Updated: Weinstein catches Igor
Coming Soon reports that the Weinstein Company has acquired the North American distribution rights to Igor, a computer animated comedy from Exodus Film Group. “A playfully irreverent comedy with a new twist to the classic monster genre, Igor is the story of a mad scientist’s hunchbacked lab assistant who has big dreams of becoming a […] |
Terry Press named marketing chief for DreamWorks Animation
Terry Press has joined DreamWorks Animation, as its worldwide head of marketing, reports Reuters through Yahoo! News. Press, who served 10 years as the marketing chief for DreamWorks SKG, will now manage all the marketing for DreamWorks Animation, while also communicating with Paramount Picture’s marketing team. |
Activision previews Over the Hedge video game
At Xbox 365, ten screen captures from the video game adaption of DreamWork Animation’s Over the Hedge have appeared. “Players assume the roles of RJ the raccoon, Verne the turtle, Hammy the squirrel and Stella the skunk and turn a suburban neighborhood loaded with dangerous obstacles and traps into their personal playground. Numerous puzzles and […] |
Curious clips
Yahoo! Movies has added nine clips from Universal Pictures’ Curious George, coming to theaters on February 10th. |
Wild marketing
For one’s viewing pleasure, Latino Review has the latest promotional items for Walt Disney Pictures’ The Wild. Included in the mix are theater window clings, a standee, and an updated poster. |
Jasper Morello animator Lucas shares Oscar reaction
Yesterday, Melbourne animator Anthony Lucas was shocked upon learning that his project, The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello, had been nominated for the Best Animated Short Oscar. The Herald Sun has the reaction from Lucas, who insisted, “Winning is being nominated.” As the 40-year-old father of two, whose wife Julie produced the film, stated, […] |
Interview: Eamonn Butler, Animation Supervisor for Chicken Little
The Animation Podcast interviews Eamonn Butler, who has served as Animation Supervisor on such films as Chicken Little, Reign of Fire, and Dinosaur. In the second part of the interview, Butler discusses how he approached the animation for Chicken Little. |
Japanese Cars trailer online
At Disney.co.jp, a Japanese trailer for Disney/Pixar’s Cars is now online, in Real Player and Windows Media formats. |
Golden Globes to add animation category
The Associated Press via Yahoo! News reveals the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s plans to add a new animation category for the Golden Globes. The addition will be first recognized at next year’s 64th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. “Animated features have become an important component of the studio lineup,” stated HFPA President Philip Berk, “so […] |
Schwartz is with Enchanted?
Movie Musicals writes that Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Pocahontas, The Prince of Egypt) has joined Alan Menken for Disney’s Enchanted. Interestingly, the site notes that lyricist Glenn Slater is still attached to the project as well, though Playbill News and Musical Schwartz hint otherwise. |
Brother Bear II cast update
The Internet Movie Database page for Brother Bear II has been updated, now listing more of the film’s cast. Among those returning for the sequel are Rick Moranis (Rutt), Dave Thomas (Tuke), Jeremy Suarez (Koda), and Michael Clarke Duncan (Tug). New additions to the Brother Bear world include Mandy Moore (Nita), Wanda Sykes (Innoko), Jim […] |
Alfa Brera comes alive in new animated piece
Available at Machine Warriors, a new spot for the Alfa Brera vehicle presents more than just an advertisment, but also showcases some nifty computer animation. |
Asterix and the Vikings second teaser online
TwitchFilm.net indicates that the second teaser trailer for the traditionally animated French movie Asterix and the Vikings is now online, at SND Films’ official website. |
Hanna-Barbera 3D attraction to hit Paramount Parks
Among the festivities at the 2006 No-Coaster-Con, it was revealed that Paramount Parks will soon be home to a new 3D Hanna-Barbera Aventure film attraction, due this spring. Offering more information on the matter, along with the latest happenings in other animated theme park interests, are PKI Central and PKI Asylum. |
Justice denied?; League episode listing
From Ain’t It Cool News, word comes that Paul Dini has speculated the end of the Justice League Unlimited Cartoon Network series, while further acknowledging Teen Titans’ cancellation. In the meantime, World’s Finest Online has the listing for the final nine episodes of Justice League Unlimited, set to air beginning February 11th. |
Bambi franchise soon heading back to the forest
Ultimate Disney points to Home Media Retailing, where it is noted that just as Bamb II will enter the Disney vault 70 days after its initial release, the Platinum Edition DVD of Bambi will soon join the midquel as well. It is also worth mentioning that Lori MacPherson, SVP of brand marketing and product management […] |
The School of Pixar
The New York Times ponders the success of Pixar, analyzing what has made the studio such a formidable presence in the field of animation. Likewise, the article spotlights Pixar University, described as a “company-run education and training operation”. |
Nominees for 2006 DVD Exclusive Awards announced
The nominees for the 2006 DVD Exclusive Awards have been announced. With 44 nods, Buena Vista Home Entertainment leads the way in nominations. While a number of animated films managed to rank in many nominations not specifically associated with animation, the nominees for categories directly linked to animation include: |
Wally Gator, Quick Draw, Fat Albert DVD news
TV Shows on DVD has the lowdown on the latest DVD releases of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Quick Draw McGraw, and Wally Gator. With Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids – Volume 3, word comes that the 2-disc title will finally enter stores on May 2nd. Meanwhile, there springs some sad news for […] |
Toy Story 3 cancelled?
At the Animated-News Forum, ‘ShyVoilet’ points to a new post at Animation Nation, where word comes that John Lasseter and Ed Catmull announced to Walt Disney Feature Animation employees today that production on Toy Story 3 has ended. “They said that sequels should only be made if there is a really great story that demands […] |
More on Disney's acquisition of Pixar
From The New York Times to USA Today, several media outlets have weighed in on the news of Disney’s purchase of Pixar. Toon Zone has gathered a large assortment of these reports and commentaries. Also, the optimistic e-mail Robert Iger sent to studio employees, informing them of the buyout, has been posted at CGHAR. |
Superman returns for new DTV
TV Guide through Superman Homepage offers a sneak peek of the new direct-to-video animated movie, Superman: Brainiac Attacks. The Man of Steel’s latest adventure finds him battling against Lex Luthor and Brainiac, while also dealing with his feelings for Lois Lane. Sure to please fans of Superman: The Animated Series is the fact that Dana […] |
Season's greetings from Sony Pictures Animation
JoBlo writer Jason Coleman submits a detailed account of his visit to Sony Pictures Animation, where he received a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the studio’s fall film Open Season. |
Episode listing for Return to the Planet of the Apes DVD set
At DVDtoons is the episode listing for the Return to the Planet of the Apes 2-disc DVD set, scheduled for release on March 28, 2006. The first disc will present the episodes “Flames of Doom,” “Escape From Ape City,” “Lagoon of Peril,” “Tunnel of Fear,” “The Unearthly Prophecy,” “Screaming Wings,” and “Trail to the Unknown.” […] |
Another Wild poster; More Ice pics
The Internet Movie Poster Awards has scooped the English poster for The Wild. Though the one sheet’s design is very similar to the one used in its French incartion, the film’s title art is fashioned differently, while the koala is now holding a “New York or Bust” sign. In other pictorial news, Latino Review has […] |
Animated movies set to air on Disney Channel in February
Toon Zone has the complete list of animated movies and specials scheduled to air on the Disney Channel this February. The lineup includes such Disney animated classics as Cinderella and Robin Hood; DTVs like Aladdin And The King Of Thieves, The Lion King 1 ½, Mulan II, Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search For Christopher Robin, […] |
Poster: Open Season
“The odd are about to get even” in the poster for Sony Pictures Animation’s Open Season, coming to theaters September 29th. A larger version of the one sheet is available to view at Latino Review. |
David Stainton leaving Walt Disney Feature Animation
As a result of Disney’s acquiring Pixar, David Stainton is leaving Walt Disney Feature Animation, an e-mail notice sent to the studio’s employees reveals. In his notification, the former president of the animation division is quick to point out that Disney’s buying Pixar “is not about a lack of confidence by Bob [Iger] and Dick […] |
Disney acquisition of Pixar "imminent"
From people who were briefed tonight on the negotiations, CNN Money via The New York Times has learned that the Walt Disney Company is reportedly planning to announce its acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios as early as Tuesday, in a stock transaction valued at about $7 billion. Supposedly, Disney’s directors are expected to vote in […] |
Bambi II website updated
As the film nears its February due date, the official website for Bambi II has been updated, now providing video clips, downloads, games and activities. |