Disney+ is set to debut a stunning new restoration of Walt Disney’s 1950 animated classic, “Cinderella,” on August 25 during World Princess Week, as part of its centennial salute to Walt Disney Animation Studios and the ongoing Disney100 celebration. This all-new restoration of this beloved film represents the first time that the film will be available to stream in 4K, and it is the culmination of a multi-year effort involving the Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation team, working closely with key players from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The result is a version of the film that is restored to its original grandeur, authentic to the artistic ambitions of the Studio’s creative team, and which looks and sounds better than ever. The restored film had its festival premiere earlier this year at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it had won a Golden Bear Award 52 years earlier in its international debut.

Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Schaeffer, director of Restoration for Walt Disney Studios, said, ““Working with our restoration team along with internal technical experts, outside vendors (like Mike Underwood at Picture Shop Hollywood) and advisors from Walt Disney Animation Studios, we were able to make this 1950 classic look and sound better than ever. We began the process by pulling the original nitrate negative from the Library of Congress, and scanning the successive exposure colour records in 4K. We then did a cleaning pass to remove dirt and as many artifacts as possible. The current available restoration tools allowed us to produce a sharper and higher quality image than previous efforts. To make sure we didn’t lose any of the detail or artistic choices of the filmmakers, we turned to Disney Animation legends and authorities, including Michael Giaimo and Eric Goldberg.”

The input from seasoned Disney artists and animation experts Giaimo and Goldberg proved to be a winning combination. Working with Dorothy McKim (special projects and 2D animation producer for Walt Disney Animation Studios), and Bob Bagley (digital imaging manager for Disney Animation), the team was able to restore and preserve the rich colours, contrast, and accuracy of the original cels and artwork.

Giaimo, production designer on the upcoming 2023 Disney animated feature, “Wish,” as well as the two “Frozen” films and “Pocahontas,” noted, “It was an honor to work on this restoration with Eric, and to really celebrate the original intent and classic Disney aesthetic of those great artists who worked with Walt, notably the great Mary Blair, and to get that right level of depth and saturation.

Goldberg, one of the all-time animation greats and veteran Disney directing animator, director and mentor to new generations of artists, added, “Working with Mike to restore this film was really a labor of love. We both really love the film, and felt strongly that we had to preserve it. Viewers watching this restoration will see more clarity, but they will also see more subtlety. They’ll see differences in colour from shot to shot, and discover how one colour works with another. Mike and I knew what the film was supposed to look like, and it took a lot just getting back to Cinderella having dusty blonde hair and a silver dress. I’m proud that the Studio felt it was important to get this restoration right, and trusted a handful of us to do that.”

Originally released in 1950, “Cinderella” was hailed for its stylish and experimental look, sophisticated and expressive animation, and delightful storytelling. It was a major hit at the time of its initial release, earned three Oscar® nominations, and rescued the Studio from a dire financial situation brought on the challenges of the war years. The film was directed by Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske and Clyde Geronimi. The voice cast features Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, and Verna Felton. The songs are by Mack David, Jerry Livingston and Al Hoffman.

Toronto, you’re in for a magical experience! To celebrate the release of Amazon Prime Video’s CINDERELLA, here’s your chance to partake in some fun.

Details:

WHEN: Friday, September 3, 2021
TIME: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: The Fermenting Cellar | 28 Distillery Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Tickets: Click here.

To celebrate the release of the Amazon Original Movie, Cinderella, starring Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Camila Cabello, Billy Porter (Pose) and Idina Menzel (Frozen), Amazon Prime Video will host a magical and immersive exhibit on Friday, September 3, 2021 that will be open to the general public.

Guests will get the chance to step into Cinderella’s enchanting world and see the film come to life – they’ll be able to walk in Ella’s shoes at the Village Market, be virtually greeted by the Fab G and visit Ella’s dress shop.

Guests will even be able to have their own Cinderella moment through a captivating light painting installation – with the help of a light painting artist, guests will be transformed into a princess or prince.

The experience will be open on Friday, September 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets will be required for entry and can be found here.

Amazon Prime Video release CINDERELLA Friday, September 3, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime Video)

Hopefully its competition isn’t too ‘furious’! FURIOUS 7 accelerates to the top of the Box Office this weekend with a huge $150 million opening for Universal Pictures from 4,004 theatres across North America. This performance shows great horsepower, setting a Record for the Franchise in terms of its historical Opening Weekends and also largest pre-Summer bow for a Film release ever. Audiences genuinely were moved by the Film showcasing Star Paul Walker‘s final performance in the massively-successful Franchise, garnering an A CinemaScore. Critics meanwhile gave it a strong 82% on the Tomatometer.

After a one-week reign, HOME slips to second spot with $27.8 million for 20th Century Fox. It has grossed $96 million already in two weeks.

GET HARD get third spot this weekend with $13.5 million for Warner Bros. In two weeks it has earned $57.6 million domestically.

INSURGENT lands in fourth this weekend with $10 million in its third week out for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films, just ahead of another Box Office Champ in CINDERELLA, which places fifth with $9.6 million for Disney in its fourth week out.

WOMAN IN GOLD fares well in its limited release opening at 258 theatres for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films, debuting with $1.8 million.  Critics were tough on the Drama starring Ryan Reynolds and Helen Mirren, with a 49% on the Tomatometer.

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL rounds-out the Top Ten with $1 million for Fox Searchlight, in its fifth week out.

Despite mixed Reviews from Critics, 20th Century Fox‘s HOME hits a home run with Audiences garnering not only an A CinemaScore, but also the top of the Box Office this weekend with a strong $52.7 million from 3,708 theatres.  On the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes, the Animated Feature which showcases the voicework of Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez,  tallied-in at 48%.

Debuting in second with $33 million from, 3,175 theatres was Warner Bros.‘ raunchy Comedy GET HARD starring Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart.  Critics didn’t think much of it with a 32% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences thought much more highly of it with a B CinemaScore.

INSURGENT continues to perform well in third in its second week out with $23.9 million this weekend. It was last week’s Box Office Champ.  Thus far, the Action/Fantasy and second Film in The Divergent Series, has grossed $88.1 million domestically for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films.

CINDERELLA in its third week out earns $17.3 million for Disney, thus far earning $150 million in its North American run.

IT FOLLOWS expands to 1,218 theatres this weekend, good enough for fifth with $3.7 million for RADiUS (The Weinstein Co.)/Mongrel Media. In three weeks it has made $4.2 million.

THE GUNMAN rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.2 million in its second week out for Elevation Pictures/Open Road Films.

CINDERELLA is Queen of the Ball at the Box Office this weekend! Disney‘s Live-Action Adaptation of their 1950 Animated Classic debuts right at the top with a stellar $70 million from 3,485 theatres!  Made for $95 million, it in no time should recoup its production costs.  Starring fresh-faced Lily James and Oscar Winner Cate Blanchett, the Fantasy got a stellar 86% from Critics on the Tomatometer, while Audiences praised it in unison with an A CinemaScore.

Although a distant second, Warner Bros.‘ Action RUN ALL NIGHT starring Liam Neeson and Joel Kinnaman, opens in second with $11.3 million in its debut from 3,171 theatres. Reviews were mixed at 59% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences loved it with an A- CinemaScore, which could help its second week numbers.

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE continues to show great staying power in third with $6.2 million for 20th Century Fox.  The Film now is in its fifth week.

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL lands in fourth in its second week out with $5.8 million for Fox Searchlight.  The Film in North America has grossed $18.2 million thus far.

CHAPPIE slips to sixth in its second week after a debut atop a tepid Box Office last weekend. It earns $5.4 million for Sony Pictures, a two-week gross of $23.2 million.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY is in ninth this week with $3 million for Universal Pictures, earning a cumulative $161 million thus far domestically.

THE DUFF rounds-out the Top Ten for CBS Films/eOne Films with $2.9 million in its fourth week out.

She certainly was Belle of the Ball! English Actress Lily James gained international recognition as Lady Rose MacClare on Downton Abbey. But who would’ve known soon after she would land the Breakthrough Role of a lifetime, starring in the titular Character in Disney‘s  ambitious live-action Adaptation of Cinderella?

This new Version of the Disney Classic gives us an elevated sense of romance between Ella (James) and her Prince (Richard Madden), heightened Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) – Stepsister (Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger) tension and a glimpse into the unfading optimism of Ella, whom despite adversity still chooses to surround herself with beauty. The tasteful CGI is jaw-dropping and this Kenneth Branagh creation is a total visual delight, never once forgetting the very heart of this beloved Tale.

The Red Carpet was filled with Fans and Media alike, all eager for a chance  to see with James, an absolute vision in white. “I’m wearing Dior“, she tells me about her beautiful dress and clutch.

I ask James about what makes Cinderella so timeless in that it continues to resonate in a big way with Audiences today. She tells me, “I think at the heart of the story is the Underdog.  The Girl that deserves everything but has nothing – but is rewarded.”.  She adds, “You can get behind her and root for her. There’s so much heart to it”.

James tells me also the greatest thing she took away from her experience making Cinderella.  She reveals how humbling it was to work with true Greats like Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter stating, “I learned so much, endless things from Helen and Cate.”  “They’re strong Women – brilliant Actors and brilliant Human Beings.”.  She also reveals that soon again she will collaborate with  Kenneth Branagh, telling us  “Yes, he is going to direct Richard Madden and me in Romeo & Juliet”.  And after seeing this Remake you’ll understand exactly why the Thespian-Helmer is so eager to work with the Duo once again.

Tonight’s Premiere was none short on local star-power. Several Talent walked the Red Carpet in support of this timeless tale including Child Actor Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (The Book of Negroes) who scored a Photo Op with James after handing her a copy of the Book on which her TV Series is based upon, as a gift. Guests also included  Sarah Allen (Remedy), Liz Trinnear (MuchMusic), Jeremy MacPherson (Game of Homes), Genelle Williams (Bitten), Peter Outerbridge (Murdoch Mysteries), Tammy Isbell (Bitten), Tommie-Amber Pirie (Pretend We’re Kissing), Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY) and Sara Lynn Cauchon (The Domestic Geek), among others. The Hosts of CTV’s highly-rated The Social: Traci Melchor, Melissa Grelo, Lainey Lui and Cynthia Loyst, also were among those to grace the Red Carpet and chat with us.

Like the Audience tonight, those who see Cinderella in theatres will be treated with the delightfully-cute Short, Frozen Fever, which sees our favourite Sisters on-screen once again planning a Birthday Bash for Anna, all while Elsa experiences in untimely fashion, a… wait for it… cold.

See our Chats with James, The Hosts of The Social, Liz Trinnear, Sarah Allen and Tomie-Amber Pirie below:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release CINDERELLA on Friday, March 13, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

For those of us who can’t enough of the Life-Imitates-Art FROZEN phenomenon (yes, many are blaming Elsa on this deep chill right now!), you’ll be pleased to know about this brand new Short Film, continuing where FROZEN left off! FROZEN FEVER will show in theatres alongside CINDERELLA, starring Cate Blanchett and Lily James!

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release CINDERELLA on Friday, March 13, 2015!

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

We don’t believe that CINDERELLA‘s release soon is before us!  A new Trailer for the eagerly-awaited Live-Action Adaption of the timeless Tale has just surfaced!

Watch the stunning new Trailer:

Synopsis:

The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.

Soon, she’s forced to become their servant, disrespected, covered in ashes and spitefully renamed Cinderella. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her, and she continues to remain positive, determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”

When Ella meets a dashing stranger in the woods, unaware that he is really the Prince (Richard Madden) and not merely Kit, an apprentice at the palace, she believes she has finally found a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the King (Derek Jacobi) summons all maidens in the kingdom to attend a royal ball at the palace, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit. Alas, her Stepmother forbids her to attend and callously destroys her dress.

Meanwhile, the calculating Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård) devises a plan to thwart the Prince’s hopes of reuniting with Ella and enlists the support of the devious Stepmother. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand. Soon, a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin, a few mice and a magic wand, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release CINDERELLA on Friday, March 13, 2015!

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Trust me, the slipper totally fits! Disney has just “broken the Internet” with something we actually want to see! After first hearing about the upcoming Live-Action version of CINDERELLA by Kenneth Branagh, we have been itching to see it. Earlier today the first Trailer and Poster for the beloved Tale were released and believe me, your jaws will drop!

The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honour her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.