Hey folks, Moo Cow is signing in with yet another fine fine piece of catching us all up with the latest clockwork mechanisms within the Disney Empire... This time concerning the quirky cool world of NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS... Read on and get excited... I am... I love this film...
Harry--
Moo Cow here. Regarding that "Nightmare" piece you have up on the site today. Actually, the retrofit of "Nightmare Before Christmas" elements into Disneyland's Haunted Mansion isn't supposed to happen 'til November 2001. The upside of this is -- should it prove to be successful with the public -- this retheming will become an annual occurrence at the Anaheim theme park. Look for Jack & Sally to take up residence in this holiday rethemed Disneyland favorite from November 2001 through mid-January 2002. ( This being the Mouse, you should also expect to find tons of new "Nightmare" / holiday Haunted Mansion material available on the gift cart next to the ride's exit. So remember to bring your wallet.)
By the way, regarding the special re-release of "Nightmare" this fall, the place you really want to see this film is the El Capitan in Hollywood. There, Disney will be putting together a special display of "Nightmare" artwork and maquettes to be featured in the lobby. Best of all, for one night only, Henry Selick and several other members of the film's creative team will be holding a panel discussion prior to the screening of the film. There, they'll reveal many behind-the-scenes stories of the making of this stop motion masterpiece.
Think about it. "Nightmare" on the wide screen in that beautifully restored theater. Plus Selick and crew telling tales about the film's creation. What's not to like? Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Big Guy. Call the El Cap (as well as your travel agent ) and get your tickets today.
Also -- don't overlook the significance of Disney heavily hyping its 2001 releases ("Atlantis: The Lost Empire" and "Monster, Inc." ) while downplaying the December 2000 debut of "The Emperor's New Groove." From what I hear, "Emperor" is testing okay but Eisner still hates the thing. He's still so angry about all the money the company blew on the aborted version of this film that Uncle Mike is verging on irrational when it comes to this project..
That's why the Mouse is putting most of its marketing might behind its November 2000's "102 Dalmatians" release while "Groove" is getting the cinematic equivalent of being buried at sea. Look for a quick release in December with very little hype, followed by "Groove" hitting video and DVD in record time. Which is a shame because -- in spite of its production problems -- there's a lot to like about this funny little film.
That's it for now, Harry. I promise more, bigger & better stories shortly. Til then, you take care, okay?
Later,
Moo Cow
