Frozen
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff and Santino Fontana
Walt Disney Pictures
Rated PG | 108 Minutes
Release Date: November 27, 2013

Breathtaking, bewitching, and beautiful are among the words that come to mind when I see snowfall. Similarly, these same words can describe Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 53rd feature film. Frozen, perhaps the most winning formula for the studio since 1999’s Tarzan, blends together a flurry of deep characters, compelling storylines, masterfully-written music and stunning animation. Brace yourself for a surprising ride that features more unexpected storytelling turns than you might expect. Let’s dash off into a review of Frozen.

Ever since I first heard an early version of the show-stopping ballad “Let It Go” at the August 2012 Destination D event, I knew this film would be special. This tale, loosely-based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, had potential – at least in its music department. But I will dive into that shortly. Let us first explore the story.

The first trailer for Disney’s Frozen was a relatively disappointing one. But you’ll definitely warm up to the full theatrical trailer for the upcoming animated film from Chris Buck (Tarzan) and Jennifer Lee (Wreck-It Ralph).

Watch the full trailer here below.

Frozen centers on Anna (voiced by Kirsten Bell) a fearless adventurer who partners up with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), an extreme mountain man, to find her sister, the Snow Queen (Idina Menzel), and put an end to a spell that has trapped their kingdom in eternal winter.

Ever wanted to see Mickey Mouse in black-and-white, color, 2-D, 3-D, and with Walt Disney’s voice – in under seven minutes?

In November, you will have that opportunity!

Attendees at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA, today were among the first to see Get A Horse, the new animated short film that will play in theaters in front of Frozen on November 27, 2013.

Host John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, discussed the Animation Research Library, where individuals like him have made many discoveries. One great find: the artwork of the fourth Mickey Mouse cartoon that never came to full fruition. That is… until now!

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next film is heating up anticipation, and for all the right reasons. Frozen could very well be the next game-changer for the animation house, if any of the footage or singing I caught today at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA, suggests its value.

John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, concluded the three-hour arena animation presentation with this film, which he described as a very special project. How special? Very much so.

Kristen Bell, the voice of the “funny,” “quirky,” and “magicless” sister Anna. Bell charmed the audience with her natural sharpness and down-to-earth sense of humor. She was that kid who sung Little Mermaid songs on the boombox, always dreaming of being involved with Disney. Now she has that privilege, voicing a character with effortless charisma and sweetness. She “wears her heart on her sleeve,” as the directors described, thus making for some awkward situations.

In celebration of National Ice Cream Day today, Walt Disney has released a new e-card featuring a character from their new computer animated flick Frozen, a snowman named Olaf, who we saw in the first trailer for the movie. The e-card is seen above.

Also released is a recipe for an ice cream version of Olaf you can make with your kids. Check out an image of the dessert below and find out how to make it.