Pixar animation

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.

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.

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.

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:

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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!

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.

5 Parenting Lessons From Disney Pixar’s Brave

19 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

This companion piece to my initial spoiler-free Brave review will contain some references to plot points or ideas within the film which may spoil it for those wishing to be surprised. If you’d like to be prepared for bringing your children to the movie, or are looking for some discussion topics either before or after seeing Brave, I wanted to put this list together. If you do not want any elements of Brave spoiled, do not continue reading below, and head over to my review, which contains no spoilers. Thanks!

1. It is rated PG.

When I think of PG-rated Disney animated films, I instantly think of The Black Cauldron. I’m not sure Brave is quite at that level, but I did jump out of my seat one time and the bear scenes are pretty suspenseful and loud. Certainly the under-7 set may be shaken. In addition, there is a scene where the clans are being rousted by Merida’s dad, Fergus, as he tells tales of finding and killing Mor’du, the bear that took his leg so many years ago. In the midst of his story-telling, he and others throw their weapons at an already stuffed bear standing within the castle hall. It’s was pretty disturbing to me to see a once-living bear getting an axe stuck in its head as it stared blankly ahead. That said, I don’t feel the violence in any way exceeds other Disney animated features. The battle with Maleficent is pretty scary, as are most of the villain battles throughout the years.

There are also few ‘risque’ scenes – one where the clansmen must parade kilt-less back into the castle and you see quite a few derrieres, in the dark. The housemaid, Maudie, also has quite a bit of cleavage showing, which is a running gag as the triplet brothers are constantly hanging above her trying to steal cookies or retrieve keys, etc. Definitely not on the level of the Judge Frollo/Esmeralda scenes in Hunchback of Notre Dame, but a departure from the norm, I suppose.

2. The setting is REAL! Unlike most Disney animated films, either from Walt Disney Animation or Pixar, the world of the story is a surreal or non-existent place. Even when we know Ratatouille or Little Mermaid take place in France, in Brave, the setting itself is one of the stars of the film. The sweeping mountains, the sparkling lakes, the foreboding forests and ancient stone formations – really exist. With those facts, Brave is a wonderful stepping off point for exploring other lands, cultures and history. As with most ancient cultures, there are elements of mythology and a suspension of reality {in Brave’s case, in the form of the “Wisps” which guide Merida and the witch}, but the history is there to share with your children.

3. The Importance of family. As mentioned in my Brave review, we are treated to a strong family relationship here. Two solid, loving parents, and family members who put each other above all else. Sure, not every family is like that, and that’s okay, but it’s a refreshing change to see family love rather than plotting and evil. Merida may briefly forget these bonds and their importance, but therein lies one of the lessons of the film. When Merida’s mother is helpless and at her mercy, Merida also realizes she needs her mother and appreciates all she had done for her up to that point.

4. Children can be independent. So often parents are guilty of hovering, sheltering our children from every possible misstep or danger. As with The Little Mermaid or Jasmine in Aladdin, the parents in Brave start out demanding that their child act a certain way or live out a pre-determined future. With Merida’s spell, she is given no option but to act on her own, make her own choices and learn a great deal in the process. In the end, her parents support her making a wise decision rather than dismissing her because she is only a child. Merida doesn’t end up happily ever after with a prince charming. She ends up happy, with her own life. That was something I loved in the film. It would’ve been so easy for the creators to have Merida fall in love with one of her suitors at the last minute for a nicely tied-up ending. Instead, the story showcases Merida’s strength of character as well as that of her parents for letting her choose her own happiness.

5. Honor. The above points regarding family all lead to the important lesson of honor found throughout the film. Merida wanted to change her fate but ended up changing more than just hers. When her mother was turned into a bear, it became a way to bond as mother and daughter. Merida had grown up favoring her father’s archery and battle lessons vs. her mother’s etiquette and princess training. Seeing how important Merida’s skills were in her time of need was an eye-opener for Merida’s mother, Elinor, as it was for Merida to realize how much she needed her mom. It’s not just Merida who must honor her parents, but Elinor and Fergus who must honor their daughter and her future fate. The lesson is honor, among every family member.

To recap, Brave offers some wonderful parenting moments to share with your child and the storyline certainly helps to appreciate the bonds we have with our children. Though the violence and action are there, the rest of the movie more than overshadows any brief scare little ones may experience. The characters are strong, especially Merida and Elinor, and their strengths are not diminished for a typical happy ending.

Brave opens everywhere June 22 and I cannot wait until I can see it again, I know it will become a classic in our family.

Disclaimer: I was provided free passes to see a screening of Brave with my family but as with all reviews, my opinions were my own and not affected.

Spoiler-Free REVIEW of Disney-Pixar’s #Brave-A Role Model is Born

15 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Since first hearing about a fiery redheaded girl who could shoot a bow and arrow, I knew I would love this movie – Brave. Last year, we were treated to a preview at the D23 Expo in Anaheim and I’ve been waiting impatiently ever since to see the full film. The anticipation has been being built up through the various trailers, promotions in and out of the parks, merchandise, and of course, the Princess Merida character meet and greets opening on both coasts. With all of this hype, I did worry that perhaps I wouldn’t love it as much as I hoped. Those fears were soon put at ease with just the opening sequence.

The color palette, the sweeping landscapes, and the music all set the stage for an epic tale. From the start, we are shown the importance of family and the strength of Merida’s family bond. That same bond later becomes conflict as Merida’s mother, Queen Elinor grooms her for her role as future queen and choosing a prince to marry. Merida, who grew up idolizing her father’s bravery and strength in battle, has other ideas about her future and her fate. As the previews tell us, Merida seeks to change her fate and be more than just a betrothed princess. The will-o-the-wisps come in to play and lead Merida to the ultimate choice. I won’t give anything away, but the results of her choice take us on an action-packed adventure.

Merida Will-o-the-Wisps — Merida meets a Wisp ©2012 Disney/Pixar

In addition to the breathtaking animation, we are treated to a rarity in a Disney film, a positive, yet still realistic mother-daughter relationship. Merida tries so hard to be her own person, in charge of her own life and make her own choices, but at the end of the day, she is still her mother’s daughter, and needs her. I loved that she still had that vulnerability and as a mother and a daughter myself, it was something I loved seeing on screen. I left the theater truly grateful for this portrayal of motherly love from Disney and Pixar. For so long, we saw evil stepmothers, no mother figure at all, or thin storylines that left us wanting more. We finally got a human, mother-daughter bond with Brave.

I would like to think the storyline, the amount of action, and gorgeous animation allows anyone to relate to Brave and Merida’s story, however my husband was not as big of a fan as I was. He did think it was beautiful, though. He actually didn’t like being emotionally manipulated by the storyline in Toy Story 3 either, so there’s that. Me, I’m a sap, and I fully own that. I cry if a kitten meows too sweetly, so of course I’m going to get emotional with the writing Pixar is famous for. That said, I don’t think Brave was too sappy, I don’t think it was manipulative with its plot, I think it was just perfect (is perfect too strong an accolade?).

Most importantly, as a mother of a tween daughter, Merida represents a strong, positive role model. She is stubborn and wants to get her way, but not in a whiny, annoying fashion, and she learns and grows from the challenges she faces. And perhaps best of all – she doesn’t settle for what’s expected of her lot in life. As parents, isn’t that what we all want for our children? To give them the comforts and tools they need to both be happy and make the best decisions they can? Disney and Pixar nailed that important lesson and I’m thrilled future generations now have Merida as a role model.

Brave bear cubs — These Bear Cubs stole the show for a bit, in a creepy, The Shining kind of way… ©2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

At the same time, Merida is a nontraditional princess, apart from her sapphire blue eyes. She has wild, unruly red hair, freckles, she hates wearing tight prissy dresses, and worrying about manners. In a time when little girls aspire to dress up in heels with full make-up and attempt perfection, Merida stands proudly for all the little girls that may look or act a little different, but are no less beautiful, inside and out. Again, I am grateful for these choices that Disney supported.

And for those with absolutely no interest in girls or princesses, there is quite a bit of action, dark and scary scenes and even violence. Brave was given a PG rating for a reason, so parents with small children be warned. I was concerned there would be too much emphasis on slap-stick humor with the clans vying for Merida’s hand and the trouble-making little triplet brothers, but it was just the right balance, especially with so many powerful action scenes mixed in.

Another wonderful part of its masterpiece was the lovely score and soundtrack. I will definitely be buying the Brave original soundtrack when it’s released on June 19. So beautiful. I whole-heartedly recommend Brave and think it is a powerful addition to the Disney-Pixar family of films. Brave opens June 22 in theaters everywhere. I cannot wait to see Brave again and know it will be my favorite for quite some time.

Disclaimer: I was provided free passes to see a screening of Brave with my family but as with all reviews, my opinions were my own and not affected.

Disney Pixar BRAVE Trailer “The Prize” With Gorgeous New Poster

27 February 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

During the Pixar presentation at D23’s Expo in Anaheim last August, lucky attendees were shown this clip of Brave – opening in theatres June 22. We were unable to share it until now – and finally, the world can see it! Once again, it is simply stunning, and I do not have enough words to describe how excited I am for this film!

And here’s a bonus clip – the commercial that aired during Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremonies – the music was so lovely, I had to share it here: [the Gaelic song is Tha Mo Ghaol Air Aird A’ Chuain by Julie Fowlis.]

Lastly, a brand new, even more vibrant poster for Brave: (click to see full-size)

See you at the movies on June 22!

Official BRAVE Trailer Out Today from DisneyPixar

16 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The time has finally come for the official trailer of the gorgeous Disney Pixar film Brave. We were able to see a sneak peek at D23’s Expo in California over the summer and I’m so happy it’s finally available for public viewing! Simply STUNNING.