A Remarkable Year For Pointe-à-Callière In 2019 - The Montreal Museum of Archaelogy and History Continues To Draw Crowds [Videos Included]

Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, drew 504,793 visitors over the past year, making 2019 the second busiest year in the Museum’s history. (CNW Group/Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Museum of Archaelogy and History)

Pointe-à-Callière had an extremely successful year in 2019—renewing two of its permanent exhibitions and presenting three international-calibre temporary exhibitions. The incredibly wide range of subjects addressed in the exhibitions and cultural activities drew 504,793 visitors to the Museum over the past year, making 2019 the second busiest year in Pointe-à-Callière's history.

The Incas, Treasures of Peru exhibition at Pointe-à-Callière (CNW Group/Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Museum of Archaelogy and History)

New technology in the spotlight

Last April, Pointe-à-Callière inaugurated the new multimedia show Generations MTL, projected onto a one-of-a-kind immersive installation. In addition to enjoying a very positive audience reaction, the show was recognized at the 2019 Muse Design Awards, an international competition that rewards professionals in the world of design and creativity. 

The Museum also created new versions of its virtual characters, taking advantage of the latest developments in voice recognition, artificial intelligence, and real-time 3D animation. 

"New technologies allow us to give our visitors a variety of experiences and, above all, to bring history and an exceptional archaeological site to life. We are seeing it more and more among our visitors, the efforts made to offer interactive and immersive museology are very highly appreciated," explains Francine Lelièvre, Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callière.

Privileged access to rarely shown objects

One of the standout moments for the Museum in 2019 was the presentation of Dinner is Served! The Story of French Cuisine, entirely created and produced by Pointe-à-Callière. 

This exhibition, one of the first to address the subject of the French gastronomic meal—recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage—allowed for the presentation of exceptional objects that, in some cases, had never left France. In fact, the Museum's exhibition captured the attention of several French museums, and it is notably scheduled to travel to Sèvres, Cité de la céramique in 2020.

Pointe-à-Callière was also able to secure the loan of important and invaluable objects from the Musées royaux d'art et d'histoire in Brussels for the exhibition The Incas, Treasures of Peru, in an exclusive North American engagement until April 13 of this year. Some of the featured objects made of feathers and textiles are extremely old and so fragile that they will no longer be able to travel or to be displayed ever again. 

"After over 25 years of operation, Pointe-à-Callière has acquired great credibility among many lenders around the world, and the relationships we have established allow us to present exceptional pieces and objects to both Montrealers and visitors," states Francine Lelièvre.

The Museum also had the chance to extend by one year the presentation of the exhibition Into the Wonder Room, which gathers over 1,000 objects from the Musée des Confluences, some ten other institutions, and private collectors. 

This exhibition, which examines the unique world of cabinets of curiosities, was seen by over 200,000 people in 2019, including many children who are fascinated by the exotic and often unusual objects on display. This exhibition will continue until January 10, 2021 at Pointe-à-Callière.

The circus in the centre ring at the Museum in the summer of 2020

Starting on May 27, 2020, Pointe-à-Callière will present an all-new exhibition on the circus arts, with several activities for the whole family. The exhibition will trace the history of the circus, from early performances by travelling circus troupes in Europe and elsewhere to today's over-the-top international shows. 

The exhibition, imagined and created by Pointe-à-Callière, will show how the circus arts have rapidly taken root and grown in Québec and Montréal in recent decades. Through the presentation of over 350 objects, it will pay tribute to this art form that is further raising Montréal's profile on the international scene. 

Costumes, set pieces, works of art, accessories, scale models, iconic objects, training and stage equipment will be displayed alongside archives, photos, video footage, and projections. All of it will come together to recreate a world of fantasy, taking visitors on an unforgettable adventure that speaks to an extraordinary legacy.

SOURCE: Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Museum of Archaelogy and History

Disneyland Resort Welcomes the Year of the Mouse with a Limited-Time Lunar New Year Event

Disneyland Resort in California welcomes a year of good fortune with Lunar New Year celebrations at Disney California Adventure Park from Jan. 17 - Feb. 9, 2020. Celebrating the Year of the Mouse, the limited-time festival features "Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession," pictured here, plus “Hurry Home - Lunar New Year Celebration” prior to “World of Color,” a Lucky Wishing Wall, delectable foods and more.

Disneyland Resort celebrates the Year of the Mouse this Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park, Jan. 17 through Feb. 9, 2020. During the 24 days of this multicultural celebration, guests will enjoy exciting live entertainment and musical performances, including "Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession" and the return of the heartwarming "Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration" prior to the "World of Color" nighttime spectacular.

This unique Lunar New Year celebration comes alive with a touch of Disney magic as transformative Asian celebrations dedicate the new year. Guests will experience inspired food, music and entertainment with loved ones as they celebrate the Year of the Mouse together. Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, celebrates the celestial journey of the sun and the moon on their journey towards another year. 

Highlights of the Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure include:

• "Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession" is a celebratory parade led by Mulan that honors Lunar New Year and dedicates the new year's blessings to family and friendship. As a special treat for the Year of the Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse join the procession in new celebration attire, along with Goofy in his "god of Good Fortune" attire and Chip 'n' Dale in their red vests. Talented performers bring dance, martial arts and drumming to enhance the beautifully colorful procession. "Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession" will run several times, daily.
• "Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration," is a heartwarming nighttime water show at Paradise Bay prior to "World of Color" which tells the tale of a little lantern's quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune. Guests will be delighted to see Mulan as a part of the little lantern's journey.
• Beloved characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will don new festive Lunar New Year attire this year as they greet guests at Paradise Gardens. Other characters guests may find in this area include Mulan, Pluto, and the Three Little Pigs who also join in the Lunar New Year celebration.
• Guests will enjoy four festive marketplaces to experience delightful food and beverages inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, including the new smoked beef bulgogi short rib and the peach sojito, as well as many other new and returning favorites. The popular Sip and Savor pass is available for any guest to purchase if they wish to get the best value as they taste their way through the festive Asian marketplaces. 
• A special Lunar New Year menu at Paradise Garden Grill offers items inspired by traditional Asian fare, plus a Festival Cart inside Paradise Gardens and special food options at Lucky Fortune Cookery in Pacific Wharf.
• Live, daily performances by authentic Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese dancers and musicians will take place throughout Paradise Gardens Park.
• Enjoy areas for guests to try complimentary arts and crafts. One area features a complimentary dragon's pearl coloring craft, and another features Chinese calligraphy with local artisans. Plus, new face painting opportunities have been added to the Lunar New Year celebration, available for purchase.
• A Lucky Wishing Wall, located in Paradise Gardens, is where guests may write down wishes and tie them to the wall in hopes for a prosperous future.
• The educational art walls provide guests with information about the festival, including fun details such as "What Year Are You?" as well as the unique story of Lunar New Year in each culture that celebrates the sun and moon festival.
• Inspiring Lunar New Year décor symbolizes good luck, fortune and happiness in bold red and brilliant gold. Guests will see ornamental lanterns and banners wishing guests a Happy Lunar New Year in English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
• New Lunar New Year merchandise inspired by different cultures of East Asia will be available for purchase. This year, guests will find all-new spirit jerseys, fun bobble-head figures with Chip and Dale, a traditional red envelope set, themed Minnie Mouse ear headbands and more.

Disneyland Resort Welcomes the Year of the Mouse with a Limited-Time Lunar New Year Event (image via Disneyland Resort)

SOURCE: Disneyland Resort

iQIYI Announces Theatrical Release of its First Original Animation Film 'Spycies' Across Overseas Markets [Trailer Included]

Spycies - British Movie Poster (image via CineMaterial)

iQIYI, Inc. has announced that Spycies, a family-friendly animated film produced by iQIYI Pictures, will hit theaters across China on January 11. Following its China premiere, the film will be subsequently released in overseas markets including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

Spycies revolves around an alluring and complex action-adventure between "Spy Cat" Vladimir and "Hacker Mouse" Hector set in a modern animal kingdom. In the thrilling and entertaining animal world, the production team created and produced more than 40 species, over 90 animal characters, and more than 60 scenes. 

Spycies features endangered animals such as white rhinos and snow leopards, nationally protected animals such as lorises, and extinct animals such as mammoths. 

The film realized numerous special effects. For example, the design of distinctive fur animations for each species in Spycies was based on research of the animals' actual physical characteristics including fur pattern, material, length, and density. 

"With the superb animation effects, exciting storyline, and family-friendly themes, this film will undoubtedly succeed in delighting parents and children alike," said Ya Ning, President of iQIYI Pictures. "Spycies will further be released in overseas markets, and we look forward to bringing more premium content to our global audiences in the future."

iQIYI Announces Theatrical Release of its First Original Animation Film Spycies Across Overseas Markets

More About Spycies:

(via IMDb)

"Vladimir, a highly skilled but disobedient secret agent, gets left to rot for his attitude on an off-shore platform, watching over a top-secret material: the Radiuzite. There, he is compelled to team up with Hector, a rookie agent, whose only wish is to play video games and watch soap operas. Following an intrusion on the platform, this unusual team rush into a crazy investigation inside an even crazier hospital. There, they'll have to find the stolen Radiuzite and discover the truth about a climate threat which endangers species on the brink of extinction. "

The Trailer:

• In 2018, Spycies was nominated by the Cannes International Film Festival's "Annecy Goes Cannes" unit based on the Annecy International Animated Film Festival's judging panel recommendation.

SOURCE: iQIYI, Inc.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Original Motion Picture Soundtrack From Oscar-Winning Composer John Williams Available Soon

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker cover art

Walt Disney Records is set to release the original motion picture soundtrack for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The album features a new score conducted and composed by five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams. 

• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker digital soundtrack is set for release on December 18 and the physical album will be available on December 20 as the film opens in U.S. theaters nationwide.

From the physical album's liner notes, director J.J. Abrams said, "Once again, John has come up with an utterly stunning soundtrack, creating brand new, gorgeous, frightening, mysterious, epic and intimate themes while also revisiting some of his greatest, classic melodies. My gratitude toward John Williams cannot be overstated — not just for elevating every scene in this film, but for providing us all with soundtracks that elevate our lives."

John Williams stated in the album's liner notes, "More than 40 years ago, George Lucas introduced to the world his singular imagination, his ingenuity and his creative genius. He also gave me an opportunity never before enjoyed by an operatic or film composer…the chance to work continually for four decades on a single project, and with each film, to add to a collection of musical themes which I hope will be seen as parts of a singular, organic whole.

This experience has been one of the highlights of my professional life, bringing me so much joy in working with some of the world's greatest orchestras and musicians. I stand before the now completed nine Star Wars films with pride and gratitude for the gift of this extraordinary journey."

John Williams (image via ClassicalMPR)

About John Williams

Legendary composer Williams is well known for scoring all nine of the Star Wars saga films to date, beginning with 1977's Star Wars: A New Hope for which he earned an Academy Award for Best Original Score. His scores for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi were each nominated for Best Original Score.

Williams has won five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, seven British Academy Film Awards, five Emmys and 24 Grammy Awards. With 51 Academy Award nominations, Williams is the Academy's most nominated living person and the second most-nominated individual in history, after Walt Disney.

In 2005, the American Film Institute selected Williams' score to 1977's Star Wars: A New Hope as the greatest American film score of all time. The soundtrack to A New Hope also was preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry, for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." 

Williams was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl's Hall of Fame in 2000, and he received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004, the National Medal of Arts in 2009, and the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2016. Williams has composed the scores for eight of the top 20 highest-grossing films at the U.S. box office (adjusted for inflation).

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Poster

About "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.

The film stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong'o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, with Ian McDiarmid and Billy Dee Williams.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams and Michelle Rejwan. Callum Greene, Tommy Gormley and Jason McGatlin serve as executive producers. 

The screenplay was written by Chris Terrio & J.J. Abrams and the story is by Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow and J.J. Abrams & Chris Terrio, based on characters created by George Lucas. 

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Trailer

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters on December 20.

• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Original Motion Picture soundtrack will be available to stream and download on December 18. The physical album will be available on December 20 and is now available for pre-order.

• Enjoy Star Wars with the official Star Wars radio on Apple Music Radio now. All Star Wars music on repeat, 24 hours day

SOURCE: Walt Disney Records

A Giant Leap For Beaglekind! In a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade First, Nasa Astronauts and Astronaut Snoopy Launch Festivities with Greetings From Space

World-Famous Beagle Snoopy—in 8-Inch Plush Form—Was “Floating On Air” with Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir as They Sent Greetings from the International Space Station to Millions of Macy's Parade Viewers, While a New 49-Foot Tall Astronaut Snoopy Macy’s Parade Balloon Soared Over Manhattan. (CNW Group/DHX Media Ltd. (dba WildBrain))

As more than 50 million viewers watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in amazement nationwide, NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, accompanied by an 8-inch plush of Astronaut Snoopy in a bright orange spacesuit, offered greetings to the 93rd annual Parade from the International Space Station, traveling 17,000 miles per hour more than 200 miles above the Earth.

Koch and Meir wished viewers a Happy Thanksgiving as part of the Peanuts-NASA partnership that emphasizes science education for students, as NASA's new Artemis program prepares to send the first woman and the next man to the Moon. Then it's "on to Mars!" said Koch. (In Greek mythology, Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo and goddess of the Moon.)

• Koch, Meir, and the Snoopy plush concluded the greeting by waving while floating out of view in the microgravity atmosphere of the Space Station.

Meanwhile, as fans thronged the sidewalks of Manhattan, former NASA astronauts Kay Hire and Dr. Janet Kavandi joined Charlie Brown aboard the Snoopy's Doghouse float. The float featured a telescope atop Snoopy's doghouse and a satellite antenna, along with such iconic Peanuts visuals as Charlie Brown's infamous football—and, of course, Snoopy's red supper dish.

Snoopy, the Longest-Running Character Balloon in the Macy's Parade, soared for his 40th flight down the Streets of Manhattan and his Second time as Astronaut Snoopy (he First Wore a Space Suit for the 1969 Parade). This time sporting a Brand-New Orange Spacesuit Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing (image via Patch)

"It is Peanuts meeting history – what a thrill to see our Peanuts gang join four extraordinary astronauts (both current and former) as we celebrate historic accomplishments in space exploration— and, even more thrilling, as we anticipate the future discoveries that still await us," said Jeannie Schulz, widow of Peanuts creator Charles M. "Sparky" Schulz. "My only wish is that Sparky could have been here to see this. He was an enormous admirer of NASA and the extraordinary men and women who work at the agency. He celebrated their work in his comic strips long before the moon landing. He would be proud to know that his beloved characters continue to inspire young people to engage in science education and follow tomorrow's astronauts to the moon and on to Mars."

Starting as early as 1959, NASA advocate Charles Schulz began incorporating space-exploration themes into his comic strip. During the Apollo missions, Schulz gave NASA permission to use Snoopy on its safety materials. The relationship reached new heights in 1969, when NASA sent Peanuts into space, through the formation of the Silver Snoopy award. In July 2018, NASA and Peanuts Worldwide looked to the future with the signing of a multi-year, formal Space Act Agreement, supporting fresh entertainment content plus STEM-based educational materials for the next generation.

"In July 2018, NASA and Peanuts Worldwide looked to the future with the signing of a multi-year, formal Space Act Agreement, supporting fresh entertainment content plus STEM-based educational materials for the next generation..."

About Peanuts

Charles M. Schulz first introduced the world to the Peanuts characters in 1950, when the Peanuts comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. 

Snoopy in Space (image via iMore.com)

The new series Snoopy in Space launched on AppleTV+ on November 1, 2019. Peanuts animated specials and series air on major networks and streaming services, including ABC, Cartoon Network and Boomerang in the U.S., Family Channel in Canada, and the WildBrain Spark network on YouTube. 

Fans also enjoy Peanuts through thousands of consumer products around the world, amusement parks attractions, cultural events, social media, and a daily comic strip available in all formats from traditional to digital.

Snoopy in Space - Trailer

SOURCE: DHX Media Ltd. (dba WildBrain)

Seventeenth Century French Artifact Arrives In Seattle For An Immersive Exhibition

By donning a HoloLens, guests are taken into a 15- to 20-minute experience where the Mont-Saint-Michel model comes to life.

Seattle's Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) and Microsoft Corp. on Thursday announced the opening of a new exhibit, "Mont-Saint-Michel: Digital Perspectives on the Model," which features a unique blend of 17th and 21st century technology.

Powered by Microsoft AI and mixed-reality technology as well as the recently released HoloLens 2 device, the interactive exhibition transports visitors into a holographic tour of the picturesque Mont-Saint-Michel, a medieval monastery perched atop a remote tidal island off the coast of Normandy, France.

The virtual experience is complemented by a physical relief map of the Mont-Saint-Michel, an intricate, three-dimensional model of the landmark. Entirely crafted by hand in the 1600s by the resident Benedictine monks, the 1/144-scale model precisely depicts the monument in such intricate detail that maps like this were considered valuable strategic tools to leaders like Napoleon and King Louis XIV, who considered the maps military secrets and hid them from public view.

"The Museum of History & Industry is honored to share this icon of world history, enhanced by leading-edge technology, to create a unique experience born of innovations both past and present," said Leonard Garfield, MOHAI's executive director. "More than 300 years separate the remarkable relief map and today, but the persistent human drive toward invention and creativity bridges those years, reflecting the unbroken quest for greater understanding and appreciation of the world around us."

The opening of the exhibit is timed with the 40th anniversary of the Mont-Saint-Michel being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the first time the relief map, as well as the mixed-reality experience, has been in North America.

"The relief maps were technological marvels of Louis XIV and Napoleon's time. It's exciting to see how we can blend old and new technology to unlock the hidden treasures of history, especially for younger generations," said Brad Smith, president of Microsoft. "This exhibit provides a unique model for preserving cultural heritage around the world, something Microsoft is committed to through our AI for Good program."

The Mont-Saint-Michel experience is an example of Microsoft's AI for Cultural Heritage program, which aims to leverage the power of AI to empower people and organizations dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of cultural heritage. 

Microsoft is working with nonprofits, universities and governments around the world to use AI to help preserve the languages we speak, the places we live and the artifacts we treasure. For example, earlier today Microsoft announced it is working with experts in New Zealand to include te reo Māori in its Microsoft Translator application, which will enable instant translations of text from more than 60 languages into te reo Māori and vice versa. This will be one of the first indigenous languages to use the latest machine learning translation technology to help make the language accessible to as many people as possible. 

• The AI for Cultural Heritage program is the fourth pillar of Microsoft's AI for Good portfolio, a five-year commitment to use AI to tackle some of society's biggest challenges.

The relief map is on loan to MOHAI from the Musée des Plans-Reliefs in Paris, which houses more than 100 historically significant and well-preserved relief maps. The relief map of Mont-Saint-Michel is considered the museum's crown jewel.

"One of the challenges in the history of art is the relationship with the public. To gain the attention, to capture the view or the interest of the public, is not always evident," said Emmanuel Starcky, director, Musée des Plans-Reliefs. "With the HoloLens technology, you have now the possibility to realize immersive experiences in art, where you still see the reality but have more information about it. It will be a unique experience for the American public to discover the relief map, its condition in the 17th century and its evolution through three centuries, as well as reflect on the purpose of those relief maps."

Drawing from hundreds of thousands of detailed images, Iconem, a leader in the digital preservation of cultural heritage sites, used Microsoft AI to create a photorealistic 3D digital model of the historic structure. Then, French mixed-reality specialists at HoloForge Interactive developed a unique Microsoft HoloLens experience to draw people into the artifact like never before.

• The "Mont-Saint-Michel: Digital Perspectives on the Model" exhibit, including both the original relief map and mixed-reality experience, will be on display at MOHAI Nov. 23, 2019 through Jan. 26, 2020.

SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.

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Walt Disney World Resort Brings the Adventure of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to Air Travelers at Orlando International Airport

First Order Stormtroopers appear to be on a terminal train at Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 16, 2019. Disney installed these wraps on the terminal shuttle stations to bring the adventure of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to airport travelers. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

The Force is strong today throughout Orlando International Airport with the debut of new décor that helps travelers feel as if they've stepped into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the new 14-acre land inside Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Disney is the first organization the airport has invited to create artistic renderings that wrap shuttle stations within the airline terminals. It's a creative first for Central Florida's major transport hub that welcomes nearly 50 million passengers each year.

A traveler at Orlando International Airpott in Orlando, Fla., passes by a scene from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios prior to boarding a shuttle to the Main Terminal, Nov. 16, 2019. Disney installed artistic wraps on the shuttle stations to immerse airport travelers in scenes from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

"We are constantly evolving the airport experience to make it more service oriented, passenger friendly and fun," said Raymond Anderson, senior director of concessions and properties for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. "This new installation provides a preview of what vacationers and business travelers alike can expect at Walt Disney World. It's also the most recent in a long line of collaborations between the airport and Disney over the decades."

"Our Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge art installation reflects how very special the Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando International Airport relationship is," said Claire Bilby, senior vice president of sales, services and events for Walt Disney World. "We've had a string of fruitful projects with the airport, like having two supersonic jets land simultaneously to celebrate the opening of Epcot in 1982, creating the groundbreaking Disney's Magical Express service in 2005, today's first-of-its kind art installation and so much more. The airport is Central Florida's 'welcome' to visitors from around the globe. We're honored to put our Disney magic to work in making that welcome exciting and memorable."

A traveler at Orlando International Airpott in Orlando, Fla., passes by a scene from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios prior to boarding a shuttle to the Main Terminal, Nov. 16, 2019. Disney installed these artistic wraps on the shuttle stations to immerse airport travelers in scenes from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

As travelers arrive in Orlando and prepare to board shuttles for the airport's Main Terminal, they will see life-size depictions of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge that look as if visitors could step right into the new land.

A child prepares to board a shuttle to the Main Terminal at Orlando International Airport, Nov. 16, 2019, in Orlando Fla. Disney installed artistic renderings on the terminal shuttle stations to bring the adventure of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to airport travelers. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

One scene creates a dimensional landscape that feels as if visitors are standing inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, where travelers can see the iconic Millennium Falcon and other landmarks from the new land. In another scene, it appears as if First Order Stormtroopers are waiting to step off the shuttle as the train arrives in the station.

• Combined, these artistic representations of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge stretch longer than eight full-size buses. They will remain in place into 2020.

A guest at Orlando International Airport stops to take a selfie with droids from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge outside the airport’s Magic of Disney store in the Main Terminal, Nov. 16, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. The droids were brought to the airport to help travelers feel some of the fun and excitement of the new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

More new fun and excitement from a galaxy far, far away can be had elsewhere inside Orlando International Airport. Also debuting today at the Magic of Disney store in the Main Terminal West Hall – available to all airport guests, with or without boarding passes – is a new photo location featuring droids from the Star Wars galaxy. When the airport's second Magic of Disney store, in the Main Terminal East Hall, reopens Nov. 22, 2019, it will feature a 36-foot-long video screen on an exterior wall showing scenes from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This will be another ideal photo spot, giving visitors an enticing glimpse of the new land.

A First Order Stormtrooper appears to stand outside the shuttle station at Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 16, 2019, in an artistic rendering installed by Disney at the airport to bring the excitement of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to airport travelers. (Steven Diaz, photographer)

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge invites guests to live their own Star Wars adventures at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They can take control of the Millennium Falcon, build a droid or a lightsaber, sample galactic food and drinks and discover much more. 

A groundbreaking new attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opens Dec. 5, 2019, inside the land, bringing guests into a climactic battle between the Resistance and the First Order in an experience of cinematic scale.

SOURCE: Walt Disney World Resort

VRstudios Announces the Immediate Availability of "Terminator: Guardian of Fate"

Terminator: Guardian of Fate (courtesy of VRstudios)

VRstudios, creator of turn-key multiplayer Virtual Reality (VR) attractions for Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) businesses has announced the latest exclusive experience for Dave & Buster's proprietary multiplayer virtual reality simulator – Terminator: Guardian of Fate. 

The intense, action-packed interactive experience featuring the incredible talents of Linda Hamilton voicing Sarah Connor, is now available to play nationwide, thrusting players into the middle of the action on a heart-pounding, treacherous rescue mission alongside Sarah Connor, and putting them face-to-face with the deadliest Terminator yet.

Protect the target at all costs! When a Terminator arrives in their local town, players must spring into action alongside Sarah Connor and her team to stop the deadly Terminator from annihilating a target who will prove invaluable to the future of the Resistance. 

Players must outrun and outwit the Terminator to ensure the target and her work escape safely. Sarah Connor guides players every step of the way as they fight through a zombie-style shootout with the Terminator who will stop at nothing to attack the players' vehicle while causing tons of destruction in its wake, and finally culminating in a showdown of epic proportions!

Players will never have the same experience twice as another chapter of the game will be out soon that will add multiple endings and more terrifying surprises! This is all combined with other elements of variability including subtle differences in gameplay. 

Terminator: Guardian of Fate features iconic characters Sarah Connor and the Terminator, along with some new characters that were created to support this original narrative. There are also four randomized player avatars and players will be able to use a variety of weapons against the Terminator through a series of weapon upgrades within the game.

"We have really created something very special with Terminator: Guardian of Fate. This is an all-out adrenaline-fueled interactive experience that is a roller coaster of intensity," said Chanel Summers, VRstudios' Vice President of Creative Development. "The Terminator is the ultimate movie monster and just when players think they have destroyed it, it comes back! The action is so relentless that you will barely have time to catch your breath!"

VRstudios has teamed up again with development partner Strange Reptile, after working together to build the successful titles — Star Trek: Dark Remnant and Men in Black: Galactic Getaway for Dave & Buster's. 

• Together the companies have brought to life the terrifying, fast-paced action of the Terminator experience for all to enjoy.

SOURCE: VRstudios

Great Scott! Back to the Future Celebrates 35 Years

Back to the Future Celebrates 35 Years (PRNewsfoto/Universal Brand Development)

Universal is going back in time to celebrate 35 years of the beloved film franchise – Back to the Future – starting today, on the iconic fan-created anniversary date captured in the film when Marty McFly travels back to the future: October 21, 2015. 

Over the next year, fans around the world will be treated to new, inspired-by merchandise across a variety of categories, theatrical re-releases, anniversary celebrations, digital content and more.

New YouTube Originals learning series - "Could You Survive the Movies?" - launches today, featuring "Back to the Future" in episode one.

Today, YouTube Originals and Ample Entertainment launched the new learning series, "Could You Survive the Movies" – an exciting series dedicated to exploring the magic and science of cinema's most iconic pop culture films, including "Back to the Future." In each episode, YouTube creator and host Jake Roper takes you on an immersive journey into the world of a different movie; blending unscripted scientific exploration with narrative storytelling. 

In the premiere episode, Jake steps into the original 1985 film to find out if you could survive the massive pressure wave generated by a giant guitar amp, time travel paradoxes, and the electricity from a lightning bolt travelling through your body…all while desperately trying to get back to the future! 

Could you Survive the Movies? - Episode One

• "Could you Survive the Movies?" is available to stream on YouTube.com/Learning and the Vsauce3 YouTube channel. 

New toy partner Playmobil has created a collection featuring fan favorite characters and vehicles including Marty McFly, Dr. Emmett Brown, the DeLorean Time Machine and more – coming in May 2020. Popular Funko POP! figures, a new themed board game from Ravensburger, collectible movie prints from Classic Stills plus other surprises from Hasbro, Mattel, 3D Retro Collectibles and more that will debut next summer.

Playmobil has a new toy line celebrating the 35th Anniversary of "Back To The Future"

Publishing program expands with new novelty formats from Running Press and Insight Editions, a new comic series from IDW Publishing, along with existing fan-favorites from other partners, such as:

• Back to the Future: DeLorean Time Machine – Owner's Workshop Manual 
• Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History 
• William Shakespeare's Get Thee Back to the Future 
• Back to the Future: The Classic Illustrated Storybook 
• and much more...

New publishing offering, "DeLorean Time Machine: Owner's Workshop Manual" celebrating the iconic film "Back To The Future"

A lifestyle collection of apparel and accessories includes fun, retro looks that are still relevant today. Expected partners include Criminal Damage, Box Lunch, Dumbgood, Haus of JR, Hot Topic, Just Hype, Primark, Suavecito, Super 7, Zara and more. Rubies and FUN.com will have costumes for fan celebrations beyond Halloween. 

With a nod to the nostalgia trend, Universal has once again partnered with the Otis School of Design for a special "Back to the Future" collection designed by students to be presented at the annual scholarship and benefit fashion show in Spring 2020.

Where we're going, we don't need roads… be on the lookout for theatrical events and the debut of the "Back to the Future" trilogy in 4K from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, as well as a celebration from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) later in 2020.

Fans won't want to miss Back to the Future The Musical, directed by Tony Award winner John Rando, which opens for a 12-week run at the Manchester Opera House on February 20, 2020. The musical features a book by the film's co-creator and co-writer Bob Gale, and new music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri (who composed the score for the original 1985 film) and Glen Ballard.

• The anniversary will be commemorated by Universal Parks & Resorts, key retail partners and more. Visit the Back to the Future page on Facebook for details.

Back to the Future

About Back to the Future

From the Academy Award-winning filmmakers Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg comes Back to the Future - the original, groundbreaking adventure that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever! 

When teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is blasted to 1955 in the DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), he finds himself mixed up in a time-shattering chain reaction that could vaporize his future - and leave him trapped in the past. 

Powered by innovative special effects, unforgettable songs and non-stop action, Back to the Future is an unrivaled adventure that stands the test of time.

SOURCE: Universal Brand Development