The Buzz: October 2004
New Trailer for Chicken Little released
It seems to me that everyone these days is riffing a little from the amusing trailer for Team America: World Police that came out earlier this year. The new trailer for Disney's CG film Chicken Little also seems to be taking a page from their book. You can watch the trailer on MSN Entertainment, (the site does seem to demand both IE6 and Media Player to view).
posted: Oct 31, 2004 by athena
Wizards II?
In an interview with Frames Per Second magazine, Ralph Bakshi announces he has pitched a sequel to his 1977 cult hit 'Wizards' to Fox. The film would feature Blackwolf's mutant son. The decision will be based on sales of the 'Wizards' DVD. Bakshi has talked about a sequel for years, but this is the first serious possibility of it getting it off the ground which we know of. Warning: interview contains coarse language.
posted: Oct 30, 2004 by lupercal
The Music Video Message from Eminem
In his latest music video, "Mosh"--which features 3D CG environments and flash-style animation--the message from Eminem to the American people is clear: on November 2nd, do your duty. You can watch the video online at the Guerrilla News Network.
posted: Oct 28, 2004 by athena
Review of the Ottawa International Animation Festival
I had the pleasure of attending this festival in late September this year. I've been meaning to write up my own review of the experience--which I will say was fantastic and I hope to attend again next year--but I simply haven't had the chance. However, you can read Ottawa Animation Festival 2004: One Animators Perspective by Patrick Smith over on AWN who gives a great play-by-play of the event.
posted: Oct 28, 2004 by athena
Madman Australia to release 13 Ghibli titles
Madman Entertainment, the prime Australian distributor of anime, has announced it has licensed 13 Studio Ghibli films to be released before the end of 2005. The releases will be in 'waves' - the next consisting of 'The Cat Returns', 'Nausicaa' and 'Porco Rosso' around March 2005. Madman notes this wave is 'the same as the US'. If this schedule holds, and US versions are similar to Australian, the USA would have 'Whisper of the Heart, 'Pom Poko', 'Only Yesterday' and 'My Neighbors the Yamadas' next year, most with English dubs.
posted: Oct 27, 2004 by lupercal
Censored cartoons on the Tom and Jerry DVD set
Much to the surprise of both Warner Bros. and the fans, it would seem that three edited or "censored" Tom and Jerry cartoons somehow found their way on the recently released DVD set, (see this thread on the Golden Age Cartoons Forum for details and this thread on the Animation Show Forum for an explanation from animation historian, Jerry Beck). If you've already purchased a copy of the DVDs and you're interested in getting the real deal, a mail-in replacement plan is in the works although word is that that may take some time.
posted: Oct 24, 2004 by athena
From Platige Image, Fallen Art
Does everyone remember The Cathedral? When it was released in 2002, I recall word of it sweeping around the 'net as one of the most visually stunning pieces of animation many people had ever seen. Well, the people that brought you The Cathedral now bring you the short film Fallen Art--the story of a forgotten military base somewhere in the Pacific. No trailer yet, but check out their website for some great preview art.
posted: Oct 22, 2004 by athena
Trailer for Madagascar released
Coming in May 2005 from people at PDI/DreamWorks, Madagascar follows the tale of very 'domesticated' zoo animals who are dumped into the wild. View the trailer here.
posted: Oct 22, 2004 by athena
Don Bluth Animates for Music Video
Animated News reports that what is being heralded as one of the highlights of the debut album of UK band Scissor Sisters' is the animation of Don Bluth on their music video. The sequence is a one-minute condensed version of Rapunzel and you can view a short clip of it here
posted: Oct 22, 2004 by athena
North American release date for Balto 3
Balto fans mark your calendars, the direct-to-video release date for Balto III: Wings of Change has been announced as February 1, 2005. At the request of some overseas reviewers who are going to be able to see the video before that date, I've already moved the profile into the Direct-to-Video area. We should have some early reviews of Balto III some time very soon.
posted: Oct 22, 2004 by athena
