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App Review: Disney Storytime For iOS
Disney has been incredibly active on the App Store, with its Disney Mobile and Disney Publishing divisions releasing numerous apps that take advantage of the wealth of Disney properties. With the debut of the iPad a few years ago, Disney Publishing increased its focus on the device by developing interactive books. Recently, Disney Storytime was released, which serves as a gateway (bookshelf) for 20 new books featuring the characters of Toy Story, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Aladdin, The Lion King, 101 Dalmations, and more. Find more details and our thoughts on the app after the break!
Preview: Disney Infinity ‘Monsters University’ Play Set
Disney Infinity is an ambitious new platform as it provides the developer the ability to release entire games. Previously reliant on producing standalone titles, the platform is a new venture for both Disney and Pixar properties. The starter pack will include The Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Monsters University. Today, Disney Interactive has released a video, additional details and screenshots of the Monsters University Play Set, including our first official look at Randy (yes, the same Randall Boggs from Monsters, Inc.). Take a peek after the break!
First Look: ‘Toy Story of Terror’ TV Special
Following the conclusion of the Toy Story feature film trilogy, there was a question as to how Disney/Pixar would manage the huge property. The cast of toys is too memorable and popular to simply allow to disappear forever, so a smart decision was made to create shorts that continued the story of these characters without treading on the trilogy’s foot. In addition to shorts that were released theatrically, we learned that there would a TV special called Toy Story of Terror featuring Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang. Today, this has been confirmed, as the short has been announced to premiere on ABC in October.
Pixar’s Merida Crowned 11th Disney Princess
Brave was the first Pixar film to feature a princess as the lead character. Disney Animation, on the other hand has relied heavily on princesses, who have gone on to become a major symbol for the Walt Disney company. Prior to today, there had been 10 characters named as official Disney Princesses. Coinciding with Mother’s Day weekend, Merida was crowned a Disney Princess by her mother at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Check out photos and a video from today’s festivities after the break!
Lee Unkrich’s Next Film To Simply Be Titled ‘Dia de los Muertos’? (Update: No)
It has been over one year since Disney/Pixar announced the next film from the filmmaking team of director Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson, both of who last worked on Toy Story 3. While we were provided a basic premise, that the film would center around the holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) where people of some Latin American countries celebrate those who have died, the film remained untitled. Given that the Toy Story film was critically lauded and was the first Pixar film to pass the billion-dollar mark at the box office, we have been anxiously awaiting further details on their follow-up film. After a recent trademark filing by Disney, it seems reasonable that the title could simply be Dia de los Muertos.
Column: The Pixar Perspective
The Pixar Perspective on Distinguishing the Backlash
Everything in pop culture that we embrace goes through cycles. Something is introduced to the masses, who fall in love with it, and then, after a requisite amount of time, a backlash arises. This is different from a piece of art, whether it’s a film, TV show, or book, being analyzed and criticized from a subjective point of view. Instead, that which is initially beloved begins to wear thin on some members of its audiences even if they are the ones who changed, not the art itself. (Take, for instance, the current season of AMC’s Mad Men, which has received countless plaudits in the past but is now receiving more unfriendly reactions because it’s inherently the same show, unchanging in its sixth year.) Backlash can be vexing, but it is not uncommon. And so it makes sense that the last couple of years, for Pixar, have been full of such a negative turn.
The Pixar Perspective on The Pixar Moment in ‘Cars’
Quoting the late Walt Disney is fairly commonplace in the world of the Disney theme parks. Anywhere you walk in Disneyland or Walt Disney World, you’ll see a quote attributed to Disney, whether or not the quote is totally accurate. (He may not have said, in so many words, “If you dream it, you can do it,” for example.) One quote that is prevalent and does belong to him can be spotted in a plaque at the gateway between the entrance plaza to the Magic Kingdom (or Disneyland Park) and Main Street, U.S.A.: “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” In short, if you allow yourself to submit to the cloistered theme-park worlds within, you are essentially engaging in a potent, immediate form of escapism.
PixArt – Art Created Exclusively For The Pixar Times
PixArt: May Feature II – Buzz Lightyear Reimagined As 70s Sci-Fi Action Hero
Combine comics, monsters, and pop culture and you arrive at the fantastic art of Chris Raimo. This talented east coast based illustrator has a distinct style and a wicked sense of humor. I was immediately drawn to Chris’ ability to adapt existing properties to his whimsical drawing style. Check out his website for really fun takes on everything from Mickey Mouse to wrestling zombies! While you’re there, check out his other Pixar-themed illustrations and mash-ups. Chris is currently a designer at NECA/Wizkids and also does freelance and commission. Read on for more about Chris in his own words!
PixArt: May Feature I – ‘Dory’s Birthday’ Comic Strip
I first discovered the work of artist Jonathan Santoro on the website for the Bottleneck Gallery (Brooklyn, NY). I thought his piece “The Orphan and The Daughter” for the “Get A Room” show was a fantastic tribute to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. So we asked him to contribute a piece to the site. We were thrilled when Jonathan said yes. He delivered this wonderful Finding Nemo-themed piece that also has the distinction of being our first comic strip featured in this section. Check out Jonathan’s website for more great images. Read on for more about the artist in his own words.
