Special Preview Screening Held  At Fly-In Theater On Friday, August 2

Everyone knows that Oshkosh becomes the busiest airport in the world the week of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 29-August 4), and that airplanes take off all the time … however this year “Disney’s Planes,” the animated comedy adventure from above the world of the popular 2006 film “Cars,” has the entire aviation community buzzing!

The film was shown in a Special Preview Screening at the Fly-In Theater on Friday night ... one week before the movie opens in theaters nationwide. The film's director, Klay Hall, and producer Traci Balthazor-Flynn, held a news briefing Friday at AirVenture. “‘Disney’s Planes’ is a great underdog story," said Hall. "It has a lot of heart and a message we can all use: If we can believe in ourselves, step out of our comfort zones and get past whatever fear that’s holding us back, we’d be surprised with the results. And that’s exactly what happens to Dusty in this movie. He’s a crop duster who’s never flown above 1,000 feet, but he dreams of being the fastest air racer in the world. He has a lot of obstacles to overcome and needs to dig pretty deep to find the courage to become more than he was built to be. We’re so happy to share the film with the passionate aviation community at AirVenture.” Balthazor-Flynn said they were “extremely fortunate” for Disney to allow a screening of the film prior to its release in theaters.

Prior to the movie, Hall was present at the screening to talk about the making of “Disney’s Planes,” sharing behind-the-scenes stories and secrets.

“The Fly-In Theater has become a signature event at AirVenture and Ford is delighted to host Dusty and the crew for a screening,” said Kevin Keling, North America Corporate Events Manager for Ford Motor Company, which each year sponsors the Fly-In Theater presentations.

Jack Pelton, EAA Chairman of the Board, says “AirVenture is a wonderful family event and we are absolutely thrilled to be a part of the ultimate family experience with this special screening of “Disney’s Planes.”

“Disney’s Planes” features a talented roster of voice talent, including Dane Cook, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stacy Keach and more. The movie opens in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013, and Balthazor-Flynn said that there is a sequel in the works, in which Dusty takes of the role of a firefighting airplane. She said that movie is expected to be released in 2014.

E-I-C Note: I couldn't resist the chance to see the Oshkosh premier of this movie, despite a week of Wittman-related sleep deprivation... with the hopes that it would portray aviation positively and help entice young people to look at airplanes as something great and wondrous and worthy of their interest. Well... the movie has so much to offer to so many that I'm frankly more than slightly impressed. A wonderful morality tale is at the basis of a touching, funny and thoughtful movie that is, at times, laugh-out-loud funny, and at most other times, just good plane fun. The writing is outstanding, the characters build a near immediate rapport with the audience and we dare ANY flyer not to come away with a smile on their face--the kind you have after you shoot a near-perfect landing -- just as PLANES has done. The movie has it all -- as there is a bit of something for young and old and even a few inside-aviation jokes thrown in for good measure. I look forward to sharing it with my nieces and nephews... as well as a few flying buddies. 'PLANES' has and is the right stuff for an industry that has seen way too much bad news and needed something to smile about. This is a GREAT movie... -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C

(Pictured: Klay Hall, Traci Balthazor-Flynn. Photo by Eric Van Gilder)

FMI: www.Disney.com/Planes