News & Press Releases
Disney’s D23: Acclaimed director Joe Johnston joins the 20th anniversary celebration of ‘The Rocketeer’ June 21st
DIRECTOR JOE JOHNSTON JOINS BILL CAMPBELL, KEVIN SMITH AND MANY MORE
FOR D23'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE ROCKETEER
AT THE HISTORIC EL CAPITAN THEATRE IN HOLLYWOOD, JUNE 21, 2011
Tickets On Sale Now at www.elcapitantickets.com or at (818)
845-3110
Event to Also Feature First-Ever Digital Projection of Newly
Restored Feature Film, Rocketeer 20th Anniversary Collectibles and
Film Exhibit
BURBANK, CA, June 8, 2011 – Acclaimed director Joe Johnston
joins an out-of-this-world panel as D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the 20th
anniversary of The Rocketeer.
Johnston, whose work for Disney includes The
Rocketeer, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Hildalgo,
also helms this summer's highly anticipated Captain
America: The First Avenger. He joins the Rocketeer himself, actor Bill Campbell, make-up
designer Rick Baker, screenwriters Danny
Bilson and Paul De Meo and renowned illustrator William Stout
to honor this Disney film favorite.* Writer/producer/director Kevin Smith –
whose film credits include Clerks,
Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma – will
host the panel, which also includes rare film footage and photos, immediately
before a special screening of the film on June 21, 2011, at the legendary El
Capitan Theatre, where the film premiered two decades ago.
The evening celebration includes the
first-ever, public presentation of the new, digitally remastered and projected version of The Rocketeer. All audience members will receive a complimentary Rocketeer 20th anniversary program and D23 Members and their guests
will receive a special commemorative Rocketeer
gift.
Following the screening, the celebration
moves to the Hollywood Museum, located in the nearby historic Max Factor
building, where guests are invited to explore four floors of movie memories and
exhibits highlighted by a special presentation of props and costumes from The Rocketeer, curated exclusively for
this event by the Walt Disney Archives
Rocketeer
fans
will also have access to a selection of commemorative and limited-edition Rocketeer merchandise and collectibles,
available for purchase from D23 and event co-sponsor, Creature Features. Merchandise
includes Bulldog Cafe coffee mugs and T-shirts, Rocketeer black light and 20th anniversary posters, assorted
commemorative T-shirts and pins, Hughes Industries giclee prints, and the limited
edition Cirrus X-3 double pin set (packaged inside a miniature replica of the Hughes Industries
1939 New York World's Fair prop folder used by Howard Hughes – actor Terry O'
Quinn – in the film). A highlight of the merchandise offerings is the
highly detailed Bull Dog Cafe
Art Directors Model, limited to an edition size of only 23.
The
Rocketeer follows the adventures of stunt pilot Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell) who
discovers a stolen rocket pack and sets off on a series of heroic (and
sometimes hilarious) adventures that attract the attention of Howard Hughes,
the FBI, gangsters, a band of Nazis and one aspiring actress, namely Cliff's
girlfriend Jenny (Oscar® winner Jennifer Connolly). Directed by Johnston, the
film also stars Terry O'Quinn, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton and Paul
Sorvino. Check out the trailer at: http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/062111.EE.EVENT_Rocketeer.html
Tickets are on sale now to both the general public and D23 Members online
at www.elcapitantickets.com or by calling (818) 845-3110. Event ticket
cost is $50 per person. Event check-in begins at 6:45 p.m. at the El Capitan
Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd; panel and screening begins at 7:30 p.m. The Walt
Disney Archives exhibit will follow the screening from 9:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
at the Hollywood Museum located at 1660 N. Highland Ave.
About D23
The name "D23" pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began
in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is
the first official community for fans in Disney's 88-year history. D23
gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing
them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney
twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a new
collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for
D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim,
California, August 19-21, 2011.
Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all
Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland
Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To
keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us "DisneyD23" at Twitter
and on Facebook.
About
Creature Features
The name Creature Features has served the
creators and collectors of science fiction, fantasy and horror as one of the
film and TV industry's most comprehensive resources of memorabilia for over 30
years. Owned and operated by Taylor White, this popular institution offers a
vast array of genre-themed artifacts through its retail gallery in Sierra
Madre, CA while also sponsoring film screenings, publishing books, producing
classic soundtracks on CD and hosting a series of popular art gallery exhibits
throughout Los Angeles. The company's
presence can also be seen at numerous conventions, including Monsterpalooza,
Comic-Con International and WonderFest. For more information: www.creaturefeatures.com.
*Talent subject to availability.
News & Press Releases
New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More
Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.
If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.
And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.
A New Chapter on Patreon
As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.
Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].
[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other
Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.
It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.
But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.
Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.
The History of the Pixar Place Hotel
Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.
Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.
This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.
Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast
Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.
But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”
This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.
Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast
And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.
Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”
A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media
Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.
A huge thank you for being part of our journey.
News & Press Releases
Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024
Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More
Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!
Highlightswill include:
- Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game.
- Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
- Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.
Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.
You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
News & Press Releases
Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser
Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”
Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.
We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.
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