Disney Interactive Studios Embarks on a "Fully Awesome" Adventure with Bolt

Disney Interactive Studios Embarks on a "Fully Awesome" Adventure with Disney's Bolt
Bolt Video Games Inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios Feature Film Now Available

Last update: 8:00 a.m. EST Nov. 18, 2008
BURBANK, Calif., Nov 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bolt, the superdog, and his companion Penny are ready to spring into action. Disney Interactive Studios today announced that the Disney's Bolt video game is available at retail stores throughout the United States in time for the film's opening on Friday, November 21. Inspired by the animated comedy adventure of the same name from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Bolt game versions are available for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii(TM) home video game console, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS(TM) and Windows-based PC.
Developed by Avalanche Software, Disney Interactive Studios' renowned studio in Salt Lake City, the Bolt video game follows a unique storyline, which takes place within the fictional high-action television series featured in the film. In the game, players must take on the personalities of Bolt and Penny to utilize their unique talents and superpowers to save the world and Penny's father from the evil Calico. Players will take on Calico's henchmen; avoid capture at the Mayan Temple; and hack enemy computer systems as the duo's adventures take them throughout expansive areas in five global locations: Italy, Russia, Belize, China and Oceania. Separately, the film focuses on Bolt's inadvertent shipment to New York City and his journey back to Hollywood with the help of a jaded cat named Mittens and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, whose favorite word is "awesome."
"The action TV show within the film was an excellent basis for the game to give fans a story that extends far beyond the movie experience," said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. "We maintained an ongoing collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios so there would be a natural familiarity for game players."
As Bolt, players can devastate opponents with his superpowers. His laser vision melts enemies in just one glance; his ground pound, an earth-shattering attack, catches enemies off-balance; and his superbark sends out a sonic blast that disables opponents. As Penny, players utilize her stealth abilities and a wheelbar, inspired by her scooter from the movie, to climb around locations and outwit enemies. In addition, Bolt features unique minigames based on Penny's ability to hack computers. When players assume the role of Penny, they are required to complete various tasks in virtual worlds to progress in the game.
"Avalanche Software is a premier studio for family friendly games and has an expertise in creating video games that exist within a film's universe, but expand beyond the movie-going experience to give fans and gamers a truly unique experience," said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "Bolt continues this legacy by delivering a high-quality game with intriguing storylines and exciting adventures that extend from and complement the film."
Developed by Altron, the Nintendo DS version will include competitive and co-op local wireless multiplayer modes such as competing against a player in a hacking game or teaming up with a friend in one of five single-player missions. A Nintendo DS exclusive minigame featuring Rhino enables him to become a hero just like Bolt. The Nintendo DS version also includes DGamer, Disney Interactive Studios' innovative new technology that provides a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans. With DGamer, players earn content, interact and chat with others on Nintendo DS through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or on a computer through the www.dgamer.com website.
The game is available for Xbox 360, Wii, and PLAYSTATION 3 system for $49.99. Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and Windows-based PC versions are available for $29.99. Bolt for home consoles and Windows PC is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The Nintendo DS version is rated E for Everyone. For a limited time Bolt video games will include a code for Movie Money, which can be accessed online to print a $5 certificate for admission into a movie theater. The certificate is valid at participating theaters throughout the United States and the code can be redeemed through January 31, 2009.
Fans of Bolt also have a chance to win a family vacation for four at Walt Disney World(R) Resort. More information, including details and official rules, is available at the Bolt video game web site: www.Boltvideogame.com. The sweepstakes offer is valid November 18, 2008, to January 31, 2009. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
In addition, Bolt: The Mobile Game will also be available in November 2008 on most major wireless carriers. Bolt: The Mobile Game is an action-filled game that features diverse environments and epic boss battles. In the game, players control Bolt and his super power moves: superbark, superbite and superspeed to defeat the evil Dr. Calico and save the world. Bolt: The Mobile game has a suggested retail price of $6.99 (prices may vary by carrier).
For more information, log on to www.BoltVideoGame.com.
About the "Bolt" film
For superdog Bolt (voice of John Travolta), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue - at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet - a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions: a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of Susie Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, Bolt discovers he doesn't need superpowers to be a hero. Directed by Chris Williams and Byron Howard, "Bolt" is ahilarious, fun-filled, action-packed animated comedy adventure in Disney Digital 3-D(TM). Rated PG, Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Bolt" hits theaters Nov. 21, 2008.
About Disney Interactive Studios
Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (DIS:Walt Disney Company
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DIS 19.74, -1.34, -6.4%) . Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has six internal video game development studios around the world: Avalanche Software, Fall Line Studio, Propaganda Games, Black Rock Studio, Gamestar and Junction Point Studios; and two internal mobile game development studios: Enorbus and Living Mobile. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.
SOURCE: Disney Interactive Studios

 

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Disney embraces Imax

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/enterta ... races.html
12:00 AM PT, Nov 19 2008
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Walt Disney Co. doubled down on its commitment to 3-D, signing a deal to release five pictures on Imax giant screens.

Director Robert Zemeckis' "A Christmas Carol," a 3-D retelling of the classic Charles Dickens tale due out for the 2009 holiday season, is the first film slated for Imax release.

The director will use the same motion-capture technology and computer-generated images he popularized with the film ; "Polar Express" to re-create 19th century London and the performance of actor Jim Carrey.

"What Bob Zemeckis is attempting to do is really break new ground," said Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group. "Putting together this fanciful world, and then showing it on the giant screen in 3-D, we think it's going to be a completely immersive experience."

Disney has made a serious commitment to 3-D, which it believes provides a compelling enough experience to coax viewers off their couches and into theaters. The latest Disney animated film, "Bolt," which hits theaters this weekend, is the fifth major film in the format. Disney's "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" grossed more than $65 million -- and the release of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney Digital 3-D" did even more -- $75 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Zoradi said the studio planned to release 11 films in 3-D over the next two years, including the "Jonas Brothers 3-D Concert Movie" ; in February, Disney Pixar's film "UP" in May and the Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer film "G-Force" in July. The studio also announced today that it would re-render its Oscar-winning animated film "Beauty and the Beast" for 3-D release in 2010.

The agreement with Imax increases the number of screens capable of showing the films beyond those theaters using Real D's technology.

Imax Corp. co-Chairman and co-CEO Richard L. Gelfond said his company's decision to embrace digital projection laid the groundwork for the Disney deal.

The previous film-based system was a major obstacle, because prints cost $45,000 apiece. That tended to limit releases to event films such as "Polar Express," which did $45 million in the first year of release on Imax screens.

"If you're a studio, [now] you can get access to this very significant box office and a premium experience, where people are willing to pay a premium price, and you don't really have the incremental costs of prints which you used to have," Gelfond said.

-- Dawn C. Chmielewski

-- Bolt, the super dog, is accompanied by Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster in a scene from the film "Bolt." Credit: Disney