Disney Releases “Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book” To iBookstore

Walt Disney Studios’ new stop-motion animation film Frankenweenie has taken advantage of Apple’s new iBook Author software to create an interactive behind-the-scenes book called Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book. The books is free on the iBookstore, and it has gotten some good reviews already. Read the press release after the break.

Press Release:

Glendale, CA, September 27, 2012 – Disney Publishing Worldwide announced the release of Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book http://iTunes.com/Frankenweenie, based on Walt Disney Studios’ highly anticipated stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton, “Frankenweenie,” in theaters October 5, 2012. Capturing the creative process from concept to completion, the interactive book integrates videos, vibrant music, and original sketches to offer readers a fully immersive behind-the-scenes look into the making of the movie. Available on the iBookstore, this book is Disney Publishing’s first to be created with Apple’s iBooks Author.

“We’re thrilled to give fans a look at how Tim Burton and his creative team brought Victor Frankenstein and Sparky to life in the town of New Holland,” said Lyle Underkoffler, vice president, Digital Media, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Using iBooks Author, Disney Publishing was able to include more digital content than ever before—including previews of animated storyboards documenting the transition from sketch to screen.”

Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book http://iTunes.com/Frankenweenie incorporates a brief history of the 1984 live-action short film and details the upcoming full-length stop-motion animated feature, including a foreword by Academy Award®-winning actor Martin Landau (the voice of Mr. Rzykruski in the film) and introductions to over 200 resident puppets of New Holland (with a special introduction to Victor and Sparky), as well as a look into “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition,” now on tour.

A chapter on the film’s music includes previews of each track from the original motion picture score by Oscar®-nominated and GRAMMY®-winning composer Danny Elfman and from Frankenweenie Unleashed!, a 14-song compilation of music from and inspired by the film, featuring artists including Karen O, Neon Trees, and Kimbra. Both albums will be available from Walt Disney Records on September 25 and can be purchased directly from within the book.

Using Apple’s iBooks Author app, Disney Publishing was able to include video, audio, multi-touch, and 3D widgets to create a robust storytelling experience that enlightens “Frankenweenie” fans of all ages. Readers can watch interviews featuring producer Allison Abbate and executive producer Don Hahn and explore the art of stop-motion animation with Tim Burton, while younger fans can create their own “chalkboard collage” using the film’s characters.

“Thirty years after he first visualized ‘Frankenweenie’ as a student at CalArts, Tim Burton has finally made the movie he dreamed of making way back then,” said Martin Landau, voice of Mr. Rzykruski in the film. “The eBook reveals how a truncated, live-action version made by Tim three decades ago evolved into the 90-minute, black-and-white, stop-motion (Tim’s favorite animation process), 3D motion picture that he visualized all those years ago. It’s wonderful that Tim has managed to keep Victor and his friends young, energetic, and alive for 30 plus years.”

In addition to the eBook, Disney Publishing Worldwide has released several print books in support of the feature film, including Frankenweenie: A Cinematic Storybook, Frankenweenie: A Novel, and Frankenweenie: A Monstrous Menagerie of Stickers! A graphic novel and a visual companion will also be available at retail in the coming months.

“Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book http://iTunes.com/Frankenweenie is available for free exclusively on the iBookstore in 32 countries around the world.

ABOUT THE MOVIE
From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D. The talented voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder.

Presented by Disney, “Frankenweenie” is directed by Tim Burton, produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, from a screenplay by John August, based on a screenplay by Lenny Ripps, based on an original idea by Tim Burton. “Frankenweenie” releases in U.S. theaters on October 5, 2012.

ABOUT DISNEY PUBLISHING WORLDWIDE
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, with over 250 million children’s books and over 400 million children’s magazines sold each year. Disney Publishing Worldwide consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy, and Disney Libros in Spain. DPW publishes a range of children’s magazines globally, including Topolino, Le Journal de Mickey, and Donald Duck, as well as family titles in the U.S., which include Disney Princess and Phineas and Ferb. Disney English is DPW’s English language learning business, which includes Disney English schools in China and a worldwide retail licensing program. DPW’s digital products include best-selling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com .

ABOUT DISNEY MUSIC GROUP
Disney Music Group is home to Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, and Disney Music Publishing. The labels’ genre-spanning rosters include Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, McClain Sisters, American Idol finalist Stefano, Coco Jones, R5, Lucy Hale, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Plain White T’s, Redlight King, Cherri Bomb, Bridgit Mendler, ZZ Ward, and more. DMG also releases family music and film and television soundtracks such as Avengers Assemble, Phineas and Ferb, Shake It Up, A.N.T. Farm, and TRON: Legacy.