Friday, February 11, 2011

Pooh In The Can...

Oh bother...





As of the end of this week, Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Winnie the Pooh" is complete...

The new film featuring a collection of stories based on A.A. Milne's unfilmed tales in his classic books, is complete. Stephen J. Anderson and Don Hall have complete an innocent tale of warmth and goodness which families and fans can look forward to as a fine addition to the original "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh."

Several Disney fans have complained about putting it up against "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2," which comes out on the same day. Believe it or not, there is a world out there that actually doesn't like the teen wizard, and that is the reason for the counter programming decision. Families with young children are likely not to take them to what will be the most dark and violent of the franchise. This will offer them an opportunity to still have a night out at the movies.

And don't worry, the Mouse isn't expecting this film to come in number one. It's not under any illusions that Pooh will come out the box office winner on that weekend. But as I've said before, it doesn't have to. The film cost well under forty million dollars and won't need to go that far before breaking even. It can have a moderately good weekend at theaters and by the second weekend will be profitable. That's something rarely seen in today's cycle of blockbuster mentality.

And who knows, should the film over perform, there might be a desire to enhance the attraction at Disneyland with a few animatronic characters and other enhancements, making this attraction a little bit closer to the amazing version of it in Tokyo Disneyland, "Pooh's Hunny Hunt." Dreams sometimes do come true if you wish hard enough.

And spend enough on the box office tickets, of course...

43 comments:

Tom said...

Ooooeeeehh!!

Can't wait, can't wait :)

[and yes, I am one of those people who do not like that wizard, I fell asleep during 2 of his movies and stopped watching them after number 3...]

Darrell said...

Despite what Honor said about the competition, HP will definitely still get the #1 spot at the box office. And Harry's getting my money, for one. I can't wait to see the final installment in this great book-to-movie series. Leave Harry to the teens, and Pooh to the kiddies and the adults who might possibly be interested.

Darrell said...

Tom, how could you fall asleep during those movies? I didn't like the first much, but the second was great. And the third was pretty good too. I like all of them, whatever Cons some of them might have.

Animated Response said...

"Despite what Honor said about the competition, HP will definitely still get the #1 spot at the box office."

Dude, are you blind or just stupid? Honor said that it would be number one. He said that Disney wasn't under any impression that Pooh would beat it.

Or did you just skim over the article and not read it? Perhaps you should actually go through the entire thing before you make your comments.

WTF???

Anonymous said...

Well, if a successful re-hash of Pooh will help the pitiful ride at WDW, then more power to it. That thing is a cheapass embarrasment, especially if you've seen the Tokyo version.

Don't know if I'll see the film myself. It's hard to believe the animation will be of the quality of the originals. The Tigger animation in "Blustery Day" has yet to be equaled by any modern-day animator. It's like the new animators don't understand how individual body language defines a cartoon character. Everything at Disney seems to be animated to a slick, soulless formula. Plus, I've seen the trailer, and I find Eeyore abuse to be less than hilarious, for some reason.

Hannah Barbontana said...

"I've seen the trailer, and I find Eeyore abuse to be less than hilarious, for some reason."

The Eeyore scenes are taken directly from A.A. Milne stories. If you don't like the stories of Eeyore's abuse then you don't like the original Winnie the Pooh stories.

Andreas Deja is animating Tigger so I have no doubts that the character will be drawn wonderfully. If you don't like Deja's work then you don't know animation.

Mr. Sanders said...

"Well, if a successful re-hash of Pooh will help the pitiful ride at WDW, then more power to it. That thing is a cheapass embarrasment, especially if you've seen the Tokyo version."

It's not a rehash, it's original tales taken from the books. This isn't another straight to video VHS tape from the 90's.

"It's hard to believe the animation will be of the quality of the originals. The Tigger animation in "Blustery Day" has yet to be equaled by any modern-day animator."

Lasseter has said they are trying to create the same look as was in the original watercolor drawings of the film. Having Burny Mattinson in charge as story artist helps too since he worked on the originals.

"Don't know if I'll see the film myself."

And yet you complain about wanting the ride improved? Let it be disappointing at the box office and see if the Executives have any desire to improve it. Imagine if it made a ton of money? You don't think those pitches from Imagineers about Plussing the attraction wouldn't at least be taken seriously? Go on then, shoot yourself in the foot.

Sigh.

Tom said...

I like the Pooh ride in WDW! OK, The Tokyo version gave me goosebumps, that one was so amazing, but that doesn't make the WDW or DL version bad, it's just not as good as in Tokyo, but still they are no bad attractions if you ask me... Why don't you enjoy the attractions for what they are, instead of keep on saying "Tokyo is better".

Darrell said...

Oops, Animated Response, you're right. I missed that part somehow. You're right... maybe I should read the article more PROPERLY. :)

Bear E. Sanders said...

If you go to two different restaurants and they each serve what they call a steak, but one turns out to be a hamburger, you woundn't be a little upset Tom???

The rides were built ON THE CHEAP. Not as our own version of the attractions. They weren't willing to build a "Disney Quality" attraction. These were made under Paul Pressler during the 90's. The sad reality is that the Pooh's Hunny Hunt attraction was proposed for Disneyland, but then rejected because it would be too expensive. And so, when the Oriental Land Company came looking for a new attraction it was proposed to them. They loved it. And they knew it was what people expect from Disney.

If you want to accept mediocrity fine. But I think that is what you get when you go to a Six Flaggs or Knotts, NOT Disney.

To each his own I guess.

Anonymous said...

You know that response hasn't helped the opinion most have on you on these comment boards, Darrell. Many have thought you weren't intelligent enough to know how to read.

You just proved it to them.

Unknown said...

LOL...I love it when people trot out the "on the cheap" comments...it was sad 10 years ago and it's sad now…not that I’m any fan of the Pressler/Harriss debacles, it’s just sad parroting the spewing’s of some of the Disney bashers websites…

Comparing Tokyo’s Pooh attraction and the DL and WDW version is like comparing Pirates of the Caribbean to Pinocchio’s Daring Adventure; one was envisioned as a show stopping “E-ticket” and the other a little B-Ticket dark ride…and quite frankly I have hugely relived they didn’t use Disneyland’s space and meager budget (at the time) on a Pooh E-Ticket quality ride…IMHO there are far better themes in the Disney lexicon for a block-buster attraction than Winnie the Pooh…

But I’m glad the forthcoming movie looks to be worth it for those that enjoy Pooh…

Darrell said...

"Many have thought you weren't intelligent enough to know how to read. You just proved it to them."

...how is it that I am reading all these comments *perfectly* then? And that's the first mistake in reading that I've made on this blog so far.

All that has been proved is what Animated Response pointed out, and the fact that you obviously don't like me.

Truecoat said...

I think you could have chosen a better title for this article...or can you buy this at the park?

Doopey said...

Am I the only person out there that likes the DisneyToon Studio Pooh movies that were released to theaters? I thought they were pretty sweet and charming. Without taking this all too seriously (too late) do those movies still exist in the new film's continuity? For example, does Lumpy the Heffalump exist?

Tom said...

Bear E. Sanders: oh yes, but if the burger still tastes well, what's the problem?!

I loved the Tokyo version, but I loved the Anaheim version as well! You can not compare them, but still, I loved both. The WDW version was a littlebit less, but hey, the whole Magic Kingdom is a littlebit less if you ask me...
Pooh is not Sixflags style, I don't know if you have ever been to a Six Flags park, they have cheap, off the shelf rides, not darkrides that are well done.

I agree that Pressler did a lot of things wrong and yes, Pooh in Anaheim and Florida (Hong Kong anybody?!) could have been a lot better, but they are still nice rides. And talking about Disney "quality": both USA Pooh rides are not worse than the "classic" darkrides, Snow White, Pinocchio, Peter Pan etc, Pooh is on par or even better if you ask me!

And oh: maybe they WILL "plus" the ride if the movie is a succes, so let's flock to cinema's and remember: in 1 weekend you can see 2 movie's, you don't need to choose, you can see Harry and Pooh :)

Anonymous said...

They should continue making these 2d features in the thirty to forty millions dollar range. It would be perfect for the gang of five (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto). It would keep their icons alive for new generations.

Bear E. Sanders said...

"Bear E. Sanders: oh yes, but if the burger still tastes well, what's the problem?!"

If I asked for a steak, I want a steak. If they sold me a steak I want a steak. It's truth in advertising. I remember Honor put it similarly, by saying it was as if Disney promised a Morton's Steak House and then built a McDonalds, but put a Morton's sign above it. That's not right. I can expect Ok at other parks, NOT Disney. If I get something like that (DCA), I know that they cheaped out.

"And talking about Disney "quality": both USA Pooh rides are not worse than the "classic" darkrides, Snow White, Pinocchio, Peter Pan etc, Pooh is on par or even better if you ask me!"

You're right, it is comparable to an attraction that was built in the 60's. Not a contemporary attraction when technology has advanced and they are capable of creating something that looks like it was built today, not in 1955-59. As for it being as good as those Dark Rides, though, no I don't think it is. But it is along that level of design though.

"LOL...I love it when people trot out the "on the cheap" comments...it was sad 10 years ago and it's sad now"

So you think having a ride there that gets less than the attraction that it replaced is a good thing? That's right, Pooh gets less people riding it than were coming into the Country Bear Jamboree. If Pooh had been built that wouldn't be the case, it would have long lines and be very popular.

As for comparing it to Pirates, that is not fair. They are two separate rides, we're not saying you have to choose between them, we're saying the attractions should be superior quality.

Hopefully, the film makes a lot of money and does convince Burbank and Anaheim to "Plus" the ride. I don't expect it to be like Hunny Hunt, but it'd be nice if they added a couple AA's now and maybe a couple more in a few years and slowly bring it closer to the quality we know WDI is capable of.

Honor Hunter said...

"Without taking this all too seriously (too late) do those movies still exist in the new film's continuity? For example, does Lumpy the Heffalump exist?"

Only stories by A.A. Milne are Canon...

This is a sequel to the original, none of those other existed.

Fine...

Anonymous said...

Truecoat said...

"I think you could have chosen a better title for this article...or can you buy this at the park?"

Yes, they do sell Pooh in the park, but it cost four times what Pooh cost anywhere else.

Tigger said...

I took a Pooh in the can.

Cory Gross said...

When I first rode the Pooh ride at Disneyland USA, I was ambivalent. I heard the caterwauling about it but didn't think it was THAT bad. Or THAT good, either. It was just another dark ride comparable to those in Fantasyland.

Then I went to Tokyo.

WOW.

I can unreservedly say that my favorite attraction at Tokyo Disneyland was Pooh's Hunny Hunt. That does take into account Jack Sparrows of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion Holiday. It's just an attraction on a whole other level... Still a dark ride, but a clinic in what you can do with a dark ride when you invest in new technologies and innovative design. It not only shames the American Pooh rides, but the whole penchant for themed thrill rides.

Oh, right, the movie. I loved the original and have no intention of seeing this sequel.

Jules Verne said...

I'm surprised that Mysterious Island isn't your favorite place in the Tokyo Disney Resort.

Particularly Journey and 20,000 Leagues, Mr. Gross.

Tom said...

Jules Verne: he said Tokyo DisneyLAND, not Resort, nor SEA...

;)

Doopey said...

Honor-

I'm just picking nits at this point, but the plot for "Piglet's Big Movie" was adapted from the original stories.

Anonymous said...

Um, where's Pooh's other ear?

WG said...

I'm sure the new Tigger film (we say that Pooh is just a minor supporting character) will be a wonderful reboot of the classic franchise and will erase some of the damage done by the more recent TV or straight-to-DVD offerings.

What I'm most concerned about is whether Disney is as devoted to ensuring that Tigger and Friends get an appropriate amount of merchandising support in all areas -- housewares, artwork, clothing -- that have proper appeal.

An example: was at WDW recently and they only had THREE Tigger-related items in the men's clothing area: 2 fugly hoodies (really bad design choices), and boxer shorts. Tigger is traditionally marketed to men/boy's in the same manner that Grumpy, Goofy, Big Bad Wolf has been. In the boy's section of the store was a phenomenally designed hoodie that would have been a hot seller in a men's or adult size.

For whatever reason, Disney merchandisers feel that Tigger is appropriate to sell as a Golf Club Cover or as men's underwear, but don't think that having a wider range of clothing options will be worthwhile.

Let's hope that the new film will change that perception and expand merchandising options - especially when Lasseter himself said that "[the film] will not be... just for little kids."

2.0 and Beyond said...

"Well, if a successful re-hash of Pooh will help the pitiful ride at WDW, then more power to it. That thing is a cheapass embarrasment, especially if you've seen the Tokyo version."

But, haven't you seen the new QUEUE??? The WDW Pooh Queue puts TDL's version to shame.

WG said...

@2.0 and Beyond: No matter how interactive or immersive it is (Expedition Everest, anyone?), we don't go on a ride because of the amazing queue.

Christopher Robin said...

I have to go to the can to take a Pooh right now.

Gunther R. Lessing said...

"But, haven't you seen the new QUEUE??? The WDW Pooh Queue puts TDL's version to shame."

I don't ride a queue.

Call me back when the ride is as good as the queue.

Sigh.

2.0 and Beyond said...

Since it appears it's needed . . . . ; )

Tom said...

OK Pooh fans out there, I just learned [yes, I'm slow, haha] that this new movie will premier July 15 in the USA, but here in Europe it will premier in April!!!

How great is that?! This must be the first time in history an animated Disney movie is first being released in Europe? But why don't they premier it in the USA too with Easter? If they wait 3 months, a lot of stupid people must have illegally downloaded the movie and they won't visit the movie in cinema's. 3 months is way too long in these modern times :(

Unknown said...

Wow! I've never known of a Disney movie released in Europe before the USA! That's brill !!!

btw I've only just come across this blog and its great!

Cory Gross said...

Jules,

Tom is right: I said LAND, not SEA ^_^

Not only is Mysterious Island and its attractions my favorite of the whole Tokyo Disney Resort, but they're my favorite of any Disney resort anywhere!

jedited said...

I'm going to have to agree with Tom. The Pooh ride in DL (can't speak about WDW or TDL for that matter)is FAR better than the moronic Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. Could it have been better? ABSOLUTELY! Should they plus it? ABSOLUTELY! But it is a fairly decent C ticket attraction. Not everything has to be an E ticket. That's one of the things that sets the Disney parks a part from the rest. They have a good mix of attractions. FAR better than most of the competition.
I think one of the reasons that Pooh gets so much flack is because it replaced well loved attractions. Country Bear Jamboree in DL and Mr Toad's in WDW. I think that if it was put in an empty location, instead of replacing an existing attraction, that it would not get as much flack as it does.

Tom said...

@Jedited: hmmm, you might not agree with me anymore, as I think the Country Bear Jamboree was (to be honest) a boring attraction, a classic yes, but boring as hell..., and I really, really like Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, even more than Pooh :-D

But what you are saying is right, it's a decent C-ticket, not an E-ticket like in Tokyo...

Mr. Sanders said...

It may have been boring to you, but it still got more guest per hour than Pooh does. And that's a sad thing.

If the one from Tokyo had been built here there would be lines of people waiting to ride it every day.

It would be a jewel for the resort for little children and those that still love the film. The vibe from people coming to the park would be much different. Can you imagine the people rushing to ride it or get a fast pass for it?

Now, can you imagine the lines that the attraction that is built has?

Sad. Really sad.

Tom said...

@ mr Sanders: yeah, children really say "I like going to Disneyland, but the Pooh ride in Tokyo is better, so I'm not having such a good time"... Come on you guys :-D

Anonymous said...

The Pooh ride in WDW is corporate cynicism at its worst. The suits figured the Pooh mania would guarantee that a sub-par ride would still satisfy the suckers. Why build the lavish, breathtaking Tokyo version in the U.S. when a ride-through past a bunch of bouncing paper cut-outs would do? The yokels won't know the difference, and if they do they'll shrug and say, "well it's just for the kiddies after all:, and still buy buckets and buckets of Pooh plush.

Man, I HATE the Disney company now. I hate what it's become. No wonder it gets made fun of all the time as an evil corporate empire that's only after the buck. BECAUSE IT IS. Walt would weep if he knew...

Cory Gross said...

Regardless of what children would say, Pooh at Disneyland USA is a walk-on while Pooh at Tokyo Disneyland is a half-hour minimum wait if you catch it during a parade at night mid-week.

Truecoat said...

Walt would weep? Grow up. He's not coming back. I want to go to my Grandma's house but she's not alive anymore. Things change and they never go back to what they were. Remember what it was like but enjoy it for what it is now. If you have to compare everything to the way it was or look at it with Walt colored glasses, you are in for bigger disappointments in your life.

Darrell said...

Excellent comment back there Truecoat... they're in for HUGE disappointments in life.