The Disney Database and Ultimate Disney are reporting that a re-release of Toy Story 2 is likely to be on the heels of the recently announced 10th Anniversary Edition of the original Toy Story film. Also, check out each site for more news on the continuing saga of Pixar/Disney relations.

Christian Slater has signed on to lend his voice for the title character Igor in Exodus Film Group’s CGI-animated short film “Igor: Unholy Frijoles” which will precede the feature length theatrical version Igor, due out in 2007. Igor is an irreverent comedy with a new twist on the classic mad scientist/monster genre. It tells the […]

Revealed at yesterday’s press junket held in San Francisco for the upcoming release of DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar is the fact that the DVD for it will contain a short featuring the four mischievous penguins (Kowalski, Private, Skipper, and Rico) and set during a Christmastime not long before the movie itself takes place. The directors and […]

The Big Cartoon DataBase reports on the uncanny visual similarity between new Czech prime minister Jiri Paroubek and animated character “Diamond” Joe Quimby, the vaguely Kennedy-like mayor of the Simpson’s hometown of Springfield.

For a biting, satirical look at corporations run amok told as a parody of a School House Rock educational cartoon head on over to Compfused.com. “Watch this and take a wild guess at why this TV Funhouse cartoon was aired only once and was never seen again. There was probably a bit too much truth […]

Madagascar’s not even out and we’re already startin’ to hear a lot about the next DreamWorks Animation flick. Bee sure to check out AICN for the latest buzz on Jerry Seinfeld’s Bee Movie. Includes pictures from the movie and a little interview with the comedy master.

For those in France, Yoshio Takeuchi’s 1997 film Léo roi de la jungle (Jungle Emperor Leo) based on the works of Osamu Tezuka began a theatrical release last April 20 so you may still be able to catch it. Thanks to Kristin for the heads up. Official Movie Page

Larry Loc, ASIFA-Hollywood’s blogger, has posted a report and photos from April 22nd’s Aladdin reunion.

The Disney Database has a brief announcement on a movie in production at DisneyToon Studios called Mickey in Space, and hints that it may receive a theatrical release. Thanks to Adam for the heads up.

If you can still catch it, an American Dad short feature titled Inside the CIA is playing with the Jimmy Fallon/Drew Barrymore comedy Fever Pitch in theaters everywhere.

Eight images out of dozens and dozens of still images of concept art from tomorrow’s 2-disc Pocahontas DVD can be viewed here:

Chuck Oberleitner gives his own first person report of last weekend’s Aladdin Reunion and Dream On Silly Dreamer at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Both events have been covered here but Chuck doles out even more nitty gritty information on each.

TV Shows on DVD announces The Pink Panther Show – Classic Cartoon Collection 5-Pack Box Set is due out on July 26. This box set will include “124 cartoons produced by Freleng and DePatie between 1964 and 1980” and quite a few special features. Three bargain single-disc releases are due at the same time.

Yahoo! Finance announces that Buena Vista Games is developing a massively multiplayer internet game based on Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme park rides and movie franchise. The game’s release will coincide with the Summer 2006 release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Official Site

The London Times online reports a new glimmer of hope to the possibility of Pixar and Disney renewing talks and striking a new distribution deal with each other. The hopes hinge largely on the friendly relationship between Dick Cook, head of the Disney Studios, and Steve Jobs, Apple/Pixar CEO, as well as the impending transfer […]

Animated News’ Lindsay Mayer reported on the Minneapolis screening of this documentary previously, but Animated News reporter Christian Ziebarth was able to attend a screening yesterday as part of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Following are his thoughts:

The Disney Database points to fifteen streaming Quicktime movie clips from the upcoming DVD for Pooh’s Heffalump Movie due out on May 24 (thanks to Adam for the heads up).

A lengthy writeup of last Friday’s Aladdin Reunion, hosted by ASIFA-Hollywood and held at the Glendale Central Library, as well as four photos from the event can be viewed here:

Just a couple reminders for those in the LA/Orange County area. Tonight, April 22, ASIFA-Hollywood will be holding its Aladdin reunion at the Glendale Library at 7pm. “Join animator Tom Sito as ASIFA-Hollywood reunites the makers of Walt Disney Pictures’ Aladdin with anecdotes, behind the scenes secrets, and much more!” Currently scheduled to appear are […]

Justin Williams in our Animated News Forum has pointed out that a trailer for Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween is now available for viewing online. The movie is due out on DVD in September.

The Entertainment section of Canada.com reports that Disney has been cleared of copyright theft in the suit brought against them by French author Franck Le Calvez who alleged that they had copied his creation (see our initial report on this story from December 2003) and that Le Calvez has now been convicted of fraud (link […]

Just a reminder that The Complete Peanuts, Volume 3: 1955-1956 from Fantagraphics Books is now on the shelves of bookstores everywhere. This volume starts out with an introduction by Life in Hell/Simpsons creator Matt Groening that reveals what an innate Peanuts fan he really is. I talked with Matt after the ASIFA-Hollywood screening of The […]

A recent mailer from ASIFA-Hollywood announces that this years 2D Expo will once again be held on the Woodbury University Campus in Burbank, CA. The expo promises workshops on how to pitch, Flash animation, portfolio review, and also the screening of new films.

The Save Disney website has updated with an extensive article given by Ward Kimball detailing many of his personal remembrances of his dealings with Walt Disney.

While gearing up for the May 19th release of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith be sure to check out the LEGO cartoon Star Wars: Revenge of the Brick May 8th at 7:00PM on Cartoon Network. “Good and evil clash, imagination explodes, and creativity saves the day when the heroic Jedi Knights battle the villainous […]

On sale at eBay right now are what purports to be Walt Disney’s personal notes handwritten on to Dalton Reymond’s typewritten outline for Song of the South from 1944. It seems that this item is not up for auction but available for sale to the first person willing to fork over $25,000 for it (link […]

The Toy section of About.com has the rundown on some of the Madagascar toys about to be released and Amazon.co.uk is already selling Madagascar plushes. Also, Toy Globe has some Corpse Bride plushes by McFarlane Toys available to order. Thanks to Kristin for the heads up.

The ASIFA-Hollywood site has announced that this year’s 2D Expo will be held on Saturday, June 25. Location and schedule are yet to be announced but it should be just as worthwhile to attend as last year’s, where industry professionals and aspiring industry professionals and animation enthusiasts gathered for workshops and to discuss their appreciation […]

Chuck Oberleitner has updated his o-meon site with more words of wisdom to those planning a trip to the Magic Kingdom this year in his new installment of The Grownup Geeks’ Guide to Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary. This installment focuses on maximizing your time while at the Disneyland Resort and includes tips from experienced visitors.

Heard of Darth Tater? Well, here’s Darth Mickey.