All animation is essentially dubbed when you get right down to it, but there’s still something valuable about seeing animated pictures with their original voice track intact — the timing and tone of that original dialogue is important. But Studio Ghibli’s films have earned a spot as some of the few animated pictures where I’ve been surprised to enjoy the English-language cast, to the point where I actually anticipate news about the talent used to make the new dubs.

So here’s your first notice about the localized voice cast for Studio Ghibli’s new Arrietty the Borrower: the young Brigit Mendler is voicing Arrietty for the North American release.

Producer Frank Marshall said via tweet last night, “Full day of recording with the very talented Bridgit Mendler, doing the lead role in the US version of Studio Ghibli’s ARRIETTY THE BORROWER.” The actress has been in the series Wizards of Waverly Place and Good Luck Charlie.

No word on the rest of the new cast for the film. As has been the case with Disney’s releases of Ghibli films in the past, some audiences may be able to see a subtitled print of the film rather than the dub, but that isn’t confirmed at this point.

Disney stars Bridgit Mendler and Adam Hicks will participate in the second annual SchoolJam USA.

The NAMM event is here the nation’s top 10 teen bands will perform for the title of the nation’s best teen band on Saturday, January 15.

SchoolJam USA is a national program that rewards aspiring teen music makers, between the ages of 13 and 19, and their respective school music programs with music funding and prizes, as well as the opportunity to perform live before the public and a panel of music industry professionals.

This year’s event will take place at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., during the weekend of the popular NAMM Show, the largest musical instruments and products trade show in the world.

Mendler (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”) and Hicks (Disney XD’s “Zeke and Luther”), co-stars of Disney Channel’s forthcoming original movie, “Lemonade Mouth,” will emcee the live battle of the teen bands. The highly-anticipated Disney film “Lemonade Mouth” is based on the book by Mark Peter Hughes and tells the story of five high school students who meet in detention and realize that they are destined to make music. They ultimately form a band that becomes a champion for students sidelined by the high school elite.

Themes of believing in yourself, following your dreams, celebrating family and staying true to yourself are explored in the triumphant, music-driven “Lemonade Mouth,” a Disney Channel Original Movie based on the book of the same name, set to premiere FRIDAY, MARCH 25 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. The movie joins the powerhouse franchise that has delivered cable TV’s No. 1 original movie telecast in Total Viewers for the past four years and TV’s No. 1 original movie among Tweens 9-14 for the past nine years.

Geared towards kids, tweens and families, “Lemonade Mouth” tells the story of how a powerhouse band came to be after five uncelebrated students with a passion for music find each other and ultimately become the voice of their generation.

Themes of finding your voice, believing in yourself, following your dreams, celebrating family and staying true to yourself resonate in the music-driven Disney Channel Original Movie “Lemonade Mouth.” Geared towards kids, Tweens and families, the movie premieres in spring 2011 on Disney Channel U.S. and shortly thereafter on Disney Channels around the world.

Ten original songs and a remarkably talented cast led by Bridgit Mendler (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie“), Adam Hicks (Disney XD’s “Zeke and Luther”), Hayley Kiyoko (Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”), Naomi Scott (Disney Channel UK’s “Life Bites”) and newcomer Blake Michael (cast through an open casting call) are showcased in the spirited movie. “Lemonade Mouth” tells the story of how a powerhouse band came to be after five uncelebrated students with a passion for music find each other and ultimately become the voice of their generation.

The script, written by April Blair based on the book Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes, is directed by award-winning Patricia Riggen (“La Misma Luna” aka “Under the Same Moon”) and executive-produced by Debra Martin Chase (“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls” movies), co-produced by Gaylyn Fraiche (“Just Wright,” “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2″) and choreographed by Chris Scott.

The story begins in present day as Lemonade Mouth (comprised of Olivia White, Wen Gifford, Stella Yamada, Mohini (Mo) Banjaree and Charlie Delgado) takes the stage at Madison Square Garden before thousands of cheering fans. Olivia, the introspective lead singer of the group, narrates the epic story of how the band got to this point.

We have a brand new layout up at Bridgit Mendler Online to celebrate Bridgit’s 18th birthday, the passing holiday season and the arrival of New Year 2011! It has been designed by the very talented Mycah of Purple Haze Inc. I hope you all like it as much as I do!

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