Wednesday, June 28, 2006 Arrr you ready? Dead Man's Chest opens up
With the marketing campaign in full swing for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest we are starting to get plenty of information. Roger Colton at JHM and Chuck Oberleitner at o-meon both report on the recent premiere event held at Disneyland while Jim Hill sorts through the chest full of movie-related merchandise tie-ins. Moriarty over at AICN gives the upcoming film a highly positive review while Disney has just released information on its one month engagement at their El Capitan Theatre. The followup to 2003's smash hit Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest will open in theaters on July 7.
How the Grinch Stole BroadwayThe TV Guide online reports that a Broadway adaptation of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas is in the works and "booked for a holiday-time, Nov. 8 Broadway debut, with previews starting Oct. 25." The musical will apparently allow all the Whos down in Whoville a chance to sing again.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 Burny Mattinson podcast interview
Clay Kaytis' Animation Podcast site fires back up with part one of an interview with long-time Disney animation worker Burny Mattinson. As a bridge between generations of animators Burny Mattinson has plenty of tales to recount including working on Lady and the Tramp and Sleeping Beauty, and working with some of the Nine Old Men such as Marc Davis, Milt Kahl, Ollie Johnston, Eric Larson, and Frank Thomas.
Don't forget the shortsKeeping up with the world of independent animated shorts, Animation World Network presents reviews and QuickTime clips of Bob Log III’s Electric Fence Story by Stock ‘n’ Wolf, El Doctor by Suzan Pitt, It Pains Me to Say This by George Griffin, Olis Chance by Saschka Unseld and Johannes Weiland and She She She She’s a Bombshell by Ben Levin.
Monday, June 26, 2006 Oswald gets a makeover
AICN has posted pictures of a toy on display at last week's New York Licensing Show of what appears to be an updated design for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney's original animated anthropomorphic animal.
Futurama Returns
Three years after its cancellation on Fox, the animated TV series Futurama has been picked up by Comedy Central, Comingsoon.net reports. The cable network has ordered thirteen new episodes which are slated to begin airing in 2008, and will bring the total number of series episodes to 85. Creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen will return as well as lead actors Billy West, Katey Sagal and John DiMaggio. Reuters adds that senior vice president for programming David Bernath said, "We are thrilled that Matt Groening and 20th Century Fox Television have decided to produce new episodes of Futurama and that Comedy Central will be the first to air them. There is a deep and passionate fan base for this intelligent and very funny show that matches perfectly with our audience, and it is great that we can offer them not just the existing library but something they've never seen as well". Thanks to 'KingPopper' in our forums for the heads up.
Anastasia's DVD gets big thumbs upWith a low count of reviews online covering the recent re-issue of Don Bluth's first Fox Animation feature Anastasia, DVD Toons has stepped in with a full review of the 2-disc set and places it on par with the Disney Platinum Edition line. "With this Family Fun set, Fox certainly have pulled one out of the bag and thrown a bit of money towards it, minting a healthy 44-minute documentary as good any on the Platinums (featuring liberal amounts of production footage and presented in anamorphic widescreen, no less!), a superior commentary that's an enjoyable and intelligent chat, tons of promotional material including trailers, Aaliyah’s music video and multi-language song versions. An entire second feature [the complete Bartok The Magnificent direct-to-video spin-off, for what that’s worth] means a solid double-disc experience topped off with a low-list price that’s a steal and a terrific transfer of the original feature film. One highlight is the clip that captured Meg Ryan’s participation in the film, and a much more appealing version of the character she is in this test. While not quite as self-assured as late 90s Disney, Anastasia works for the audience it has its eye on. Overall it was a return to form for Bluth [and] this disc comes just at the right time to remind that he got it right here, and deserves to be let loose on another feature – and soon!"
Posted by Ben | Link
Friday, June 23, 2006 Drink up me 'earties: A Pirates webcast for everyone
We can't all attend the premiere tomorrow at Disneyland for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest but anyone with Internet access can view it via the webcast sponsored by MSN and Disney. The full press release, which also details recent changes made to the famous ride, can be read here: [More]
Sneak a peek: New York Licensing Show imagesHarry Knowles' Ain't It Cool News site has posted images here, here, and here from the recent New York Licensing Show including promotional art for such upcoming animated films as Bee Movie, Where the Wild Things Are, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Happy Feet, and Kung Fu Panda.
CityWalk Summer Block PartyUniversal CityWalk will be screening classic movies on a gigantic outdoor screen every Thursday night this summer. Animated offerings include Blue Sky's Ice Age: The Meltdown and DreamWorks Animation's Shrek 2 and Madagascar.
The end of Stitch?Disney's Leroy and Stitch will premiere tonight on the Disney Channel at 8pm only four days before its DVD release. "The adventure never stops as Lilo and Stitch face the challenge of their lives in Disney's hilarious, all-new movie Leroy and Stitch. As a reward for rounding up all 625 experiments, Lilo, Stitch, Jumba, and Pleakley have been placed around the galaxy in a spot where each of them thinks they truly belong. Their lives are all shook up when the dastardly Dr. Hamsterviel breaks out of prison and forces Jumba to create a new experiment -- Leroy, the evil twin of Stitch." Five screen shots from the film can be viewed here: [More]
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 "Save Our Stitch" petition
Bolstered by a similar success by fans of the Kim Possible television series fans of Lilo and Stitch: The Series have begun a campaign in an effort to keep their show going. The current television series story arc is set to wrap up with Leroy and Stitch but new seasons of the television series could pick up after that storyline. Thanks to Kristin for the heads up.
Disney new release Tuesday: Tramp/Scamp/LampDisney's direct-to-video sequel Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure enjoys a re-release on DVD today, featuring Lady and Tramp's one male offspring Scamp (a frequent subject of Disney comics in the 1950s and 1960s) in the lead role. On a side note, John Lasseter's 1979 CalArts piece, Lady and the Lamp, can be seen at the ubiquitous YouTube.
Tinker Bell finds her voiceShe won't be trailer park trash now but Disney's Tinker Bell, according to Yahoo! Movies, will be voiced by Brittany Murphy who is well-known as the voice of Hank Hill's niece Luanne Platter for Fox's King of the Hill. Murphy will be voicing the iconic pixie for The Tinker Bell Movie, the first animated film in a new line featuring Disney's Fairies, and won the Annie Award for Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production for her work in the episode of King of the Hill entitled "Girl, You'll Be A Giant Soon."
Warner Bros. releases Super-DVD'sIn an impressive marketing ploy designed to promote next week's release of the highly anticipated feature film Superman Returns, Warner Brothers is releasing a large number of Superman franchise DVD's today.
The animated releases are:
Justice League - Season Two
Krypto the Superdog - Vol. 1 Cosmic Canine
Superman: The Animated Series - Volume Three
Superman: The Animated Series - Brainiac AttacksThe other releases are:
Adventures of Superman - The Complete Third and Fourth Seasons
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman - The Complete Third Season
Look, Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman
Superboy - The Complete First SeasonThe Look, Up in the Sky documentary includes footage from the restored Fleischer animated shorts expected to be released in full later this year to coincide with the release of the Superman Ultimate DVD Collection. Most of these sets also include a Movie Money pass for admission to see Superman Returns. Thanks to "GeorgeC" in our forums for the reminder.
Cars followupJim Hill Media discusses the recent box office performance of Disney/Pixar's Cars, sales of Cars-related merchandise, and a possible sequel to Monsters, Inc., or at least a new Pixar film directed by Pete Docter that features monsters. Meanwhile, o-meon features an article by Michael Howe discussing his recent book, The Art of Cars.
Agenda set for the Animation Block PartyThe Animation Block Party, devoted to showcasing the work of independent professionals and students from around the world has set its schedule for the 2006 Summerfest. Taking place in New York City July 22-24, the event will feature everything from "giveaways" to "discussions with industry survivors." Ticket information and the excellent shorts lineup for the festival will be announced on the Animation Block website on July 3rd, 2006. Read on for the entire three day agenda. [More]
Ratatouille trailer available in multiple formatsStill having trouble playing the Ratatouille trailer? Then check out the teaser for Disney and Pixar's eighth feature length film here in any of several formats that may better suit your PC. [More]
Hunting for treasure "under the sea" of rumorA recent Animated News article on the rumored cancellation of The Little Mermaid III has sparked debate amongst readers and a handful of e-mails supporting a counter-claim. One e-mail in particular notes that Ultimate Disney features a recent screen shot of the bonus features menu from the forth coming Little Mermaid platinum edition DVD which includes a "Musical Sneak Peek" of The Little Mermaid III. Meanwhile, the forums at the same site point to an article published in a recent edition of Video Business Magazine (note: article not currently available on-line). The interesting blurb suggests that the new movie will be a prequel to the original and provides an interesting quote from DisneyToon president, Sheron Morrill stating that the division is getting out of the sequel business and into developing new franchises for Disney's pre-established characters. "We knew we couldn't do sequels forever. I also knew we didn't want to be in the business of doing the fours and fives." Such a statement from an executive at this level also questions the validity of another rumor regarding the closing of DisneyToon Studios altogether.
Monday, June 19, 2006 20 years of Pixar headed to Japan
The Mainichi Daily News reports that "Pixar: 20 Years of Animation" is coming to Asia. The exhibit which experienced acclaimed success in New York's Museum of Modern Art and the Science Museum London will now be showcased at the Mori Arts Center in Tokyo's Roppongi Hills. Featuring a behind the scenes look at Pixar's magic from story boards to concept art, 20 Years of Animation will be on display July 1st through August 22nd.
Commanding animators made CommandersBritish citizens Peter Lord and David Sproxton of the nation's largest animation studio, Aardman, were named CBEs by the Queen in her 80th birthday honors list reports C21 Media. The studio's co-founders met at school in the 1970s and were co-producers of last year's Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit. Wikipedia describes a CBE as a "Commander of the Order of the British Empire." The honor falls one rank bellow that of a Knight which would earn the title "Sir."
Catmull to receive award for effectsPixar President and co-founder Dr. Ed Catmull has been selected to receive the 2006 IEEE John von Neumann Medal for his contributions to special effects in live-action and animated motion pictures reports The Daily Utah Chronicle. The Utah native and University of Utah alumnus is being recognized for research that led to four major innovations in the field of computer imagery. The honor will officially be bestowed at a ceremony on June 24.
U.S. weekend box office estimates: June 16-18, 2006Courtesy of Box Office Mojo:
1. Cars with $31,181,000, averaging $7,818 over 3,988 theaters ($114,505,000 total; 2nd week)
6. Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties with $7,200,000, averaging $2,443 over 2,946 theaters (1st week)
10. Over the Hedge with $4,046,000, averaging $1,552 over 2,606 theaters ($138,755,000 total; 5th week)Posted by Mickey | Link
Everyone's Hero official website and trailerThe official online domain for IDT Entertainment/Twentieth Century Fox's Everyone's Hero has debuted. The site presents the movie's plot, a trailer, and some downloads. Everyone's Hero can be found in theaters beginning September 15th.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Knight of Laika conquers landNike co-founder and chairman Phil Knight has bought 30 acres of land south of Portland, Oregon, for the placement of a "state-of-the-art" Laika Entertainment campus. Scheduled for a 2008 opening, the area will host "computer animation, stop-motion animation and corporate services including reception, executive offices, conference rooms, fitness center, cafeteria and theater." In the meantime, current projects in Laika Entertainment's pipeline include: Coraline, Jack & Ben's Animated Adventure, and Here Be Monsters. Yahoo! Movies/Reuters has more on this development.
Posted by Mickey | Link
First Monster House television spotA brand-new, 30-second television spot for Sony Pictures' Monster House has been placed at You Tube. The House will open this July 21st.
Posted by Mickey | Link
DVD news: Ninja Turtles; Ed, Edd & Eddy; Dick Tracy; G.I. Joe; Tom & JerryTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Season 4 has been revealed as having a September 12th release date, writes TV Shows on DVD. The announcement regards the Turtles' 2003 incarnation. Likewise, the site lists the features and displays the cover artwork for Ed, Edd n' Eddy - The Complete Season 1, entering stores on October 10th. Also spread is the word of Dick Tracy - The Complete Series' September 26th arrival to DVD. At this time, TV Shows on DVD is only able to speculate that the news regards the gumshoe's 1961 United Productions of America animated adventures. Furthermore, the site digs up the dirt regarding the October 3rd releases of G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 - First Strike and Tom & Jerry Tales - Volume 1.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Friday, June 16, 2006 Before Walt
Tomorrow, June 17, at 3:00pm ASIFA-Hollywood will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of animated cartoons with a special focus on the work and contributions of Winsor McCay, Max Fleischer, and Walt Disney. "This one hour program will follow the development of animated cartoons from the earliest concepts to the many milestones that influenced Disney in his formative years." This event will be held at AFI's Steven Ross Screening Room (Warner Bros. Building) in Hollywood, CA. Admission is free for members of ASIFA-Hollywood and $10 for non-members.
Aladdin most controversial animated ever?In a piece titled "The 25 Most Controversial Movies Ever," Entertainment Weekly places Disney's traditionally animated classic Aladdin in the 25th spot, making it the only animated film in the list. The reason for such is revealed in the following statement: "The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee balked at a lyric describing the film's Arabian setting as a land 'where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face.' Result? The studio dubbed out the lyric for subsequent releases." Interestingly, in an Internet Movie Database Daily Poll of "...which of these movies do you find... not so controversial?," 59.8% of voters voiced their disapproval of Aladdin's inclusion in the countdown.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Imagi gets GatchamanVariety via Superhero Hype reports that Hong Kong-based Imagi Entertainment will produce a computer animated movie adaptation of the 70's television series Gatchaman. "The film will retain the series' five caped superheroes, known as the Intl. Science Organization, and pitch them in a new story against their frequent nemesis Galactor." Kevin Munroe will write and direct the project. For the time being, however, Munroe is focusing his attention to next year's CGI Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A teaser trailer for Turtles will debut at next month's Comic-Con.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Before The MeltdownThe official Blue Sky Studios page presents a list of gag alternate titles "considered" for their hit Ice Age: The Meltdown by adding an icy spin to the titles of many well-known classic and current hits.
Cars box office viewpointChuck Oberleitner gives a plausible reason for the somewhat less than expected box office take last weekend for Disney/Pixar's Cars. The film "lapped the competition this past weekend to claim the number one spot atop the North American box office. For some analysts, the Cars' $60.1 million take was disappointing. Is it possible some of these naysayers are just a bit myopic when it comes to looking at 'North' America?" Read the full story at o-meon.
Disney 2007Jim Hill reveals some semi-official plot descriptions for four big 2007 Disney releases: Meet the Robinsons, Pirates of the Caribbean III: World's End, Ratatouille, and Enchanted. Tread carefully as some of the information could be considered spoilers.
Thursday, June 15, 2006 In step with Jerry Beck
Animation World Network has a biographic piece on Jerry Beck, animation's Jack-of-all-trades. In a career spanning three decades Jerry Beck has filled the roles of animation historian, film preservationist, promoter of animation festivals and events, and author, and is now the producer of Hornswiggle.
Bridging the gap between 2D and CGThe animation team of Angie Jones and Jamie Oliff have written in to inform us of their new book due for release on June 27: Thinking Animation: Bridging the Gap Between 2D and CG. "Learn how to think before you animate. Thinking Animation is a one-of-a-kind book that emphasizes how artists can use traditional animation techniques and principles with today's computer generated animation technology. Written by seasoned animators with experience in both 2D and CG, Thinking Animation is an exquisite guide aimed at experienced animators; however, the skills taught within are still accessible and valuable to the novice animator. This full-color book includes numerous interviews with experienced contributing authors from a wide range of backgrounds, including stop-motion, visual effects, traditional animation, and CG. Thinking Animation is non-software specific. It contains a history of the field of animation as well as insight into how today's CG studios operate. It embraces the future of animating with the computer while still retaining the core values that traditional animators use as formulas and principles." Official Site
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 ILM "in talks" to sell physical production unit
Variety writes that Lucasfilm is looking to unload the physical production unit of special effects dynamo Industrial Light & Magic. This move marks the end of the company's origins as a models-and-miniatures special effects house. The article notes, "With the shift to digital effects, Lucasfilm has found it difficult to keep that portion of the company fully employed." The property's purchaser is Mark Anderson, who has worked as a model maker for ILM over 15 years. Thus, the unit will be renamed "Kerner Optical," due to its location in ILM's former venue on Kerner Avenue in San Rafael, California.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Cars speeds up in ticket sellsAlthough it debuted with weekend ticket sales weaker than those of its recent Pixar brethern, Cars outperformed The Incredibles, regarding first Monday and Tuesday numbers. The Internet Movie Database indicates that Cars gathered $6,445,000 on Monday, compared to the $3,802,000 that The Incredibles brought in on its first Monday. On Tuesday, Cars collected 5,820,000 versus $3,213,000 for the first Tuesday of The Incredibles. Should the trend continue, analysts expect Cars to outgross its superhero predecessor by this weekend, in terms of first-week sales.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Early glimpse of A Looney Tunes ChristmasAfter veiwing a "chunk" of the movie, The Animation Guild Blog sends praise toward Bah Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas. The site has this to say about the latest version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol: "It's quite nicely done. The animation and design are good, and production values are first rate." Bah Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas will go directly to video this Holiday season. TAG Blog likewise observes that DTV features for Justice League, Tom & Jerry, and Superman are on the way as well.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Cover artwork: Ninja Turtles - Volume 5Prominently posing Raphael, the cover artwork for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Volume 5 is now up at TV Shows on DVD. The Lionsgate package will arrive on store shelves this August 29th.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Coraline finds poster, neighbors in French and Saunders
The Oregonian reports that British comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will play "two eccentric neighbors" in Laika Entertainment's Coraline. To be distributed by Focus Features, the movie likewise stars the voices of Teri Hatcher and Dakota Fanning.
An early poster for Coraline has also made its way online, featuring traditional concept artwork. The one sheet was first seen at Neil Gaiman's site, provided by director Henry Selick. However, a poster which some people may less find less religiously controversial is displayed at The Internet Movie Database.
Posted by Mickey | Link
TV DVD news: Quick Draw McGraw, Wally Gator, SmurfsTV Shows on DVD has the lowdown on the delay of both Quick Draw McGraw and Wally Gator to DVD. In a recent Home Theater Forum online chat, Warner Bros. explained, "They were pulled because significant remastering work needed to be researched. We are exploring adding them back to the schedule next year." That same chat led the studio to reveal The Smurfs may enter stores in 2007. Apparently, the Pac Man and Plastic Man series are also under consideration for DVD release.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Spotlight focuses on Catmull and RatzenbergerThe Los Angeles Times focuses on the inspiration and philosophies of Dr. Ed Catmull, president of the combined Pixar and Disney animation studios. Respectfully referring to the ideas as "Ed-isms," the four-page piece notices Catmull's theories that are continuing to shape Pixar - and now Walt Disney Feature Animation - in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press via Yahoo! Movies takes a look at regular Pixar player John Ratzenberger. Telling the interesting connection between Cars' Mack the truck and Ratzenberger's father, the piece also delves into why the comedic actor has turned down numerous films and voice roles he has been offered. "I only want to be involved in projects that I can sit there with my kids and not be embarrassed by, not be ashamed of," commented Ratzenberger. "I just don't want to be part of that message that adults, authority figures, are stupid and only kids are smart because in the real world it doesn't work that way."
Posted by Mickey | Link
Breakdown of 2006 Annecy International Animation FestivalThrough Yahoo! Movies, Reuters covers France's Annecy International Animation Festival. The winning feature film this year was director Christian Volckman's Renaissance, a black-and-white futuristic thriller. The festival marked an especially special occasion this time around, as eight French animated films were completed in 2005 - a number double the amount of any previous year. In the meantime, Cartoon Brew was at Annecy as well, returning with a noteworthy album of photos.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Monday, June 12, 2006 Date unveiled for Ice Age: The Meltdown DVD
Davis DVD indicates the blockbuster sequel Ice Age: The Meltdown will hit stores on November 21st. Specifics for the DVD have yet to be announced.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Rumor mill: Pinkava replaces Peterson as Ratatouille co-director?For some time, Jan Pinkava was credited as the sole director of next year's Disney/Pixar flick, Ratatouille. However, it was announced last spring that Brad Bird had taken over the project. Soon afterward, word arrived that Bob Peterson would serve co-directing duties for Ratatouille. That latter piece of information was found through The Internet Movie Database, as was this latest news. Surprisingly, the site has removed Peterson from the credits, with Pinkava now filling that co-director status. Of course, the user-submitted nature of IMDB calls for this report to be examined rather than taken as fact.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Pics: Arthur and the InvisiblesLatino Review displays several new photos from the live-action aspect of Arthur and the Invisibles, formerly known as Arthur and the Minimoys. The tale will enter theaters on January 12, 2007.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Lionsgate lives Happily N'Ever AfterLionsgate has purchased domestic and Canadian rights to Happily N'Ever After, a CGI family film that poses a satirical Hoodwinked-type spin on the story of Cinderella. The news comes courtesy of Variety/Coming Soon. Directed by Paul J. Bolger and written by Robert Moreland, Happily N'Ever After will be released during the first quarter of next year.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Paramount, Nickelodeon catch MayflyVariety, via Coming Soon, reports that writing duo Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick have sold a pitch to Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, concerning a children's computer animated movie. Produced by Nickelodeon Movies executive Julia Pistor, Mayfly centers on: "The insects have a very short lifespan, with some living only for one day. The story concerns a mayfly who accidentally oversleeps and, with the help of a tortoise friend, discovers the value of living for the moment. Concept puts the opposing lifespans of the two creatures into play since tortoises often live close to 100 years."
Posted by Mickey | Link
Spider-Man and Iron Man return to animated formIn an interview with iFMagazine.com, Avi Arad, an independent producer for Marvel Enterprises, reveals that a new Spider-Man animated series is in the works. Likewise, he says that an Iron Man animated series will likely be produced after the live-action film's release.
Posted by Mickey | Link
New Ant Bully scene onlineAnother video clip from the computer animated adventure The Ant Bully is showcased at Cartoon Network's official website. Titled "Turn It Down a Notch," the scene involves a "pair of sleep-deprived ants [getting] even with their noisy neighbor."
Posted by Mickey | Link
Rumor mill: Little Mermaid III cancelled?When the deletion of the film's entry at The Internet Movie Database was noticed, a search was conducted to find the latest lowdown on The Little Mermaid III. As it turns out, according to Wikipedia, The Little Mermaid III: Melody's Story has been "scrapped." Until the news has been confirmed, one should take this report with a grain of salt.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Trailer: Cinderella IIIYou Tube hosts the trailer for Cinderella III, as seen in last October's Platinum Edition DVD of the first film. In other news regarding the sequel, Wikipedia currently lists the subtitle for Cinderella III as "The Reverse of Time." Time will tell if the title is true.
Update! An Animated-News reader has written in that more details of Cinderella III's plot may be inspired by the events in Disney Cruise Line's "Twice Charmed." The stage production also deals with the scenerio of Lady Tremaine rewriting history, only with the help of a Fairy Godfather instead of the Godmother's magic wand.
Posted by Mickey | Link
What The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything will doAt the official website of Big Idea, Inc., a press release announcing the Universal Pictures distribution of The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - A VeggieTales Movie provides a synopsis for the movie. The plot description is especially detailed regarding the beginning of the film. Pirates will sail into theaters early 2008.
Posted by Mickey | Link
U.S. weekend box office estimates: June 9–11, 2006According to weekend estimates, Disney/Pixar's Cars took first place at the weekend box office, bringing in approximately $62,800,000 from 3,985 theaters. On average, the film gathered around $15,759 per theater. Meanwhile, Over the Hedge entered the chart's fifth position, with about $10,301,000. From 3,527 theaters, the movie averaged $2,920 per site. Thus far, the DreamWorks hit has collected somewhere in the vicinity of $130,293,000. Box Office Mojo has more of this week's box office information, particulary regarding live-action releases.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Sunday, June 11, 2006 TV Spots: Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties
The Movie Box points to four television spots for Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties, posted at You Tube. The feline film will claw into theaters this Friday.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Poster: Barnyard #2A low-resolution version of the latest poster for Paramount/Nickelodeon's Barnyard has been discovered at eBay. The movie will open in cinemas on August 4th.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Rumor mill: American Dog cast?Once again, Wikipedia is home to casting news, with the truth of such tidbits still unknown. This time, the word revolves around Walt Disney Feature Animation's American Dog. The site indicates that John Travolta and Thomas Haden Church have joined the project, while Mario Cantone is also on board as the voice of "Cat." It is stressed that these casting notes must be taken with a grain salt until they are dismissed or confirmed. Nevertheless, a message within the forums of The Internet Movie Database writes that at the recent Cartoons on the Bay festival, Roy Disney himself admitted Travolta's involvement in the film.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Saturday, June 10, 2006 Ratatouille website online
The official teaser website for Ratatouille is online now, as noticed by Upcoming Pixar. Not much currently resides at the site, except the film's trailer, logo, release date, and a periodical reminder of the title's pronunciation.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Posters: Cars, Monster House, Garfield 2The Internet Movie Poster Awards showcases the newest poster for Monster House, along with an international Cars one sheet. Concurrently, the database houses an international poster for Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties, simply referred to as Garfield 2 in the image, while Latino Review presents several new pics for and from the film.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Trailers: Open Season, Ant BullyNew full trailers for Open Season and The Ant Bully have been placed at Moviefone. On a special note, Season's ad may be found under the heading, "Trailer No. 2."
Posted by Mickey | Link
DVD news: The Wild, Leroy & Stitch, Brother Bear 2, Chipmunk ChristmasUltimate Disney provides the preliminary artwork for the Disney/CORE venture, The Wild, confirmed for a September 12th DVD release. The site likewise notes that Leroy & Stitch will not go directly to DVD, but will instead makes its debut on the Disney Channel. Airing Friday, June 23th, at 8:00 Eastern/Pacific, the showing will be preceded by two new Lilo & Stitch: The Series episodes. Leroy & Stitch will then make its way to Toon Disney, where it will be screened on June 26th, at 5:00 ET/PT, following a five-hour marathon of viewer-chosen episodes of Lilo & Stitch.
In other animated DVD news, DVD Active previews the "Bonus Features" menu screen of the Brother Bear 2 DVD. It also gives the details on the 2-disc "25th Anniversary Special Collector's Edition" release of Alvin and the Chipmunks: A Chipmunk Christmas, coming September 26th.
Posted by Mickey | Link
Ratatouille teaser trailer in EnglishPixar's on a roll. Having released CARS to theaters and One Man Band to iTunes yesterday they've also just released the teaser trailer for their Summer 2007 Brad Bird-directed release Ratatouille for online and iPod viewing. Hang on to your cheese!
Friday, June 9, 2006 One Man Band gets wide release
Pixar's latest short One Man Band, written and directed by Andrew Jimenez and Mark Andrews, makes two debuts today: See it in the theater with Disney/Pixar's CARS, then download it from iTunes. The new animated short tells the story of, "two rival street performers, Bass and Treble, who vie for the attentions (and coin) of a young peasant girl, Tippy."
CARS multimedia onslaughtFollowing are numerous multimedia clips from CARS including extended clips directly from the film, song samples, and podcasts. Suitable for viewing before or after seeing the movie. [More]
[UPDATED - AGAIN!] "Kachow!": Cars premiere coverageOn Friday, May 26, 2006, the once-in-a-lifetime premiere of Disney/Pixar's Cars occurred in Concord, NC. In attendance at the extravaganza were Animated-News correspondents Mickey Armstrong and Brandon Neeld. Please click "More" to read of the functions leading up to the exciting event, as well as about the premiere itself.
SECOND UPDATE! Dozens of new pictures from the Cars premiere may be seen at the Animated-News Forum. The photos cover behind the scenes of the event, as well as outside scenes during the day's early afternoon and rainstorm. At the same time, over 80 images from the Cars premiere, mostly presented in chronological order, may be found at Webshots. [More]
Posted by Mickey | Link
Cars opens todayPixar's Cars opens today at 3,985 theatres according to Box Office Mojo. The film's reviews, while not as universally positive as director John Lasseter's previous films, still merit a fresh rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. The critical consensus is that "while the story may not reach the high standards of Toy Story and The Incredibles, viewers of all ages will marvel at the technical brilliance of the animation and come away satisfied". [More]
Thursday, June 8, 2006 Cars reviews roundup
The reviews for Cars are starting to pour in. First up is a glowing "un-review" at o-meon which states that the film "should be given serious consideration as a Best Picture Academy Award nominee." Jerry Beck at Cartoon Brew highly recommends Pixar's latest declaring, "Pixar has put a fresh spin on a classic concept and made it their own." Variety gives one of the few negative reviews, while AICN and Ultimate Disney give "middle of the road" reviews. Stay tuned for Animated News' review of the movie and report on the recent premiere held at Lowe's Motor Speedway in North Carolina.
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 Going under the hood of Cars
Animation World Network goes in-depth into the technical aspects of the making of Cars, which they call "John Lasseter's most mature and personal" film yet. Talking with the creators themselves, including supervising animator Doug Sweetland and supervising technical director Eben Ostby, part one of the article focuses on character and lighting innovations. Also discussed are some of the new tools created to help make the cars behave like cars.
Tuesday, June 6, 2006 Cars soundtrack released today
Today marks the release of the official soundtrack for Disney/Pixar's Cars. Described as the "ultimate road trip album" it can be purchased wherever music is sold, downloaded from iTunes (download comes with a free digital booklet), procured for free in a limited edition with unique cover art as part of a Goodyear Tires promotion, or purchased from Target in an exclusive edition that includes bonus video footage.
There is also a companion CD geared more towards kids called Lightning McQueen's Fast Tracks. iTunes even has a custom page featuring celebrity playlists selected by six different car characters from the film.
Arthur and the Minimoys teaser trailer onlineA French teaser trailer is now online at Yahoo! France for Arthur and the Minimoys. ComingSoon.net reports that the film, written and directed by Luc Besson, will be released by The Weinstein Company this Christmas, and features Freddie Highmore, Madonna, David Bowie, and Snoop Dogg.
Over the Hedge breaks $100 millionOver the Hedge crashed through the $100 million mark this weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. So far the film has grossed over $112.4 million. Ice Age: The Meltdown was the last animated film to reach that mark on its way to its current take of $191.5 million.
WB aquires animated ArkAnimation World Network reports that Warner Brothers has picked up an animated script from actor Casey Affleck titled Aardvark Art's Ark. "The story centers on the adventures of an animal family aboard Noah's Ark".
Monday, June 5, 2006 Garfield 2 release date change, contest info
20th Century Fox has moved the release of Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties from June 23rd to June 16th.
In other Garfield news, Catster (the networking community for cats) is holding a Royal Treatment Sweepstakes where 10 lucky cats, and their human, can win a Hagen Living World Cat Spa.
O-meon CARS video podcastsA new series of four video podcasts, which can be viewed on the o-meon.com site, with iTunes or a video iPod or listened to like a regular podcast, feature behind the scenes insights and interview with CARS director John Lasseter, producer Darla K. Anderson, character team manager Jay Ward and many of the film and NASCAR stars featured in CARS.
Hollywood Heritage presents early Disney historyOn Thursday, June 22, at 7:30pm, Hollywood Heritage will host an "Evening @ the Barn" (the Lasky-DeMille Barn across from the Hollywood Bowl) with special guests Virginia Davis (Walt Disney's original Alice), Michael Broggie (author of Walt Disney's Railroad Story), and Marc Wanamaker who will be presenting slides of early Disney sites. They will also be screening Alice's Wonderland and Alice in the Jungle, so this is a good chance to see an authorized public screening of some of Walt Disney's earliest animation work. The cost is $5 for members of Hollywood Heritage and $8 for non-members. Call (323) 467-0287 for more information.
ReFrederator offers animated shorts from the great directorsReFrederator, which posts free classic cartoon podcasts daily, has announced that this week's downloads will feature some of the great animation shorts directors from the golden age of cartoons. You can see ReFrederator by downloading the episodes at their website or by subscribing through iTunes. According to ReFrederator, Great Director Week will include:
Monday, June 5 - Tale of Two Kitties Tweetie Pie
gives the kitties his worst, and director Bob Clampett tell us who’s on first.
Tuesday, June 6 - Jerky Turkey
A pilgrim makes no progress towards a Thanksgiving dinner, as director Tex Avery bends time and space.
Wednesday, June 7 - Porky’s Railroad
When director Frank Tashlin engineers a cartoon classic, everything stays on track.
Thursday, June 8 - Betty Boop’s Crazy Inventions
Betty Boop and Bimbo are on the spot in this bizarre episode (we’re not sure what director Dave Fleischer was on!).
Friday, June 9 - Inki and the Mynah Bird
Director Chuck Jones flexes his artistic muscles in a film that’s a lot more than O.K. (and something less than P.C.).
TAIS presents Dream On Silly DreamerThe Toronto Animated Image Society is presenting the documentary Dream On Silly Dreamer on June 8th, followed by a panel of former Disney artists including Scott Caple from the California studio, Andrew Hickson from Disney Florida, Rob Bekuhrs from the California and Florida studios, and Shawn Seles from the Toronto studio will discuss their own experiences, take questions and offer their thoughts on the future of traditional animation. More information and advance tickets are available at the TAIS website.
LA ACM SIGGRAPH holds IMAX visual effects discussionThe Los Angeles Professional Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is hosting a discussion on the design and execution of visual effects in IMAX films. The event will include a screening of the film Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon followed by a panel discussion. Tim Sassoon and Johnathan Banta of Sassoon Film Design will present some of their work from the movie with moderator Marty Shindler. Craig Barron of Matte World Digital will present work on the IMAX movie MacGillivray Freeman’s Greece: Secrets of the Past. Myles Connolly, Editor on Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France, will discuss the unique computer graphics aspects of that movie. The event will take place on June 13 at the Universal CityWalk in Universal City, California. For more information, check the LA ACM SIGGRAPH website.
Saturday, June 3, 2006 Pixar documentary airing tonight on ABC
Tonight from 8 - 11pm, The Wonderful World of Disney will once more present Toy Story. However, what makes this showing especially special is that included in the three-hour block will be a brand-new documentary of Pixar, in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Directed and produced by Leslie Iwerks, the granddaughter of animation legend Ub Iwerks, the show will reveal how the studio arose from humble beginnigs, becoming the entertainment powerhouse it is today. Meanwhile, George Lucas, Steve Jobs, Roy Disney, John Lasseter, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Billy Crystal also make appearances in the documentary, providing their thoughts on Pixar. Jim Hill Media has more information on this exciting television event.
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Friday, June 2, 2006 Speed Racer to be driven by Wachowski brothers?
The classic Japanese cartoon Speed Racer may be about to hit theaters in live-action form, courtesy of Larry and Andy Wachowski, the brothers behind the Matrix trilogy. According to IGN FilmForce, the duo might write and direct the project. Interestingly, one of the last mentions of a live-action Speed Racer movie occurred in June 2004, when actor Vince Vaughn sold a pitch to Warner Bros.
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Katzenberg considers animation in IndiaWhile promoting Over the Hedge at the Cannes Film Festival, DreamWorks SKG cofounder Jeffrey Katzenberg confirmed to Animation 'Xpress that the company might find help in some of its animated projects through India. Specfically, he commented, "India is a very exciting place and has potential for great animation. We've been very impressed with the Indian animation community's enthusiasm to master the constantly changing tools of CG animation. We believe this eagerness will lead to the development of a highly skilled animation community."
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New one sheet for Open Season
The Internet Movie Poster Awards has a low quality version of the latest one sheet for Open Season. Featuring the tag line "One fur all, all fur one," the poster possesses a group shot of the film's major characters.
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Affleck's ArkAccording to Coming Soon, courtesy of Variety, Warner Bros. has picked up Aardvark Art's Ark. Described simply as an "animated family film," the project was written and will be produced by Casey Affleck.
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Interview: Larry the Cable GuyDark Horizons interviews the voice behind Mater the tow truck in Disney/Pixar's Cars, Larry the Cable Guy. The conversation refers to Larry's winning and working with the role. Likewise, the real name of the Cable Guy is revealed and discussed.
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Universal to do something with Pirates Who Don't Do AnythingVariety, via Coming Soon, indicates that Universal Pictures will distribute Big Idea's follow-up to Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. The film focuses on the exploits of the "squashbuckling" group of misfits from Jonah. Directed by Mike Nawrocki and written by Phil Vischer, Pirates will now enjoy a theatrical run in 2008.
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Superman: Braniac Attacks to premiere on Cartoon NetworkBefore its June 20th premiere on DVD, Supmerman: Braniac Attacks is scheduled to air on Cartoon Network, reports Superman Homepage. The showing will take place Saturday, June 17th, at 7:30pm (ET/PT).
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Transformers: The Movie DVD release announcedDVDtoons has the press release for Sony BMG Music Entertainment's DVD debuting of Transformers: The Movie. The title will arrive in stores this November, with a "20th Anniversary Special Edition" banner. In the meantime, a teaser site for the release has already opened.
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Thursday, June 1, 2006 Laura's Star to shine on DVD
Posted at Yahoo! News is Warner Home Video's press release for the DVD arrival of the award-winning Laura's Star. Dorinda Marticorena, WHV Vice President, Kids and Sports Marketing, commented, "German directors Thilo Gruf Rothkirch and Piet de Rycker... did a remarkable job turning this widely popular German picture book into an accessible film for children and grown ups alike, tackling themes such as embracing life's changes, making new friends, and learning to adjust to new surroundings. We are delighted to bring this beautiful story to audiences in the US." Released theatrically in Europe, Laura's Star will enter US stores on September 26th.
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Behind the HedgeAn in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at DreamWorks Animation's recent animated feature Over the Hedge has just been unveiled here. It includes:
* Story Boards
* Visual Development
* End credits character animation
* Colorful pop art graphic animation used in the '60's tradition
* Video interviews
* Full Cast and Crew information
The long and the short of it: animated shorts revivalA recent article at VFX World looks at the steadily reviving animated shorts program at Disney, the never-dormant shorts program at Pixar, the new short First Flight from DreamWorks Animation, as well as animated shorts from other companies. The article mentions a short feature directed by John Lasseter to be included on the DVD for Cars (in the same vein as Mike's Car on the Monster's Inc. DVD), plans to show a short with Meet the Robinsons and more.