News & Press Releases

“Muppets Most Wanted” Soundtrack to Make Mayhem March 18

Published

9 years ago

February 28, 2014

Walt Disney Records' Release to Feature Vocals by Kermit the Frog, Ricky Gervais,
Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Miss Piggy, Josh Groban, Constantine, Celine Dion and More

BURBANK, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2014) – The Muppets are back on the big screen with the all-new caper "Muppets Most Wanted," creating the musical mayhem that's made them fan favorites for almost four decades. With songs by Bret McKenzie, who won an Oscar® for the original song "Man or Muppet" in 2011's "The Muppets," and a score by Christophe Beck, who's behind the scores of Disney's Oscar-winning short "Paperman" and the Golden Globe®-winning, Oscar-nominated hit "Frozen," the soundtrack features all-star vocalists, including Kermit the Frog, Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Miss Piggy, Josh Groban, Constantine and Celine Dion. Walt Disney Records will release the "Muppets Most Wanted" soundtrack March 18, three days before the movie hits theaters.

"The 'Muppets Most Wanted' soundtrack is some of the best music by a frog, pig, bear, chickens, penguins and a-uh, whatever-ever recorded," said Kermit the Frog. "It's like going on tour with the Muppets, but without the messy cleanup afterwards."

According to McKenzie, who wrote songs for the Muppets' last big-screen adventure, the songs are true to the Muppets' musical reputation: they're packed with puns, punch lines and Muppets mayhem. "All of the songs are quite story specific," he said. "They're very character driven.

"'I'm Number One' is about the bad frog Constantine being the number one criminal and his sidekick Dominic, played by Ricky Gervais, being number two," McKenzie continued. "It's a power struggle, a classic rivalry song in a style that could be performed in a cabaret venue. A lot of the old Muppets songs are like that-show pieces."

The soundtrack features a host of show pieces, including the fully orchestrated "We're Doing a Sequel," with special appearances by Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, along with the whole Muppets gang, and "Something So Right," a ballad written for Miss Piggy and celebrated performer Celine Dion. "Miss Piggy is wonderful," said Dion. "She's so charming and sensitive and filled with passion. She has a big heart and it was wonderful to sing with her." "I was magnifique," added Miss Piggy, "With a little help from moi, I think Celine may have a big future in singing."

The soundtrack also includes "Interrogation Song," featuring Ty Burrell, Sam Eagle and the Muppets. It's what McKenzie calls "a conversation put to music," and actually started out as dialogue from the film. Additionally, Tina Fey, who plays feisty prison guard Nadya, takes center stage-complete with Russian accent-with the renowned Josh Groban in "The Big House."

The "Muppets Most Wanted" soundtrack features 20 tracks-including 12 new recordings-plus five bonus tracks. Also featured is score by Beck, who incorporated styles from around the world in a nod to the international locales the Muppets visit in the film. "This score was incredibly fun to write," said Beck. "With characters spread across the world, there was opportunity after opportunity to explore many musical styles and settings."

Beck introduced several character themes-Constantine has a Slavic theme, for example, and Kermit and Miss Piggy are accompanied by a love theme (of course) that is an extension of music from "The Muppets." An 80-piece orchestra was sprinkled with unique instruments, including a banjo, Spanish guitar and a Russian Balalaika. "The real fun was the 20-person Russian male chorus, which is heavily featured," said Beck.

Following is the final track list for Walt Disney Record's "Muppets Most Wanted" soundtrack. Preorder is now available at both iTunes (http://smarturl.it/mmwa1) and Amazon (The Muppets Most Wanted
).

1. "They've Ordered a Sequel"* Walter, Statler and Waldorf
2. We're Doing a Sequel The Muppets with Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett
3. "My Name First_ _ _ Your Name"* Constantine and Ricky Gervais
4. "I'm Number One" Constantine and Ricky Gervais
5. "The Casa Grande"* Kermit, Tina Fey, Jemaine Clement, Danny Trejo and Ray Liotta
6. "The Big House Tina Fey with Josh Groban
7. "Stick with Me"* Constantine and Miss Piggy
8. "I'll Get You What You Want" (Cockatoo in Malibu) Constantine
9. "The Muppet Show Theme" Los Muppets
10. "Answer Some Questions"* Ty Burrell
11. Interrogation Song Ty Burrell, Sam Eagle and The Muppets
12. "Oh Foo Foo, It's Always Been a Fight"* Miss Piggy and Foo Foo
13. "Something So Right" Miss Piggy, Kermit, Celine Dion and The Muppets
14. "We're Goin' Underground"* Kermit
15. "Working in the Coal Mine" Jemaine Clement
16. "The Gulag Finale"* Kermit
17. "Together Again" The Muppets with Josh Groban
18. "Moves Like Jagger" Scooter and the Penguins featuring Pepé the King Prawn
19. "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Remix) Miss Piggy and The Flamingos
20. "Muppets Most Wanted Score Suite" Christophe Beck

BONUS TRACKS:
1.    "We're Doing a Sequel" Demo Bret McKenzie
2.    "The Big House" Demo Bret McKenzie
3.    "What You Want" Outtake Bret McKenzie
4.    "I'll Get You What You Want" (Cockatoo in Malibu) Demo Bret McKenzie
5.    "Something So Right" Demo Bret McKenzie

* Dialog Track

News & Press Releases

Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser

Published

3 weeks ago

May 4, 2023

Jim Hill

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.

News & Press Releases

Disney’s New Trailer Reveals How Ralph & Vanellope Get to the Internet in “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2”

Published

5 years ago

June 4, 2018

Jim Hill

When “Wreck-It Ralph” opened on Nov. 2, 2012, it turned in the highest opening weekend ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film at the time of release. Now Disney is hoping Ralph will not only break the Internet but the 2018 Thanksgiving boxoffice records as well.

The film re-teams the original director, producer and co-writer behind “Wreck-It Ralph.” The screenplay is currently being written by Phil Johnston and Pamela Ribon. Director Rich Moore, producer Clark Spencer, and co-writer Phil Johnston partnered with fellow director Byron Howard and co-writer/co-director Jared Bush to create the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster feature “Zootopia.”

ROYAL REUNION – In “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2,” Vanellope von Schweetz-along with her best friend Ralph-ventures into the uncharted world of the internet. When she finds herself surrounded by Disney princesses, she’s surprised to learn that she actually has a lot in common with them. The scene, highlighted in a new trailer for the film (below), features several of the original princess voices, including Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana”), Kristen Bell (Anna in “Frozen”), Idina Menzel (Elsa in “Frozen”), Kelly MacDonald (Merida in “Brave”), Mandy Moore (Rapunzel in “Tangled”), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog”), Ming-Na Wen (“Mulan”), Irene Bedard (“Pocahontas”), Linda Larkin (Jasmine in “Aladdin”), Paige O’Hara (Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”) and Jodi Benson (Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”). Featuring Sarah Silverman as the voice of Vanellope, “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2” opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 21, 2018.

“RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: WRECK-IT RALPH 2”

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS

https://disney.com/ralphbreakstheinternet

https://www.youtube.com/user/disneyanimation

https://www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph/

https://twitter.com/wreckitralph

https://www.instagram.com/wreckitralph/

U.S. Release Date: Nov. 21, 2018

Voice cast: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Taraji P. Henson, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk

Directors: Rich Moore, Phil Johnston

Producer: Clark Spencer

Film & Movies

Marvel Fans: See Props, Costumes, New Games, Exclusive Content and More at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2017 in Anaheim

Published

6 years ago

May 22, 2017

Jim Hill

MARVEL ANNOUNCES EPIC EXPERIENCES FOR FANS AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO 2017 IN ANAHEIM, JULY 14-16

BURBANK, Calif. (June 1, 2017) – Marvel will make its way to D23 Expo’s show floor from July 14-16 with an exciting look at its upcoming film titles in the Marvel Studios Pavilion, featuring an array of props and costumes from the Studios’ upcoming slate, including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, and more.

In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, in theaters November 2017, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok-the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization-at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela., played by Cate Blanchette.

But first he must survive the Grandmaster’s gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger-the Incredible Hulk.

Fans will get an up-close look at the costumes and props from this highly anticipated movie as well as photo opportunities with exclusive set pieces from the film.

The incredible costumes from Black Panther will also be on display.

Black Panther follows the journey of T’Challa after the events of Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War,where he returns to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader.

In addition to the exciting props and costumes on display, Marvel Studios will host multiple giveaways and events within its pavilion space in Hall B.

Fans will get the chance to meet with Marvel Studios’ filmmakers, development team, and talent. Exclusive artwork will be given away daily, along with other surprises. Details on talent appearances and special signings will be made available on the D23 Expo app.

Fans will also be able to enjoy all-new console and mobile Marvel Games, plus incredible exclusive content and announcements throughout the weekend!

For the first time at D23 Expo, guests will be able to get their hands on the hottest new console and mobile games featuring favorite Marvel Super Heroes, playing as the world-famous Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man, and more!

LEGO^®Marvel Super Heroes 2 is an all-new, original adventure and sequel to the smash hit LEGO^®Marvel Super Heroes.Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, along with signature LEGO humor,the latest epic adventure from TT Games transports players into a cosmic battle across myriad Marvel locations ripped from time and space into the incredible open hub world of Chronopolis.

Adding to the infinite excitement of D23 Expo, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will offer attendees hands-on opportunities with the next era of the highly revered action-fighting game series.

Marvel and Capcom universes collide like never before as iconic characters team up for action-packed player-versus-player combat.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite features a variety of exciting and accessible single-player modes and rich multi-player content for new players and longtime fans alike and will be released on September 19, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Gazillion will offer a chance to play Marvel Heroes Omega and win fantastic prizes.

Marvel Heroes Omega combines the core gameplay style of Action-RPGs and MMOs with an expansive library of heroes from the Marvel Universe. With thousands of hours of character progression and rewards,Marvel Heroes Omegacomes packed with tons of replay value and a steady stream of new challenges with regular updates.

Netmarble is bringing its best to D23 Expo with MARVEL: Future Fight.

Featuring 120 Marvel Super Heroes to choose from, players create teams of their favorites to fight for their future. D23 Expo attendees can try their hand at saving the universe.

Marvel Puzzle Quest is where the best in match-3 puzzle gameplay meets Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes and Super Villains in the most epic puzzle adventure game available on your phone, tablet, and PC.

Marvel Puzzle Questcombines favorite Marvel characters with deep RPG leveling, player-versus-player tournaments, Alliances, and much more. Guests can unleash their inner Super Hero and wage war against their enemies. Learn more atwww.marvelpuzzlequest.com.

Marvel will present incredible panels during D23 Expo, including the fan-favorite Cup o’ Joe on Friday, July 14, at 1:15 p.m. in the D23 Expo Arena, featuring Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, Joe Quesada, in a no-holds-barred panel of everything Marvel!

That same day at 6 p.m. on Stage 28, Marvel Animation presents a surprise-filled panel of sneak peeks, special guests, exclusive footage, and big announcements about the future of Marvel Animation on Stage 28. Details will be available on the D23 Expo app.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 forchildren 3-9. Membersof D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3-9. Multi-day tickets are also available.

For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.