If you didn’t see the behind the scenes look video posted last month, click here.

The current version of Star Tours will close down in October of 2010, and the new version will open sometime in 2011.  They’ve released piece of concept artwork and a short video.

The upgrade will include a digital projection system that will give passengers a 3D experience.  At the news conference after the presentation Rasulo hinted at the ability to change the ride’s video – sounds a lot like the earlier reports that it will feature many alternate beginning, middle and end action sequences, allowing different ride experiences every time.  I’m curious to how it will all play out – but I wouldn’t be surprised if they slowly bring in the new video, every year announcing a “new destination” for Star Tours.

They also said the simulators will feature new in-cabin special effects.  This is matching up 3 for 3 with the rumors and information that spread earlier this year.

There was no word about the holographic Admiral Akbar or if the ride would feature a chase by Boba Fett (both items reported by Slashfilm back in May).

The only content that was confirmed was a Pod Racing scene, which was shown in 3D to the audience during a presentation (video below).  In 2002 the Pod Racing story was first rumored to be the new version of Star Tours.  Considering how long it’s been since that rumor first surfaced, the technology available today, and the hint of different ride videos, I’m sure Pod Racing on Tatooine will just be one of many different locations riders will encounter.

The concept artwork they released shows off a new red paint job for the Starspeeders. This is another reason why I believe Pod Racing will be just one of many locations. If it was just going to be based on Pod Racing they wouldn’t still be using the Starspeeders, they’d just have people riding in actual Pod Racers.

Here is the video from the announcement at D23. It’s definitely worth watching.

Disney has also released a high quality video of the Pod Racing clip.

Depp made a similar surprise appearance at Comic-Con earlier this year after Tim Burton debuted the trailer for “Alice in Wonderland.”  So far the one video that has surfaced only shows Depp’s appearance on stage at D23 – hopefully video of the full announcement will be out soon.

For anyone who hasn’t heard, the Walt Disney Co. has recently signed a deal to buy Marvel Comics and all of its subsidiaries. This news has brought a wave of commentary, from whether or not the price (approx. $4 billion) is “fair” for the two companies, to the inevitable forum rants about how much one group might negatively affect the other. I’ve reserved commentary during these first few days, in an attempt to override any knee-jerk judgment, and so I could chat with friends who also had ideas on the subject. All that said and done, what follows are some general talking-points concerning the merger.

Before continuing, the biggest source for some of these ideas came from this update.

General Company Affairs

It’s unlikely that John Lasseter will be walking through the Marvel offices firing people and telling them what color Spider-Man’s suit should be; that said, there is the possibility that Disney might extend their current HR practices. Disney currently has a hiring freeze in place as a means of helping to avoid too many layoffs; there has also been a higher level of job scrutiny and specialization, so the jobs that are available have a more dedicated focus. Aside from that, though, I don’t think Disney will be interfering too heavily with the business side of Marvel.

Creative Control  and Development

Again, Disney understands the importance of letting the people who are good at their job continue to generate good product. One thing I am really hoping for in this area, though, is that Disney might curtail the recent rash of “Marvel Events.” I’m just going to be honest: I don’t like the events. They break continuity of pre-established story arcs, interrupt vital character development, and at times completely negate the work of some really excellent teams.

Having watched the commentary tracks and development videos on numerous Pixar features, one thing that stands out is that those guys all work together, and that some of these projects have been in development for years. That is the kind of work I would really like to see emerge at Marvel. And before anyone gets too hotheaded, yes I know the creative teams at Marvel work with one another, and that they are generally aware of “events” well in advance so that they can work in necessary elements. I do not, however, agree with the practice of having other creative teams take more-or-less full control of certain key characters (see the hijacking of Captain America away from Ed Brubaker during the “Civil War).

The other “big” issue that has been bouncing around is that Disney will cancel production of the more adult-oriented side of Marvel, particularly the “MAX” branch. My response to this cannot be conveyed in polite conversation. I realize that some folks probably still consider Disney “for kids” and think the company will eliminate anything that can’t have a Hannah Montana song in the credits.  Any such individuals are, in my opinion, so far removed from actual events that their contribution is meaningless.

Marvel Animated Productions

The current run of DC animated features is beyond reproach on almost every level; they are well-animated, sharply written, and generally point an original spin on the characters. The Marvel features are, well, not so good. This being the case, I’m absolutely stoked about what I feel Disney could bring to the table.

Remember those God-awful direct-to-DVD sequels to classic Disney films? When Lasseter took the helm, he kept them around for two reasons: because they make money, and because they offer a phenomenal means of honing animators, writers, voice-actors, and other talent. What he did change, though, was the quality testing process; after all, training new skill-sets isn’t effective if you’re allowing the trainees to produce unimpressive material. The Marvel features could add yet another level to that system, and I’m going to be honest: If we can get Marvel animation with the production polish of Lion King II or Kronk’s New Groove, I’d be ecstatic.

Other Points of Interest

• The “Kid” Issue- There are several attempts by Marvel right now to re-introduce their franchises to a younger audience, the largest of these being some nightmarish amalgamation called the “Super Hero Squad Show.” The truth is, comics have suffered in recent years because younger audiences are less likely to become new readers. Even the generic plotlines are convoluted affairs, the trades are expensive (and are hard to follow chronologically), and the first time they can’t get the latest single issue at a Border’s while shopping with mom is the instant that catching up becomes nigh impossible. One thing Disney does really well is producing easily accessible content that doesn’t lose any of its thematic poignancy; don’t be surprised if a few new self-contained titles geared specifically at the 6-8 or 8-12 crowd emerge from this buyout.
• Collectables- From $3 keychains, to $15 t-shirts, to multi-thousand-dollar original pieces of memorabilia, Disney has a flair for giving collectors what they want.  And while comic book aficionados in general, and Marvel-produced items specifically, already have a well-developed niche, Disney could bring new things such as a company-sponsored system for locating rare items, or bring classic comics under their umbrella of authentication.
• Mass / International Marketing- Comic fans are a tiny subset of the population; it’s a harsh fact, but one that cannot be ignored if the industry is to have a future. Watchmen was an almost-perfect transcription of the original graphic novel, and fans of the comic were largely pleased with the outcome; from a comic guy’s standpoint, it was a great achievement. From a Warner Brothers stockholder’s vantage, though, it was not all it had promised. Being both a comics fan and a Disney buff, I can tell you that true Disney followers manage to be equally devoted; the fact that their beloved franchises are generally more publicly recognized does not hamper this devotion. If Disney can help Marvel generate content that becomes more readily recognized by John and Jane Doe, while not compromising what the true believers hold dear, it might be a turning point for American comics.

I know that these ideas are a little disjointed, and don’t even begin to cover the full spectrum of possible outcomes. But to be honest, outside of official company statements, everything flying around out there right now is hearsay and speculation. I just hope this will spark some conversation, and any comments that can expand what has been said here will be greatly appreciated, not the least of all by me.

PS – As far as I am aware, there are no plans for the feature film Hulkie the Pooh, nor are Iron Mouse and the animated musical The Little Submariner currently in development.

The bar took the place of La Familia Fashions (clothing and jewelry/silver shop) next to San Angel Inn.

The title “La Cava del Tequila” translates to “Tequila Cave”.

The logo above the entrance references the agava plant that tequila comes from.

This mural shows the process of making tequila.  Starting at harvesting the agava plant (in the far left) to pouring the tequila in wooden barrels for the aging process.

The lighting is a little dark in this one, but this corner of the bar has wooden barrels similar to those used for aging tequila.

This is the “tequila ambassador” that gave us a lot of information about tequila.  She actually comes from Tequila, Mexico and spent five years at Jose Cuérvo as a tour guide.

These are the tequila “flights” we had.  Our flights consisted of half shots of Silver, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas.  The tequila ambassador explained Blanco (or “white”) and Silver Tequila is either un-aged, or aged less than two months in oak barrels.  Reposado (or “rested”) Tequila is aged two months to a year, and Añejo (“aged”), is aged one to three years.

Using salt before a tequila shot and lime after it (some call it “training wheels” or “snake bite”) is mostly used for Blanco or Silver Tequila.  Reposado Tequila is followed with Sangrita (not to be confused with sangria, sangrita is a tomato juice based cocktail mixer).  Añejo Tequila is usually tasted by itself without any salt or chaser, in order to appreciate the taste that comes from the aging process.

The bar has a great display for their tequila bottles.  I wouldn’t mind having something like this at my house.

These are just the prices for shots of the white and silver tequilas.  The Reposado and Añejo tequilas are more expensive.

I know being in a theme park (Disney no less) it will be a little more expensive than an average bar, but I’m pretty sure the Rose and Crown pub in the UK has shots of tequila that cost less.  I’ll make a trip over there this week to verify that and update when I find out.

08.17.09 — Star Wars Rumor Control!
In response to inquiries from Star Wars fan sites about Storm Troopers at the D23 Expo, D23 issues the following statement: “We were contacted by the Galactic Empire and have been advised that Imperial dignitaries will be attending Disney’s D23 Expo,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “As a result, a legion of Storm Troopers from the 501st Battalion will be patrolling the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday, September 12.”

I don’t think they would be asking them to be at the convention if they didn’t have a big Star Wars related announcement to make.  Since there hasn’t been any other Star Wars related attraction rumors, I’m 99.9% sure that the announcement will be about Star Tours 2.  I would expect Jay Rasulo (chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts) to announce it in his opening speech to the D23 Expo on September 12.

Assuming that the deal is approved by Marvel shareholders, Disney will now own popular characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, and the Fantastic Four, amongst many, many others.

It is not immediately clear how this move would affect the various film franchises Marvel has in the works (such as the Iron Man films and the upcoming Thor and Captain America movies) or the licenses to Marvel-based movies owned by other studios (such as Spider-Man and the X-Men).

It is also unclear how this would affect the theme park license Universal owns on the Marvel characters.

Looks pretty great to me.  I haven’t been all that stoked by what I’ve been seeing on The Princess and the Frog, but these Rapunzel images look like vintage Disney to me.

The movie won’t be in theatres until December 2010.