Disney To Release 14 New Animated Films Through 2012

[lazyboy97O]

Originally Posted by GhostHost2

King of the Elves and The Bear and the Bow sound very interesting. I am glad that PIXAR is not getting into a sequel trap after Toy Story 3. Cars 2 should be called: Cars 2: The Search for More Money.

All of these animated theatrical releases after Wall-E (except for The Princess and the Frog) will be in Disney Digital 3D. I don't think story driven films like those that come out of PIXAR need a gimik like 3D. 3D could be fun with B-Grade horror films, but does anyone really think Toy Story will be any better because it is in 3D?

PIXAR has been about pushing the technology of their medium for their entire history. Toy Story may not be better in 3D, but would we really be as impressed with Wall∙E if it looked like Toy Story?

[krystledm]

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/2...770918200.html

nothing new, just a link

[Lost Boy]

This is the complete detailed list that was emailed to me as part of the press release:

(As you will see they plan to make both Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in Disney Digital 3-D).


WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS/ PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS RELEASE SCHEDULE
2008 -- 2012:

2008:

WALL*E (Domestic Release Date: June 27th, 2008)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director/Screenwriter: Andrew Stanton
Producer: Jim Morris
Co-Producer: Lindsey Collins
Sound and Character Voice Designer: Ben Burtt
Composer: Thomas Newman, with an Original Song Performed by Peter Gabriel Voice Talent: Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, Sigourney Weaver, John
Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy

What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn off the last robot?

Academy Award(R)-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton ("Finding Nemo") and the inventive storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios transport moviegoers to a galaxy not so very far away for a new computer-animated cosmic comedy about a determined robot named WALL*E.

After hundreds of lonely years doing what he was built for, WALL*E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL*E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL*E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most incredible comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen.

Joining WALL*E on his fantastic journey across a universe of never-before-imagined visions of the future is a hilarious cast of characters including a pet cockroach, and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots.



BOLT (Domestic Release Date: November 26th, 2008, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Chris Williams, Byron Howard
Producer: Clark Spencer
Voice Talent: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman

For super-dog Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue -- at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the canine star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet -- a cross-country journey through the real world. Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions -- a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voiced by Susie Essman), and TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named Rhino -- Bolt discovers he doesn't need superpowers to be a hero. Miley Cyrus ("Hannah Montana") brings her vocal talents to the role of Penny, Bolt's human co-star on the television series.



TINKER BELL (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: October 28th, 2008)
DisneyToon Studios
Director: Bradley Raymond
Producer: Jeannine Roussel

Enter the magical world of fairies and meet the enchanting creatures of Pixie Hollow, who "nurture nature" and bring about the change of the seasons. Changing the colors of the leaves, moving a sunbeam to melt snow, waking animals from their winter slumber, or giving a patch of sproutlings a sprinkle of water are all within the realm of these seasonal specialists. Tinker Bell thinks her fairy talent as a "tinker" isn't as special or important as the other fairies' talents. But when Tink tries to change who she is, she creates nothing but disaster! With encouragement from her friends Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn and Iridessa, Tink learns the key to solving her problems lies in her unique tinker abilities ... and discovers that when she's true to herself, magical things can happen.



2009:

UP (Domestic Release Date: May 29th, 2009, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Pete Docter
Co-Director: Bob Peterson
Producer: Jonas Rivera
Writer: Bob Peterson Voice Talent: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Jordan
Nagai

From the Academy Award(R)-nominated team of director Pete Docter ("Monsters, Inc.") and co-director Bob Peterson comes "Up," a comedic adventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009. Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. "Up" takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer -- look "Up."



TOY STORY in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: October 2nd, 2009)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: John Lasseter
Producers: Ralph Guggenheim, Bonnie Arnold
Composer: Randy Newman Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace
Shawn, John Ratzenberger

Originally released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1995, "Toy Story" was the first feature film from Pixar Animation Studios and director John Lasseter. The film went on to receive Oscar(R) nominations for Best Original Score, Best Original Song, and Best Original Screenplay, and earned Lasseter a Special Achievement Award (Oscar(R)) "for the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." The 3-D version of this landmark film is being personally overseen by Lasseter with his acclaimed team of technical wizards handling all the necessary steps in the conversion process.



THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2009)
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: John Musker, Ron Clements
Producer: Peter Del Vecho
Composer: Randy Newman
Voice Talent: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, John Goodman

A musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans, "The Princess and the Frog" marks Disney's return to the timeless art form of traditional animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker, creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin," with Oscar(R)-winning composer Randy Newman to tell the most beautiful love story ever told .. with frogs, voodoo, and a singing alligator.

TINKER BELL NORTH OF NEVER LAND - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray
Release Date: 2009)


DisneyToon Studios
Director: Klay Hall
Producer: Sean Lurie

In autumn, Tinker Bell is entrusted with crafting a great treasure that can rejuvenate the Pixie Dust Tree. But when her friend Terence offers to help, Tink's temper and stubbornness get the better of her, shattering both her creation and her friendship with Terence. To set things right again, she must embark on a journey far North of Never Land ... and along the way, she will discover an even greater treasure.



2010:

TOY STORY 2 in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: February 12th, 2010)
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: John Lasseter
Co-Directors: Lee Unkrich, Ash Brannon
Producers: Helene Plotkin, Karen Robert Jackson
Composer: Randy Newman Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don
Rickles, Estelle Harris, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger

Originally released in 1999, "Toy Story 2" went on to become one of the most popular animated features of all time. The film picks up as Andy is heading off to Cowboy Camp and the toys are left to their own devices. When an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (owner of Al's Toy Barn) kidnaps Woody, and Woody learns that he's a highly valued collectable from a 1950s TV show called "Woody's Roundup," the stage is set for a daring rescue attempt by the gang from Andy's room. The film introduced such other memorable characters from "Woody's Roundup" as Jessie the cowgirl, Bullseye the horse, and the Prospector.

TOY STORY 3 (Domestic Release Date: June 18th, 2010, Disney Digital
3-D(TM))


Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Lee Unkrich
Producer: Darla K. Anderson
Writer: Michael Arndt
Composer: Randy Newman Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace
Shawn, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Ned Beatty

The creators of the beloved "Toy Story" films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in "Toy Story 3." Lee Unkrich (co-director of "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo") directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award(R)-winning screenwriter of "Little Miss Sunshine," brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings.



RAPUNZEL (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2010, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Glen Keane, Dean Wellins
Producer: Roy Conli

In this new telling of the classic fairy tale, "Rapunzel," audiences will be transported to a stunning CG fantasy world complete with the iconic tower, an evil witch, a gallant hero and, of course, the mysterious girl with the long golden tresses. Expect adventure, heart, humor, and hair ... lots of hair, when Rapunzel unleashes her locks in theaters for the 2010 holiday.

TINKER BELL A MIDSUMMER STORM - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray
Release Date: 2010)


DisneyToon Studios
Director: Carolyn Gair
Producer: Margot Pipkin

After being confronted by her antagonist Vidia, an irritated Tinker Bell retaliates by taking a photograph of Vidia ... without considering the consequences. Now, the two must set aside their differences and cooperate to prevent evidence of the existence of fairies from falling into human hands.



2011:

NEWT (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2011, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Gary Rydstrom
Producer: Richard Hollander
Writers: Gary Rydstrom, Leslie Caveny

What happens when the last remaining male and female blue-footed newts on the planet are forced together by science to save the species, and they can't stand each other? That's the problem facing Newt and Brooke, heroes of "newt," the Pixar film by seven-time Academy Award(R) winner for sound Gary Rydstrom, and director of Pixar's Oscar-nominated short, "Lifted." Newt and Brooke embark on a perilous, unpredictable adventure and discover that finding a mate never goes as planned, even when you only have one choice. Love, it turns out, is not a science.

THE BEAR AND THE BOW (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2011, Disney
Digital 3-D(TM))


Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brenda Chapman
Producer: Katherine Sarafian
Voice Talent: Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson

A rugged and mythic Scotland is the setting for Pixar's action-adventure "The Bear and the Bow." The impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though a daughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark, ancient curse to set things right. Director Brenda Chapman ("The Prince of Egypt," "The Lion King") and the storytelling wizards of Pixar conjure humor, fantasy and excitement in this rich Highland tale.

TINKER BELL A WINTER STORY - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray
Release Date: 2011)

DisneyToon Studios

Producer: Sean Lurie

The fourth, as-yet-untold story of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will take place in winter, completing the cycle of the seasons.



2012:

CARS 2 (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2012, Disney Digital 3-D(TM))
Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brad Lewis

All the world's a racetrack as racing superstar Lightning McQueen zooms back into action, with his best friend Mater in tow, to take on the globe's fastest and finest in this thrilling high-octane new installment of the "Cars" saga. Mater and McQueen will need their passports as they find themselves in a new world of intrigue, thrills and fast-paced comedic escapades around the globe. "Cars 2" is being directed by Brad Lewis, producer of the Oscar(R)- winning film "Ratatouille."

KING OF THE ELVES (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2012, Disney
Digital 3-D(TM))


Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directors: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
Producer: Chuck Williams

Legendary storyteller Phillip K. Dick's short story (his only experiment in the fantasy genre) becomes the basis for this fantastic and imaginative tale about an average man living in the Mississippi Delta, whose reluctant actions to help a desperate band of elves leads them to name him their new king. Joining the innocent and endangered elves as they attempt to escape from an evil and menacing troll, their unlikely new leader finds himself caught on a journey filled with unimaginable dangers and a chance to bring real meaning back to his own life.

[Queentitania19]

I'm excited for Wall*E, Up, Newt, Rapunzel and Bear and the Bow. I really really hate direct to DVD movies.... a lot. I thought Lasseter put a screeching halt to that??? I knew they were releasing Little Mermaid 3 and Tinkerbell but I thought that was the end of direct to DVD sequels....

[tcsnwhite]

Look, the man did what he could. We should be thankful enough that he got most if not all of it shut down, with as much of a cash cow it was.
Supposedly, they came to a compromise that all sequel production would stop, and only those tied to the main Princess and Fairy franchises would remain...with the emphasis on fairies. I think Mermaid 3 is the last of those princess sequels.
And all those fairy films DisneyToon is doing are being overseen by John and company to make them the best films they can be, even for direct to DVD.

[disneytim]

Originally Posted by sediment

Direct-to-video, or direct-to-DVD, releases should not be called "films." "Films" are projected from a strip of images, called, "film," onto a large screen.

Moving picture, or "movie" might be more appropriate.

Movies shown in theaters equipped with digital projection aren't "films" either, but it has a better ring to it than going to see a "hard drive."

Originally Posted by Queentitania19

I'm excited for Wall*E, Up, Newt, Rapunzel and Bear and the Bow. I really really hate direct to DVD movies.... a lot. I thought Lasseter put a screeching halt to that??? I knew they were releasing Little Mermaid 3 and Tinkerbell but I thought that was the end of direct to DVD sequels....

Not as long as Disney is investing in a franchise that already includes a wide selection of books and merchandise, not to mention a soon-to-debut online virtual world.

And as bad (and well deserved) a reputation as direct-to-video has, anything with John Lasseter's name attached to it is at least entitled to a decent look before it's dismissed.

Originally Posted by tcsnwhite

And all those fairy films DisneyToon is doing are being overseen by John and company to make them the best films they can be, even for direct to DVD.

Exactly.

[aashee]

I am looking forward to most of these releases. I thing that seems to be true, if Pixar is doing it, it's going to be good.

[Lost Boy]

Actually Bob Igar is the one who shut down the sequel direct to DVD stuff. The Tinkerbell series are all new movies in CGI and each one will be a story connected to the 4 seasons. Each will have Tink plus different of the Fairies that are in the books. I am not all that exited about these, but I am sure all the little ones who are getting the books and play sets will be thrilled with it.

I always think that some of the DVD's that Disney puts out are just for little kids, some are for older kids, some are for adults and some are for all ages. If it doesn't appeal, then don't go out and buy it if you don't have any little ones begging for it. If you do, then you can start it for them, and then go into another room.

It's just like TV. If you don't like something, then change the channel, block that channel or better yet, turn off the TV and have make them go outside and play. It's much better for them anyway, and you might get some fresh air as well.

[Twist_of_Fate]

For those worried about Disney Digital 3D: Have you seen Meet the Robinsons or NBC in DD3D?

If you haven't, it's not "Let's have stuff pop out in the audience's faces" 3D. It's not 3D like in the parks. What it does is give the films that much more depth. Personally, I felt the DD3D Meet the Robinsons is a lot more eye-pleasing than the regular version.

[IzzyInWonderland]

I personally wish they'd make a couple more animated Disney princess films. I absolutely loved Enchanted though, so that will suffice for now. I think Pixar is running out of ideas for quality entertainment. Toy Story and Monsters were brilliant. Can't wait to see what they have in store.

[JiminyCricketFan]

Originally Posted by Twist_of_Fate

For those worried about Disney Digital 3D: Have you seen Meet the Robinsons or NBC in DD3D?

If you haven't, it's not "Let's have stuff pop out in the audience's faces" 3D. It's not 3D like in the parks. What it does is give the films that much more depth. Personally, I felt the DD3D Meet the Robinsons is a lot more eye-pleasing than the regular version.

I agree that the 3D version of Meet the Robinsons was much better than the standard. But in a home environment, you cannot recreate that wonderful 3D experience, so there really is no DVD sales connected to all the extra expense of doing it that way.

[sediment]

Originally Posted by disneytim

Movies shown in theaters equipped with digital projection aren't "films" either, but it has a better ring to it than going to see a "hard drive."

"I'm going to the Pixelatorium tonight to see Wall-e!"

[JerrodDRagon]

Don't forget Little Mermaid 3 this year, lol.

[tcsnwhite]

Originally Posted by IzzyInWonderland

I personally wish they'd make a couple more animated Disney princess films. I absolutely loved Enchanted though, so that will suffice for now. I think Pixar is running out of ideas for quality entertainment. Toy Story and Monsters were brilliant. Can't wait to see what they have in store.

You've got Princess and the Frog and Rapunzel coming up, and Pixar's Bear and the Bow.

[tasman]

A couple of thoughts:

* I think the 2012 release of Cars 2 is meant to coincide with the opening of Carsland.

* The 3-year-gap between Rapunzel and King of Elves for Walt Disney Animation is interesting. When was the last time we had such a long gap? Perhaps this is the transition back to hand drawn animation.