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Once again, the amazing Paul Robin has provided us with a fantastical new seasonal header for this blog. In this year's Christmas logo, a snowman's head take the place of the usual Luxo ball. Who knows, maybe this snowman is relative of little Knick from Pixar's 1989 short film Knick Knack. Big thank you to Paul Robin, who has also posted a new holiday-themed adventure on his blog - don't forget to check that out! Happy Holidays!
To contact us Click HERE A website, two posters, and now two brand new stills from Monsters University fresh from the studio. But still no stinking trailer. However, Pixar may be torturing us fans by not yet having released a new trailer (and not even mentioning when it'll pop up), but at least they're feeding us with small appetizers like these new images to ease the hunger for the extremely anticipated trailer. Entertainment Weekly debuted the stills, and also talked with director Dan Scanlon, who gave brief explanations of what is happening in each of the images. “They’re at a fraternity party, and this is Mike and Sulley getting off on the wrong foot a little bit,” he says of the first image (seen above). Mr. Scanlon also tells us that the creature Mike is clutching in his right arm while being lifted up by his furry rival is "the monster equivalent of a farm animal" and the university's mascot. The second image sees a young Mike arriving at MU on his very first day, eager to begin a new chapter in his life. Be sure to read the full story over at EW, and look forward to Pixar's Monsters University this summer. In the meantime, Monsters, Inc. 3D hits theaters just next week, so don't miss out on this chance to get to see the original film in theaters 11 years after its original release!
To contact us Click HERE Monsters, Inc. hits theaters in 3D tomorrow, and Pixar fans are anxiously hoping that the ever-so-anticipated trailer for Monsters University will show up then. While we patiently wait, have a look at these MU tidbits that have been dropped in the past few days. On Friday, the studio treated us to yet another still (pictured above) from the upcoming prequel on their Tumblr blog. The new image appears to be a continuation of the scene shown in one of the previous stills. Sulley seems to be having quite a bit of fun, but I'd say Mike isn't as happy about the situation. Available now for pre-order is the latest Pixar "Art of" book, The Art of Monsters University. This book will no doubt be exploding with vibrant colors and superb artwork by the extremely talented team of artists at the studio. The current cover art may or may not be the same by the time the book arrives in June - usually these books are given temporary covers when they are first made available to pre-order, but last year's Art of Brave had the same cover artwork from the very beginning, so only time will tell what will happen with this one. Monsters University hits theaters June 21st, 2013, and the original film returns to theaters tomorrow, so don't miss out!
To contact us Click HERE Yet another Pixar re-release has arrived in theaters, and today the studio's beloved Monsters, Inc. gets its time to shine on the big screen once again, this time in breathtaking, eye-popping 3D. In honor of the release, check out this featurette in which director Pete Docter tells you what you can expect to find when you go watch Monsters in 3D. By the looks of it, there is a 99% chance that you will not be disappointed!
See Mike and Sulley in all their glory while they're here in theaters, otherwise you'll have to wait until June to see them in the upcoming prequel Monsters University. I'm hearing some really good things about Monsters, Inc. 3D, so this is one re-release you won't want to miss!
To contact us Click HERE Monsters, Inc. hit theaters in 3D just last week, so it's only natural that the film is going to be given a Blu-ray 3D release in February. Pixar Talk reports that Partysaurus Rex, the Toy Story Toon that played in front of Finding Nemo 3D in September, will be included this new Monsters Blu-ray release. Although the short can already be viewed on the official Toy Story website, it's going to be great seeing it in full high-definition and, of course, in 3D. Just imagine that colorful bathtub over-flowing right into your living room. Now wouldn't that be awesome? Bring Partysaurus and Monsters, Inc. home on Blu-ray 3D on February 19th!
DisneyToon Studios' controversial Cars spin-off, Planes, was previously intended for a direct-to-DVD release for next Autumn, however, Box Office Mojo now reports that it will be released in cinemas. A release date of 9th August, 2013 is cited, which will put it in box office competition with DreamWorks' seemingly Cars-esque Turbo (check out the teaser trailer for that film here).
As Upcoming Pixar points out, with John Lasseter producing, this could be a sign that the film has turned out really rather well. On the flip-side, the much more pragmatic and pessimistic side, it could be just a ploy for money. We'll find out soon enough, I'm positive it won't be Pixar quality, but it should be enjoyable enough
Planes is directed by Klay Hall (The Simpsons, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure) and stars the voices of Jon Cryer and Brad Garrett. In my interview with Superman Classic director Rob Pratt, he spoke about Planes and the team working on it, saying:
""PLANES" has been a pleasure to work on largely because of the support John Lasseter has shown for the production. "Cars" is clearly a passion project for him, and he is so excited about having that world expanded. My director, Klay Hall, is an inspiring guy to be around, so knowledgeable and a great collaborator. I've learned a lot from him! The story crew got to be very close - I truly like and respect everyone on our team. I'm very proud of how the movie is coming out!" Via Cartoon Brew.
DreamWorks have rolled out a cool new motion poster (in the vein of fellow Fox stablemate, The Wolverine) for their first release of 2013, The Croods. Based on the existing poster we'd already seen, this cool new motion one shows some of the gorgeous sceneries and animals we can expect to encounter come March next year. It's embedded above, but follow this link if that doesn't work - be sure to toggle the definition up to 1080p. Also, try downloading the DreamWorks Animation Augmented Reality app and scanning the poster with your smart phone or iPod Touch - it's pretty cool.
Speaking of the gorgeous sceneries and lush, vibrant colours of The Croods, Amazon are now listing The Art of The Croodsfor pre-order. Odds are, given that it's not out til February, you won't want to pre-order the book just yet (although it's sure to be a stunning one), but you can check out the (presumably temporary) cover art above.The Art of The Croods, by Noela Hueso, with foreword by Nicolas Cage, is published by Titan Books on 15th February, 2013 (UK; 12th in the US).
Speaking of 'Art of' books, Amazon are also listing The Art of Epic for pre-order too; by Tara Bennett and also published by Titan Books, due 26th April, 2013 (UK; 16th in the US). The cover here appears to be a final shot from the film, rather than actual production art. The Art of Monsters University is also up for pre-order as well.
US fans who checked out Finding Nemo 3D this past September were treated to the third Toy Story Toon, Partysaurus Rex (check out our review here, and our interview with the short's director, Mark Walsh, here). Audiences and critics loved it (well it is Toy Story after all), but were left bewildered as to when and where it'd show up on home video. It wasn't on the Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2, nor was it on the Finding Nemo Blu Ray release; we feared we may have to wait for Short Films Collection: Volume 3 or a Toy Story Toons Collection.However, fear no more, as (thanks to Pixar Talk) we now know where Partysaurus will show up next. Monsters, Inc. 3D is in US cinemas now (check out our exclusive review of it here), we can expect the re-issue of the Blu Ray sometime thereafter (19th February, 2013 claims blu-ray.com) and - as you can see in the back cover shot above - it will be bringing Partysaurus Rex home with it! Aside from that, the nonus features seem pretty much the same as before. Monsters, Inc. 3D arrives in the UK on 18th January, 2013, so expect the Blu Ray to hit the UK sometime after that.
Lastly, with some more home video release news, Entertainment Weekly have got an exclusive clip from the brand new feature-based short, Captain Sparky vs. the Flying Saucers, that will appear on the Frankenweenie DVD and Blu Ray release - check it out here. Frankenweenie hits DVD and Blu Ray in the US on 8th January, 2013, and arrives here in the UK on 11th February, 2013.
Yes, the season is upon us once again. It may not be a white Christmas (not here, anyway), but it feels like it's going to be a good one. If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that Christmas TV is a gift to us all; case in point, Lady and the Tramp is on BBC1 right now!
So, from all of us here at A113Animation, have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and loving holiday - no matter how you choose to celebrate it. Thank you for visiting us over the past year, and I look forward to wishing you the same seasonal joy this time next year. After all, as Kermit says, there's only one more sleep 'til Christmas.
God bless, and Merry Christmas from A113Animation.
By Damien. Should non-gamers see Wreck-It Ralph?A guest review disguised as an idioticquestion. Wreck-It Ralph is a video gamecharacter. Or rather, he's a video game villain. He's the bad guy in an arcadegame called Fix-It Felix, Jr. He's the DonkeyKong to Felix's Mario; except, not that lucky, because while the giant ape hadthat 1981 game named after him, Ralph has virtually nothing.There's no fun to be found in being tossed over and over inmud, no respect from his co-workers and no medal to show for it all. Ralph isbored, and wishes he could be a hero.In the months leading up to the releaseof this film one of the main concerns was: "Arenon-gamers gonna get it?"Now, I'm not a non-gamer, but I can stilloffer my best guess on the matter. And here it is: Not so fast!You wouldn't want me to rush an answer. Besides, before Wreck-It Ralph, if you're lucky (as I was), you'll betreated to Paperman, a fantastic short film directed by John Kahrs. Asimple story, told in a touching way. The animation is beautiful and utterly unique. The short is only seven minutes long, but you still care, you'restill involved. You believe in the characters, and you definitely want a happyending. All in all, Paperman is a must see.Now, let's get back to the arcade... The Game is on!This film is full of nods to actualvideo games. I won't lie, there are a lot of them. From the worlds of Pac-Man,Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario and more; there's even one from my favouritevideo game saga, Metal Gear Solid. This is truly a gamer-heaven of amovie. So, is it not too much? Isn't Disneyfalling here in the pop-culture-jokes trap that DreamWorks have been, successfully, trying to get out of for the last couple of years? Are thesevideo game nods a stupid mistake? Well, there are two answers to that. Andhere they are: Wait a minute!I totally forgot to talk about thecharacters. I'm about halfway into my review and I haven't even mentioned Vanellope von Schweetz, whose relationship withRalph is the emotional core of the film. What a jackass am I? (Don't answerthat in the comments, I think you'd hurt my feelings.)So, Vanellope lives in Sugar Rush, butshe's a glitch. She shouldn't be in the game. Everyone in Sugar Rush despisesher, which is one of the things that makes Ralph relate to her. The connectionbetween those two characters is so strong that I found myself shedding a tearmore than once. For both sad and happy reasons.There are also Fit-It Felix, Jr., SergeantCalhoun, and a real villain. But let's not talk aboutthem too much, it would spoil some of the fun.Back to our problem, yes? No.There it is. My first answer to thequestion "Are these video game nods a stupid mistake?" is no. It'snot stupid, because it's not just there randomly. It doesn't feel like whatDreamWorks (sorry DreamWorks) used to do. Which was bringing a 21st century nodto a medieval, ogre-filled story - yes, I am looking at you Shrek and JustinTimberlake. That kind of thing felt out of place, and was downright stupid.Whereas here, it's only natural to havejokes about famous video game characters. It's a video game world, after all!Of course you meet Bowser, Robotnik or Ken Masters; of course Sonic loses ringswhen he's hit by something; of course Pac-Man is a cherry-chasing dot-muncher. So, that's my first answer to the question"Arethese video game nods a stupid mistake?": It's not stupid. It's justlogical.But there is another answer. Let's seewhat it is, right now! You shall not pass!I'm just messing with you. Proceed. Nope.My second answer is also no. I've alreadystated that no, it's not Timberlake-stupid. Now, what I'm saying is that no,it's not a mistake, because it's not a disaster if you don't get it. The filmdoes not linger too long on the jokes. Before you even start to think about thenod, the story has moved on. So it doesn't matter if you get it or not, becausethese little bonuses come and go in a flash, and if you catch them, good; ifyou don't, you probably didn't even notice there was something to catch.What's important here is the story. Thebeautiful friendship story. The way everything in the script pays off.You can also appreciate the wonderfulwords designed by the Disney artists. The diversity of it, the crazy and funnyvisual ideas, the amazing animation, the top-notch voice talent...Let's just say that while Wreck-It Ralphhas its minor flaws, there is enough wonder in this film to make you happy,whether you play video games or not. I'm not a hardcore gamer myself, and thereare certainly nods that I missed, but that didn't stop me from loving Wreck-ItRalph. And I think it shouldn't stop anybody else going to see it either. Game Over?My take on Wreck-It Ralph, in theend, is that it's a beautifully crafted movie, an almost perfect combo of fun,drama, twists and great characters. It's my personal favourite animated film ina year full of great animated films (The Pirates!, Brave, ParaNorman,Frankenweenie, Rise of the Guardians, to name just a few...).It's about the main characters first, andthe video game culture references shouldn't worry anybody; as long as you careabout a solid storyline, and if you want to have a lot of fun, you should gosee this film. Wreck-It Ralph left me with a big smile and wanting more. Continue? -- Here at A113Animation, we love hearing from you, our readers. Be it by Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, email or whatever else, we like hearing your thoughts! If, like Damien or Munir, you feel passionately about a subject or a film, then why not shoot us a review or editorial? You can send us your ideas at contact@a113animation.com. Thanks to Damien for this great review, we look forward to sharing future reviews of his with you. Be sure to follow him on Twitter, and thanks, as always, for visiting A113Animation!
Wreck-It Ralph is finally released in UK cinemas on 8th February, 2013.
Sad news emerged yesterday, that Gerry Anderson, best known as the creator of hit puppet sci-fi show Thunderbirds, has passed away at the age of 83. His son Jamie announced the death yesterday, saying he "died peacefully in his sleep"; Anderson also created Captain Scarlet, Joe 90 and Space 1999 - to name just a few.
Having now had a day to process this, it's sunk in just how much of an impact Gerry's work has had on me - and indeed anyone who grew up in England since the 60s. Thunderbirds was, and to some extent still is, huge. I have fond and vivid memories of watching the show, playing with my Thunderbird 2 toy, and a friend and I dressing up as Scott and Virgil as children. The show's immense popularity spawned a (slightly less brilliant) 2004 feature adaptation starring Ben Kingsley, complete with the similarly titled chart-topping single by Busted; a new series of the show was also being developed, in CG.
Although Anderson's most famous work was using modified marionette puppets (a technique called supermarionation), he did dabble in other formats; for all the brilliance of the 1960s original, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, my fondest memories of that show are of the 2005 CGI reboot. That, Thunderbirds and shows like Cubix helped fuel my lifelong love of sci-fi and technology. He also created the beloved live-action series Space: 1999.
Several animators, stop-motion directors, filmmakers and celebrities have expressed a deep love of Anderson's work and a deep sadness at his passing.
Space 1999, Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlett, Terrahawks, Joe 90, UFO. My whole childhood just died. Rest In Peace Gerry Anderson. — edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 26, 2012
Gerry Anderson, thank you for marvelous adventures, and the mostincredible vehicles in which to take them. Rest in peace. — hal hickel (@halhickel) December 26, 2012
Sad to hear about Gerry Anderson. He had me hooked from Four Feather Falls. And then Supercar of course. — Peter Lord (@PeteLordAardman) December 26, 2012
Sad news. Gerry Anderson RIP. For men of my age his work made childhood an incredible place to be. — jonathan ross (@wossy) December 26, 2012
Goodbye Gerry Anderson. Space 1999 series one was some of the most sublime, philosophical SF ever to grace the TV sets of the world. — Paul Franklin (@PaulJFranklin) December 26, 2012
Gerry Anderson made my childhood better. (My favorite Thunderbird was 4, Gordon's, because I could legitimately play with it in the bath.) — Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) December 26, 2012
Rest in peace, Gerry Anderson. Thanks for so, so much. A legacy that will live on for decades. — Den Of Geek (@denofgeek) December 26, 2012
Sad to hear of death of Gerry Anderson. Thunderbirds still regular viewing in our house, and I remember Space 1999 with particular fondness — Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) December 26, 2012
Gerry truly was a wonderfully talented man (he even wrote an early story treatment for Moonraker), one who has influenced multiple generations of children and one who will be greatly missed. Jamie Anderson is endeavouring to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society in honour of his father's condition - you can donate here.
Thunderbirds, sadly, are go no more. Rest in peace, Gerry.
To contact us Click HERE As one would expect, Nissan is going to display several vehicles at Japan's largest tuning event of the year, next year's Tokyo Auto Salon 2013 with NAPAC, which will be held from January 11 to 13.
Nissan said it's auto show lineup will include a mix of pure racing cars such as the Motul Autech GT-R, the GT-R Nismo GT3 and the impressive looking DeltaWing, and customized production and concept models.
Among the new proposals for Nissan's production cars is a Nismo Performance Package for the all-electric Leaf, which brings an assortment of aero parts, but strangely, no changes to the car's powertrain (…), and personalization concepts for the Juke crossover and the Note sub-compact.
For more details on Nissan's Tokyo Auto Salon 2013 roster, hop over the break for the press blurb.
2013 Tokyo Auto Salon Vehicle Lineup [From Nissan PR]
Juke Personalization Concept
The unique nature of the Juke begs to be modified to the enthusiast driver's tastes, and the Juke Personalization Concept does that in a fun and fashionable way.
Note Personalization Concept
This exciting new example of "the customized hot hatch" will feature a daring graphics motif that is dubbed as "digital camouflage."
Juke Nismo (Reference exhibit):
The Juke Nismo was engineered and developed with the passion and experience that has made Nismo one of the world's premiere motorsports organizations and factory-tuning divisions.
Nissan LEAF Nismo Performance Package
Inspired by Nismo race machines, the Leaf Nismo's special body kit possesses aerodynamic technology that optimizes front and rear lift balance for improved overall stability and efficiency.
Fairlady Z Nismo Z-Challenge Spec (Reference exhibit):
Complete with safety equipment and other parts necessary for motorsports, this specially-built racecar—which will compete in the single-spec race series called the Z-Challenge—provides a safe and thrilling way for enthusiasts to enjoy driving on a racetrack
Motul Autech GT-R
Nissan GT-Rs won three out of the eight total races in the GT500 class of the 2012 Super GT Series, with the S Road Mola GT-R taking both the Team Championships and the Drivers Title for the second straight year.
The Motul Autech GT-R was one of the racecars that competed in the GT500 class of the 2012 Super GT Series.
Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3
The 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3, which made its debut in March 2012, is an improved version of the 2012 model, with better engine output, increased reliability and enhanced aerodynamics. The racecar is in compliance of FIA GT3 regulation and will continue its assault on racing events all over the world, including the Super GT, Super Taikyu and the British GT Championship.
Nissan DeltaWing
This revolutionary new racecar has garnered worldwide attention since its debut last year. Using only half the fuel supply and tires of a conventional racecar, the DeltaWing competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2012 and finished 5th overall at the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) finale in October 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.
NV350 Caravan Rider Transporter
With grandiose styling and exceptional cargo capacity, the custom-built NV350 Caravan Rider is truly a commercial van for the new generation. Not only is it a capable workhorse, it also excels as an ideal recreational/leisure vehicle for those with active lifestyles.
Note Rider
Thanks to its powerful exterior design, the Note Rider has high dose of flair for a compact car. The dark-plated front fascia and aluminum wheels that highlight this Auto Salon-special model exude a high level of "coolness."
To contact us Click HERE Hate it or love it, sex sells - even on eBay Motors. Unlike this eBay seller that laid false claims about a young woman posing on a 1977 Datsun 280Z being his daughter for some extra spicy attention, the owner of this black 2008 Audi R8 GT is letting the pictures speak for themselves.
We don't get the opportunity to learn the young woman's name, but we do get to know a little about her preferences in underwear and lingerie, and that she fits comfortably on the R8's door.
As for the car itself, the seller confusingly states it’s an R8 GT (which is the V10 model) in the title but then goes to say it features a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 right below, before we read the description that follows and which says it's powered by a "4.2L 4163CC V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated". Go figure…
In any case, and excluding the scantily dressed young lady, the R8 is priced at $130,000.