In October last year, Pixar unveiled its first-ever television special, Toy Story OF TERROR! There was little doubt that it would be successful, given the power of the Pixar and Toy Story brands – over 10 million people tuned in to watch it, not counting re-airings on other networks. As we await the next TV special, Disney has announced that Toy Story OF TERROR!, which was directed by Pixar veteran Angus MacLane, is arriving on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download this summer. After the break, find more details about the special features and everything else that will be included!
News On Pixar Blu-rays and DVDs
Gorgeous 22-Disc Blu-ray Box Set Collects Every Pixar Film
There are a bevy of films in the Pixar catalog that are considered “instant classics,” from Up, to WALL-E, to all of the Toy Story films. Repeat viewings are a must to soak in the gorgeous visuals and the multi-layered story lines. Adding the films to a home theater library is guaranteed to bring the overall quality of said library up. Have you resisted upgrading your DVD library of Pixar films to Blu-ray? Or are you a collector of beautiful box sets? Next week, Disney/Pixar is releasing an insanely cool box set that may be perfect for you.
‘Monsters University’ Available For Download Three Weeks Before Blu-ray/DVD Release
Historically, Blu-ray and DVD releases of films were the venue of choice for behind-the-scenes extras, while digital downloads tended to include solely the film and perhaps a short featurette delving into one aspect of the filmmaking process. That has changed recently, though, as downloadable copies of films have included many more extras and sometimes contain exclusive features that are not available elsewhere. Monsters University has just been released for digital download on iTunes, and it packs in a wealth of extras including deleted scenes. Find more details after the break!
‘Brave,’ ‘Pixar Shorts Vol 2’ Blu-ray And DVD Now On Sale
There is often a tremendous amount of creativity seen in Pixar shorts, as the shorter time length allows for directors and other members of the production team to experiment with technology and varied art styles that may later be utilized in the far lengthier format of feature films. It is fitting to see the Brave Blu-ray and DVD released alongside Pixar Short Films Collection Volume 2, for it is indicative of the relationship that we have come to expect between feature films and shorts released by Pixar – one is always accompanied by the other in theaters.
First Look: ‘Brave’ Short ‘The Legend of Mor’du’
The demon bear Mor’du was shrouded in mystery throughout much of the story in Brave. As director Mark Andrews and his team developed the character, it became clear to Andrews that the bear should be a monstrous figure that posed a very real threat to Merida, her family, and the rest of the kingdom. If you wanted to learn more about the deadly beast, you will be able to get a better look at it in a new short entitled The Legend of Mor’du that is being included on the feature film’s home video release. After the break, find the first two images from the short that provide us with a look at the film’s unique art style.
Pixar Shorts Vol 2 Headed To Blu-ray and DVD On Nov 13
Before Pixar’s focus turned to feature films, the studio mastered the art of the short. Back in the 1980s, animation technology was far more limited than it is now, but John Lasseter and company were still able to blow audiences away with revolutionary computer animation but more important than that, stories with heart. After the release of Pixar Shorts Volume 1 , which collected such memorable shorts as Luxo, Jr., Tin Toy, and For The Birds on DVD and Blu-ray, many have been anticipating a Volume 2. The time is now, as the Blu-ray and DVD for the second volume has just gone up for pre-order!
‘Brave’ Blu-ray/DVD Special Features Include All-New Short
Aside from the increase in video and audio quality, the jump from VHS to DVD was amazing for its focus on providing special behind-the-scenes features that are now considered customary. Actually, special features have become expected to the point that when they are missing, the box set is dubbed as shallow. Blu-ray discs have the potential for much more with their exponential increase in storage space and Disney and Pixar seem to be taking advantage of that, as Brave on Blu-ray has over 20 special features, including a brand new short that gives us more of the demon bear Mor’du. Find a complete listing after the break!
‘Brave’ Blu-ray/DVD Sets Hit Retail On November 13
Brave‘s box office run is beginning to run down, with the release of Finding Nemo 3D on the horizon. However, the latest animated film from Pixar is not out of the spotlight yet, as its home video release is just around the corner. Disney/Pixar has announced that Brave will be arriving on Blu-ray/DVD combo packs on November 13 and has released a trailer to accompany the news. Take a gander after the break!
Preview: ‘Finding Nemo’ Blu-ray Special Features
Many of us have been drooling over the prospect of a Finding Nemo Blu-ray set for a long while. Over the course of the last several years, Disney has been slowly re-releasing early Pixar films in the Blu-ray format, as the later films have enjoyed simultaneous Blu-ray and DVD releases. The time for Finding Nemo is now almost here! On Tuesday, I was given a tour of Disney’s upcoming toys and other merchandise, in which the film’s new Blu-ray 5-Disc set was featured. Last night, I returned to the Preview and took a few pictures of the packaging, which lists most of the special features. Take a look at the images after the break! [Read more…]
On Sale Now: Brad Bird’s ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ on Blu-ray/DVD
When The Incredibles and Ratatouille director Brad Bird announced that he would be making the transition to live-action by becoming the next in a line of directors to tackle the Mission: Impossible franchise, I was intrigued. Watching his direction in the Pixar films and listening to him talk about his work in interviews and commentaries, Bird has always struck me as a brilliant artist. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol smashed its way into theaters last December and delivered, as it was an incredibly enjoyable and smart action thriller. You can now bring it home to your TV screen, as the Blu-ray and DVD are now on sale. [Read more…]