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Finding Dory on Blu-ray and Easter Eggs #FindingDory

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Finding Dory on Blu-rayThe other night I thought about watching Finding Nemo before we watched our new Finding Dory on Blu-ray.  I had a tough time actually finding it because we don’t have it anymore.  It was on VHS!  We had that cassette for years when my first two kids were little and we nearly wore it out watching it so much.  Once we got rid of our VHS player, well all our tapes became obsolete.  I still can’t remember if we sold it at a garage sale or just donated it to Goodwill.

Having Finding Dory in the house is incredible.  It’s going to be our new movie to ‘wear out’ by watching it over and over! Plus with all the bonus features, each viewing is going to add something new to the experience.  We loved watching the deleted scenes and asking eachother, “why do you think they took that out” and tried to think like a film producer and editor.    Sometimes we turn it on just to watch Piper, the theatrical short, it’s is so precious!  Having had an exclusive experience in Monterey, CA (as I’m a local and the movie was inspired by the Monterey Bay Aquarium) and meeting some of the most creative minds at Disney Pixar, this movie will be near and dear to my heart forever.

Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and co-directed by Angus MacLane (“Toy Story OF TERROR!”), the film is produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”) and executive produced by John Lasseter. Victoria Strouse (“October Road”) wrote the script with Stanton. Veteran composer and longtime Stanton collaborator Thomas Newman (“Bridge of Spies,” “WALL•E,” “Finding Nemo”) created the film’s music score and singer-songwriter Sia performs the film’s end-credit song, “Unforgettable.”

Finding DoryEaster Eggs

NOSTALGIC WHEELS – The truck that is featured late in the movie features a logo from the 1986 short “Luxo, Jr.” produced by Pixar and directed by John Lasseter. The short’s success helped launch the studio, and the image of the desk lamp appears in Pixar’s iconic logo today.

  • The license plate on the truck sports A113, which is reminiscent of the CalArts classroom for first-year graphic design and character animation where many of the artists and animators at Pixar began to build their craft.
  • Sets Art Director Don Shank’s name can be seen in the truck’s grill.

TAG IT – The tags donned by the lazy sea lions snoozing outside the Marine Life Institute together bear the iconic A113. While Rudder’s tag reads A1, Fluke’s says 13.

FIELD TRIP – Riley from 2015’s “Inside Out” appears in a group of kids touring the Marine Life Institute. She is clearly featured in a frame with Dory.

MAP IT – The registration number for the zodiac boat that picks up Dory in the bay outside the Marine Life Institute is PA1200, which represents Pixar’s address: 1200 Park Avenue.

Bonus Features

Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & Digital HD:

  • Theatrical Short: “Piper” – A hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The only problem is that the food is buried beneath the sand where scary waves roll up onto the shore.
  • Marine Life Interviews (All-New Mini Short) – Meet the inhabitants of the Marine Life Institute as they remember our favorite blue tang.
  • The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar – Pixar’s “Team Hank” unravels the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of bringing to life the studio’s crankiest and most technically complicated character ever.
  • What Were We Talking About? – This piece showcases the complex routes Dory’s story took as the filmmakers worked to construct a comprehensive narrative involving a main character with short-term memory loss.
  • Casual Carpool – What’s it like to commute with the voices of Marlin, Charlie, Bailey and Hank? Join “Finding Dory” writer/director Andrew Stanton as he drives Albert Brooks, Eugene Levy, Ty Burrell and Ed O’Neill to work.
  • Animation & Acting – How do you create a connection between a human audience and a fish? This behind-the-scenes look behind the curtain examines the process of constructing believable performances through a unique collaboration between the director, voice actors and animators.
  • Creature Features – The cast of “Finding Dory” share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film.
  • Deep in the Kelp – Disney Channel’s Jenna Ortega guides us on a research trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to show how far the “Finding Dory” crew went to make Dory’s world feel real.
  • Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer – “Finding Dory” character art director Jason Deamer talks about how he got to Pixar, how he draws the characters in the film, and how falling off a skateboard teaches you lessons you can use in art and life.
  • Dory’s Theme – A spirited discussion among the composer, music editor and director of “Finding Dory” about the musical elements that shape Dory’s quirky and joyful theme.
  • Rough Day on the Reef – Sometimes computers make mistakes. Here you’ll see some of the funny, creepy and just plain bizarre footage the crew encountered while making “Finding Dory.”

    Max Brace (Story Supervisor) and Angus MacLane (Co-Director) present at the Finding Dory Long Lead press day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA. Photo by Marc Flores. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
    Max Brace (Story Supervisor) and Angus MacLane (Co-Director) present at the Finding Dory Long Lead press day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA. Photo by Marc Flores. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
  • Commentary – Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Angus MacLane and producer Lindsey Collins deliver their personal perspective on “Finding Dory.”
  • Deleted Scenes (introduced by director Andrew Stanton)
    • Losing Nemo – While watching the stingray migration, Dory starts to follow two fish that remind her of her parents, leaving Nemo all alone.
    • Little Tension in Clown Town – In this alternate version of the film, Dory tries to “follow her fins” to her parents, but ends up in a strange place with even stranger fish fashion.
    • Dory Dumped – In this early version of the story, Dory’s parents had short-term memory loss as well.
    • Sleep Swimming – Dory begins to talk and swim in her sleep, revealing what seem to be clues to her past.
    • Meeting Hank – Wandering the Marine Life Institute’s elaborate pipe system, Dory happens upon the abode of Hank the cranky octopus.
    • The Pig – Frantically navigating the pipes of the Marine Life Institute in search of her parents, Dory crosses paths with a terrifying cleaning device.
    • Starting Over – Director Andrew Stanton presents four different versions of the movie’s opening scene to illustrate the filmmakers’ search for the best way to introduce Dory’s backstory and to connect this new film to “Finding Nemo.”
    • Tank Gang (Digital exclusive) – After a close encounter with a squid leaves them separated from Dory, Marlin and Nemo unexpectedly meet up with the Tank Gang from “Finding Nemo,” who make it their mission to get to the Marine Life Institute … by any means necessary.
    • Hidden Seacrets of Finding Dory (Digital exclusive) – Take a deep dive to catch secret Easter Eggs throughout the movie.  And just like Hank, they’re hidden in plain sight.

DVD:

  • Theatrical Short: Piper & Commentary

Finding Dory Buy Finding Dory on Blu-ray  in stores now, it makes such a great stocking stuffer!

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Movie was sent for review.

Finding Dory Halloween Activities and DIY Costumes #FindingDory #Halloween

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Finding Dory Halloween ActivitiesFinding Dory was a huge hit for our family in the theaters this year, it’s now available on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere and you can get it on Blu-ray November 15!  To get into the holiday spirit, click on the links below for some fun Finding Dory Halloween Activities and DIY Costumes that will be sure to impress your friends and neighbors!

Finding Dory Halloween Activities

Pumpkin stencils, treat bags, and luminaries can be found in this collection of printables!

Download Finding Dory Halloween Activities

Finding Dory DIY Costumes

Still need a costume idea, here are some fun DIY Costumes that are Finding Dory themed!

Finding Dory Pumpkin Carving

Also, check out this great idea for your pumpkins this Halloween!

Review: 4 Reasons we Loved Finding Dory in Dolby Cinema at AMC #FindingDory #ShareAMC #DolbyCinema

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Finding Dory at Dolby Cinema at AMCFour of us traveled to Newark, California this weekend to check out the Dolby Cinema at AMC for the first time. By first time, I mean that we’d never had the Dolby Cinema experience of state of the art imaging and sound technologies with spacious, reserved recliners at the movies before.  To top it off, it was to see the most anticipated sequel of my lifetime, Finding Dory.  Summing up the morning, it was all that it had promised to be and so much more!

Here are 4 reasons we loved Finding Dory in Dolby Cinema at AMC theaters!Dolby Cinema at AMC

  1.  Reserved seating. We gathered our tickets and those of our winners from the sweet Fabiola just after entering the theater.  I’m pretty sure in all my excitement I slurred my words and didn’t make sense to her when I spoke to her.  I passed out tickets to the seven of us that were there and I heard my daughter say, “these are assigned seats!”  This was another first for us, but we loved that we were guaranteed to sit together, we didn’t have to rush into the theater and save seats, and we could take our time getting snacks knowing our seats are already set. The rows are designated in the carpet and each seat has an illuminated number on the front so you can find it quickly in the dark.Finding Dory at Dolby Cinema at AMC
  2. The Seats.  So you walk into the theater and it’s huge.  There’s rows of floor level seats in front of the screen, then stadium style seating tiered in the back.  One look at the seats and you know you’re in for a luxurious experience.  Large leather recliners are actually what they are, they look ultra soft and even better what we sport in our living room.  Finding Dory at Dolby Cinema at AMCThe seats come with cup holders and personal controls to provide lift for your legs and also head rest adjustment. There’s a button to full recline, and you can adjust head and feet separately as well. These seats are so nice and they take comfort to the next level, I think you can easily fall asleep if you were tired enough! Also between my husband and I was an adjustable armrest that we could move out of the way for a loveseat feeling, great for date nights!  Here it is in action:

3.  The view.  I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the theater. But, what I loved is that in fully-reclined mode, I looked around and felt like I was the only one there.  You really can’t see the people below you, nor do you hear or feel the kicks of anyone behind you, so you focus solely on the movie, it’s pretty fantastic.Finding Dory at Dolby Cinema at AMC4.  Dolby Cinema.  If you haven’t experienced, you should immediately!  Astonishing brightness, deep darks, and vibrant colors in Dolby Vision™ render each moment with a large impact.  Breathtaking sound in Dolby Atmos® fills the room and flows all around you.  In the short, Piper that airs before Finding Dory, and Finding Dory itself,  the visuals were stunning.  So many times you’d blink and forget this was an animated film.  The birds, the waves in Piper looked so defined and sounded so real you felt like you were at the beach.  When baby Dory appeared on the screen at the beginning of the movie, her eyes lit up the room so big and colorful.  I found myself turning around to the sounds that arc around you, you are literally immersed in the technology and it’s spectacular! The vibrations and movement of the recliners weren’t pronounced in Finding Dory just because there wasn’t much of that kind of activity in the movie.  Just a touch of it at the beginning, but it just made us more curious and excited to come again real soon for an action film to experience the full effect!Finding Dory at Dolby Cinema at AMC

Movie Review

With those 4 reasons we loved Finding Dory in Dolby Cinema at AMC, here are some review points of what we thought of the movie {spoiler alert}.

-Piper was heart-warming.  Like I mentioned in a previous article when we watched part of the short in Monterey, it touched me so much when it comes to the mother/daughter relationship.  Having two daughters and one leaving for college soon, it’s an inspiring tale of never giving up.  I love that Piper was so happy and overjoyed at the end that she went full out embracing the ocean and scooping up the clams, I know this will be my daughter’s experience.

-I was crying within minutes of Finding Dory, both sad and happy tears.  I had hope for Dory, but I understand the feeling of always apologizing for yourself and your downfalls.

4 Reasons we Loved Finding Dory in Dolby Cinema at AMC-The movie was just what we needed as far as Dory is concerned.  We learned about her youth and the love and worry her parents had for her due to her short-term “remembery” loss.  She was more than adorable as a baby tang and Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton were perfect as Charlie and Jenny.  In the end when you see the paths of shells Dory’s parents left for her, I sobbed like a baby but was so happy that memory was established enough it led her to her parents!

-Hank was awesome.  Ed O’Neil was perfect for the role.  Just like his character in ABC’s  Modern Family (which we love), O’Neil gives Hank a rough shell but in the end is a real softie caring for Dory and her search for her parents along with Nemo and Marlin.

-Bailey’s and Destiny’s roles were just enough.  I was worried that too many new characters would deter from the movie but this wasn’t the case. I love how they all became one big family at the end of the movie.  You’ll be happy to see many of the Finding Nemo favorites like Squirt and Crush play roles along with Mr. Ray and all the students!

-I love the focus on Dory as a positive influence and turning her struggle into a strength by saying “what would Dory do?”  In order for Marlin and Nemo to understand Dory and for Dory to understand herself they had to clear their minds and think like Dory which helped them in the end!

-Ellen DeGeneres was spot on as usual.  Her comedy shined when it needed to like when her joke about “where babies come from” had the adults rolling with laughter.  She also gave Dory vulnerability, hope, and courage, she’s a phenomenal actress with so much range.

4 Reasons we Loved Finding Dory in Dolby Cinema at AMC

-The animals like Gerald, the sea lions, Becky, and more provide comic relief at the perfect times, don’t forget to watch all the way through the end of the credits!

Here’s a listing of all Dolby Cinema at AMC locations currently opened so you can catch Finding Dory this week in a city near you:
Arizona
AMC Desert Ridge 18
AMC Mesa Grand 24
California
AMC Burbank 16
AMC Century City 15
AMC Newpark 12
Georgia
AMC North Point Mall 12
Illinois
AMC Hawthorn 12
Kansas
AMC Town Center 20
Missouri
AMC BarryWoods 24
Nevada
AMC Townsquare 18
New Jersey
AMC Garden State 16
New York
AMC Empire 25
Texas
AMC Deerbrook 24
AMC Northpark 15
AMC Village on the Parkway 9
AMC Willowbrook 24
Virginia
AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24
AMC Tysons Corner 16
Washington
AMC River Park Square 20

For more great information on Finding Dory, visit the following social media channels: Facebook/Twitter (#FindingDory)/Instagram/Pinterest/YouTube/Website.

Movie tickets and those for the giveaway were provided by Dolby Cinema at AMC, all opinions are 100% mine!

It will be so hard to watch another film in a “regular” theater, I may have to make the drive to Newark more often!  I can’t wait to hear what you thought of the movie, leave me a note in the comments!

Piper: New Short Film Airing in Front of Finding Dory #FindingDoryEvent #FindingDory

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PiperI grew up with an affinity for birds; my grandparents raised parakeets, my dad always had cages of birds and currently has an aviary of finches, budgies, and love birds, my brother had a pet cockatiel, and my parent’s backyard is swarmed by humming birds coming to their many feeders. I often feel that the bird is my spirit animal and I notice them everywhere I go as a sign of peace and as a message that I should continue on, or fly if you will.  On our trip to the Finding Dory Event in Monterey back in March, I had a feeling that I was on the trip for a reason and it was confirmed when we watched the new animated short, Piper.

Directed by Alan Barillaro and produced by Marc Sondheimer, “Piper,” the new short from Pixar Animation Studios, tells the story of a hungry sandpiper hatchling who ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The only problem is, the food is buried beneath the sand where scary waves roll up onto the shore. “Piper” will debut in theaters worldwide with “Finding Dory” this Friday, June 17!  Watch this quick teaser:

I knew when we watched the film that the message was clear that I was meant to come on this trip as a part of my path…those little birds just fly into my life at the right time!  Also there’s a clear mother/daughter connection in the film that is so relatable and really warmed my heart.

Alan Barillaro (Director of "Piper") Photo by Marc Flores. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Alan Barillaro (Director of “Piper”) Photo by Marc Flores. ©2016 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

After watching the film, Director Alan Barillaro chatted with us about coming up with the concept of Piper.  Here are the highlights of what we learned and what you can think about when you see Piper this weekend!

*Barillaro had always thought sandpipers were entertaining when he saw them on the beach.  The idea of a little birds running to the shore to find food, then running away from the “terrifying” waves was a story that needed to be told.

Piper-Animated Short Airing before Finding Dory*What does the world look like when you are 4 inches tall?  Barillaro explains that it’s a tough life when your research involves the beach.  To get the depth of field and an emotional standpoint of the story, you need to get down to that level.  The cameras were heavy and with all the action of the birds, his photos were blurry.  Also, the northern California waters are murky so he had to take his crew to Kauai to get a better standpoint, we’re feeling really sorry for him *wink*.

*Barillaro credits Norman Rockwell as his inspiration.  The point is to visually tell a story as quickly as possible, make it as easy for the audience to “get” and understand, make it humorous and character based.  He, as an animator, says the whole basis of his job centers around the character.

*In the intimate nest scene, the grass was a big challenge.  Bringing it into the computer, there was just chaos so each blade of grass was hand placed, some were bent to imitate a jail cell and look scary.  Foot steps from the bird’s foot were made to direct your eye.

*The water and bubbles were huge pieces of the film to create caricature.  Barillaro says the timing had to be just right to make the waves in the water real but also have personality, the bubbles needed to be playful.  So both were layered with hand-animation and computer effects.

Piper-Animated Short Airing before Finding Dory*Birds are expressive and they looked at bird’s eyes and brows and the changes to animate their gestures.  They created 4-7 million hairs to animate Piper’s fluffy appearance and that added so much to each movement and helped add emotion to her character.

*The mother/daughter relationship was important to Barillaro and I think that’s why I love this short so much.  I have a daughter who just graduated high school and may be a little terrified leaving home and attending college in August.  Those little nudges towards independence that the mother sandpiper gives her baby made tears sting my eyes.  Piper doesn’t give up even though she is scared of the waves and I know my own daughter is going to succeed beyond her wildest dreams, but just needs to have that nudge from mom and dad to conquer her fears and help her on her way!  This bird theme in my life is real!

This short is a perfect beginning to Finding Dory and I can’t wait to see it all come together this weekend with my family! Finding Dory For more great information leading up to the premiere of Finding Dory, visit the following social media channels: Facebook/Twitter (#FindingDory)/Instagram/Pinterest/YouTube/Website.

My trip was compensated thanks to Disney/Pixar, all opinions 100% my own.

See Finding Dory in Dolby Cinema at AMC #FindingDory #DolbyCinema #ShareAMC

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See Finding DoryYou may have noticed from all my recent Finding Dory coverage that I was probably counting down the days until the opening June 17! You’d be right, I am and it’s one week until it’s on the big screen!  I hope you’re planning on attending too, I’ve previewed a bit of it along with learning tons of behind-the-scenes info and I’m truly stoked to see how it all comes together.   Even better I get to see Finding Dory next week in Dolby Cinema at AMC for the first time!

See Finding Dory in NewarkIf you don’t know what that is, you’re in for a treat, these theaters combine the most powerful image and sound technologies with spacious, reserved recliners.  Finding Dory will have spectacular imaging and vibrant colors, you’ll hear sound that moves all around you, and you will feel true comfort in recliners that pulsate with the action! Take a quick peek at them in action:

Just last week, fellow bloggers walked the BLUE carpet for the Finding Dory premiere in Hollywood and it was exciting following their story.  They even got to interview many of the stars voicing the characters including Ellen Degeneres! I die! My older two kids grew up on Finding Nemo and my youngest loved it too, we’re thrilled for Finding Dory and make sure to keep your eye on Hank, I am pretty sure he may try to steal the show!See Finding Dory

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Watch the trailer for Finding Dory:

Here’s a listing of all Dolby Cinema at AMC locations currently opened so you can catch Finding Dory in a city near you:
Arizona
AMC Desert Ridge 18
AMC Mesa Grand 24
California
AMC Burbank 16
AMC Century City 15
AMC Newpark 12
Georgia
AMC North Point Mall 12
Illinois
AMC Hawthorn 12
Kansas
AMC Town Center 20
Missouri
AMC BarryWoods 24
Nevada
AMC Townsquare 18
New Jersey
AMC Garden State 16
New York
AMC Empire 25
Texas
AMC Deerbrook 24
AMC Northpark 15
AMC Village on the Parkway 9
AMC Willowbrook 24
Virginia
AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24
AMC Tysons Corner 16
Washington
AMC River Park Square 20

For more great information leading up to the premiere of Finding Dory, visit the following social media channels: Facebook/Twitter (#FindingDory)/Instagram/Pinterest/YouTube/Website.

* First morning show. Exact showtimes will be updated.  Tickets will be for the June 18, first showing only, they are non-transferable or refundable.  Winners will be contacted Wednesday, June 16.  

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