Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton and produced by Lindsey Collins, the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

The new story will bring back our favorite characters from Finding Nemo and introduce us to new characters including Hank, Destiny, Bailey and the Otters. You can introduce your kids to these new friends with the Finding Dory Activity Pack Free Download which includes coloring pages, a maze and some dot-to-dots. Did you know that Hank has actually appeared in every Pixar film? They let the proverbial cat out of the bag last week with this post on Oh My Disney. I love searching for all of the Pixar Easter Eggs. Now I need to go back and search for Hank.

Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17, 2016. Until then you can stay up-to-date on the movie by joining them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and their official website.

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Now, go mark you calendar…right now!

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Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” welcomes some of Hollywood’s top stars to its roster of voice talent for this summer’s frighteningly funny comedy adventure, opening in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013. Joining Billy Crystal and John Goodman are Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Dave Foley, Sean P. Hayes, Joel Murray, Peter Sohn, Charlie Day, Nathan Fillion, Bobby Moynihan, Julia Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza, Tyler Labine, John Krasinski, Bonnie Hunt, Beth Behrs and John Ratzenberger. Also revealed this week were the story and screenplay credits. Directed by Dan Scanlon, “Monsters University” features a story and screenplay by Daniel Gerson & Robert L. Baird (“Monsters, Inc.”) and Scanlon.

Scanlon says the cast was able to bring the story to life with great ingenuity and enthusiasm. “Working with this group of actors was an extraordinary experience. They each brought a unique level of humor, emotion and creativity to their work that not only complemented their individual performances, but made the overall story come together in a really wonderful way.”

OOZMA KAPPA (OK)

A collection of wholesome, good-natured misfits, the adorable brothers of Oozma Kappa (OK) have bonded over their inability to make it through the Scaring Program. With only four bodies in the house, they don’t even have enough members to compete in the Scare Games. What they lack in Scariness and self-confidence, they make up for in heart.

• MIKE WAZOWSKI (voice of Billy Crystal)-Mike Wazowski’s lifelong dream is to become a Scarer at Monsters, Inc.—and he’s sure he knows just how to do it. Ever since he was a young monster, Mike’s had his eye on Monsters University, home of the world’s top Scare Program. Now a freshman and hopeful Scare student, he’s well versed in the rich history, theory and technique required to reach his goal, and the little green one-eyed monster has more confidence, enthusiasm, determination and heart than all of his classmates combined. But unexpected roadblocks derail Mike’s plans and he’s forced to team up with a group of misfit monsters and an unlikely ally to give it the old college try and pull off the biggest coup in the University’s history.
• JAMES P. SULLIVAN—“SULLEY” (voice of John Goodman)-When it comes to Scaring, Sulley’s a natural—his abundant size, fierce roar and family legacy of a long line of high-achieving Scarers make him a shoo-in for the esteemed Scare Program at Monsters University. But from the moment the overly confident monster steps his big furry feet on campus, it’s clear he’d rather crack jokes than books—and he learns the hard way that his unfettered talent and family ties can only get him so far. With his ego bruised and future in jeopardy, a stubborn Sulley must put his pride aside, team up with an odd bunch of misfit monsters and actually work if he wants to live up to his true Scaring potential.
• TERRI & TERRY PERRY (voices of Dave Foley & Sean Hayes)-When it comes to Terri and Terry, it’s hard not to ask, “Are two heads really better than one?”  These bickering brothers have little in common: Terri with an “i” is a real romantic who’s quick to spot the silver lining in any situation, while older brother Terry with a “y” sports a more cynical outlook on life. If they can stop squabbling long enough to work with their Oozma Kappa brothers—they might be able to put their heads together—literally—and find their place in Monsters University’s Scare Program once and for all.
• SCOTT “SQUISHY” SQUIBBLES (voice of Pete Sohn)-Scott Squibbles gives new meaning to the term “undeclared.” A sophomore whose dream of becoming a Scarer was squashed in his first year at Monsters University, “Squishy” is a bit of a wide-eyed wanderer—small, sweet, naïve and quiet—who, not surprisingly, still lives with his doting mother. But with a little help from his Oozma Kappa brothers, Squishy begins to realize he’s more than just that shy monster in the corner.
• ART (voice of Charlie Day)-The ultimate free spirit, Art is a mysterious monster with a questionable background. By far the strangest member of the Oozma Kappas, Art bowls over the competition—sometimes literally—with his unique dexterity and wild-card ways. Nothing is scarier than the unpredictable, especially when it comes to this furry ball of bad.
• DON CARLTON (voice of Joel Murray)-Is a “mature” student at Monsters University and a founding member of the Oozma Kappa (OK) fraternity.

• CLAIRE WHEELER, GREEK COUNCIL PRESIDENT (voice of Aubrey Plaza)-Claire Wheeler is the Greek Council president at Monsters University, and this year she is one of the chosen emcees for the school’s annual Scare Games. Don’t be fooled by Claire’s brooding exterior and monotone drawl—banal in appearance, on the inside she is a galvanizing force of school spirit who diligently warns the Scare Game participants of the dangers they will face.
• BROCK PEARSON, GREEK COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT (voice of Tyler Labine)-This preppy-looking fraternity monster has been chosen to assist the Greek Council president in emceeing the school’s annual Scare Games. Jock-like and what some might refer to as a “meathead,” Brock is a loud, enthusiastic emcee who relishes the danger of the Scare Games’ challenges.

Additional Cast:

• RANDY BOGGS (voice of Steve Buscemi)-Monsters University freshman Randy Boggs has big aspirations for college life. The peculiar lizard-like monster with his host of gangly arms and legs plans to major in Scaring and lead an active social life filled with fun, friends and fraternity parties. If only he could get his embarrassing disappearing habit under control, he’d be good to go, because how is he ever going to be a great Scarer if nobody can see him?
• DEAN HARDSCRABBLE (voice of Helen Mirren)-To Dean Hardscrabble, there are scary monsters and there are all other monsters. It’s no surprise she feels this way—she is, after all, a legendary Scarer and Dean of the School of Scaring at Monsters University. Aspiring Scare students must be up for the challenge to impress her, though she is convinced that her assessment of who is truly scary and who is not is never wrong.
• PROFESSOR KNIGHT (voice of Alfred Molina)-Professor Knight teaches Scaring 101, the introductory course to Scaring at Monsters University. With hundreds of new Scare students each year, Professor Knight must weed out the weak from the talented and identify who shows the most potential to be real Scarers. Only a few have what it takes to pass the formidable final exam and move on to the elite Scaring Program.
•  JOHNNY WORTHINGTON (voice of Nathan Fillion)  The confident president of Roar Omega Roar (ROR), a Monsters University fraternity that prides itself on its notable Scarers.
• CHET ALEXANDER (voice of Bobby Moynihan)  Is a yes-monster member of the Roar Omega Roar (ROR) fraternity.
•  MS. SQUIBBLES (voice of Julia Sweeney) Is the indulgent mother to Monsters University sophomore Scott “Squishy” Squibbles.
• “FRIGHTENING” FRANK McCY (voice of John Krasinski) Is a Scaring super star at Monsters, Inc.
• KAREN GRAVES (voice of Bonnie Hunt) Young Mike Wazowski’s grade school teacher .
• CARRIE WILLIAMS (voice of Beth Behrs)  The fearless leader of the Python Nu Kappa (PNK) sorority.
•  John Ratzenberger  returns to the Pixar recording studio as the voice of a Monsters, Inc. employee.

Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”).

Are you as excited about this movie as I am? Leave me a comment and let me know

The post Monsters University Voice Cast Announced appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Finding Dory

When Dory said “just keep swimming” in 2003’s Oscar®-winning film “Finding Nemo,” she could not have imagined what was in store for her (not that she could remember). Ellen DeGeneres, voice of the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, revealed details today about Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory”—an all-new big-screen adventure diving into theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.

“I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time,” said DeGeneres. “I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating ‘Toy Story 16.’ But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.”

Director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton takes audiences back to the extraordinary underwater world created in the original film. “There is no Dory without Ellen,” said Stanton. “She won the hearts of moviegoers all over the world—not to mention our team here at Pixar. One thing we couldn’t stop thinking about was why she was all alone in the ocean on the day she met Marlin. In ‘Finding Dory,’ she will be reunited with her loved ones, learning a few things about the meaning of family along the way.”

According to Stanton, “Finding Dory” takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.

“Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature; the film was nominated for three additional Oscars® (Best Writing, Original Screenplay; Best Music, Original Score; Best Sound Editing). It was also nominated for a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical. In 2008, the American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made. At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time. It’s currently the fourth highest grossing animated film worldwide. The film has more than 16 million Likes on Facebook, and Dory—with more than 24 million—is the most Liked individual character from a Disney or Disney•Pixar film.

DeGeneres’ distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. Her syndicated talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” is in its 10th season and has earned 38 Daytime Emmy® Awards. DeGeneres has won 12 People’s Choice Awards and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Comedian for three consecutive years. Additionally, her show won two Genesis Awards and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Talk Show Episode. For her unforgettable turn as Dory, DeGeneres was nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.

Like Finding Dory on Facebook and Follow Disney/Pixar on Twitter.

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Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” dives back into homes this coming holiday in breathtaking Blu-rayTM. The must-“sea,” must-own Oscar®-winning underwater adventure—featuring the unforgettable Marlin, his forgetful friend Dory and the lovable young Nemo—swims into living rooms for the first time ever in high-definition Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and Digital platforms on December 4, 2012.

The film fully immerses viewers in the stunning underwater world of Finding Nemo! From the creators of Toy Story and Monsters, Inc., Disney•Pixar’scritically acclaimed and heartwarming tale splashes off the screen with brilliant digital picture, high definition sound and breathtaking 3D bonus features that transport you beyond your imagination.

“Finding Nemo,” first released in theaters in 2003, earned the Oscar® for Best Animated Feature Film and remains the fifth highest grossing animated film worldwide. In 2008, the American Film Institute named ―Finding Nemo‖ among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made, and it is the second highest grossing Pixar film to date (behind “Toy Story 3”).

The Blu-ray 2D and 3D debuts mark the first time ―Finding Nemo has ever been available in these hi-def formats. Featuring pristine high definition picture and sound, the Blu-ray creates an incredible at-home experience with a host of interactive features and bonus features including 3D Virtual Aquariums, 2D Virtual Aquariums, CineExplore, A Filmmakers’ Roundtable and more.

The hi-def home entertainment release of “Finding Nemo” will be available as a 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition (2 Blu-ray 2D + 1 Blu-ray 3D + 1 DVD + 1 Digital Copy), 3-Disc Collector’s Edition (2 Blu-ray 2D + 1 DVD), 3D Digital & High-Definition Digital formats.

BONUS FEATURES:

Blu-ray 3D Disc:

• 3D HD Aquariums

Blu-ray Disc One:

• Knick Knack‖ Theatrical Short Film (Rated: G)
•  Aquarium
•  CineExplore
•  Finding Nemo – A Filmmakers’ Roundtable
• Reinventing the Submarine Voyage
•  Deleted Scene: “Alt Opening”
• A Lesson in Flashbacks

Blu-ray Disc Two:

• Aquariums
•  Art Review
• Classic Content (Making Nemo, Exploring the Reef , Studio Tour, Old School, Outtakes, Deleted Scenes, Publicity Pieces, Mr. Ray’s Encyclopedia)

DVD:

• Knick Knack‖ Theatrical Short Film (Rated: G)
• Finding Nemo – A Filmmakers’ Roundtable
• Aquarium

Digital:

• Knick Knack‖ Theatrical Short Film (Rated: G)
• Finding Nemo – A Filmmakers’ Roundtable
• Deleted Scene: ―Alt Opening‖
• A Lesson in Flashbacks
• Art Review
• Classic Content (Making Nemo, Exploring the Reef, Studio Tour, Old School, Outtakes, Deleted Scenes, Publicity Pieces)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Those who would like to stay connected with the exciting “Finding Nemo” release are encouraged to:

•  “Like” the  Finding Nemo Facebook page 
• Follow DisneyPixar on Twitter 
• Visit the official Finding Nemo website

My Review

I already loved the movie and it looks stunning in Blu-ray, so I focused on checking out the bonus features and they are A-Mazing! Yes, I am a Disney film geek but I am so happy to finally own the Pixar short “Knick Knack” Aside from that, I love learning about the process of movie making and the bonus features on “Finding Nemo” gave me plenty to enjoy. I haven’t made it through the entire CineExplore yet, but Finding Nemo – A Filmmakers’ Roundtable, Reinventing the Submarine Voyage, Deleted Scene: “Alt Opening” and A Lesson in Flashbacks are all entertaining and educational. I honestly don’t get the Aquariums, maybe they are just too passive for me.

The other night I was chatting with a fellow Disney geek and he told me he hadn’t purchased “Finding Nemo” on Blu-Ray and he didn’t plan to (he always buys every Disney movie on Blu-ray on release day). I told him about all of the awesome bonus features and he decided he would go out the next day and buy it, just for the bonus features! Take a look at one of my favorite Bonus Features.

“Finding Nemo” Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack will make a great Christmas gift for any child or Disney fan on your list!

Disclosure: I received a copy of the Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

The post Holiday Guide-Finding Nemo Blu-Ray appeared first on The Mom Maven.

we all know the story of Finding Nemo but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love that cute little clown fish!

“‘Finding Nemo’ was originally shot in 3D,” said John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and the film’s executive producer. “At last, with today’s technological advances, this spectacular underwater world can be seen as it was intended—showcasing its eye-popping detail and breathtaking colors to both theatrical and in-home audiences and creating a truly immersive experience.”

Will you be swimming to a theater near you this weekend? Why do we love Finding Nemo so much? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

The post Long Time No Sea! Finding Nemo 3D appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Sulley carving

Pizza Planet Truck

I know some die-hard Pixar fans who were hoping for a Luxo ball or an A11 but so far they have not been sighted.

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Celebrate today’s opening of Cars 2 with some awesome downloadable fun. These include Mazes, Soap Box Dragster Activities, T-shirt Designs, a Radiator Springs Play Set and much, much more! Click HERE to download.

Make a Guido Bookend

Tow Mater Cookie Treats

The post Cars 2 Downloadable Activities appeared first on The Mom Maven.

The prize pack includes:

CARS 2 t-shirt in youth sizes of S, M, L, XL

CARS 2 set of 3 bumper tickets

CARS 2 temporary tattoo sheet (2 per winner)

CARS 2 puzzle

Mandatory 1st Entry Leave me a comment telling me who your favorite Cars character is.

Bonus Entries: Leave a separate comment for each entry.

• Like Cars 2 on Facebook
• Follow @DisneyPixar on Twitter
• Follow @MomMaven on Twitter
• Tweet this Vroom! Race on over and enter to #win an awesome Cars 2 prize pack from @DisneyPixar & @MomMaven http://bit.ly/kowEJV (you may do this 2x a day)
• Like this post on Facebook using the button at the bottom of this post
• +1 this post on Google using the button on the bottom of this post
• Blog subscribers, GFC friends, Networked blogs followers and Facebook likers each get  entry

This giveaway is open to US entries only. The winner will be chosen by Random.org. the giveaway ends at 9pm EDT on 7/5/11. The winner will have 48 hrs to respond before I pick an alternate winner.

Disclaimer: I received nothing in exchange for this giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine.

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