Thursday, December 31, 2009

Union...


Today, these two souls were united in marriage...

The acquisition/merger of Marvel into the Disney Empire happened today. Here is the official press release:

New York, New York – December 31, 2009 -- Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL), a global character-based entertainment and licensing company founded in 1939, announced that at a special meeting held this morning, Marvel stockholders approved the adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into by Marvel and The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), which provides for a merger in which Marvel will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Disney. Marvel anticipates that the merger, which, based on the closing price of Disney’s common stock on December 30, 2009, has an estimated value of approximately $4.3 billion, will be completed today after the close of the market.

The completion of the merger is subject to satisfaction of remaining conditions disclosed in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Disney with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424 on December 2, 2009.


May they have a long, happy life together...

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Rhapsody In Blue Sky (Part Two)...

Type, type, type...



And here we are with the second of our three part review of some of the more interesting posts of 2009 that Blue Sky Disney had. So without further ado...

Finally, Disney and the Oriental Land Company announced what we told you about earlier in the year. Toy Story Mania was coming to Tokyo DisneySEA in "American Mania in Tokyo."

We looked at what Disney under Dick Cook's strategy was going for in the film division in "Lights, Camera, Action."

There was the passing of Wayne Allwine and his coming replacement as Micky's voice in "A Fourth Echo."

And Blue Sky Disney celebrated the day cinema changed forever, at least for me; and probably several million others in "32 Years Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away."

Finally, the second part of my "What Was Gotten Versus What Could've Been" was posted. DisneySEA fans and Port Disney fans hearts felt the crush of what Japan got and we could have had.

We then talked about Pixar and their flawless record in "A Perfect Ten."

I posted this one with links to a trailer for a new Star Wars game that made me think this was "What The Prequels Should Have Been Like."

The hole in Disney's animation lineup was filled when it added a new hand-drawn film in "More Pooh For You."

And here I celebrated my favorite film of all time and the only true out of body experience I ever had at the movies with "The Greatest Action-Adventure Film Of All Time."

Shorts at the Hat Building got the attention of this post entitled "Short Sighted."

All those people that believed "Up" would fail because no one wanted to see a 72 year old action hero I laid into in "The Experts That Aren't" right here.

Steve Jobs finally returned to Apple and we let everyone know in "The Return."

And when it comes to Star Wars animated series, I gave an example of what "The STAR WARS Animated Series I Want To See" would be.

And the talk of a new Club 33 type of place over at the new DCA was the point of "California Sweet."

Pixar's "Up" became the second highest grossing Lamp film and I mentioned it along with posting some swanky poster art in "Second to None, But One."

Great home movies of the making of Star Wars was linked from this post, "Decades Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away."

You want to see how busy Tokyo DisneySEA can be at its opening? Then check out "The Rush" and remember that this is the park that has less guest in it.

Some of the "Tron Legacy" artwork that was shown at Comic-Con was the focus of "The Art of the World of TRON: Legacy" post.

Most people don't know much about the Disney Strike back in the 40's and even less know that it contributed quite a bit to the creation of Disneyland. Check out the footage of the picketing in "The Seeds Of Disneyland."

Here was the first release of some amazing concept art for "Rapunzel" in "Rapunzel Begins To Let Down Her Hair."

Disney went to the patent office for a certain web domain that I mentioned months before this post called "Copy Right."

Some great artwork can be found in this set of cards released for "The Princess and the Frog" in "Fortune Teller."

And John Hughes passing away had a profound effect on me and countless other children of the 80's. I paid homage to him and his work in "Fifty Nine Candles," "PULSE: The Stories Of John Hughes" and "Not Forgetting About Him."

On its tenth anniversary, I talked about "The Greatest Non-Disney Animated Film. Ever."

The Lamp has had an amazing run, but nothing last forever, so I wondered "When Will The Lights Go Out?" in this post.

Without a doubt, the biggest news for the Walt Disney Company in 2009, was the purchase/merger of Marvel Comics into the family. Naturally, Blue Sky Disney covered it quite a bit. From "Mouse Buy Marvel" to "The Statement" to my own personal commentary, "Part One," "Part Two" and "Part Three" and "Marvelous" here.

Whew, that was a lot of writing. I need a raise...

Raiponce, Raiponce, Veuillez Taisser Tomber Vos Cheveux ...

Raiponce, Raiponce,


Purty...

The folks over at DisneyPixar.fr put up a new photo from Studio Cinelive that shows the beauty of the CG technique that Glen Keane developed for the look of "Rapunzel." Althought he's no longer directing the picture, his influence remains in this image.

Looking forward to hearing more and more about this...

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Rhapsody In Blue Sky (Part One)...

Type, type, type...


Twelve months, 600+ posts and very little sleep...

Wow, I can't believe I logged that many but apparently not sleeping leaves me the opportunity to do all these. Since this blog started (recently celebrating our 3rd anniversary) I've done almost 2000 posts. With that in mind let me take a moment to put the spotlight on several posts over the year that have gotten a lot of comments/e-mails, ones you might have missed or that I simply think might be worthy of a second look...

Being a fan of film posters/art I did this post of classic Disney marketing known as "Raiders of Lost Art."

And Decadent Dave just loved my post about George Lucas' move to the Dark Side called "The Turn."

Then there was this one where I dreamed about projects that I would love for Walt Disney Studios to film entitled, appropriately, "When I Dream."

I've always loved it when a company makes a great product. This post focused on some of Disney's best products that most people don't know about entitled "The Beauty in All Things Tangible," and yes, I know it's called Part One. Part Two is coming.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull disappointed me, would be an understatement. Here I put a review of a script of one of several attempts to make another Indy film back in the Nineties called "Indiana Jones and What Came Before." And again, yes, there are more coming this year. I have two that will hopefully appear sometime soon.

And long before Bob Iger announce his acquisition of Marvel, I noticed the lack of super-heroes at the Mouse in "Without Tights" and suggested some independent properties that could be ripe for filming under Disney's moniker/logo.

I reported on Tokyo DisneySEA getting Toy Story Midway Mania before it was announced and out there on a web last year in a Blue Sky Buzz entitled "The Sun Also Rises in the East."

And all the changes that came to the Electrical Parade in this Blue Sky Buzz known as "Electrifying Changes."

Then there was this one about "The Most Important Character in Tokyo" that would surprise most Disney fans here.

I got a lot of flack when my birthday greeting to DCA's Eighth Anniversary entitled "Mary Shelly's DCA Turns Eight."

And one Blue Sky Disney's other authors, Shrunken Ned put up this some nice examples of Kem Weber's wonderful design work in "Deco Digs to Animation Cribs."

Some people were reporting that the Tower of Terror would become a theatrical film and I shot that down in "Tower Film a Ghost Story" for the time being. No plans at least under Dick Cook. We'll have to see what Ross does.

There has been no official response from the Lamp, but I mentioned that Monsters Inc 2 was in active development almost a year ago entitled, "Just What the Docter Ordered" and it still is, I might add.

Colonel Kurtz gave his view of all the remakes that Hollywood were doing in "Dastardly and Muttley in that Wacky Hollywood."

And the latest look back on a decade of Disney posters is logged in "Retrography: The 90's."

I lamented on the differences between the DCA Monsters Inc. attraction and the Tokyo version in "Monsters Vs. Monsters" with links to videos!

And when Michael Eisner was seen walking around with a cain, I put up my alibi entitled "I Know Nothing."

We reminded people that even at Pixar, ideas begin hand-drawn in "Pixar In Pen & Pencil & Paper."

The Walt Disney Company became the largest entertainment company in the world and I noted that "It's Lonely At the Top."

And one of the most popular posts of the year was the comparison of "What Was Gotten Versus What Could've Been" about Tokyo DisneySEA and Port Disney. Part One, of course.

Some of my favorite Pixar film, The Incredibles incredible artwork was featured in "Syndrome's Island." It just shows you more of the genius that is Brad Bird.

DCA got a little bit more theming during the year and the Imagineers gave Paradise Pier a little bit more of a storyline in "Under New Management"and that was a welcome addition indeed.

Jay Rasulo's decision to clone Toy Story Mania was broke here in another Blue Sky Buzz called "Toys For Everyone."

And we compared the different looks of the park websites of the Mouse in "Websights For Sore Eyes."

And that was just the first third of the year...

Monday, December 28, 2009

The Next Ron & John...


Now that Walt Disney Animation Studios seems to be on the right track again, one has to wonder who will be the storytellers of the future...

Who will be the next Ron Clements and John Musker, Disney's Brad Bird or Pete Docter (a future post). And make no mistake about it; WDAS has its own share of talented animators and directors. Pixar is not the only place that has great directors and craftsmen. Many were never given the opportunity to shine under previous regimes but are now having whole new worlds opened to them.

Now that Lasseter has a few years under his belt we can slowly begin to get an idea as to where the Mouse is headed. Of all the pieces that are out there I have a personal favorite.

Prep & Landing.

It's the best thing that they've done since the new openness that John and Ed started when coming over to Burbank. My second favorite thing they've done is the Goofy short; "How To Hook Up Your Home Theater." Ironic that it was done by the same team responsible for Prep & Landing. While I think "Bolt" is a missed gem that didn't get as much attention as it should have, and "The Princess and the Frog" marks a return to the beauty of hand-drawn animation, they aren't my favorite parts of the puzzle that is the new Disney.

And of all the new projects in the works, guess which one I'm looking forward to the most? Rapunzel? Winnie the Pooh? Snow Queen? No, none of these. I'm excited to see the new short that they're making called "The Balled of Nessie." And it's again by the same duo responsible for the other two projects I really like. It's also hand-drawn and in a style remarkably like those 50's styled animation shorts done by Disney. So as soon as this short is done, I'm hoping that the duo responsible for it get the greetlight to move from directing shorts to directing an animated feature. Incidentally, the reason we haven't heard much about the short lately is because of it being hand-drawn, the majority of the artists who were working on it happened to have been busy with TPATF. Such is the case with so few 2D animators in Burbank right now. That'll change with the two hand-drawn features lined up over the next few years needing talented artist.

Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton are the directing duo behind those projects and they're who I think are the new, bright stars of WDAS. These two have created the most clever and compelling of all the new animation that has come out of the Hat Building and I look forward to whatever they come up with for a feature. And if I can see this, you know that Lasseter can see it. Not that I've heard anything yet, but you can see where a trail is going if you follow the path. These two are clearly on the path to a very promising future.

And I believe as soon as Nessie gets done they're next project will be something that I can't wait to see...

Friday, December 25, 2009

Oh, Blessed Night...


Ho, ho, ho...

To all of you from all of us here at Blue Sky Disney...

Have a very, Merry Christmas! Here's wishing your hearts be warm and your home filled with good food, great friends and a loving family.

May Love and Joy come to you...

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

No Loss In Translation...

Don't matter what you look like, don't matter what you wear...


I love movie posters as most who come here know...

Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" has to be sold in international markets as well as America so they've created several different posters for different markets. I thought you'd enjoy seeing some of them.


Kissing would be nice, yes?
Dig a little deeper...












Hat Tip to IMP Awards.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Another Bite Of The Apple...


The way we get our entertainment could see another earthquake in the traditional media, just like the one caused by the iPhone, come 2010...

It appears that the Walt Disney Company and CBS as well as several other media outlets are considering joining Apple's rumored subscription based content service. It appears that Bob Iger's quest for new revenue streams to replace the old ones have led him back to his board room.

That purchase of Lala which the Little Fruit Company made just days ago is part of a strategy for streaming content to electronic devices (hello Tablet!). TV's, iPhones, laptops, ect. and the like are being planned for a service that may launch next year. The $30 price is about half what the cable company charges you and it would be specific to your preferences. No need to get several channels in a language you don't speak simply because it was "part of the package."

Right now, Jobs and his dark sorcerers are out convincing the entertainment big wigs that this is the way for them to go. If he's able to gather more companies like Disney and CBS, then you're likely to see some interesting moves come next year. Presuming of course, that it'll be ready to go by then.

Developing...

Monday, December 21, 2009

Dick Cook's Long Goodbye...


It's still hard to believe that Dick Cook is gone from the Mouse...

But his legacy will remain and his impression on the imprint of Disney will carry over for at least another couple years. There are many films in production and post-production that will be released between now and 2012 that Cook greenlit as Chairman of the studios. Some will be hits and others could be disappointments, but the final say on his effect on the company he worked at so long, has yet to be written.

I thought we'd look at several films in production that Dick Cook gave the go to:


2===== 0===== 1===== 0


Rapunzel - the Nathan Greno and Byron Howard directed, Glen Keane heavily designed CG film that has been in development almost a decade comes out during the holidays next year.

Secretariat - the Diane Lane vehicle about that famous horse, directed by Randall Wallace (who did a draft of the 20k prequel that I just happen to be trying to get a copy of).

The Sorcerer's Apprentice - the Nick Cage staring/Jon Turteltaub directed /Jerry Bruckheimer produce film from the group that brought you "National Treasure" comes this very loosely film based on the classic short from "Fantasia."

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - the next franchise, which insiders have labeled as "Pirates of Arabia" that the Mouse hopes to have from Bruckheimer was Cook approved a couple years ago with the hope that that would be what happens.

Alice in Wonderland - the first of two pictures with Tim Burton. This story tells how Alice finds her way back to Wonderland after confronting a real world in which the events that unfold prove to be too much for dear Alice.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 - Do I really blame him for making this? Yes and No. It made a ton of money and would naturally spawn a sequel. So far Ross hasn't pulled the plug on this one.

When in Rome - the romantic comedy vehicle with Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel that will show the world my future ex-wife is capable of opening a film. Thanks Dick.

The Last Song - the Nicholas Sparks/Miley Cyrus vehicle that also happens to star Greg Kinnear as the dad of a rebellious teen. This is Cyrus attempt to move beyond the Hannah Montana role and Cook helped her out with this project made specifically for her. Thanks Dick!


2===== 0===== 1===== 1


Winnie the Pooh - the return of the silly ole' bear that John Lasseter wanted and Cook whole heartily approved of comes to silver screens spring of 2011. There's that year again.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - the return of Jack Sparrow, which Cook announced at D23 is still on, but with Depp's schedule continually piling up with projects around the time this is supposed to start shooting you have to wonder. Any more projects announced for Johnny early next year and you can kiss the summer 2011 opening goodbye. The longer we don't here about this, the greater the chance that it'll fall apart due to the firing of Cook.

Frankenweenie - the second of the two films that Cook got Burton to agree to will be a stop motion retelling of the short, live film that Burton did years ago. Word I hear is that some of the Suits are so taken with "Alice" that they're wanting to extend the deal with a possible third film.


2===== 0===== 1===== 2


John Carter of Mars - this is Andrew Stanton's first live-action tale and his interpretation of the iconic pulp character. Cook approved this project after the prodding of Lasseter, and then looking at the the box office results of "Finding Nemo" and "Wall-E" didn't hurt either.

The Snow Queen - the new Chris Buck directed interpretation of the classic story has been in development as long as "Rapunzel." In fact, it's had some of the same people working on it. Glen Keane left this project years ago to work on "Rapunzel."

This is by no means a complete list, but a collection of several of the films that will play a role in writing the epitaph that is/will be Richard Cook's decades worth of service to Disney. There is also the possibility of films coming along based on agreements already in place (del Toro's Disney Double Dare You), sequels to past or current hits (Pirates of the Caribbean, Prince of Persia, Tron) or long gestating Disney properties (The Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Robinson) that could be taken in to account. Clearly Dick Cook's influence will be felt long into the coming decade whether Iger likes it or not. One wonders if Ross' influence will linger as long after he's gone.

Studio executives have such a short lifespan I think we'll find out sooner, rather than later...

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Perspective On Princesses & Frogs...

Are you ready...


Yes, I know this came out almost a week ago so I apologize for the tardiness, but Christmas shopping and a full schedule in the real world has prevented me from posting this...

First off, I don't call this a review. This is just my thoughts/opinions/feelings on the latest release from Walt Disney Animation Studios. I've always been uncomfortable with the idea of writing reviews and if you've noticed, I haven't written one in a good while. Just think of this as my perspective on Disney's forty-ninth animated feature with some illumination on where it's headed for the fiftieth and beyond.

I didn't get around to seeing "The Princess and the Frog" till Sunday because of the flooding that Southern California was having. My friends and I had to postpone our little get together a few days and I've been busy making sure I stuffed all those stockings and between that, work and juggling meetings and plans over my iPhone, I just didn't have time to put down on paper or computer, exactly how it was.

Now that that's out of the way let me say: "Welcome back hand-drawn animation." I missed you! And the relatives you've had around weren't exactly the best showing of your family. Let's face it, "Home on the Range" is a hayseed hick in your family and I don't really like spending much time with 'em.

I thoroughly enjoyed TPATF and it's a glimmering jewel of what can be done my the Mouse when bean counters understand they weren't hired to write, but count. Yes, I loved it but many will ask if it's as good as the films of the early nineties like "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin;" both of which were directed by the same people. Truthfully, no it's not. I believe that the quadrilogy of films from the late eighties to mid-nineties are superior stories. That doesn't mean that this has a horrible story, only that it doesn't hold up as well as something like "Lion King." But again, that's a tall mountain to climb. I found the first act somewhat rushed and uneven, but still entertaining. The second act was my favorite and it had a strong finish.

I do believe that the animation is second-to-none. It's truly spectacular and shows you what Disney Animation is all about. I have nothing against CG animation and think Pixar is the top of the game with theirs, but I love hand-drawn animation and this film is a testament to the love of that form. Even thought it doesn't come out in cels anymore, I love seeing the animated form that starts first with a pencil or Cintiq.

The songs in the film are also not as memorable as the earlier films; as least in terms of quantity. There are two stand outs though. The "Friends on the Other Side" and "Dig a little Deeper" had the entire audience clapping and swinging to the tune.

But the boys/girls up at the Hat Building have something to be rather proud of. And it should show everyone, including Mr. Eisner that it was a tragic mistake to throw away those drawing tables a half a decade ago. The Suits of the time thought people didn't want to see hand-drawn films. What they didn't want to see was badly told hand-drawn films. I have a feeling we won't have to worry about that for the next few years. Hopefully it'll be for a lot longer. I for one can't wait to see Disney's next hand-drawn film in Spring of 2011. From what my Bothans tell me, "Winnie the Pooh" is moving along at a shockingly fast rate. It'll likely be done well before the release date which is something that can't be said for "Rapunzel" which will be rushing to meet its deadline with six and even seven day work weeks as the film draws closer to it's release next year. Development on "Snow Queen" continues and "Joe Jump" is moving forward with each vying for a release date in 2012/2013 sometime. Then there are at least four other projects that are moving through various states of existence that will fill the rest of the Disney half of animation from the Mouse over the next five years.

After watching this latest effort I count the days until the next release. And I can't wait to own it on DVD in a few months.

Especially with that sneak peek at the girl with seventy foot long hair that will be included...

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I Am Iron Man, Again...


The trailer for "Iron Man 2" has finally landed on the Net and in glorious QuickTime no doubt...

Check it out and then go online and order those tickets now. You really don't want to be the guy that has that nasty "Sold Out" sign come up in front of you as you get to the teller, do you?

Downey Jr. is the man, man...

The Future @ The Corner Of Santa Monica & Glendon...



Those of you in Los Angeles traveling down Santa Monica this morning got a nice surprise...

On the corner of Santa Monica and Glendon is a billboard with a new image from "Tron Legacy" that will change with each passing month. So if you add it up that's at least eleven more awesome images to look forward to before we see the actual film.

I've heard from sources that we should be seeing a teaser for the film sooner than you'd think. But this time it'll be a real teaser and not the proof-of-concept one that was shown put online earlier this year.

Also come 2010 expect to see a lot of promotions in the parks. By summer time I'd expect certain areas of the parks to begin to be flooded with merchandise; building to an intense marketing campaign that overwhelms the parks right after the Halloween season ends. Tomorrow land should be very interesting with Star Tours closed. They'll have to have something to keep people in this area and I wonder what it's going to be?

Hmmm...

Oh and if you want to see the actual image on the billboard without any perspective then put another coin in and proceed down to play the game:
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In Memorium: Roy Disney...


Wow, one day after the anniversary of Walt passing, his nephew has left us as well...

Roy Edward Disney, son of Walt's brother, Roy Oliver Disney was 79. Roy was instrumental in getting rid of Ron Miller and bringing in Michael Eisner and Frank Wells to revive the company. He helped usher in the Second Golden Age of animation in the early 90's. Once Eisner lost his halo and starting becoming destructive to the company he helped save, Roy Disney turned against him and sought his ouster as well. He was a true fighter for the Disney name, the quality of its value and an ardent supporter of the environment. And not too shabby a sailor as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

He will be missed...

A nice article over at the Los Angeles Times.

A Place Like No Other Place...

Down the hole...





Whoa, this is trippy...

If you haven't seen it, the second trailer for Tim Burton's sequel to "Alice in Wonderland" film known as "Alice in Wonderland" has been released by Walt Disney Pictures. It looks amazing and will no doubt be a hit. Not to mention keep a lot of kids from having to try drugs to get this feeling. I can't wait to see it.

And you as well I bet...

Expanding Magic...

Coming Soon...





I've been running around do X-Mas shopping and things have been somewhat hectic so I forgot to mention this...

A couple days ago Hong Kong Disneyland broke ground(in ceremony and actual) on the Extreme Expansion of the park/resort. In attendance were representatives of the Walt Disney Company, government officials, ect., including my favorite Suit, Jay Rasulo. But the good news is that our little girl is growing up. Ain't that nice?

Expect some nice surprises about HKDL next year...

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Further Inside Persia...


A new short film is out from Walt Disney Pictures about the new "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" film...

This one focuses on Dastan somewhat more and gives you some behind the scenes looks at what the Mouse hopes will be its next franchise.

There's a reason for that subtitle, you know...

Magic Lives On, But The Magician Passes...

Dreamers do, but dreams don't...




On this day, fourty-three years ago, Walter Elias Disney passed from this world into the next.

The night before he had been visited by his brother, Roy Disney. Roy was relieved that his brother said he was feeling better and presumed that things would be taking a turn for the better. Walt even talked about work and returning to the studio, which he could see just outside the window of his hospital room after asking the nurses to turn his bed facing that way. He passed away the next morning. To the shock of everyone and the sorrow of his brother and family.

The Dreamer passed away, but the dream lived on and still does to this day...

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Best Film Of 2009...

A nice start...





Time Magazine is out with their Top 10 List of Everything and in it is the Top 10 List of Films as well...

1. The Princess and the Frog
2. Up
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox
4. The Hurt Locker
5. Up in the Air
6. The White Ribbon
7. A Single Man
8. Of Time and the City
9. District 9
10. Thirst

So the top two were films from the Mouse. And the top one was from Disney's animation unit. Nice. I'll have my own comments/review of "The Princess and the Frog" later this week. But it's nice that the first hand-drawn film from WDAS in over half a decade has received glowing reviews and Time considers it the number one film of the year. Take that, Michael Eisner!

Now, work on "Rapunzel" steadily moves on...

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The Evolution Of Legacy...


Wanna get a sense of what "Tron Legacy" will look like? Then you might want to take a look at this trailer for one of the games you're going to see coming out next year when the film drops into theaters.

Tron Evolution.

This is the prequel to the film from Disney Interactive. And you get to play it. Take a look at the trailer, it teases with images of what we might expect when we go in to see Flynn again.

Game on...

Friday, December 11, 2009

A Clash Of Cultures...

Nice...






Wow, I kinda like this...

I was wary of this new "Clash of the Titans" remake as it seems that they're remaking everything that has ever been made. But when I heard Lawrence Kasdan was writing the script I sensed a bright spot. He's been rewritten since his draft was turned in by Travis Beacham; who is working on Disney's remake of "The Black Hole" and writers Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi unfortunately. But the vibe on this continues to grow. The pics so far have got me mildly positive about this film, but this poster is rather swanky if you ask me. I'll always wanted my own flying horse.

See this poster and a few awesome banner/stills over at Yahoo! Movies

Here Pegasus, here boy...

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Games Begin...

There's a programmer out there somewhere...








Walt Disney Pictures has released the first "official" teaser poster for the "Tron Legacy" film...

You can find a hi-res version and a pic from the film over here.

Apprentice Magically Appears...


The teaser trailer for Walt Disney Pictures "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" has gone online...

Interesting. It ain't the short from "Fantasia" of course, but I really wouldn't want it to be. I'll be interested in seeing more come about about this as its release approaches. Also, the official website has gone live as well, so see it here. Seeing Nick Cage in motion in the trailer doesn't look nearly as bad as those photos that we saw earlier in the year(the ones from Matrix 4). He ain't no Yen Sid.

But I really wouldn't want him to be...

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

A Red Hobbit...


I haven't read this anywhere so I thought I'd mention a little technie-geek news that hasn't made it out across the wire/Net yet...

I'm a huge fan of "The Lord of the Rings" series; both book and films. Peter Jackson holds a great place in the heart of all geeks and Guillermo del Toro has a slightly smaller throne, but is firmly in the geeklove came. Not to mention he's a big Disney Geek/Fan and has a new label that will be producing films for the Mouse(and hopefully directing some as well).

If you know a bit about Peter Jackson, you know he's a big fan of the Red Camera. He made some really impressive World War I tests using the camera with the help of his Weta buddies. Well, it just so happens that "The Hobbit" will be shot with the new 5 K Red Cam. An interesting bit of news and I'm going to be excited to view a trailer for this to see out it looks. But that would be almost two years out. That may be a short time in Hobbit years, but for a human it's a good chunk of time.

So we'll have to wait and watch the casting, images and other surprises trickle out in the mean time...

A Beautiful Landing...


The reviews for "Prep & Landing" are starting to come out...

Check out Variety's review of the show. Couldn't agree more. Watch it tonight.

I'm going to be checking my Naughty/Nice list...

Monday, December 7, 2009

Elves Step Aside For Queen...


The guys over at /Film have released some Disney Animation info that I teased about last month...

If you remember I mentioned a classic, hand-drawn film that would be coming out in 2013 and I mentioned it was untitled. That was "The Snow Queen" I was talking about, and the reason I said it didn't have a name was that my Bothans told me it might have a name change. Apparently that's not the case anymore as animation producer Peter del Vecho in the clip over at /Film lets the cat out of the bag. He gives a brief preview of some of the 2D films in various levels of production right now in the Hat Building.

There was no mention of "King of the Elves" as the story is evolving and may result in the film being pushed back to 2013 instead of 2012. That right there is why Snow Queen has moved up a year to fill the slot. As of now, no acknowledgement has been put up on the official Walt Disney Animation Studios website about the change, or the fact that this version is being shepherded by Chris Buck, but you can expect some news about this and other animated projects to come out the first part of next year.

I have a feeling that Lasseter and crew will have some surprising news for animation fans right as 2010 wakes up...

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Mouse & Marvel House Warming...


The date has been set for the vote on the merger/acquisition of Marvel by Disney...

The Walt Disney Company announced this week that a special meeting of stockholders is scheduled for 9 AM on December 31st.
"At this special meeting, stockholders will consider and vote on the adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into by Marvel and The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), which provides for a merger in which Marvel will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Disney."
Those that own Marvel (common) stock purchased by November 23, 2009 will be allowed to vote at the meeting which is held at the offices of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP in NYC. You know who they are, right? No? I guess you aren't a stockholder in the Mouse then. Come the close of 2009, the Might Marvel will reside in a new house and that place is going to have something cool to ring in the new year with.

And remember, it's only two years till Paramount's distribution deal with Marvel expires so any films after that are gonna have the Disney/Touchstone moniker...

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Dreamer Of Dreams...


On this day in 1901 was born a dreamer named Walter Elias Disney...

Santa Wants You...

This is sooooo tassle!


Here's an example of great concept art turned into posters for a coming Christmas classic...



These and many more concept sketches and artwork were shown off at the D23 panel on "Prep & Landing" all the way back in September. I wondered if they'd release them.





And now they have, on the official website for the special you can download pdf's of each of these beautiful posters. And that's not all, there are all kinds of downloadable trinkets, plus recipes! Not to mention all the behind the scenes videos and commercial parodies. Go over and check the site out; it's soooo tinsel!






Don't forget to watch this Tuesday on ABC. I'm already looking forward to the DVD/Blu-Ray. I hear they're going to fill it with a load of extras.





What a great X-Mas treat...

Thursday, December 3, 2009

International Too, Uhm Two...

Who you looking at?


Who?!


That's what I thought you said!

Take a look at "Iron Man 2's" first one-sheet international poster...

Nice and brooding. Who would have thought with the perfection of CG it would turn comics into powerhouse films and Marvel into a powerhouse producer?

Shellhead without the shell...

PS1 @ 15...


Fifteen years ago today Sony put on the market a little device called the Playstation...

It didn't enter America for another year, but it changed the face of gaming and still casts a mighty shadow across the video game world everywhere. No other device/name in gaming is more known or has such a lineage of history, save Atari perhaps. So here's to the little game system that could, did and still does. Happy Birthday PS1!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go finish playing this latest frustrating level of Arkham Ayslum...

In The Lamp/Out The Lamp...


Well, it appears when the majority of DCA's Extreme Makeover is done in 2011 that there'll be a new show to replace Aladdin...

Right as the Genie goes back into the lamp in mid 2010, the Lamp's first classic will be turned into the replacement at the Hyperion Theater in 2011. It'll be an expanded and somewhat altered version of the show that plays on the Disney Cruise Line that makes the transition to the park though. The one on the seas hasn't gotten the best of reviews and there is talk of some tinkering before the curtain arises in a couple years.

Now, we can move on to all those other pressing matters at Hollywood Backlot/Hollywoodland that will have to be dealt with over the next two years...

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Future's Past Redone...


Someone contact whoever owns the film rights to "Flash Gordon" right now...

This little test trailer is absolutely what they should be aiming for. It's short, cool and oh so retro. Oh, and if you like that old fashioned-stylized figure above, then head over to Go Hero to find/give much love.

Hat Tip to Sci Fi Wire via Ain't It Cool News.

Pixarama...


If you love Pixar and you have cable then turn into ABC Family tonight...

The cable network is broadcasting a two-hour block of all those brilliant animated shorts that have come from the Lamp over the last decade and a half.

The shorts will runs from 7-9PM ET/PT and rebroadcast from 9-11PM ET/PT.

If you miss these, shame on you, but there are two encore broadcasts on Friday, December 18 at 10PM ET/PT and Saturday, December 19 at 6PM ET/PT.

Set those DVR's and sit back an enjoy the art of the short...

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Stop Motion Figure Casting...


The casting breakdowns for the new Tim Burton stop-motion remake of his "Frankenweenie" short are out...

Bloody Disgusting got hold of much of the cast for the film and it gives you an idea as to how the stop-motion film will different from the original with several plot details:

[EDGAR] A Caucasian Male 8-11 years old. Edgar is a needy little kid who wants desperately to be accepted by the cool kids in his class. Naturally a little nerdy, he gravitates to Victor and basically annoys him until he agrees to let him be his lab partner. He is more than a little gullible and is easily tricked into giving away Victor’s precious secret and unwittingly starting the whole mess with the other monsters.

[TOSHIAKI] A Japanese Male 8-11 years old. Toshiaki is the natural leader of the cool kids in Victor’s class. He is a good athlete, and an avid little league baseball player but Toshiaki has a mischievous side. He is the one that ultimately manipulates E into giving up the secret of Sparky and it is his idea to turn the other animals into monsters. He is Japanese and his monster creation is a little Godzilla lizard.

[BOB] A Caucasian Male 8-11 years old. Bob is the dumb, jockey kid. He has more brawn than brains. He follows Toshiaki and Nassor around even when it means that he has to be the one to test the home made jet pack that Toshiaki has created.

Heading Back Into The Hole...


Now this is welcome news...

The Hollywood Reporter is breaking that Joseph Kosinski, Sean Bailey and screenwriter Travis Beacham have been attached to create a remake of Disney's "The Black Hole." This is great news as it's something I've always felt was a great property for a remake. Then again, I thought Witch Mountain would be a great remake, but it all depends on the material and the people associated with it. "Race to Witch Mountain" had the wrong people attached to it and weak material to film. There was a great story there that was squandered. This one appears to have the right people attached from the get go.

It looks like Bailey isn't through with his Disney remakes/prequels/sequels as he was one of the producers on Disney's 20K Nemo prequel. That feel through, but this one looks to be a go for the new Ross regime. I was worried from some of the stuff I've seen Ross quoted as saying a Disney film should be, but this gives me more confidence in the man and his decision making abilities. Looks like Kosinski has a project to do in between Tron sequels.

Check a look at Decadent Dave's post about a remake of The Black Hole last year on this subject; turns out he's a prophet...