Do they still have video rental stores anywhere? All we have here in Orlando are those Redbox vending machines. While cheaper and more convenient, at RedBox and Netflix there’s no chance to pickup a DVD and examine the box, so I can imagine that… Read More »Disney Pursues Copycat DVD Producers
Director Andrew Stanton is back in Emeryville working on a sequel to Finding Nemo, but he took some time to talk to the LA Times to reflect on the box office disappointment that was John Carter. My initial review of the movie was positive, even… Read More »Andrew Stanton Reflects on John Carter
A little under a year ago, the Pixar Up House was sold to a couple with a huge passion for Disney. The Hamblin’s toured the house while in Utah visiting a relative. They loved it so much, they convinced the builder to sell them the… Read More »Take a Tour of The Pixar UP House Courtesy of its Owners
Wyland, a renowned marine life artist and conservationist, has many popular Disney themed paintings, some of which are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. He also has a gallery at Walt Disney World, so this tie-in is more than natural. To honor the Pixar movie… Read More »Wyland honors Pixar’s Finding Nemo with Painting
It’s been a few weeks since our last update and the construction at the Magic Kingdom has been moving at a quick pace. First, a little of the latest news:
Okay, let’s get on with the first part of our tour. It’s in two parts this week since we have a lot of photos to share:
The walls that separate old Fantasyland from new are nearing completion. There’s still some detail work to be done, but already there are some incredible elements leaking through. We love these ‘Coat of Arms’ that highlight classic Disney fairytales, including some that will have attractions behind the wall.
It’s hard to get a feel for how popular these Pixar themed Disney Cruises are this fall. There’s is still a big push from Disney Cruise Lines to get bookings, but the first cruise leaves in just a few weeks. DCL has finally released the list of which Pixar animators or executives will be on board each voyage, something I think would have been important months ago when people would be most likely to book a trip. That said, if I had the money I would definitely book any of these trips. They sound fabulous.
September 16
John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation and Pixar Animation Studios; Principal Creative Advisor, Walt Disney Imagineering
Jay Ward, CARS Franchise Guardian, Pixar Animation Studios – Ward contributes his enthusiasm for cars and his artistic passions to the creation of anything and everything within the “Cars” Franchise, including the production of “Cars” as character team manager and consultant to the film’s director and co-director, John Lasseter and Joe Ranft.
September 23
Roger Gould, Creative Director, Theme Parks, Pixar Animation Studios – Gould collaborates with Walt Disney Imagineering in the creation of theme park attractions and lands inspired by Pixar’s films, most recently the creation and opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park.
Tia Kratter, Shading Art Director, Pixar Animation Studios – Kratter served as the shading art director on “Brave,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Cars,” where she was responsible for specifying the color and texture of every object modeled for a film.
September 30
Harley Jessup, Production Designer, Pixar Animation Studios – Jessup leads teams of artists who create and design the sets and characters for films, including “Monster’s Inc.,” and “Ratatouille.” He recently finished working as production designer for “Cars 2.”
Jeremy Lasky, Director of Photography/ Camera, Pixar Animation Studios – Lasky served as director of photography/camera on “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E” and “Toy Story 3.” His most recent project was as director of photography/camera on “Cars 2.”
October 7
Rob Gibbs, Director, Pixar Animation Studios – Gibbs has contributed his story talents to a number of Disney•Pixar films, including “Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E,” “Up” and “Cars.” He has also directed and co-directed several of the studio’s “Cars Toons.”
Sharon Calahan, Director of Photography/Lighting, Pixar Animation Studios – Calahan served as director of photography/lighting on “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2,” “Finding Nemo,” “Ratatouille” and “Cars 2.” She previously served as lighting supervisor on the studio’s first feature film, “Toy Story.”
As usual, the schedule and presenters are subject to change! Which of these line ups interest you the most?
Below the cut is another video from John Lasseter making yet one more pitch to get you to book your trip on the Disney Wonder:
Read More »Speakers announced for Pixar themed Disney Cruises this fall
On September 14th “Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen for the first time ever in Disney Digital 3D. A whole new generation will now be introduced to this classic underwater adventure from Pixar and those who consider themselves old friends of the movie, like myself, will get the chance to submerge ourselves in the movie like never before.
Director Andrew Stanton, a two-time Oscar winner for “Finding Nemo” and 2008’s “WALL•E,” says that the 3D version of the film is breathtaking—literally. “Watching the first few scenes from ‘Finding Nemo’ in 3D was like I’d never seen a 3D movie before,” says Stanton. “It took my breath away. It felt like I was more underwater. It makes the scary moments scarier. It makes the beautiful moments more beautiful. It really drops you deeper into the story. It just amplifies everything.”
Pixar has released a new featurette with a quick peak behind the scenes of the conversion process of Finding Nemo to 3D.
Below the cut are even more details from Pixar on how the conversion was made:
Disney just announced that the Blu-ray DVD for Pixar’s Brave will be in stores on November 13th, just in time for the holiday shopping rush. But if you want to avoid all that rush, you can pre-order it today via Amazon. Brave just recently passed… Read More »Pixar’s Brave Blu-Ray DVD now Available for Pre-Order