Animators have a long-standing history of hiding small easter eggs for audiences to find, including references to the real world, to other films, and to famous figures. While many film studios do it (including those that produce live-action films), Pixar’s easter eggs tend to generate the most publicity. That is because there are several easter eggs that the studio hides in every single one of its films, including a nod to its upcoming films. Through personal observations and help from the fans, I have compiled a preliminary list of the easter eggs in Monsters University, which you can see after the break!
'Monsters University' News
‘Monsters University’ Opens Big With $82 Million (Updated)
While Pixar films have received mixed responses from critics over the last few years, the general public continues to come out in droves. The Pixar brand is the strongest in Hollywood, with all 13 of its prior films debuting at the top spot of the weekend box office during their opening weekends. In North America alone, those films have together brought in over $3 billion. Monsters University, which opened this past weekend, has kept the perfect streak going, raking in approximately $82 million. Find more details after the break!
Film Review: ‘Monsters University’ Delights
One of the biggest criticisms directed at Pixar today is that the studio has become reliant on producing sequels to its films rather than films based on original stories. We live in an era where franchises are highly sought after by major studios because they are more likely to be successful at the box office. Films such as Star Wars Episode VII and Fast & Furious 7 are currently in development and will likely bring in hundreds of millions of dollars. Audiences have a connection with the characters in franchises, hence the larger success rate. Pixar’s argument has been that it is not looking to develop sequels – it is seeking to bring great stories to the screen. Toy Story 2 and 3 were success stories. Monsters University, Pixar’s first prequel which arrives in theaters today, is another great addition to the studio’s catalog. Check out the spoiler-free review after the break!
PixArt: Monsters Mash-Up Round 4 Mixes With The Worlds of Calvin and Hobbes, Harry Potter, Batman, Marvel, More
At long last, Monsters University has been unleashed in theaters nationwide! To celebrate Pixar’s fourteenth animated feature, we’re back with a super-sized batch of Monsters Mash-Ups. So, before you head out the door to go see Pixar’s first prequel, take a moment to peruse this final batch of artwork from some of our very talented readers. This time out, Monsters take on the worlds of UP, Tangled, Speed Racer, Batman, Harry Potter and more!
PixArt: Monsters Mash-Up Round 3 Mixes With The Worlds of Doctor Who, The Muppets, Breaking Bad, More
We’ve been thrilled with all the great submissions we’ve received for our celebration of all things Monsters. And with the release of Monsters University (June 21) just one day away, our artistic readers have kicked into high gear! We’ve received so many great pieces for our final posting that we’ve decided to break it up into two separate posts. Both are jam-packed with fantastic new art. In batch 3 we see Monsters invading the worlds of Wreck-it Ralph, UP, The Muppets and Doctor Who, to name a few. And we just have to give a special shout-out to the epic mash-up brought to us by a group of artists collectively known as Mestres Ilustradores Do Poder Eterno. See their collaboration on a fun Star Wars mash-up and check out all the artists involved in this elaborate piece. (They will be back tomorrow with a pretty sensational MARVEL mash-up.) Check out Monsters Mash-Up Round 3 after the break!
PixArt: Monsters Mash-Up Round 2 Mixes With The Worlds of My Neighbor Totoro, Mario Brothers, More
We’re back with more Monsters! As we draw closer to the release of Monsters University (June 21), we continue our celebration with another batch of clever illustrations. This week’s eclectic collection of tributes includes send-ups of The Addam’s Family, My Neighbor Totoro, Gilligan’s Island and more. The artists clearly had great fun in coming up with these unique ideas, and we are sure you will enjoy them. Take a look at the 14 mash-ups after the break!
Seven Things I Learned About Animation From ‘Monsters University’ Supervising Animator Scott Clark
There are many employees that work together to bring an animated film to life. Often times, all Pixar employees are referred to as animators, even if they had little to do with how the animation appears on screen. This error is widespread because of the confusion surrounding what animation can achieve. Animators can move characters and environment details around, but it is the job of other employees to adjust other aspects of the scene such as lighting. Scott Clark, supervising animator of Monsters University, talked to me and a few other members of the press about how animation works. Find out seven things that he had to say about animation and Monsters University after the break!
PixArt: Monsters Mash-Up Round 1 Mixes With The Worlds of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Beauty and the Beast, More
We’re just a few weeks away from the debut of Pixar’s first prequel – Monsters University opens June 21 in theaters everywhere. To celebrate, we asked you to submit your best Monsters Mash-Up. Take any of the characters from the ‘Monsters’ universe and smash ’em up with just about anything else. The results have been unsurprisingly entertaining! In this first batch alone, we see monsters invading the worlds of Star Wars, The Incredibles and The Lord of The Rings.
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!
PixArt Call To Artists: Monsters Mash-Up
With summer quickly approaching, the last thing you’d think we’d be excited about is school. But when that school is Monsters University, there’s plenty to be happy about. We’re counting down the days ’til Pixar’s latest release hits the big screen on June 21, 2013. While we can’t wait to see Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan take on the world of college, it got us thinking about what other worlds they could wreak havoc on. Can you think of any? We want to see your Monsters Mash-Up. Find out how you can join in on the fun after the break!
