In its films, Pixar has tackled a broad number of genres, from the buddy comedy to superhero fare and even science fiction. None of those, however, have been musicals. The closest we have seen to a musical from Pixar was the short Boundin’, but even that had a good deal of narration mixed in. The studio’s next short, Lava, in which a volcano longs for love, is expected to be Pixar’s first real musical. The animation house may also be developing a musical feature film now. Find more details after the break! [Read more…]
The Pixar Perspective on The Pixar Moment in ‘Toy Story 2’
The moment when Pixar caused a cultural shift in mainstream animated cinema wasn’t, as you would expect, with the release of their first film, Toy Story. That film inspired a shift in the animation industry, but the way in which general audiences’ response to animated films changed occurs roughly halfway through Toy Story 2. This film and Monsters, Inc. both represent the old and new in Pixar, a slight blend of honest and often-unexpected emotion along with clever and witty gags aimed at the pop-culture-literate members of the audience. Both, like A Bug’s Life, featured outtakes during the credits, a commentary on the prevalence of painfully similar blooper reels in live-action films; and both have a powerful moment that inspires the adults in the audience to tear up and reach for a tissue.
Disney/Pixar Pushes ‘Monsters University’ For Awards Consideration In Poster Ad
Around this time of year, the marketing department at studios ramp up to remind voters to consider their films when votes are cast for awards. Full-page spreads are taken out in trades such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, ads cover film websites and blogs, and posters are unleashed into the wild. Disney/Pixar has released the first such ad, known as a “For Your Consideration” (FYC) ad, for Monsters University. Take a look at the poster after the break!
Photos From ‘Brave’ World Premiere At The Dolby Theatre
The world premiere of Brave, Pixar’s latest feature-length film, was held last night in Hollywood, California. Members of the Pixar production staff turned out to celebrate the imminent release of the film. The premiere was held at the Dolby Theatre, which had its grand re-opening, after the sound company took over the naming rights from Kodak. The Kodak Theatre name may sound familiar, as it has been the home for the Academy Awards. Take a look at photos from the animated film’s world premiere after the break! [Read more…]
Contest: Win Tickets To See Randy Newman Live In San Francisco! [Closed]
Randy Newman has played an integral role in Pixar films, composing and singing many of the studio’s famous musical pieces. He is a 2-time winner at the Academy Awards, most recently winning for the song “We Belong Together” on the Toy Story 3 soundtrack. Additionally, in his illustrious career he has also won 5 Grammy Awards.
In April, he is on tour, playing concert venues throughout the United States. Not only will Randy Newman play some of his own music, but he is also set to play many songs from his work at Pixar. On April 22, he is playing the Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, which is part of the SFJazz Spring Season, and The Pixar Times is pleased to announce that we are giving away four pairs of tickets to the show! (UPDATE: The contest is now closed) [Read more…]
2011 Governers Ball Photos – Lee Unkrich & Randy Newman
Immediately following the Academy Awards last night, the stars proceeded to the Governers Ball. The annual party is always the first stop of (likely) many parties for the winners. Cameras caught Lee Unkrich and Randy Newman celebrating their big Oscar wins in style. Enjoy the photos below.
Toy Story 3’s Big Night At The Academy Awards
Going into the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, Toy Story 3 had been nominated for five Oscars, while Day & Night was up for one. After a broadcast that lasted a bit longer than three hours, the smoke cleared and Toy Story 3 emerged a winner. The film did not walk away with the Best Picture award, but did come away with two more golden statuettes that can now be placed in Pixar Animation Studios’ ever-growing trophy case. [Read more…]
Toy Story 3 Oscar Congratulations
Congratulations to Lee Unkrich, Randy Newman, and everyone at Pixar who helped make Toy Story 3 happen.
Jerrod Maruyama, art director for The Pixar Times, put together this great piece.
Click here to read our recap of the Academy Awards.
Randy Newman To Perform “We Belong Together” At Oscars
Earlier today, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a press release detailing who will perform at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. It has been confirmed that Randy Newman, the man behind the instantly recognizable Toy Story trilogy soundtrack, will sing “We Belong Together,” the song that plays with the epilogue of Toy Story 3. [Read more…]
Lee Unkrich, Michael Arndt, Teddy Newton, Darla K. Anderson, Randy Newman React to Oscar Nominations
This morning was quite the media circus, as the Academy Award nominations were announced. Toy Story 3 was nominated for five awards, while Day & Night bagged one nomination. EW has compiled several statements that have been released by Lee Unkrich, Michael Arndt, and Teddy Newton, in which they thank the Academy and others. Read on to view their full statements. [Read more…]