Stop everything you are doing and clear your schedule for the next hour because we now have video footage from the D23 Music of Pixar panel featuring Michael Giacchino that took place a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, we were unable to cover the panel as it ran too close to the Walt Disney Studios panel where Disney and Pixar showcased Brave and Monsters University and also announced two brand new films for 2013 and 2014. I was happy to find that video from the entire panel ended up online, as it turned out to be a captivating look at what brought composer Michael Giacchino to Pixar, while also providing us with a view into how he works. Take a look at the fascinating video here! [Read more…]
D23 2011: ‘La Luna’ Early Review
In all the hustle and bustle of the D23 Expo, Pixar quietly screened La Luna during a panel celebrating 25 years of shorts. For me personally, this was a highlight of the entire expo. The short, directed by Enrico Casarosa, has been playing in animation festivals around the world. It premiered at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in June of this year and will make its theatrical debut in front of Pixar’s Brave next summer. Expo goers were lucky to catch this special screening of the film amid some of the studio’s most popular short subjects. [Read more…]
D23 2011: Wrap-Up
Attending the D23 Expo was a last-minute decision. Jerrod was already going to the show to cover it for us, but once all the Pixar panels were announced I had a feeling this year would be special. Well, that was an understatement. At D23, we were shown previously unseen footage and artwork from Brave, learned new details about the story and the characters in Monsters University and the new Toy Story Toon, Small Fry, and were surprised with the announcement of 2 brand new (and totally original) Pixar films. That has to be a record for Pixar news over just a few days! [Read more…]
D23 2011: Andrew Stanton Previews John Carter Clips, Talks Film With Cast
Director Andrew Stanton was able to join his Pixar colleagues onstage for a celebration of the studio’s 25h Anniversary at the D23 Expo. However, he was primarily attending the show to preview the live-action film he is directing for Disney, John Carter. The film has been shrouded in secrecy for much of its development, as much of the shooting occurred in remote areas of Utah. Stanton was joined by cast members Taylor Kitsch (John Carter), Lynn Collins (Princess Dejah Thoris), and Willem Dafoe (Tars Tarkas), as they all talked about the upcoming film and showed off FOUR clips from the film. Read on to see what went down! [Read more…]
D23 2011: 100+ Images Of The Merchandise
Walking around the show floor of the D23 Expo, I noticed that one of the things that attendees were most excited about was the merchandise. Never have you been able to attain so many different types of Disney merchandise from one place (other than maybe the first D23). The reasoning for this was the official Disney Store and the Disney Dream Store, which both had exclusive D23 merchandise or toys that would not debut across the rest of the country for months. From “Lion King” and “It’s A Small World” Vinylmations to the cute Disney POP! Funko Figures (including Boo from Monsters, Inc.), there was enough to satisfy everybody’s appetite. There was also a preview of upcoming merchandise that will be available in the coming months. Read on to take a look at 110 images of the merchandise seen at D23! [Read more…]
D23 2011: Updated Brave Synopsis Provides More Details + Notes On Cast and Crew
In our extensive coverage of the D23 Expo this past week, we have shared much of the new details from the panels held at the show. We were shown more new Brave footage than we have ever seen from a Pixar film that is still one year away from its release. Additionally, new plot details emerged, such as what those little beautiful blue lights seen in the teaser and poster are and what they can do. Disney also released an updated synopsis for the film, which fills in some holes on what leads to the mess that main character Merida creates. Read on for the full synopsis plus check out some notes on the cast and crew! [Read more…]
D23 2011: USPS Pixar Stamps Now Available + How You Can Order Some
Last Friday evening, a ceremony was held at the D23 Expo to mark the first day of issue of the “Send A Hello Forever Stamps,” which feature several Pixar characters, such as Buzz Lightyear, WALL-E, and Lightning McQueen. John Lasseter was present for the ceremony and gave a touching speech (video clip below) about how honored he and the company of Pixar was to have their characters etched into history. Read on to view the full press release marking the occasion, which includes details on how to order the stamps. Knowing how many collectors will want a piece of the action, they have provided various options for those who want keepsakes. [Read more…]
D23 2011: Images From The Huge Walt Disney Studios Presentation
The Walt Disney Studios presentation on Saturday at the D23 Expo proved to be the most jam-packed of all the panels and events at the show (and was also the hardest to get into, as even those who lined up two hours before did not make it in). Featuring sneak peeks at the various films coming from Pixar, Walt Disney Pictures and Animation, and Marvel, all electronic devices (e.g. cameras, laptops) were checked in before attendees were allowed into the arena. However, official images from the event of the directors and the actors talking about their films have been released. [Read more…]
D23 2011: A Conversation With The Pixar Creative Team Panel (Update: Video Footage Added)
In celebration of 25 years of Pixar magic, the top creatives from the studio sat down for an informal chat at the D23 Expo on Saturday. On hand for the event were John Lasseter, Jim Morris, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, Mark Andrews, Dan Scanlon, Pete Sohn and Ronnie del Carmen. Scheduled but missing from the panel was Lee Unkrich. The “nine young men” told stories about Pixar’s past and reminisced about their time with the studio. Each Pixarian was asked to recall their favorite memory while working at the studio. Some of the stories were new and some famiilar. From the first SIGGRAPH convention to the production of the first Cars film, each panel member had a great story to tell. [Read more…]
D23 2011: The Art of Brave Panel
D23 Expo goers were given a rare and wonderful opportunity this past Sunday when Pixar presented “The Art of Brave.” The panel, hosted by production designer Steve Pilcher and shader art director Tia Kratter, offered a glimpse into the production and visual development process of the studio’s next animated feature. This really was something special. It was like personally being walked through an “Art of…” book with the artists themselves. They revealed beautiful concept images and pencil sketches featuring everything from landscapes and environments to characters and costumes. From what was shown, it is clear that this will be one of Pixar’s most beautiful films to date. [Read more…]
