Jim’s Theme)” from the Disney animated film Treasure Planet. The singer-guitarist says the side project song has caused no rift of any kind between himself and the other band members. “I pretty much do what I want in my band and without my band,” Rzeznik said. “I just wanted to go out and play with some different musicians. I mean, we’ve been together for 16 years, it’s like I wanted to get out of the house for a couple of days,… Read more »
Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios today announced that Lucasfilm Ltd. has created an exclusive teaser trailer for “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” that will only appear at the head of the new animated Disney/Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” The film will be released in theaters nationwide on November 2nd. George Lucas commented, “I have great respect for Pixar and deep admiration for John Lasseter and his team. I’m thrilled to be able to show audiences their first glimpse of ‘Episode II’ with ‘Monsters, Inc.’ It gives me an immense sense of pride to see our… Read more »
XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. yesterday reported financial and operating results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2001. During the quarter, XM Radio achieved several critical milestones including successfully launching its second satellite, “Roll,” signing programming deals with leading brand names including MTV, VH1, CNBC, and CNET, and launching a redesigned website in preparation for commercial launch planned for late this summer. With all that activity, and not a single paying subscriber, it stands to reason that the company suffered losses in consolidated operating loss (EBIT), consolidated net losses, and consolidated net loss available to common shareholders. For the… Read more »
ABC kicks off the summer with a blast, when the “Walt Disney World Summer Jam Concert” will air on Sunday, June 10, 2001, at 7 p.m. Scheduled to perform are the Baha Men, BBMak, Dream, Shaggy, and Sugar Ray. This year’s “Summer Jam” comes from three Disney spots; Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, onboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship in the Bahamas, and from Disney’s newest theme park, Disney’s California Adventure. From Walt Disney World Resort in Florida: Baha Men, Shaggy, and Sugar Ray. From Disney’s California Adventure in Southern California: BBMak Onboard the Disney Wonder in the Bahamas:… Read more »
