Ariana Grande, John Legend to Perform "Beauty and the Beast" Theme Song

GRAMMY nominated and multi-platinum selling artist Ariana Grande and 10-time GRAMMY, Oscar®-winning and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/ musician John Legend are set to perform the Oscar and GRAMMY-winning duet “Beauty and the Beast” as the title track for Disney’s upcoming soundtrack to the live-action film adaptation “Beauty and the Beast.” The song will also be featured in the film.

The enchanting ballad, originally performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson featuring eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken’s beautiful melody and two-time Oscar-winner Howard Ashman’s unforgettable lyrics, received an Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and GRAMMY Award, among other accolades, upon its release in 1991.

"Beauty and the Beast" Assembles Main Characters for Payoff Poster

Disney has just unveiled the main poster art for Beauty and the Beast, showcasing the principal cast. Check out the poster below and watch the film when it opens in the Philippines on March 15, 2017.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

Beauty and the Beast is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.

The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Le Fou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame De Garderobe, the wardrobe; Hattie Morahan as Agathe, the enchantress; Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Donnie Yen is the Force in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Chirrut Îmwe is the scene-stealing blind monk in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. But, although without sight, Chirrut is anything but unseeing. He is a skilled and artful warrior who can see into the hearts of all those around. And who better to play the role other than martial arts expert and one of Asia’s most popular actors, Donnie Yen.

“Donnie Yen has so much wisdom, like his character, and he’s got great humor,” says producer Allison Shearmur. “He has a sense of artistry and performance that tells us so much about his character. There’s an elegance, a heroism, a nobility about both Yen and Chirrut.”

"Moana" Breaks Animation Record, Grosses P85.68-M in 5 Days

Disney's “Moana” found out “how far it'll go” at the Philippine box-office – and far it went with an opening weekend gross of P85.68-million in only five days.

The sea-faring adventure also broke the record for the all-time biggest opening day gross for an nimated film last Nov. 30 with a rollicking P24.9-million, surpassing the sales of last year's “Minions” at P22.9-million.

This was announced today by a spokesman of Walt Disney Studios Philippines.

"Cars 3" Teaser Posters `Crash' Online

Coming off the launch of the memorable teaser trailer last week, Disney/Pixar's Cars 3 has now unveiled two teaser posters, both evoking an action-packed tone.

Check out the one-sheets below and watch Cars 3 when it opens in the Philippines in 2017.

In the film, blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez, with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Philippines.

Nicole Scherzinger Provides Voice of Moana's Mother, Sina

Best known as the lead singer of one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger now breathes life to Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina, in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature “Moana.”

Also featuring the voices of Dwayne Johnson and Auli'i Cravalho, “Moana” is a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.

Moana’s mother always has her back. Playful, sharp and strong-willed, Sina appreciates Moana’s longing to be on the water. But much like Tui, her hard-headed husband, Sina wants to protect her daughter from the fabled dangers beyond the reef. Above all, Sina trusts Moana to make the right decisions.

Stars Align to Create Moving Soundtrack for "Moana"

With film credits like “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” under their belts, filmmakers John Musker and Ron Clements clearly enjoy telling stories with music. Their lates film, Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Moana” is no exception.

The diverse and dynamic team behind the film’s inspired music includes Tony®-, Emmy®- and Grammy®-winning lyricist/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who counts among his credits Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning “Hamilton” and the Tony-winning “In the Heights.”

"Cars 3" Teaser Trailer Warns Everything Will Change

The unexpectedly dark teaser trailer of Disney/Pixar's Cars 3 is off to the races, arriving with a cryptic tagline, “From this moment on, everything will change.”

Check out the trailer at https://youtu.be/E4K7JgPJ8-s and watch Cars 3 when it opens in the Philippines in 2017.

Demigod Maui Finds Voice, Strength in Dwayne Johnson for "Moana"

Maui is a demigod—half god, half mortal, all awesome. Charismatic and funny, he wields a magical fishhook that allows him to shapeshift into all kinds of animals and pull up islands from the sea. He lassoed the sun to give humans longer days and harnessed the breeze for their benefit.

Filmmakers called on superstar Dwayne Johnson to provide the voice of Maui in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature “Moana,” the sweeping, CG-animated film about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest.

“He’s very connected to his Samoan roots,” says director Ron Clements. “Maui is a charismatic character and Dwayne is nothing if not charismatic. He has great comedic timing, nails the action scenes and is so likable. And he can sing.”

The Fairytale Comes to Life in New "Beauty and the Beast" Trailer

Nostalgia, wonder and a tale as old as time create a powerful combination in the newly released full trailer of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Luke Evans, under the direction of Bill Condon.

Check out the trailer at http://youtu.be/OvW_L8sTu5E and watch the film when it opens in the Philippines on March 15, 2017.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

Janella's Music Video of "Moana" Song "How Far I'll Go"

Walt Disney Studios Southeast Asia has chosen fast-rising, multi-talented star Janella Salvador to sing and appear in the music video of “How Far I'll Go,” the lead song from Walt Disney Animation Studios' 56th animated feature “Moana.”

The music video of Janella Salvador's cover version will be launched on Friday, November 18 simultaneously in Disney Channel and Disney Philippines's social media accounts. (A teaser may be viewed at http://youtu.be/cVsILwD-umM.)

New "Beauty and the Beast" Poster Spotlights Iconic Dance Scene

The new teaser poster for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” has arrived, revealing Belle and the cursed Prince waltzing in the dark.  Check out the poster below and watch the film when it opens in the Philippines on March 15, 2017.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. 

“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. 

Release of Disney's "Moana" Theme Song in Southeast Asia Local Languages

Disney’s latest animation title, Moana, will feature the lead song, “How Far I’ll Go” and the track will be adapted into five Southeast Asia local languages – Bahasa Indonesian, Bahasa Melayu, Thai, Vietnamese and English.

Five singers from Southeast Asia, namely Janella Salvador from the Philippines, Maudy Ayunda from Indonesia, AydaJebat from Malaysia, Myra Molloy from Thailand and MinhNhu from Vietnam were selected to cover the song in each of their local languages.

"Beauty and the Beast" Unveils First Official Images

Feast your eyes on the newly released official images from Disney's “Beauty and the Beast! Take your first look on Emma Watson and Dan Stevens as the titular characters, Luke Evans as Gaston and the castle's enchanted staff!

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

Directors of "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin" Return with "Moana"

Ron Clements and John Musker, the directing team behind Oscar-winning classics The Little Mermaid and Aladdin now brings to the screen Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 56th animated feature “Moana,” the sweeping, CG-animated film about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest.

During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.

"Moana" Answers Call of the Ocean in High-Seas Adventure

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.

“Moana is the 16-year-old daughter of the chief of Motunui,” says director Ron Clements. “She’s athletic, nimble, compassionate and incredibly smart. She has a never-say-die attitude and a profound connection to the ocean.”

REEL DEAL: Doctor Strange REVIEW

Marvel Studios is on a roll again but this time into a whole new dimension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with DOCTOR STRANGE. The Sorcerer Supreme finally gets his own movie in the newest phase of the comic series. Along with Captain America Civil War, it is one of the most anticipated comic book movie for 2016 and the casting was perfect with Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange.

Doctor Strange will now bring mysticism to the action-filled films of the other member of the avengers and the guardians of the galaxy, also the also mystical realm of Asgard. But this time it does not need to go beyond Earth as it taps into the mystical powers practiced by humans.

I gave rarely read comics of Doctor Strange since he is mysterious character which would be a challenge to brought to a live action film given the depth of mystic arts and its philosophy that will be shown to the general movie goers. But interestingly, they created a balanced mix of the occult and science which remains to be the most contrasting themes ever.

With a large serving of visuals and themes, it can somehow induce visual seizures with the vast themes incorporated for the scenes. But for the regular movie goer, it can be quite amusing depending on one's psyche. 

"Rogue One" Characters Get Their Close-Up in Solo Banners

Lucasfilm has released eight character banners for its hugely anticipated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Featured in their own solo one-sheets are leader of the rebellion Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones); Captain Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen), K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) and Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker).

Take a look at the posters below and watch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when it arrives in Philippine theaters on December 15.

Voice of Moana and Filmmakers in Singapore

The voice of Moana, Auli'i Cravalho, in Disney’s latest animation film will find her way to the shores of the island of Singapore this November, together with the producer of the movie, Osnat Shurer, and two Southeast Asian Disney animation artists – Singaporean Roger Lee (Lighting Artist) and Indonesia Griselda Sastrawinata (Visual Development Artist). They will be in town for a press junket and a special festive light-up event at Marina Bay Sands.

Auli'I Cravalho (voice of Moana), Osnat Shurer (Producer), Roger Lee (Lighting Artist) and Griselda Sastrawinata (Visual Development Artist) will meet the fans and the press at the Marina Bay Sands festive light-up event on 9th November Wednesday, 8.15pm at ArtScience Museum; where there will be an opening stage performance by the Polynesian TeVaka dance troupe, followed by a special light-up ceremony by the movie talent and filmmakers to kick off the festive season at the integrated resort.

First Trailer Arrives for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales"

Walt Disney Pictures has released the first trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, the fifth installment in the hugely successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Watch the film when it opens in the Philippines in May 2017 and check out the first trailer at http://youtu.be/1xo3af_6_Jk.

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.