Still Frozen...

Cold blooded, beautifully crafted...





Walt Disney Animation Studios 53rd animated film is deep in production...

But very little is known in the public about it. While it is based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," very little else is known about it. A lot of internal artwork has been produced for the film. Apparently, a couple of stills have leaked like the one above. Much of what I've seen out there is artwork from previous incarnations, not the current version. So what do we know about it. A few bits of info for you:

First of all, it's entitled "Frozen" as the above artwork says. Disney marketing wants to stay as far away from royal titles as possible for fear of young boys not buying tickets. Tangled reinforced this idea, at least domestically it did. Nothing with a Queen or Princess will make it out as a title. A title with King in it could make it out though, but nothing as of yet is in the production pipeline.

While it is based on that classic tale, it's very, very loosely based on it. Think along the lines of "Tangled" and how little it resembles the fairy tale of "Rapunzel." The bare bones of that story is all that is intact and the rest of the story is entirely original. But the script was well enough to get the green light and move it ahead of "King of the Elves," which is no longer in production. John Lasseter feels strongly about the story, and the direction that Chris Buck is taking the narrative.

Yes, it is computer animated, not hand drawn, but the style is quite beautiful and evolved from traditional graphics that we expect in these films. Think about the swirly painted sets/backgrounds in Tangled that appear like they were taken out of a classical painting. Frozen will advance and alter this as well, but in a different direction (but not as much as Paperman, which you'll understand when you see it).

But the film that comes out next year will show you that the current state of Disney Animation is quite healthy...

ReTangled...

I have a dream...



One of the things announced at D23 this weekend was a continuation of the goldmine known as "Tangled" next year...

Not a sequel, but a short that will debut on the Disney Channel in 2012. Nathan Greno and Byron Howard will bring us "Tangled Ever After" as a special event on the Mouse's main cable channel which has yet to be scheduled.

Now, if some of those shorts inch closer to production...

Between The Mouse & The Moon...

Sabbatical or retreat...







Some interesting stirrings in the Hat Building of late...

Or perhaps that should be out of the Hat Building? With the stunning hit that is Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Tangled," one would think that the success has everyone with their heads a bit in the clouds. This starting out as Glen Keane's pet project, it would seem that his head would be up there as well. And it is, or was. Right now Glen is on sabbatical from Disney and enjoying a much needed, and much deserved break from the grind of animating.

That said...

It appears that some folks (Bothans included) think that Glen isn't happy with the current slate of projects at WDAS and is looking for greener pastures to ply his trade. Or maybe he's simply just looking for a change? And a certain animation studio knows this. They dream of working with the likes of someone of Keane's stature. And it has the Suits at this particular place in Glendale trying/attempting to woo him over to this side of the valley. And they're wooing him very aggressively.

Glen has had meetings with people at that studio recently and while no decision has been made, they want him and are wooing him with opportunities and dangling carrots in front of his face to get him to make that walk across the long yard from Burbank to Glendale.

Nothing is set in stone, but losing Glen Keane, who is one of the premiere talents and master animators that have defined the Second Golden Age of Disney Animation, would be a major blow to the recently revived studio. He's my favorite living animator, a living legend, a true talent and a genuinely nice guy. Hopefully, he'll decide to stay, but the very fact that he's entertaining the offer is something that is frightfully scary. It would be like Babe Ruth leaving Boston Red Sox for the New York Yankees. A truly monumental leap for someone who has been iconically linked to the Disney name for over three decades.

Then again, maybe with starting the Third Golden Age for Disney, he feels it's time to move on to a new, and different chapter of his life?

Time will tell...

A Tangled Alternative...

Purty...


The Blu-Ray/DVD of "Tangled" will be coming out shortly and gems will be found inside...

When a film is made, it goes through endless changes before its final form. Animation evolves much more than any other form of film, especially during development or production. Sometimes they overlap.

Here is a clip of one of the bonus features from the Walt Disney Pictures film that shows an earlier, alternative opening. One that has the seed of what we saw on the screen, but hasn't been fully developed yet.

Enjoy...

Hair Apparent...

Lots and lots of money, I mean hair...







First off, I want to issue an apology to the Disney Marketing Department...

I was wrong. You did a great job bringing in the butts to see this film. That doesn't mean I like your campaign or wouldn't have preferred to see something different, but it clearly worked and I can't deny that.

Biggest opening in Walt Disney Animation Studios history:

69 million over the five day Thanksgiving Day weekend.

49 million opening weekend.

82,800,000 globally so far.

Looks like the Lamps big brother finally made good on the third try!

Congrats all around, Marketeers...

Tangled Reviews...

Let down your box office...



The 50th animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures is out today...

And so are the reviews. And they're mostly, extremely good. First off, I don't really do reviews anymore, but I did see "Tangled" last night. I can tell you that everything I found distasteful about the ads, and everything I've heard about the film are exactly as I expected. I loved it. In fact, it's the best thing that Walt Disney Animation Studios has done since Lasseter became its head.

While I enjoyed "Bolt" and "The Princess and the Frog" was a beautiful,but uneven showcase of hand-drawn film making, my favorite thing from the Hat Building has been "Prep & Landing." Having seen the latest film, that has now changed. Tangled is far closer to the glory of the Second Golden Age than what TP&TF attempted to reach, despite its aspirations. The tone and style of the film is far more like the classic films we've come to love than the DreamWorks influenced commercials would lead you to believe. While I wouldn't rate it as good as "Beauty and the Beast" it comes close to the other films of 90's. Don't believe me? Check out what others are say...



"The delightfully witty Tangled is the first animated cartoon released by Walt Disney Pictures that can stand alongside Pixar toons without apology."

- Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald

"While it may lack some of the emotional depth of what remains Disney's finest modern animated feature, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the studios 50th film, TANGLED, is as good as or better than works like THE LITTLE MERMAID and ALADDIN"

- Capone, Ain't It Cool News

"The film manages to earn a real emotional payoff by the time it ends, and I was surprised by how well the film wraps things up. "Tangled" may not be the new best Disney film, but it is a reminder of just how good the company can be when they bring everything together, and I suspect it's going to be a monster holiday hit for families."

- Drew McWeeny, Motion Captured

"'Tangled" is the best animated film from Disney in the past 15 years."

- Tom Long, Detroit News

"With the caveat that I really dug Tangled, I'm not sure it should have succeeded as well as it does"

- Rob Vaux ,Mania.com

"Tangled could have been a disaster. Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard really pushed for something different by attempting to modernize a classic tale for contemporary audiences while combining the classic storylines and imagery of Disney’s illustrious past. All of that experimentation can unbalance a film by leaning too heavily on one side or the other, but Tangled does a remarkable job at harmonizing the past and present."

- Bill Graham, Collider

"For "Tangled," the studio's 50th feature-length cartoon, the team at Disney has taken a deep breath and tried to be all things to all animation- loving people. There are some hiccups along the way, but by the end there is success."

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

"The best non-Pixar Disney movie since 1994’s The Lion King, Tangled is an effortlessly captivating and frequently breathtaking throwback to the studio’s fairy-tale-inspired films of yesteryear."

- David Nusair, About.com

"Bright and engaging, and blessed with two superb non-verbal non-human sidekicks, "Tangled" certainly is more like it.

For much of the last decade the Disney corporation has struggled to regain its animation mojo, while one-time rival and current business partner Pixar — and, at its more sporadic best, DreamWorks — dominated the market. While no masterwork, "Tangled" reworks the Brothers Grimm tale of Rapunzel clearly and well. It's rollicking without being pushy. After the narrative chaos of last year's "The Princess and the Frog," it's a gratifying improvement."

- Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune


And over at Rotten Tomatoes it currently has a 89% fresh rating with about 70+ reviews in. Not bad, but don't judge it by what these critics or I said.

See it for yourself and come up with your own opinion...

A Tangled Soundtrack...

Walt Disney Records released the soundtrack to "Tangled" today...

It's hard to believe, but Walt Disney Animation Studios' 50th animated feature is just right around the corner. Those of you watching the World of Color show over in Disney California Adventure will soon notice the inclusion of this latest princess during the show.

Hopefully, she'll join the ranks of all the rest of the Mouse's royalty...

Taste Of Tick...

Walt Disney Pictures has released a couple of previews of the Dean Wellins short "Tick Tock Tale" which has yet to be released...

I know that some have felt it would be with "Tangled," but as of last month the decision was that there was no short that matched the tone of the film and one wouldn't be included. This could change and I hope it does, but as of a few weeks ago it wasn't the case. Hopefully Ed and John will change there minds and give a platform to this little gem from the director of their possible 2014 animated feature.

And after they give us this, give us more shorts please...

Tangled Poster/Twisted Marketing...

Disney Marketing department, what the hell are you thinking???







The latest poster for Walt Disney Pictures' "Tangled" is out...

Memo To The Mouse: This. Is. Not. A. DreamWorks. Film.

As I've said before, I don't care too much for the marketing that is being done for this film. It's deceptive, it's manipulative and it bares very little resemblance to the actual film they're trying to promote. Let me be clear, I've not seen the film yet, but I've talked to several who have. I've had e-mail discussions with others and I've talked to a couple Bothans that worked on it. I've also seen the reactions from those that have been to the screenings too. And everything I get from that is a world away from what the marketing department has delivered.

I think the "Boy Factor" and the "Princess Factor" have been blown way out of proportion in their decision to portray this film as hip, edgy and something that boys will clamor to go see. In fact, I think the marketing department should be fired. They've done a horrible job promoting this film. Then again, look at the marketing job they've done for "Tron Legacy" and see the difference. It's pretty good, hmmm? Perhaps they've just forgotten how to publicize a Disney animated film?

Because from all I've been able to gather, this film resembles a cross between "The Little Mermaid" and "Sleeping Beauty," not "Shrek" or "The Road to El Dorado." I've heard testimonials from people that said this is a truly great animated film: hauntingly beautiful and filled with moments that will make you laugh and cry. From the beginning to the end it is every bit as worthy of the Disney Animation moniker as those classic films from the 50's to the 80's. Take my advise and don't let the trailers or posters keep you from seeing this. See it for yourself and judge it for yourself.

Let's just hope the marketing department hasn't forgotten how to promote "Winnie the Pooh" come this time next year...

Bad Mutha...

One of the first official images of "Tangled's" new Disney Villain: Mother Gothel...

And if you want to know a little more about her, then here is a nice little short that Walt Disney Animation Studios has come out with. It explains a bit more about her motivations and gives a sense that this isn't just a DWA rip-off like some have gotten from the trailers.

Awaiting November...

Tangled Vs. Tangled...

A second trailer has been released for Walt Disney Pictures' "Tangled" today...

It's far better than the first trailer, but still flawed in it's presentation. The film itself looks gorgeous, but the tone is far off from what you'll really see in the theater.

There's also a better trailer that was released internationally today. It shows a little bit more of the film and also shows a bit of the famous lantern scene that is supposed to look amazing. Judging by this clip, it is. My biggest complaint against this trailer, heck, all of the trailers for this film is the use of a rock song to try and make it feel hip. There is no rock song in this film, unless you stay through the credits and then you'll get the one that's tacked on. But the film and the music follow a more classical tone that these trailers would have you believe. All those that saw it at last week's press screening would agree.

November will soon be here...

A Tangled Web, Woven & Shown...

Let down yer hair, bitch!!!









Walt Disney Animation Studios did something unusual yesterday...

They showed a rough cut of "Tangled" to a gathering of press. John Lasseter was there to proudly present it and the film makers were there to talk about it. The film isn't finished yet. It's about 60 percent done. All of the animation is finished, but the lighting and shading as well as the musical score were noticeably missing. Quite a risk to show a film that has a couple months to go, don't you think? I mean, the press could tear it apart if it is bad. Even if it was mediocre there would be great danger for showing it so soon, letting bad press build up. That would be a long, painful two months wouldn't it?

So the Mouse believes they have something special. The press would be out with knives if this were a clunker, because this is WDAS's 50th animated feature. Imagine the headlines if that had sucked? Fiftieth fails. Half a century of films too late, or something like it. But everything I've heard is that they loved it. This isn't the film you've been shown in those horribly bad, rock song drowned trailers. From the Bothans I've talked to, it's closer to "Beauty & the Beast" or better yet, one of the classic tales of the late 40's/early 50's. Over at Deadline Hollywood, they're talking about it being a contender for Best Picture/Best Animated Picture. My good pal, George over at Latino Review loved it. And from the buzz I've heard, it appears that all those wishing/hoping/expecting Disney to fail are going to be sorely disappointed.

Still. they could have invited me to the screening. I was in Burbank yesterday. Ok, well, I was in the Valley so it wouldn't have taken long to have driven over there. I guess they still are kinda upset with me spilling the beans on a few things, hmmm?

It looks like it's going to be a beautiful November...

Tangled French...

Yo, woman, let down yer hair...


And gimmie some money...






No, I'm not talking about my inability to talk to Alain over at Disney and More in his native tongue...

Here is the French poster for "Rapunzel" that has been released. That's right, it's called by its original name internationally, but not here in America. Dang those boys for not liking Princesses!

Wait till they become teenagers, then they'll like them...

Hat Tip to /Film.

Hairy Cover...

Lots of locks, lots of box office...


The new issue of D23 features some nice art/info on Walt Disney Animation Studios 50th film...

I'll be glad to see a better trailer for this film that better shows what "Tangled" is all about. I hope they go with the classical version that there showing around right now.

Of course, the trailer won't be out till we get closer to Fall...

A Tangled Poster...

I hope Hairy Potter doesn't ruin this...







Walt Disney Pictures has released another teaser poster for their 50th animated feature...

Very hairy, don't you think?

November, we'll be able to see through all the hair for ourselves...

Hat Tip to Yahoo! Movies.

An Animated Direction...

Over at Collider, they're starting to post a great deal on their attending the Walt Disney Animation Panel...

The sites Bill Gram posts his interview with "Tangled" directors, Byron Howard and Nathan Greno. Very interest talk with a couple of nice, talented guys. I'm rooting for them to hit this one out of the bleachers and from what I'm hearing, it's a great film filled with what you want from a classic Disney film. Go over and take a look and get a little perspective of what goes on in making a major animated feature.

It's great to see the talent that Lasseter is putting in charge of the Mouse's animation house...

A Tangled World...

Let down your inhibitions...



Walt Disney Animation Studios next feature is just around the corner...


So, we're going to start hearing more and more about it. The Mouse has released a video in which they describe the look of the world of Rapunz-, uhm, I mean "Tangled." And it's a beautiful place I can't wait to see come November.

Take a look...

UPDATE: If you'd like to read more coverage of the "Tangled" panel then check out Collider's article on it, with more to come.

A Tale To Tell...

A couple/few weeks ago at Annecy, WDAS screened "The Princess and the Frog," and with it they premiered the latest in their new Disney Short series...

You've all heard about "Tick Tock Tale" from post here on Blue Sky and others, but finally, the public got to take a look at this new short. I remember reporting that it was supposed to play with TPATF, but wasn't ready in time, but it finally did play with the film, just not till months after it was released.

The story concerns a lonely, aging clock in a clock shop that is shunned by all the other, more modern pieces around him/it. One day a thief comes into the equation and changes everyone's perspective of what this little clock is and perhaps capable of.

And if you'd like to see what it looks like then head over to the Walt Disney Animation Studios Shorts Website and check out some lovely screen shots of this little gem.

No word yet if the Suits have pulled the gun with the intention of releasing this with "Tangled" later this year...

Getting Tangled...

The actual first teaser trailer for Walt Disney Pictures' "Tangled" has been released...

This is the same one which will be before "Toy Story 3" next weekend. As for what it shows, there is really very little of the story shown in context. The trailer is marketed very edgy, and is naturally trying to play up to the market that the Mouse thinks it missed out on in "The Princess and the Frog."

Males/Young Boys.

It comes off closer to pop-cultury references, but don't worry about that rock song being in the film. From what I've heard this is marketing for the trailer and the film has songs that play more classically, like B&B. The few I've talked to about the film said it's actually quite good, and Lasseter and the directors have been busy tightening up the story. Little tweaks here and there and most everyone is happy with the result despite a very crunched schedule.

Let down your guard, go over to the recently activated official website and give it a look...

EndTangled...

So Walt Disney Pictures name dropping (literally) of the "Rapunzel" moniker to "Tangled" has now yielded a logo for the new animated film...

It's done in the same style as the old logo, only with fresh new emphasis on males! Yeah...

Seriously though, I wish this film as much success as it can get. From what I've heard about the screenings so far it may be quite a surprise. The scenes that have been rendered are said to look stunning.

Let's hope the box office for the pic is stunning as well...