onsdag 27. desember 2023

Disney 100 Years of Wonder: A Summary of All the Events of the Centennial Celebration of The House of Mouse

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

 
 
 
We`re celebrating that we still look young after 100 years :) Can you imagine? :)


 
 
 
We`re the Mouse-versions of
The Steadfast Tin Soldier :)

Last year, 2023, has marked a significant year for Disney. It`s been the year where the Company has celebrated it`s 100th Anniversary. Which technically means that Disney has been around before most of us were born. It`s incredible to think that the company has lasted so long. Regardless of what could`ve been ever said about Disney: All their criticisms, scrutinies and corporation, there`s no denial that Disney has been a part of most peoples lives in one way or another. Regardless of my own personal bias and affection of Disney, there`s no denial that Disney has gained a huge fanbase all around the World. From children to adults, who still loves the company for their TV shorts and movies. Of course Disney has evolved as a company throughout the years. 
This is from the White
Chocolate Factory :)

And sure, there`s a clear difference between the timelines from Disney, especially from Walt`s period to his post-death period. And of course there are some purists who always has their personal bias of which Disney period is the best one. But there`s no doubt that Disney has reached many people through many generations and will continue to do so through many generations more. And despite how Disney is after all a corporate company, there`s no denial that the company is overall a wonderful one. They`ve been labeled for their sheer magic, but also for delivering many wonderful moments through movies, shorts and cartoon series that will last for many years to come. Which is why the term classic has applied to Disney due to how their movies have lived on forever through various generations. 














The Purpose of This Entry

Come, come, Come Into My
World...
Right, Kylie? :)
However, since Disney has reached it`s 100th Anniversary, it would`ve been awfully tempting to make this entry about Disney`s long and rich history. But that would`ve taken many entries on their own rights. But since Disney has decided to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary through many forms, I`ve decided to rather have this entry being about all the different events Disney has made this year. And yes, this entry will be about the new exhibitions and exhibits the company has released. And not the events at the Disney Parks.














Disney 100: The Exhibition

I wanted to show that Mickey
is not the only one who has
four fingers! :)

The first and most well-known event is Disney 100: The Exhbition. This vast exhibition shows various elements of the Walt Disney Archives for over 100 years. Of various objects from jewelry to rarely-seen artworks, artifacts, costumes, props, and other merchandise. It also features behind-the-scene glimpses of the creation of characters, films, TV shows, and attractions from Disneyland to the Walt Disney World Resort, along with some Disney Parks attraction vehicles, as from Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan`s Flight. And it shows most movies from the Disney Pantheon, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World, as well as Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic.
I wanted to upstage the
screens :) This is what stardom
does to ya :)

Composed of 10 themed galleries, 4 interactive installations and over 250 pieces of art, props and costumes. And also it`s spotlight audio-animatronics technology developed by the Imagineers. Alongside with many video stations where you could see behind the scenes or informative videos of some characters or movies. Made by the Walt Disney Archives with Semmel Exhibitions and StudioTK Berlin, it`s the largest exhibtion the Disney Archives has ever done. However, it was a deliberate choice to not show the whole history of Disney chronologically (with the exception of the first part of the gallery), for the sake of the kids. The Exhibition first opened in The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in February 18. And was also in Chicago (since Walt was born there). But has also been two places in Europe (both in Munich, Germany and London, U.K.). 
Parents would`ve loved to be
here :)

When Disney archivist Becky Cline planned the exhibition five years ago, she knew exactly where to start: By resurrecting Walt, as she wanted him to host the exhibition. Cline worked with Industrial Light & Magic to create something that hadn`t been done before: Disney MagicStage. Half-hologram, half a strange sort of layered cinema screen, Walt appears lifesize before exhibition-goers in a cloud of fairy dust. His speech is a combination of two historical recordings and his body is made from AI-enhanced footage from the 1960s. There are also merchandise available at the end of the exhibition. The exhibit has received rave reviews for its ambition and its scale. And having personally had the privilege to visit it earlier this year, it was nothing but wonderful and specatcular. And apparently it will continue to tour around the world until 2028.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




 
Immersive Disney Animation Experience
 
This is how you narrate
without a Princess :)

Another similar event has been Immersive Disney Animation Experience. Produced by Lighthouse Immersive (who also made Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition) with Walt Disney Animation Studios. A combination of art exhibit and movie theater, it includes various Disney titles from Snow White to Encanto, while using projection mapping to create a 360-degree experience. 
I know that I`m not an
ornament, but I wanted to be
one :) Don`t ask me how :)

The exhibit has 50 digital projectors to make some Disney moments large via projection mapping on the walls, floors and ceiling of the 500,000-cubic-foot gallery in the Heights. The colorfully lit room is lined with floor-to-ceiling screens capturing every detail in the clips shown, while Disney songs play overhead. Upon entering, the room is set in a castle entrance, with a storybook on a podium. The book opens to tell the story of classic Disney movies. The floor changes color, pattern and themes. And bubbles are blown over your head at times. The experience is bookended with interactive exhibits and other material in an extensive preview space that highlights Disney’s famed artists and the process of creating animated films. Before entering, visitors can learn how to sketch a Disney character, grab refreshments or shop at the store with Disney merchandise.
For once it`s all about me, The
Queen. And not Snow White ;)

The combined experience will last between 60 and 90 minutes. Disney
Animation has also created some new animation for the Experience. Audiences will don a wristband by entering, similar to those used in Disney theme parks, that will trigger many interactive experiences. The Experience has been met with overwhelming acclaim in the cities it`s been so far. Opening in Toronto in December 2022, the Experience has toured in the United States and Canada, but also in Japan, Mexico and Singapore. Whether it will be in new places, time will tell.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disney Wonder of Friendship
 
We`re lighted by a rainbow :)
A third and more exclusive event has been Disney`s Wonder of Friendship. While not being an exact same exhibition as the previous two experiences, this 1000m2 exhibit was somewhat an interactive experience of stepping into the worlds of The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Lilo & Stitch and Mickey Mouse and friends. Despite how the audience could never meet  the characters, at least it showed clips of their movies through TV screens. However, the worlds were not without their perks, as Alice had it`s own smokey room, Stitch had it`s surfing and Lion King had it`s semi-playground
This is a store for Disney TV`s
only :) By Disney Channel :)

The only world who was somewhat an exhibition are the world of Mickey, as there were some information and pictures around his history, as well as with his gang. And a lightning-like finale at the end. As the title said, the theme of the experience is friendship. And unlike the 100th Exhibition, there were guides who guided through the whole exhibit. But unlike the Exhibition, Friendship only lasted for a limited time and you couldn`t stay a whole day. And scanning some icons on snapchat could lead into fun surprises. However, the experience was only been present in Europe, The experience opened in London in May 2023, before moving on to Berlin, Paris and Madrid (in September 2023). But unlike 100th Exhibition, it was just for a couple of weeks on each location. And having the pleasure to experience this exhibit, I must say that I enjoyed it, despite how it was unfortunately more rushed than the Exhibtion.
















Disney 100 in Concert

Another event who`s not been a particular departure from it`s counterparts, but distinctive on it`s own right, was Disney 100 in Concert. This two and a half hour show from the Hollywood Sound Orchestra was set to movie clips on a giant screen. The concert was not only orchestral, but also with many singers performing and a local host in each country. By conductor Willhelm Keitel and singers with considerable experience on Broadway and the West End: Bessy Ewa, Charlie Burn, Earl Carpenter, Cleve September, Roberta Valentini, Georgina Hagen, Richard-Salvador Wolff, Tobias Joch and Masengu Kanyinda. Of course the concer included both Star Wars and Marvel (but surprisingly enough not so much Pixar). However, while showing a brief medley of Walt`s history and his early catalog, songs mostly from the Renaissance were performed. And also from the Revival. And to give some magic to the experience, balloons and lightnings were also shown.
The concert also had a friendship segment towards the end of the second half, with a camera on the stage zooming on the audience members, to Toy Story`s You’ve Got a Friend In Me. While Frozen has of course been a part of this show, unsurprisingly, The Lion King ended the whole concert (with a little part of Mary Poppins). The tour began in Germany in April 13, 2023 and it continues to tour Europe throughout 2023. And while it`s not been the only official Disney concert this year, it`s certainly been the most announced. And unlike the two former events which I`ve attented, the concert was something that I had the privilege to experience in my Native Norway.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
Once Upon a Studio

This exhibition should`ve been
larger. But we could only
afford a certain amount of
characters. For salary :)

But perhaps a true celebration of the Legacy of the Disney Company has been Once Upon a Studio. It`s been a deliberate mashup of most of the Disney characters from the Disney Universe. While compilations of characters has been done before at Disney, it`s never been done in such a way as a short. This eight minute short is a gathering of all the Disney characters, taking a huge photo in front of the Disney studio. Of course the whole assemble is led by Mickey and his gang. And remarkably enough, it is a showcase of the two animated mediums, Hand Drawn Animation and CGI. Directors Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, who also made Frozen`s Once Upon a Snowman, were brainstorming for eight months for the narrative (which was initially about Disneyland rides coming to life)Yvett Merino (Encanto) is the producer The score is by Dave Metzger (Wish).
Yes, my belly is able to break
ya :)

Dedicated to the late Burny Mattinson (who also appears in the short). 40 voice actors were brought back to record. Eric Goldberg (Pocahontas, Genie in Aladdin) animated the Hand Drawn segments, alongside with Mark Henn, Randy Haycock, Alex Kuperschmidt, James Baxter, Ruben Aquino, Tony Bancroft, Nik Ranieri and Will Finn. And the animation was original and nothing recycled. Disney got permission from the Robin Williams estate to use unused audio of Genie. There's more than 543 characters in Studio, as the crew wanted everybody, but it wasn`t possible. Even characters from two of the most underrated of the Renaissance, Pocahontas and Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, are allowed to sing in Studio. But remarkably enough, no Pixar characters were featured in the short. The Hand Drawn style was done in a way that looked like the universe from the characters. And Richard Sherman performed Feed the Birds and suggested it to be recorded at Walt`s office
I got so tired of playing all day
long, so I had to rest :)

The production began in 2021The studio handled a budget unlike anything for a short. Which was a daunting task for the directors, who honestly thought it was never going to be made. It was challenging to integrate the animation with the live-action background plates. They scanned the room and environment to collect digital data, so they could rebuild the room virtually. The directors met in secret. Studio was meant to be released with Wish, but it was shelved following its broadcast on ABC and on Disney+. Studio premiered in Annecy in June 2023. It received 2.57 million total viewers in 1.736 million households. Its premiere on Disney Channel on received 0.349 million viewers. And of course the short is nothing but enchanting and delightful.















Epilogue

They made the number zero
like the letter o. So we could
fit in :)

At the end, it`s amazing and astonishing to think that Disney has lasted so long as 100 years. And it`s remarkable to think that Disney existed long before most of us were born. But at the end, it`s nice that Disney has even had all these events and celebrations to celebrate their Centennial Anniversary. And it`s nice that they`ve given their audience and long time Disney fans (like myself) a chance to be a part of these activities.
And since it`s so old, the
color chosen for this was
grey :)

Despite how it`s somewhat an irony that this Centennial celebration has happened in a year where most of the movies Disney has released theatrically have underperformed this date. While it`s a pity that these activities are only for a limited time to celebrate their Centennial Anniversary, there`s no doubt that Disney will live on forever and be a part of many children and people`s lives for the years to come. And yes, it means that Disney will hopefully be around 100 more years to come and even more, no matter what people say about Disney and what Legacy is going to bring,. Still, considering that this year has been the Centennial Anniversary after all, there`s nothing left to wish Disney Happy 100th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more.





At least it`s not a portal to the world of Narnia :)





References:
Disney 100 The Exhibition Book
Disney Celebrates 100 (Hollywood Spotlight Collector`s Issue Magazine)

onsdag 29. november 2023

"Wish" - The New Centennial, Non-Princess Disney Musical Who Brings the Origins of the Disney Icon of a Star

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

 
 
 
 
At least the tagline isn`t copyrighted The Pussycat Dolls anymore :)

 
 
 
 
Yes, you make me look
stupid, Star :)

Regarding which timeline Disney is in now, it`s interesting to wonder if Disney has actually left the Revival era and has now entered a new era. However, the Revival era has been interesting to examinate for many reasons. It was the time where Disney decided to reintroduce Hand Drawn Animation again with The Princess and the Frog and the much less hyped Winnie the Pooh. With limited success. However, regardless of how the former wasn`t the comeback for hand drawn animation, the Revival era has still milked something that Disney has been synonymous with for many years: The Princesses. In fact, there`s hardly been a time where Disney has launched so many Princesses than the Revival era. And sure, it could be easily assumed that it`s due to the success of the Princess Franchise. 
Yes, I`m (Magnifico)
just a mirage :)
Otherwise you`ve
would`ve seen the rest of
my body :)

But the reputation of the Princess stigma is nothing but a sheer irony, as The Princess and the Frog made both Disney and the audience believe that audiences steered away from it cause it had the word "Princess" in it. And therefore desperately renamed Rapunzel to Tangled. It also fueled the vague rumor that Disney would steer away from movies that starred Princesses (despite how it was just a rumor). But the success of Tangled proved otherwise. However, after Tiana from Frog, Disney would add two more non-White) Princesses with Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon (despite how the latter wasn`t originally announced as Royal). At least Encanto was distinctive enough to center around a (non-White) female musical and not having her be Royal. But after Disney eventually morphed into a very short sequel phase after Moana (which gave us the mandatory Frozen II), we`ve mostly gotten original properties (which is fortunate for Disney purists who loathes the idea of a sequel).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
General Information About Wish

My braids were inspired by
Alicia Keys :)

Being released November 22 in the United States, Wish is essentially the newest entry to Disney`s Pantheon and the 62th Animated Feature in the official Disney Canon list. However, since Disney is after all turning a 100 old this year, it`s existing to serve as a valentine to the Centennial celebration. Helmed by the one half of Tarzan and Frozen`s team, Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn (in her feature directorial debut). And produced by Peter Del Vecho (Treasure Planet, The Princess and the FrogFrozen, Raya and the Last Dragon) and Juan Pablo Reyes. And written by Jennifer Lee (Wreck-It-RalphFrozen) and Allison Moore
At least it`s not 1001
Nights :) Don`t ask
why :)

Wish stars the voices of Ariana DeBose as Asha (West Side Story), Chris Pine as King Magnifico, Disney`s good luck charm Alan Tudyk as Valentino, Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya, Victor Garber as Sabino, Natasha Rothwell as Sakina, Evan Peters as Simon, Harvey Guillén as Gabo, Ramy Youssef as Safi and Jon Rudnitsky as Dario. And while Wish isn`t a throwback to the shortlived trend of renaming the Princess movies to adjective titles (cough, Tangled and Frozen, cough), at least it`s title makes sense and doesn`t feel as contrived and insipid (it came early in production). The scope is Widescreen and the songs are from Julia Michaels (who`s written songs for Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani), who sang in Demi Lovato’s end-credit version of Let It Go and is the youngest songwriter for Disney to date. Dave Metzger (who`s worked on Tarzan, Brother Bear, Moana, Wreck-It-RalphFrozen) is the composer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Components and Trademarks of Both Wish and Asha`s Race
 
Yes, I`m afraid of you :)
Cause you look creepy
with your smile :)
Duuh :)
What`s notable about Wish is that`s it`s essentially Disney`s bread and butter: A Musical starring a Heroine, Asha (who looks like a blend of Pocahontas and Isabela from Encanto, despite how the Pocahontas comparison is nothing but expected). While it would`ve been easy to assume would`ve most likely become a Princess, the truth is that Disney has remarkably enough dared to stray away of making her Royal. Which really is remarkable of having churned Princess after Princess through a whole decade. Despite how it would`ve been highly likely that Asha would`ve joined the Princess franchise after all. As the term Disney Princess has also applied to the heroine archetype, as the Franchise has also included non-Royals (cough, Mulan, cough). However, Asha happens to be notable for being another non-White heroine for Disney (despite that Asha, just like Hiro, is remarkably enough a biracial heroine. As the speculations of her race has been rumored, due to how DeBose is Afro-Latina). At least Asha does essentially something that is semi-new for a Disney Heroine: To work as a guide.
I wanted to pose like
a greek statue :)

While Disney now had three non-White Heroines in a row since Moana, it would`ve been tempting to call this trend woke. However, while most of the Revival films had elements of Woke to them, it`s tempting to call both last years forgotten Strange World and Wish for being the most Woke of all. For blending elements that are purely Woke. And the setting of Wish is as Woke as they come, for making a fictional, Iberian setting (instead of adapting an actual Iberian setting). With an eclectic cast and incorporating a heroine who`s half Northern African (inspired from Amazigh people) and half Iberian (which technically makes Asha the second African heroine after Tiana from Frog. Which makes Wish and Pixar`s Soul all more impressive to adapt African after the backlash of Frog).  
I wanted to look
cross-eyed. At
least somewhat :)
At least both Raya and Encanto were distinctive enough on their own right: The former being an actual Princess movie that dared to not be a musical in the movie. And the latter for having a non-Royal heroine and being a musical. But if we`re going to compare Wish to both of them, Wish should`ve definitively been similar to Encanto, since Asha is a commoner. But despite this, it would be fair to say that Wish is more legitimally inspired by the movies that starred Princesses. Cause let`s face it, that comparison is fair. But while there was a time where Disney wasn`t so stuck with the Princess staple, as they made a feature starring a non-Royal Heroine in the Renaissance (cough, Mulancough), at least Wish was deliberately inspired by the Princess movies. For being a Valentine to Disney`s History.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

The Plot and Premise of Wish

Be glad that you`re not seeing
what`s outside, Pinoke :)
Cause it`s a UFO outside :)

What`s peculiar about Wish is simply the plot. Of how it`s being centered around the origins of a wishing star. While a star has always been an iconic trademark in Disney, as it started with Pinocchio (despite how it`s been present in Disney afterwards, it`s still been used differently). And is something that Disney have also to a degree mocked afterwards (Chicken Little, Lilo & Stitch, The Princess and the Frog), it`s remarkable how Wish is deliberately dedicated to the origins of a wishing star. The idea sounds hackneyed and such a premise may scream meta, since it`s something that would`ve been present in a Disney spoof. But at least the premise of Wish is deliberate, as it was made to honor something that Disney are known for. 
Yes, I (Asha) made you :)
Yay! :)
However, the plot of Wish is essentially the story of Asha, who lives in the ficitional Kingdom of Rosas (in a village called Hamlet). A 17-years old sharp-witted idealist, Asha senses a darkness that no one else does about the kingdom's ruler King Magnifico. She makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force: A little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha, Valentino the goat (the second Disney goat after Djali from The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and Star confront Magnifico. To save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. The timeline for the story is Medieval Times.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

The Villain and the Lack of Love Interest of Wish

Yes, I made it myself :)
Despite that it took too many
hours :)

While Wish is certainly steeped in most of Disney archetypical traditions (a musical with a heroine, cute animal sidekicks), at least it does bring one ancient tradition back. Something that Disney have been lacking lately: A Traditional Villain (Pine was deliberately chosen for his charisma). While Disney have strayed away from them lately, the villains on the Revival era have mostly been twist villains or been misunderstood antagonists. But frankly, the new villains have lacked the appeal and charisma that truly makes a Disney villain great. However, Wish also excludes completely something that has applied to most of the Disney Heroines since Merida from Brave: A love interest. Due to the ongoing scrutiny of the Disney Princesses and despite how they have shown even greater feminist streak, the exclusion of a love interest seems to be a new unwritten norm for Disney Princess feminism. 
Who`s the cutest of us,
Grandpa? :)

While there`s nothing wrong by having single heroines, it would`ve still been an unfortunate pity if the love interest was never brought back. At least Wish has a female friend for a Disney heroine, which is something rare after Nakoma in Pocahontas, Charlotte in Frog and Naamari in Raya (despite how she was a antagonist, she did became a friend to the Princess at last). But at least Dahlia will be disabled (which is a good woke-trend). However, Wish also gives the mandatory trend of giving a Disney heroine a mother (Sakina). Yet it`s still a pity that just as in Frog (and in Quest for Camelot), the heroine is just stuck with a mother, but the late father is the main focus. But at least it does give a Disney heroine a grandfather, which is something new for a Disney feature.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Visual Look
 
Elsa froze the first picture :)
But what makes Wish really stand out from it`s Disney predecessors, is
it`s visual look. It`s certainly more graphic and painterly than the usual CGI look, bringing the thoughts to Paperman and the new Spider-Man animated movies. It was a deliberate choice from the get-go. And frankly, it`s closer to the painterly look that was rumored for Tangled back in 2010. 
This is my mighty pose :)
In fact, while such a look is somewhat invigorating for Disney, it`s still a pity that Disney couldn`t bring the painterly look further even further (no offense). Or have it actually look even more hand drawn than it actually looked. While the crew were initially considering to have the style be completely hand drawn, they still had too many limitations. Michael Giamo (Pocahontas, Frozen) was the art director, alongside with Lisa Keene (Beauty and the BeastLion King, Hunchback, Atlantis The Lost Empire, Frozen).

















The Information About Wish Released To The Public

Even a Disney Heroine can do
her homework :)

As for the information about Wish that has been released to the public prior to it`s release, just as with the Revival movies, the information about Wish has been revealed scattered. While there were some false rumors about Disney adapting The Princess and the Pea for 2022, Wish was finally unveiled at Disney`s D23 Expo in 2022. With a concept art, a display and short footage of animation. DeBose sang the "I Want"-song This Wish (which was called More than Us back then). At least it`s the information for Wish to the public was more than it was for Raya on it`s Expo. Even back then it was implied that Wish was going to feature a villain. In November 2022, the names of Sabino and Queen Amaya were revealed. Star made an appearance in the end credits for Strange World. And Buck teased that there would be a lot of Easter Eggs in the movie. In December 2022, a short article from Total Film Magazine was released.
These parts will form to an
Angel :) Just wait and see :)

In January and April, the list of books was released, as well as the Spanish subtitle for Wish. In April, a still of Magnifico was released. A preview was shown in  CinemaCon in Las Vegas (where it was compared to Encanto). A lucky girl (Jazz Smith) was given the chance to see Wish with DeBose through Good Morning America. The teaser was also released that month, as well as the teaser poster and some new stills. The French subtitle was also revealed, as well as an image of Asha and the Star alongside the upcoming releases for 2023. A tweet about This Wish was also published, praising the song. In May, a new TV spot was leaked, as was the cover of the Art of-book. And some other books, as DeBose gave some words about her character. Some tweets were praising the movie. 
This Kingdom is odd, indeed :)
Don`t ask us why :)

In June, some new
book covers were leaked. A screening was held in Annecy that month, where two songs were shown (where Buck was not present). The two scenes shown were when Asha meets Magnifico and the argument between Asha and her family. Lee also presented the film in Spain, Italy and France in (where the songs were praised). Other book covers were also released. A preview was also shown in New Orleans at the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture. In July, a cover of a puzzle was released (which revealed the first picture of Amaya) and some 2D art of other products. And some concept art, new book covers and character posters. And a submission to work as Asha at Walt Disney World. And the Japanese poster and standee.
In August, a new promotional video was released, alongside with more book covers. And confirmations about production being complete. And another picture of a puzzle and a new shot of Star. And some instagrams about the running time of the movie and some other posters from Sanjay Creates. An Q&A press conference was also held. And some footage in both Mexico and Toronto, Canada was shown. More book covers and some backpacks were revealed. As well as an YouTube-interview with the producers and a TV spot. And some leaks of the names of Lego sets. Wish was also added to the Disney Awards website.
We`re both alpha females,
cause or names begins with
a :)

In September, some artwork was released, as well as a new picture of Asha and Magnifico, a new Spanish interview with Lee. As well as some new book covers and toys (like plush, lego and Mattel dolls). And a new interview with DeVecho. And some pictures of the backpacks. And a announcement of Asha coming to the Disney parks before the release of Wish. Wish was a part of DestinationD23 where Asha appeared and some clips were shown, as well as an clip of Asha and Star. And some book synopsises and puzzles. And some merchandise by other things. And a picture of a calendar. And an article of Entertainment Weekly. And the final trailer (which was the most viewed Disney trailer since Frozen II, at least until the teaser for Inside Out 2 arrived) and the poster and a couple of other articles. And some new official pictures. The last month before the release, a song was unveiled each Wedensday on YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital service providers. Asha also appeared in Once Upon a Studio alongside Snow White and Mulan.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 


Behind the Scenes Information

This is what the Dwarfs
cottage should`ve looked
like :)
The desire for Wish was having it to be a valentine to Disney: To
symbolize what the company stands for. Production began in 2018. The idea came from directors Buck and Lee, despite how he wasn`t originally the directorLee was originally too busy to write the film, but still wrote it. And yes, Disney have been marketing as it`s first original fairy tale, as it was a deliberate chocie to make something original. Asha`s motivational goals were inspired by Malala Yousafazai, Greta Thunberg and Amanda Gorman. The wishing tree was inspired from Walt`s own dreaming tree from Marceline, Missouri. And a tree in Burbank where people made their wishes (as Asha`s town wrote their wishes on cloths to the Wishing Tree).  
Your taking your first flying
step :) I`m so proud of you,
son :)

This Wish was written before the team had settled on a story. Bringing the objects to life on Magnifico`s desk was a nod to The Sorcerer`s Apprentice in Fantasia. Valentino himself was created by Buck. Just as with Frozen,
Michaels ideas made Lee to rewrite some of the script around the ideas that Michaels brought to the table. When imagining Asha’s abode, Keene took inspiration from Gustaf Tenngren and Kay Nielsen. People wanted a complex villain on test screenings, so therefore Magnifico has his motivations.
I wish I could fly out in the
blue
:)

Rosas was inspired by Pinocchio`s village, but also by Romanesque architecture. And Mudéjar art. Rosas was inspired by Alhambra de Granada, la Mezquita de Córdoba o el Real Alcázar de Sevilla from SpainThe Medieval setting was chosen due to how it was before people started to tell fairytales and supposed to explain how fairytales and wishing upon a star came to be. Originally Star had a human form, changed shape and could talk. But he worked better in pantomime. But Star was the character who took longest time to create. Originally Star was limitless and he didn`t worked. His final design embodied 1920`s sensibility. Star`s appearance was inspired by Peter Pan and Mickey Mouse. And he was originally  going to represent Sabino in younger form (as Sabino would pass away in an earlier version).
At least it looks better than
any mystical bayou :)

The look of Hamlet was inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And was deliberately muted to make it look safe, as opposed to Rosas, who were lit to make it look the opposite. Originally it was going to be a hiding place for Asha and her friends. It`s look was going to be more realistic. The beech forest was inspired from a cooler climate than Spain. Torre del Oro in Seville was an inspiration for Magnifico`s castle. Purple was chosen for Asha, as it`s a cultural code of hope. Her shoes were inspired by Princess Diana`s shoes. And unlike recent Disney releases (who were headed straight to Disney Plus), Wish will have a long run at theaters. It`s production budget is $200 million.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Epilogue

At the end, Wish is essentially another entry to Disney`s evergrowing library of movies. And sure, since it`s steeped in Disney`s everlasting, arcetypical traditions of a heroine and a musical (yes, for once we can skip the Princess debate, shall we?), it`s surely to be both compared to it`s Fairy Tale Predecessors. And yes, it`s fair to say that the expectations to it have been very high. The most exciting thing about it if it`s going to be a success. Considering that the post-John Lasseter era have failed commercially in Theaters (for three theories: The Pandemic, streaming and the issue of how original properties doesn`t attract moviegoers anymore), it`s exciting if it`s going to be a success. However, considering how Wish is essentially a Centennial film and celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Disney, it has a lot of weight on it`s shoulders, anyways. 
However, while some pre-screenings of Wish were praising it, the final reception from critics has been lukewarm. Many of the reviews have trashed the film, criticizing it for being too soulless and lacking the magic of Disney. However, the final consensus of audiences have been mixed as well. Still, to summarize how Wish has done commercially so far, ticket sales fell short of expectations with a weak $19.5 million over the traditional weekend and $31.7 million over the five days. And it tumbled to third place behind Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. It was meant to earn $35 million over the traditional weekend and $45 million to $50 million in its first five days of release. And it’s a far cry from Disney’s previous Thanksgiving releases. Wish also added $17.3 million at the international box office, opening in just 27 markets (about 40% of its eventual overseas footprint), bringing its global tally to $49 million. However, since Wish has recently been released, let`s hope that it will have a better reception in the future...
 


 
 
I`m (Star) a junior version of Baymax :) Just a burning one :)

 
 
 
 
References:
The Art of Wish Book (Stephen Rebello, Kimmer Baughman)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11304740/reviews?ref_=tt_urv