Pixar news. All the time.
Nominations for the 2011 People’s Choice Awards were announced earlier today and Toy Story 3 was well represented. The Disney/Pixar film is nominated in two categories:
Favorite Movie:
Favorite Family Movie:
Wow, what a celebration! We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the wonderful artists who contributed to our countdown. We’ve had a blast posting all of this great art and we hope you’ve enjoyed viewing it.
We were surprised and delighted by how many of you were so eager to contribute your valuable time and exceptional talent just to be a part of a tribute to Toy Story. Make no mistake about it, we aren’t so vain here at The Pixar Times to think you’re doing it all for us. We know that it’s a testament to the Toy Story films and to Pixar that we received such a spirited response to our invitation. The films of Pixar – especially the Toy Story films – have very quickly become part of our lives in so many ways. They have been woven seamlessly into the pop-culture consciousness. So much so that it’s hard to imagine there ever was a year without a new Pixar film! So, thank you artists! Your visions have made the wait for Toy Story 3 on Blu-ray all the more bearable and even enjoyable.
Also, a huge thanks to illustrator Jerrod Maruyama, who since joining The Pixar Times has done a fantastic job. Jerrod has since become our Art Director and without his hard work, none of what you see on our PixArt page would have been possible. Thanks, Jerrod!
Don’t worry, this isn’t the end of PixArt. We’ll be back with more tributes and other surprises. Now, we have a special surprise for you. With Toy Story 3‘s time in theaters over, and Cars 2 fast approaching, we give you the following mash-up:
Buzz and Woody Cars by Allen Gladfelter
Before we put our toys back in the box and put on our driving gloves, we’d like to feature this one last piece of art! BOOM! comics artist Allen Gladfelter, who worked on Cars: Rally Race and Cars: Route 66, sent us this fun piece as we say goodbye to TOY STORY 3 and start revvin’ up for CARS 2. Thanks, Allen!
Stay tuned for more great PixArt in the future, as we take it to infinity and…well, you know the rest!
To view all of the great artwork submissions, check out our PixArt page.
In the mail today, I received my copy of the 10-disc Toy Story Ultimate Toy Box Collection. I dreamed of owning a trilogy box set for months and being able to finally hold it in my hands was a great feeling.
Buzz and Woody by Dave Perillo
Surely you’re familiar with the great work of Philadelphia illustrator Dave Perillo (aka Montygog)! One look at today’s piece and you should instantly recognize his distinct style – great colors, fun stylization, awesome design. We were over the moon when Dave agreed to contribute a piece to our countdown celebration and we couldn’t be more pleased with this great image. Buzz and Woody are lookin’ sharp in this wonderfully executed take on the iconic characters! To see more great work like this, visit Dave’s blog. You’ll find tons of great illustrations and fantastic tributes to many beloved characters from the pop-culture stratosphere. We were particularly impressed (and amused) by his “What’s Happening!” lunch box design for the Cartoon Madness 5: Lunchbox Show (Alcove Gallery). We thank Dave for taking the time to contribute to our Toy Story tribute.
Ken & Barbie Disco Party by Wendi Chen
Woo-hoo. It’s party time! Toy Story 3 is now available on DVD and Blu-ray and we’re celebrating. Ken & Barbie are dressed in their best to mark the occassion. This fabulous piece comes to us from Michigan illustrator and visual developer Wendi Chen. Her website is currently under construction but you can view more of her great work at her blog and Flickr page. Make sure to look for the great Kung Fu Panda piece she did for Dreamworks Fine Art gallery. Great stuff.
Buzz by Lorena Alvarez
What better way to celebrate Toy Story 3 on DVD and Blu-ray than with a parade! This gorgeous piece from artist Lorena Alvarez of Bogota, Colombia features everyone’s favorite Space Ranger looming large on the horizon – just like in a certain Thanksgiving Day parade. We’re fans of Lorena’s brightly colored and intensely detailed images. One look at her website and Flickr page and you’ll be hooked.
A big thanks goes out to Lorena, Wendi, and Dave for joining our Toy Story 3 Blu-ray/DVD release party! Now, what are you waiting for? Get out there and grab your copy of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray – if you haven’t already done so! Read more about the great special features on the sets in our in-depth review here.
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Walt Disney Studios has made it clear that they will be pushing Toy Story 3 for award considerations. Now they have relaunched their awards website with information and behind-the-scenes material for Toy Story 3 and the Day & Night short.
Stills, music samples, and review quotes are collected for both films (along with several other Disney films). A highlight is the entire screenplay for Toy Story 3, which you can download and view here. Normally, I wouldn’t say that reading screenplays is particularly exciting, but screenwriter Michael Arndt did such a fantastic job that I’ll personally be downloading this onto my phone for reading while traveling!
Visit the Walt Disney Studios Awards website.
Woody and Buzz by Amy Mebberson
Here’s another does of goodness from BOOM! comics artist extraordinaire Amy Mebberson. We’re just crazy about this former Disney Toons animator’s cheerful images and illustrations. See so much more of her fabulous work at her website and blog. Keep an eye on Amy’s sites – there’s some FUN stuff on the way. Stay tuned for more details.
Bonnie and Friends by Jerrod Maruyama
Wow, this incredibly cute piece from illustrator Jerrod Maruyama really warms the heart. Bonnie was extraordinarily adorable and we feel that Jerrod truly captures the charm she displayed in Toy Story 3. Jerrod recently joined The Pixar Times team and has become an invaluable part of the blog. You can see lots more of Jerrod’s work on his Flickr page and website.
A big thanks to our amazing contributing artists, Jerrod and Amy. They each gave us multiple pieces during our countdown to Toy Story 3‘s home release, and we are so thankful. Here we are on the eve of the big day. It’s been fun, but it’s not over! We have two more pieces of PixArt going up tomorrow!
Speaking of which, the wait is almost over as Toy Story 3 is out on DVD and Blu-ray TOMORROW! Read more about the great special features on the sets in our in-depth review here.
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Toy Story by Anuj Shrestha
Hey, howdy, hey! It’s Woody the…Midnight Cowboy? Just in time for Halloween comes this unexpected mash-up from New York Illustrator Anuj Shrestha. This is a very different kind of buddy movie for our pals Buzz and Woody and we think it’s just great. We knew Anuj would bring an interesting perspective to our tribute and he certainly doesn’t disappoint with this humorous image. You can see more of Anuj’s thoughtful work at his website. Some of Anuj’s clients include The New York Times, Playboy, Financial Times (UK), and Kahani Magazine. His comics work has appeared in the Rabid Rabbit and Secret Identities comics anthologies.
Shogun Warrior Buzz by Barry Prioste
Here’s a fun mash-up for all you retro-toy fans out there – Buzz Lightyear as Shogun Warrior! Concept artist and visual developer Barry Prioste sent us this awesome piece based on his favorite childhood toy. We think it’s a good match. Barry is based in the San Francisco Bay area where he is currently employed in the video-game industry. Check out more of his great work at his blog. And if you aren’t familiar with the original Shogun Warriors toys, look ‘em up. These 1970′s precursors to TRANSFORMERS were a lot of fun.
We’d like to thank Barry and Anuj for contributing as our countdown celebration is nearing its goal. TOY STORY 3 comes to DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday! Read more about the great special features on the sets in our in-depth review here.
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Slinky by Joy Steuerwald
Uh oh. Looks like someone’s jealous of Slinky Dog! This precious piece comes to us from San Francisco Bay Area illustrator Joy Steuerwald. If you like this image, wait ’till you check out her website and blog. There’s plenty of adorable images, illustrations and canine creations to make you go “awwwwwww”. Joy’s list of clients include The Learning Company, FUNSCHOOL.com, and Ghostbot studios to name a few. Be on the look-out for the children’s book she illustrated – “One Christmas Story” (2003).
Buzz and Woody by Xander 13
Check out this whimsical take on everybody’s favorite Space Ranger and Sheriff. This fun stylization comes from New Zeland artist Alex Leighton (aka Xander 13). Alex runs Mukpuddy Animation with a couple of his buddies and when he’s not doing that, he’s painting. Check out his great stuff on his website, deviantART page, and Flickr page. You’ll find some fun paintings and illustrations of some very familiar personalities. We’re particularly fond of his wood-block characters. Check it out!
Our thanks to Alex and Joy and for letting us show these great images. It certainly helps us pass the time until Toy Story 3 is released on DVD and Blu-ray this Tuesday, November 2! Read The Pixar Times’ full review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Toy Story 3 director Lee Unkrich has posted a video onto his YouTube channel, explaining how “All good things must come to an end.” The end in this case is symbolized by finally receiving the Blu-ray and DVD sets for the film he worked on non-stop for four years. Watch, as he shares this much-longed for moment with us:
Cool easter egg in the video: Notice which film lies directly to the right of Toy Story 3‘s final resting place. It just so happens to be Lee Unkrich’s favorite film ever!
This isn’t the end of the road for Toy Story 3, though. Expect the film to go on a long road trip, featuring stops at many different awards shows.
If you haven’t yet subscribed to Lee Unkrich’s YouTube channel, do so here!
Cowgirls by Amy Mebberson
Jessie the yodeling Cowgirl meets Slue Foot Sue and we couldn’t be more charmed with the result. Born in Australia, where she was an animator for Disney, Amy Mebberson currently resides in Portland, where she is a comic artist and illustrator. She was kind enough to send us this wonderful piece celebrating the two most famous red-head cowgirls in the Disney-Pixar family. We’re sure you’ll love her work as much as we do. Check out her website, deviantART page, and Flickr page to sample her amazing work. You’ll find lots of stuff for BOOM! Studios where Amy has been hard at work on their line of Muppets and Pixar titles. But that’s only one part of her great portfolio. There’s lots to see and love!
We’re so pleased with Amy’s work you just might see another piece coming up sometime soon. Thanks Amy!
And don’t forget to pick up your copy of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday November 2! Read The Pixar Times’ full review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Stretch by Anneka Tran
We asked freelance illustrator Anneka Tran to contribute a piece to our Toy Story celebration because we loved her adorable images. And boy, did she deliver. Her style shines through in this simply wonderful piece – just as we expected it would. Stretch has never looked more appealing. Based in Staffordshire, England, Anneka has many examples of cuteness on her website, her blog, and her Flickr page. Wherever you go to see her work, we’re sure you’ll be as impressed as we were with her colorful characters and illustrations. They’re well worth a visit.
Toys by Jill Howarth
Bingo! We’re just crazy over this great piece from Boston illustrator Jill Howarth. Jill, who once worked as a designer and art director for Hasbro (fun!), now works as a freelance illustrator specializing in spot illustrations for all kinds of publications – from annual reports to consumer packaging. One look at her website and Flickr page and you just might recognize some of her whimsical images!
A big thank you to Jill and Anneka for finding the time to contribute these wonderful images. It certainly puts us in the mood to watch TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray – available Tuesday November 2, which is only five days from now! Read my review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD set.
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Toy Story by Laura Müller
Yodelayheehoo! Jessie is kickin’ it with her good friend Totoro in this beautiful piece from German illustrator and comic artist Laura Müller. I’m a big fan of cute and Laura does cute like no other. Her beautifully detailed style is definitely her own and you can find more of this gorgeous work at her website and DeviantArt page. We think you’re going to like what you see!
We’re so fortunate to have artists from around the world contributing to our countdown. We thank Laura for this beautiful piece and for recommending another artist whose work you will see next:
Toy Story Onemuri by Rio Rock
Looks like it’s nap time for Woody and friends – including new friend Totoro! According to our friend Rio Rock, nemuri is Japanese for sleep. The “o” ist just an honorific prefix. Onemu (without the ri) is kid’s talk for sleeping or being sleepy. To us this translates as ADORABLE! Also based in Germany, Rio Rock came highly recommended from fellow PixArt contributor Laura Müller. And we see why she did – his work is great! You can see more of his fun work at his website and DeviantArt page.
Both Rio Rock and Laura were part of the Darkstalkers Tribute book from Udon Entertainment. Pretty cool stuff!
We would like to thank Rio Rock and Laura for their great contributions to our very international countdown. And have we mentioned that Toy Story 3 is coming to DVD and Blu-ray on November 2? I just posted an in-depth review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD set, which you can read here. Six days left until its release!
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Collaboration - It has always been much easier to appreciate those who work on live-action films, with the actor’s work on display, the production designer’s influence shown in the background, and the director’s manipulation of the camera clearly visible. However, animated films are meticulously put together by hundreds of people throughout the production process, and they don’t usually receive the same notoriety as the project leaders. The Toy Story 3 Blu-ray/DVD sets allow some of the many unheralded heroes who put together this masterful film to speak directly to the audience and describe the collaborative process of bringing the film to the big screen. Fans of special features, your definitive window into the Toy Story 3 process has arrived. [Read more...]
Buzz by Francisco Perez
We’re all a buzz over this great take on our favorite Space Ranger! Miami illustrator Francisco Perez (Pac23) has taken us to infinity and beyond with his version of Buzz Lightyear and we think it’s out of this world. Check out more of Francisco’s exciting work at his website and blog. There’s much to see from this very talented and versatile artist.
We thank Francisco for this great piece and joining in our celebration. Let this be a reminder that TOY STORY 3 will be available on DVD and Blu-ray November 2. Only one week remaining!
Check back again tomorrow for another double dose of PixArt as we feature two brand new pieces from our artist friends in Germany. Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Go Hamm! Go! by Juan Molinet
An amazing race, indeed! This colorful and completely original piece comes to us from Argentine illustrator and designer Juan Molinet (Rey Misterio). Based in Bueno Aires, Juan said he created this image “because [he] love[s] races, monsters, and of course toys!”. Enough said. We just love this very playful piece and if you want to see more, check out Juan’s Flickr page and follow him on Twitter.
Our thanks to Juan for contributing this fun piece to our countdown. Check back again tomorrow for another double dose of PixArt as we feature two brand new pieces from our artist friends in Germany. And don’t forget to pick up your copy of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray on November 2!
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
Toy Story by Jannie Ho
Alien toss! Our celebration countdown continues with this adorable and playful piece from Illustrator and designer Jannie Ho. Jannie has worked on countless children’s books and publications. Her resume is impressive including such clients as Cranium, Highlights, Nickelodeon, and Time Magzine for Kids, just to name a few. Once you see her work (for those few who haven’t already) you’ll know why she’s in such demand. Check out the great images on her website Chicken Girl Design and her blog.
Our sincere thanks to Jannie for contributing this wonderful image to our celebration countdown. And don’t forget to pick up your copy of TOY STORY 3 when it comes to DVD and Blu-ray November 2. That’s about a week away from now!
Check back tomorrow for more, all-new Toy Story art.
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
The release dates for Pixar films on Blu-ray have been spaced out throughout the years. The Incredibles debuted on DVD before the Blu-ray format was up and about, so it hasn’t received a high definition transfer. That is no longer true as we learned recently that it would be coming to Blu-ray in Spring 2011, likely around the release of Cars 2 in theaters. The trailer for The Incredibles Blu-ray will be on the Toy Story 3 Blu-ray and DVD sets, but we have a treat for you. Pixar Talk has posted the trailer on their YouTube channel (which offers a great collection of Pixar-related videos, by the way), and we have embedded it here. (UPDATE: The video has been removed temporarily. It will likely be back up once Disney/Pixar posts it onto their YouTube channel.)
You will notice that director Brad Bird returns to voice character Edna Mode. More Edna? How could you NOT want that? View the trailer below:
UPDATE (10/25): The trailer has been removed for now. When Disney/Pixar posts it, we will embed the video once again.
As soon as Toy Story 3 was announced, we began to dream of a Toy Story trilogy box set. Nowadays, studios are rather creative when designing big box sets for movies and television shows. Well, a few months ago, we learned of a Toy Story Ultimate Toy Box Collection, which would house 10 discs in a toy chest.
The box set seems to give you a choice on how you would like to display it on your shelf: a normal rectangular box with the toy chest inside of it or simply the toy chest by itself. This was likely done to satisfy those who would rather place it next to their other DVD and Blu-ray sets, and also those who would place it on their mantle alongside their prized possessions.
We’ve seen the picture of the collector’s set, but what does it look like in action? Amazon has posted a video clip that shows the unboxing of the set, which you can view here.
To view the full press release for Toy Story 3, which details what special features we can expect to see on each set, click here.
The great Chatter Phone Tipline series continues today as we find out just who Teddy Newton is. Not only has he voiced many Pixar characters over the years, as you’ll see in the video, but he also brought us the incredible short film, Day & Night. Newton had the idea for the short years before he was finally able to direct it to the big screen, where it played alongside Toy Story 3.
View the many Pixar characters that Teddy Newton has voiced throughout the years: [Read more...]
Buzz by Jez Tuya
Imagination, nostalgia and innocence are just a few words that came to mind when we saw this piece from illustrator Jez Tuya. When asked about his inspiration for the image, Jez said “I guess the whole idea of dressing up for Halloween, as well as looking back to the the things I did in my childhood, like building cardboard box forts, armor, etc., is what sparked the idea.” We think he captured that pretty darn well.
Jez is a freelance illustrator based in Wellington, New Zealand, who illustrates children’s books and school journals for a range of publishers and clients. He’s been doing that for well over a year now. For more of his work, check out his great blog. While you’re there, take a look at the children’s book he recently illustrated, “The Very Important Godwit” (Random House). Great stuff!
We thank Jez for his time and talent on this piece. It makes us all the more excited for the release of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray November 2. We are only a week and a half away!
Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.
