After baking in the sun for another 3 hours, I finally made it inside and into the best animation panels of the week.
John Lasseter led the Disney and Pixar panel with special guests including
Kirk Wise (director,
Beauty and the Beast), Pixars
Lee Unkrich (not Leon Critch!),
John Musker,
Ron Clements, and the legendary
Hiyayo Miazaki (
Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle).
Patton Oswalt also made an appearance as panel moderator. Plenty of laughter and news ensued as some of the geniuses behind both Disney and Pixar announced their upcoming releases. Lasseter kicked off the panel with the new 3D
Toy Story 3 trailer; exponentially more awesome than the 2D version in cinemas.
Toy Story 1 and
2 followed in their new 3D glory. Both films are being re-released as a double-feature this October in the states and from January 22nd in the UK.
Toy Story was released in 1995. Think about how many kids hav been born since then, and only know these stories on DVD/BluRay.
Its about time these films returned to the big screen! Based on the 3D previews, there is a whole lot more to enjoy about the
Toy Story experience this winter. After the jump, we've got reports on the re-release of
Beauty and the Beast in 3-D,
Princess and the Frog and Hiyayo Miyazaki's
Ponyo! Also being re-released in 3D is the Disney modern classic
Beauty and the Beast. Originally released in 1991, the film has been remastered directly from the original hand-drawn footage. Patton Oswalt expressed his excitement for the Gaston pub brawl scene, while director Kirk Wise is most excited about the iconic ballroom scene.
Beauty and the Beast 3D is released in cinemas on Valentines day 2010 in the USA, and 25th June 2010 in the UK. Disney is also returning to its old and true form with the studios brand new hand-drawn animation
Princess and the Frog. The Disney musical will be on screens in the UK on 12th February 2010, and in the USA on 11th December. The all-star cast includes
John Goodman, Terrence Howard, Oprah Winfrey and
DreamgirlAnika Noni Rose, to name but a few. Set in New Orleans, its sure to be very American and very Magical. Disney also has some fresh tricks up its sleeve, working on an ABC Christmas special. I have some privvy information for you. See, what you dont know is that Christmas Eve is a bigger operation than anyone has ever let on. Santas helpers also carry out the task of preparing the house for Santas arrival. The clip had all the magic of Disney hand-drawn style animation and the clever quirkiness of Pixar. Heres hoping that this gem makes its way to the UK in time for next years festivities! Finally, John Laseaters friend and hero
Hiyayo Miyazaki joined us for a quick Q&A, and the clip from his new film made a big splash.
Ponyo was originally a intended to be a frog but changed into a goldfish, or mermaid girl, for which Miyazaki says he is glad. Disney studio has been doing its magic to create a coherent English language version, with voices by stars such as
Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson and
Tina Fey. Fans of Miyazakis work are sure to love it.