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Search Results for: pixar

D23 EXPO 2022 Planning Tips: Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios to Share Never-Before-Seen Footage, Experiences

14 July 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney Pixar ELEMENTAL
In a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: How much they actually have in common. Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream, Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” releases June 16, 2023. Concept art by Sohn. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios presentations are perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the D23 Expos that take place in Anaheim, California every two years. I still remember the goosebumps when I saw some unfinished animation for Moana at the 2017 Expo. It’s truly a gift to get these glimpses into future projects and see how they are finished when they appear in theaters. This year at the 2022 D23 Expo, there will be tons of never-before-seen footage, presentations, and archives displays from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. I know I can’t wait to see all of this in person! You can plan your D23 Expo time based on the time schedule below. We’ll have more updates as we receive them from D23. Here are the official details:

 

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios are prepping for Disney’s D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa in Anaheim, California—a three-day extravaganza that kicks off September 9. Plans are underway at the animation powerhouses for an exciting weekend of announcements, first looks, sneak peeks, and presentations surrounding upcoming feature films and streaming titles—plus interactive displays, artist autograph signings, sharable photo opportunities, filmmaker Q&As, and giveaways.

Disney Pixar ELEMENTAL
In a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: How much they actually have in common. Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream, Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” releases June 16, 2023. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
Friday, September 9, 3:30 p.m., Hall D23
Disney Animation and Pixar are teaming up with Disney Live Action on Friday afternoon, welcoming thousands of Disney fans to Hall D23 for a special look at upcoming films and series. Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee will present never-before-seen footage, surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by all-star voice talent from the studios’ upcoming slate of original animated films and series. Fans will get an insider’s view at Pixar’s unique, perspective-shifting, long-form series Win or Lose, which launches on Disney+ next year. Pixar’s Peter Sohn, who helms the 2023 feature Elemental, will transport fans to a city where fire-, water-, land-, and air-residents live side by side. Disney Animation’s Academy Award®-winning director Don Hall will journey alongside fans deep into an uncharted and treacherous land with Strange World—releasing November 23—and Disney Animation and their collaborators from the Pan-African comic book company Kugali will reveal new details about Iwájú, a long-form sci-fi series set in Lagos, Nigeria, that launches on Disney+ next year. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Disney Animation STRANGE WORLD
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest—and by far— most crucial mission. Helmed by director Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”), “Strange World” releases November 23, 2022. © 2021 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

 

Disney Animation STRANGE WORLD
ALL ABOARD — Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest—and by far— most crucial mission. The film features the voices of (clockwise from top left) Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, the leader of Avalonia; Jake Gyllenhaal as farmer and father Searcher Clade; Dennis Quaid as diehard explorer and Searcher’s father, Jaegar Clade; Gabrielle Union as pilot and mother Meridian Clade; and Jaboukie Young-White as the youngest Clade, Meridian and Searcher’s son, Ethan. “Strange World” releases November 23, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

SHOW FLOOR
September 9 through 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
As Walt Disney Animation Studios kicks off its 100-year anniversary celebration, the studio will showcase its past, present, and future throughout D23 Expo 2022. They’ll team up once again with Pixar Animation Studios on the show floor, creating an immersive animation experience for fans. The studios’ upcoming original feature films, including Disney Animation’s Strange World, releasing this November, and Pixar’s June 2023 release, Elemental, will be highlighted. A six-foot-tall red panda will greet fans, celebrating Pixar’s Turning Red, now streaming on Disney+, and a photo op with Buzz Lightyear and his robot companion cat Sox from the now-in-theaters film Lightyear will be available. Disney Animation will invite guests into the realms of Strange World, Encanto, and more through engaging photo experiences. Fans will also get opportunities to meet the teams behind the series and movies, with autograph signings of exclusive art and promotional item giveaways.

Disney Animation STRANGE WORLD
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE? — Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys deep into an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest—and by far— most crucial mission. Helmed by Don Hall (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Raya and the Last Dragon”) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer “Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Roy Conli (Oscar®-winning “Big Hero 6,” “Tangled”), “Strange World” releases November 23, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

ANIMATION PANELS
Friday, September 9
“traceback”: Celebrating the People of Walt Disney Animation Studios is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.– 12:45 p.m. on the Hyperion Stage.

  • The Walt Disney Animation Research Library presents “traceback,” a look at the lives and work as well as the artistic and technical contributions of women and employees of color throughout the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Saturday, September 10
A Century of Storytelling at Walt Disney Animation Studios is scheduled for 2–3 p.m. on the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

  • The Walt Disney Animation Research Library celebrates 100 years of Disney Animation storytelling by highlighting the stories and people behind key art and artifacts in its collection.

A Celebration of Disney Animation’s “Encanto” will take place from 3:30–4:30 p.m. on the Premiere Stage.

  • Join the team behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning hit Encanto for stories behind the making of the film—and a few surprises!

Sneak Peek at “Zootopia+” from Walt Disney Animation Studios will take place from 6–7 p.m. on the Backlot Stage.

  • Get a first look at the highly anticipated animated series Zootopia+, coming to Disney+ from Walt Disney Animation Studios, with directors Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy.

Sunday, September 11
100 Years of Treasures from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library is scheduled for 2–3 p.m. on the Backlot Stage.

  • Never-before-seen clips, recording sessions, and live-action reference mark 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios as the Animation Research Library unveils newly digitized media from its collection and from its Oral History Project, in which the legends of animation have been interviewed.

You can see our additional D23 Expo coverage and follow along with us on social media:

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO: 
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Filed Under: D23 Expo, Disney News Tagged With: 2022 D23 Expo, D23 Expo, D23 Expo planning tips, Disney Pixar, Disney Pixar Elemental, Disney Strange World, Pixar animation, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Animation Archives

REVIEW: Lightyear is the Pixar Story We Didn’t Know We Needed

15 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Lightyear posterOk, so no one really thought we needed a Buzz Lightyear backstory, right? I was of the same mind, and thought this was a very silly attempt at extending the Toy Story franchise beyond its natural life and wasting all of our time. At a recent Lightyear screening, I was proven very wrong. My Lightyear review will not contain major spoilers, but will discuss some on-screen things (which have previously been discussed in the press), so proceed at your own risk if you’d like to be surprised. I will not discuss the major reveal toward the end of the film, so that major spoiler is safe.

Going back to my initial frame of mind when I saw the first real trailer for Lightyear, as an extreme David Bowie fan, I was slightly offended that they used his “Starman“ in the trailer for what I thought was such a pointless film. At the end of the movie (which didn’t use the song at all by the way), I took back my offense. Like many, I assumed this was based on the life of the “real world” person Buzz Lightyear, and had nothing really to do with Toy Story at all. In the first frame, we are told that “…in 1995, a boy named Andy received a toy Buzz Lightyear, based on his favorite movie. This is that movie.” Already, that made more sense to me, and I wish they’d explained that going in, I think it would’ve been more accepted from the start.

The film itself is genuinely entertaining from start to finish. We learn briefly about Space Rangers and what they do. We see Buzz as a devoted ranger, his friend and fellow ranger Hawthorne, and their latest mission. Something goes wrong, and the entire team is stranded on a planet, which Buzz feels is his fault. He works to get them off the planet and test out the hyper speed crystal fusion fuel they need to get back home. The only problem with all of his attempted and failed tests, is that Buzz is gone for minutes, while years and years pass by on the planet he’s returning to.

Buzz Lighyear and Sox
© 2021 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

To help him with his guilt over stranding people on this alien planet, Hawthorne gives Buzz a “personal companion robot” named Sox. He is a robotic cat, who truly steals the show and gives it its heart. Even when things seem serious or dire, Sox can find a way to help and inject humor with his “loading” noises of just “meowmeowmeowmeow” or “beepboopbeepboop.” It really helps keep the movie firmly in the kids zone and something that Andy would’ve appreciated as a kid, I think. (Although I’m pretty disappointed we didn’t get Sox toys back in 1995 when Toy Story came out.) Sox is the friend and co-pilot we all need.

Lightyear review
Lightyear review
Lightyear review

Again, I won’t give anything more in this Lightyear review than what I’ve said above away, but suffice it to say, Buzz learns some valuable lessons about friendship, accepting help, and what life is all about. I will also note that there is a lesbian couple in the film, garnering its being banned in Saudi Arabia. The storyline is very subtly displayed, and portrayed as just “normal” which of course, is how it should be. I like to think about 1995 Andy watching this movie and thinking nothing of it as well, just a couple, no other adjectives needed. I wish Pixar had been so bold back in 1995, and I wish the world would’ve been as accepting as most of it is today. Strides are finally being made however, and acceptance and inclusion is becoming the norm.

Lightyear review

So while of course we didn’t need another Toy Story movie, I think we did need the lessons Lightyear doles out and I will happily add this to one of my favorite Pixar tales. And tails. I’m totally getting a plush Sox just as soon as I finish posting this Lightyear review. (Here are two options below!)

Sox the Cat on Shop Disney
Sox the Cat on ShopDisney

Lightyear opens in theaters on June 17. I highly recommend heading out to see it, if only for the Sox moments. Until then, you can also enjoy some backstory as Disney+ invites fans to explore the history of Buzz Lightyear and get a sneak peek at the making of the all-new film.

Pixar Animation Studios’ “Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear” explores the evolution of an icon, tracing Buzz Lightyear’s route from toy to the hero featured in the new film. Check out the trailer celebrating the launch of the documentary on Disney+.

Featuring filmmakers, storytellers, artists and members of the “Lightyear” voice cast, “Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear” details how Buzz’s original action-figure design was realized, and how that look was translated years later into a human hero. Delving into the cultural impact of the galaxy’s most famous Space Ranger and his significance to Pixar filmmakers, this doc grapples with what actually is beyond infinity. It is directed by Tony Kaplan and produced by Sureena Mann.

Opening in theaters June 17, “Lightyear”—the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans), the hero who inspired the toy—follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. The film is directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”) and produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”).

I hope you enjoyed this Lightyear review and it wasn’t too spoilery, I couldn’t not talk about how wonderful Sox the robot cat is. Let me know in the comments below if you see Lightyear and what you think!

Thanks to Disney D23 for the screening of Lightyear, as always, my opinions and thoughts are my own. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links above provide a very small commission toward the running of this site. Thank you for supporting zannaland. 

Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Latest News, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews, Top Stories Tagged With: Buzz Lightyear, D23 Events, D23 screening, Disney movie review, lightyear, Lightyear movie review, Lightyear review, Sox the cat, Sox the robot cat

First Look at Pixar’s LIGHTYEAR!

27 October 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, Disney/Pixar announced the new pseudo-prequel to the beloved Toy Story character, LIGHTYEAR. Today, we get our first look at the film in this exciting teaser!

The sci-fi action-adventure presents the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans.

The film – which stars Chris Evans in the titular role – is scheduled to release June 17, 2022. No word yet on whether the film will debut on Disney+ Premier Access – something that Disney’s most recent releases have not been doing.

We know we’re excited to see what this story has in store, so be sure to stick around here for more updates on the film!

Filed Under: Disney News, Latest News, Movies & Books Tagged With: animated disney movie, Buzz Lightyear, Disney Animation, Disney movie, Disney Pixar, lightyear, lightyear movie, lightyear trailer, Pixar, Pixar animation, pixar movie, pixar news, pixar trailer, Toy Story

Teaser Trailer Released for Disney and Pixar’s TURNING RED

13 July 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Pixar fans who can’t get enough after last month’s Luca are in for a treat this morning as Disney and Pixar release the first teaser for their next project.

Slated for 2022, TURNING RED is the all new original feature film from Pixar Animation Studios’ director Domee Shi, who won an Academy Award for her 2018 short film, “Bao.” Young actress Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited. Sandra Oh (“The Chair,” “Killing Eve”) voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager.

Check out the teaser below.

Fans of Bao, which released alongside Incredibles 2 in 2018 will recognize the director’s style immediately. And those excited for Turning Red after this teaser can expect the film in 2022. We’ll have more updates on the film as they are released!

Check out some of our other Pixar updates here.

Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney News, Movies & Books Tagged With: bao, Disney, Disney Animation, Disney movie, Disney trailer, domee shi, Pixar, Pixar animation, pixar movie, pixar short, pixar teaser, pixar trailer, sandra oh, turning red, turning red trailer

Pixar-Inspired Mini Golf Takes Over NYC’s Battery Park This Summer

6 July 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

This summer, Pixar is opening a brand new pop-up experience in Manhattan.

Pixar Putt is a new open-air mini golf pop-up, arriving in Battery Park’s Pier A on August 1. Made up of 18 interactive holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, Pixar Putt is set to take guests to infinity… and beyond!

The pop-up will open August 1 and run through October 31, 2021. The course will be open seven days a week. Also appearing is Pixar Putt After Dark, an evening session “for guests aged 18+”.

Following its run in New York City, Pixar Putt will continue touring nationally, currently slated to be presented in San Diego,  San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago – and Disney says more locations will be announced.

Tickets are expected to sell out fast, and tickets, as well as information like daily hours, are available here.

Stay tuned on all of our Pixar updates here.

 

Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Latest News, Things to Do Tagged With: disney golf, disney mini golf, Disney Pixar, disney pop up, golf pop up, mini golf, Pixar, pixar golf, pixar mini golf, pixar movies, pixar pop up, pixar putt, Toy Story, Toy Story 4, Up

DisneyPixar’s Luca Teaser Trailer

25 February 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney Pixar Luca posterI will admit, this movie snuck up on me! I had no idea this was in the works, so it was exciting to see a new image released yesterday and now a teaser trailer. If you haven’t heard what Luca is all about, here’s the scoop so far:

Disney and Pixar’s upcoming original feature film “Luca” is a fun and heartwarming story about friendship, stepping out of your comfort zone and two teenage sea monsters who experience a life-changing summer. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”), “Luca” features a remarkable voice cast.

  • Jacob Tremblay (“Room,” “Wonder”) lends his voice to Luca Paguro, a bright and inventive 13-year-old sea monster with endless curiosity—especially when it comes to the mysterious world above the sea.
  • Jack Dylan Grazer (“We Are Who We Are,” “Shazam”) voices Alberto Scorfano, an independent, free-spirited teenage sea monster with unbridled enthusiasm for the human world.
  • Emma Berman provides the voice of Giulia, an outgoing and charming adventurer who befriends Luca and Alberto.
  • Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Big Mouth”) voices Daniela, Luca’s mother.
  • Marco Barricelli voices Massimo, Giulia’s father.
  • Jim Gaffigan (“The Pale Tourist,” “Troop Zero”) voices Lorenzo, Luca’s father.

Fun fact, I almost named my son Gio Luca but settled on Giovanni with the understanding that he’d be called Gio. But I have always loved that name, probably since Suzanne Vega’s “Luka” back in 1987, but I’m dating myself haha. Anyway, here’s the Luca trailer:

 

 

What I find very interesting is the art style for Pixar has kind of morphed a little. To me, this definitely has a look similar to Sony Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs style. It looks very pretty to look at and the story definitely seems fun.

Disney Pixar Luca

Here’s some commentary from director Enrico Casarosa from a recent Variety interview:

“This is a deeply personal story for me, not only because it’s set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship. Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in ‘Luca,’” Casarosa said in a statement. “So in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian seaside, our film will feature an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca.”

Disney Pixar Luca
Concept art from Pixar

“Luca” releases Summer 2021. What do you think of the new trailer for Luca?

You can follow along on their social channels:

http://instagram.com/pixarluca/

https://twitter.com/pixarluca

http://facebook.com/pixarluca

Hashtag: #PixarLuca

Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movies & Books, Official Disney Tagged With: Disney Animation, Disney Luca, Disney Pixar Luca, Disney|Pixar, DisneyPixar trailer, Luca, Luca trailer, Pixar Luca

REVIEW: ONWARD is Pixar’s Step Backwards

21 February 2020 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

It may be bold of me to say, but in my opinion, Pixar has somewhat of a rough track record. I think they succeed pretty well at making entertaining films. But only a few have been notably exceptional. Onward is in an interesting position to review. I’m still not entirely sure whether I liked all of it or not.

THE QUEST BEGINS..

I had absolutely no expectations of this movie before watching it. I enjoy Tom Holland and Chris Pratt on their own well enough, but I hadn’t really even been following much of the promotion for the movie. Some of the art looked fun, and I really enjoyed the music choice for the trailer – which is honestly enough to sell me most of the time (and why I plan on seeing F9).

I knew I would inevitably see Onward anyway because the trailer starts with 5 letters and a little lamp jumping on screen. That’s what begins the issues with Onward for me, conceptually.

©2019 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The past couple Pixar releases have felt off, personally. I still haven’t seen the Good Dinosaur, I missed Finding Dory until 3 years later, Cars 3 was bad, and Toy Story 4 just felt like a tech demo for their animation interns to work on that they accidentally released. 

And even though I did actually like Finding Dory, Incredibles 2, and Coco, they did still feel a bit lazy. Pixar definitely has a particular format they like to stick to – I won’t blame them, it seems to work commercially every time. But Onward is the 22nd film in their collection of releases, and honestly feels exactly the same as 98% of them. 

THE CURSE

© 2019 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Onward seems like it missed the mark on quite a few subjects to me. The art style feels weird, to be blunt. In a world with actual magic and fantasy characters, I don’t see the need to give every character an odd humanoid face, even if they have only one absurdly large eye. 

It all looks a little odd, and I wish they would’ve done something a bit more creative. The main character of the film even looks like a recolor of Linguini from Ratatouille, which is something that I would think they could avoid.

But my disagreements with the world don’t stop there. Something about the atmosphere just feels kind of cheesy and almost lame. For all intents and purposes, the setting of the film is really doing the same job as that of Shrek, which somehow seems to pull it off more convincingly. That’s a sentence I didn’t think I’d be able to write.

© 2019 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

A LITTLE MAGIC

What I did manage to like from the atmosphere of Onward is honestly just because I enjoy the fantasy genre as a whole. It could’ve been anything on screen but if they were doing magic with wizards and pulling out D&D terms I would be on board. There is certainly a bit of charm that comes along with the Pixar touch, but I don’t think this is something that had to try incredibly hard to pull off.

And that’s my biggest issue of all – it felt pretty easy. The art style was incredibly similar to things they’ve done before (even to things the Director had made before with the studio). The score was safe and almost nonexistent in some parts. 

The things the “Inclusion Team” allegedly insured were in the movie were really bare minimum and easily modifiable for foreign markets that still don’t accept characters being openly gay. All of this making it all feel very unnecessary and almost as if they were forced to include them but were graded on completion, not accuracy.

ANCIENT HISTORY

So what’s the issue, really? Well, co-star of our Up the Waterfall podcast, Scott Otis, pointed out to me that Pixar has had a couple years in the past with two releases: The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out, Cars 3 and Coco, and now Onward and Soul. So statistically, maybe I’m just not a fan of Onward so that I can be a fan of Soul. 

But in all seriousness, I didn’t hate everything about Onward. There were some funny moments, and I think even Pixar’s worst is always an entertaining time. There are definitely people who will like this. But for me, it just feels like another tired attempt for Pixar to play it safe and stick to their patented Pixar-style punch-you-in-the-gut emotional coming of age stories based on half-baked “What if?” ideas.

I would love to see them do something different, and take a massive risk. With the massive budget and solid teamwork they now have, I’m surprised they’ve stuck to this format for so long. The Pixar Sparkshorts on Disney+ are an interesting first attempt at this, but none have really stood out to me on their own, and they definitely feel like something that a small team makes every month or so on their lunch breaks.

ONWARD REVIEW

© 2019 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Pixar used to be known for pushing the medium of animation forward with compelling new takes. Their films were a fun break from the typical cliches of family animation. Now they’re essentially pushing out Disney’s B-stories that don’t get the bigger spotlight. And sequels.

So is Pixar truly taking a step backward with Onward? It depends on how much you’re able to relate to all of their stories – for me, not a whole lot. Or how much an emotional ending is enough to convince you you liked the movie on your way out of the theater. Again, not much here for me. Maybe it just depends on how much you’re able to enjoy a kids’ movie without thinking about it too much. And clearly I can’t. 

But that’s just me.

Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Latest News, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews

First Teaser Trailer for Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur

2 June 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

At the last D23 Expo, we were treated to the announcements of quite a few DisneyPixar projects, including Inside Out, which I’ll be screening tonight with full review to come, Finding Dory (not so much as excited about that one but we’ll see), and The Good Dinosaur.

The Good Dinosaur

The official synopsis of the Good Dinosaur from DisneyPixar is this:

“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

A little more info, from the sneak peek we saw at the Expo…the line about “what if the asteroid missed?” is a brief but important opening to the story. Basically, the “what if” answer is that dinosaurs rule the world and humans do not. This particular dinosaur we’re following, Arlo, is part of a farming family, and he’s not happy. He wanders and finds a human, who he is initially afraid of and annoyed by. And that’s where our story truly begins. There has been some shake-up with this movie, originally directed by Bob Peterson, who left and was replaced by Peter Sohn, and the film was completely turned around and re-imagined according to Pixar. John Lithgow, who plays Arlo’s father said that he went back in and re-recorded all of his dialogue for the film! So perhaps the clip we were shown in 2013 is not the direction they went. Time will tell! In the meantime, enjoy the first official teaser trailer.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR opens in theatres everywhere on November 25th!

 

THE GOOD DINOSAUR concept art
“The Good Dinosaur” tells the story of Arlo, a lively Apatosaurus with a big heart who sets out on a remarkable journey, gaining an unlikely companion along the way—a human boy. Directed by Peter Sohn (“Partly Cloudy”) and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”, “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters Nov. 25, 2015. ©2014 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Disney News, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books Tagged With: D23, D23 Expo, Disney Pixar, Disney•Pixar, Good Dinosaur teaser trailer, Peter Sohn, Pixar, The Good Dinosaur

NEW LeSportsac Disney Pixar Monster’s Inc Print Bags

9 August 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Thanks to Zannaland reader Breana for letting me know LeSportsac had come out with this new print! It looks like a fun new collaboration for Disney Pixar and LeSportsac fans. From the LeSportsac site, we learn a little bit more about who designed this new Monster’s Inc print:

As the production designer of Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille, Presto and Cars 2, Academy Award® winner, Harley Jessup, has built a career designing films that both children and adults can love. For each Pixar feature, his mission has been to create a visually exciting, believable world with appealing characters all in support of a great story.

Monsters Inc LeSportsac

No mention if this is the first of many Disney Pixar designs, but I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that it is! I like the hand-drawn look to it, and how the scenes are that of a bustling downtown Monstropolis complete with taxi cabs and “Broadway-like” show marquees. The new pattern seems to come in all of the usual bag styles as well. You can find out more and purchase bags on the LeSportsac site. I’m sure these will be showing up in Disney parks on both coasts soon as well. I’ll keep you posted as I discover anything more!

Monsters Inc LeSportsac

 

 

 

Monsters Inc LeSportsac

You can view the other Disney LeSportsac collaborations on Zannaland too!

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Stocking Stuffer: Pixar Short Film Collection Volume 2 Now on Blu-Ray

5 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

PIXAR_SHORTS_COLLECTION_VOLUME2Pixar’s short films are what made me fall in love with them, many years ago. I’ve discussed in the past how I first saw Tin Toy back at an Animation Film Festival in Boston back in the 1990’s, so the Pixar shorts collections are always a favorite in our house. This time around, my four-year old has taken over and proclaimed this his favorite thing to watch ever. And truthfully, I love to watch him laugh and delight at the wonderful stories Pixar is telling. I could join him in watching this collection over and over (and have!).

Included in Volume 2, in addition to seven rarely screened student films from directors John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Pete Docter are:

BURN•E – BURN•E is a dedicated, hard working robot that finds himself locked out of his ship and quickly learns that completing a simple task can often be a difficult endeavor. Based on characters from ‘WALL•E.’ (Directed by: Angus MacLane)

Dug’s Special Mission – In this funny short based on the character from ‘Up,’ Dug is sent on a foolish mission by Alpha, Beta and Gamma so that they can hunt for the Bird of Paradise Falls by themselves. Soon Dug discovers that where he belongs is not where he’s been looking. (Directed by: Ronnie del Carmen)

George & AJ – Inspired by Carl’s escape, senior citizens around the city unite to make their own “escapes,” much to the chagrin of George and A.J., in this short that features characters from ‘Up.’ (Directed by: Josh Cooley)
Air Mater – In this hilarious short, Mater decides he wants to learn how to fly and is accidently recruited by an elite group of formation flyers, the Falcon Hawks. (Directed by: Rob Gibbs)

Time Travel Mater – When a clock lands on Mater’s engine, he travels back in time to 1910 where he meets Stanley, the founder of Radiator Springs. (Directed by: Rob Gibbs)

Your Friend The Rat – ‘Ratatouille’s’ Remy and his brother Emile guide fans through world history from a rat’s perspective. (Directed by: Jim Capobianco)

Partly Cloudy – This humorous short features baby-delivering storks who receive their special packages high in the stratosphere, from clouds who sculpt babies and bring them to life. (Directed by: Peter Sohn)

Presto – When Presto, a great turn-of-the-century magician, neglects to feed his rabbit one too many times, the magician finds he isn’t the only one with a few tricks up his sleeve. (Directed by: Doug Sweetland)

Day & Night – This short follows Day, a sunny fellow, who encounters Night, a stranger of distinctly dark moods. As their suspicions turn to curiosity, they are delighted to find that this budding friendship can offer a new perspective on the world. (Directed by: Teddy Newton)

Hawaiian Vacation – Fans will love this “Toy Story Toon,” as Woody and Buzz lead a group of toys in giving Ken and Barbie the Hawaiian vacation of their dreams – without ever leaving home. (Directed by: Gary Rydstrom)

Small Fry – Fans’ favorite team of toys is back in this clever “Toy Story Toon.” Buzz Lightyear is left behind at a fast food restaurant where he finds himself in a support group for discarded toys. As Woody and the gang devise a way to rescue their friend, Buzz tries to escape the toy psychotherapy meeting. (Directed by: Angus MacLane)

La Luna – The timeless fable of a young boy coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances, in which he discovers his Papa’s and Grandpa’s unusual line of work. (Directed by: Enrico Casarosa)

Here are a couple of clips from two of our favorite shorts:


Pixar Short Films Collection 2 is available now – a perfect stocking stuffer!

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies & Books, Reviews Tagged With: Burn-e, Day and Night, Disney Pixar, Disney|Pixar, Dug's Special Mission, Hawaiian Vacation, La Luna, Partly Cloudy, Pixar, Pixar Short Film Collection Volume 2, Pixar Short films, Pixar shorts, Presto, short films, Small Fry, Your Friend the Rat

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