Oscar nominees “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Parasite” were the big winners Saturday night at the 24th annual Art Directors Guild Awards (held at The InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown). Barbara Ling’s elegiac recreation of 1969 Hollywood beat Dennis Gassner’s innovative period work on Sam Mendes’ one-shot, World War I extravaganza “1917” for the period prize, while Lee Ha Jun’s extraordinary production design on Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” took contemporary honors. The wins for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Parasite” suggest they are not out of the running for the Production Design Oscar.
Oscar ballots are in voters hands, due Tuesday, February 4.
Meanwhile, “Avengers: Endgame” and “Toy Story 4 ” earned Adg awards for fantasy and animation.
Ling performed a 50-year facelift on Hollywood Blvd. and Westwood Village. The restoration included such bygone cultural fixtures as the Pussycat Theater, the psychedelic Aquarius Theatre (which opened “Hair” in 1968), and Peaches Records & Tapes.
Oscar ballots are in voters hands, due Tuesday, February 4.
Meanwhile, “Avengers: Endgame” and “Toy Story 4 ” earned Adg awards for fantasy and animation.
Ling performed a 50-year facelift on Hollywood Blvd. and Westwood Village. The restoration included such bygone cultural fixtures as the Pussycat Theater, the psychedelic Aquarius Theatre (which opened “Hair” in 1968), and Peaches Records & Tapes.
- 2/2/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
“Parasite,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” have won the top feature-film awards at the 24th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, which were handed out on Saturday night by the Art Directors Guild.
“Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” won in the period film category, “Avengers: Endgame” in the fantasy film category and “Parasite” in the contemporary film category. The award for production design on an animated film went to “Toy Story 4.”
In the 23 years that the Art Directors Guild has been handing out awards, one of its winners has gone on to win the Oscar for Best Production Design 16 times, including the last six years in a row.
Also Read: Directors Guild Awards 2020: Sam Mendes Wins Top Prize for '1917'
This year’s Oscar nominees for production design include two of the Adg winners, “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” and “Parasite,...
“Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” won in the period film category, “Avengers: Endgame” in the fantasy film category and “Parasite” in the contemporary film category. The award for production design on an animated film went to “Toy Story 4.”
In the 23 years that the Art Directors Guild has been handing out awards, one of its winners has gone on to win the Oscar for Best Production Design 16 times, including the last six years in a row.
Also Read: Directors Guild Awards 2020: Sam Mendes Wins Top Prize for '1917'
This year’s Oscar nominees for production design include two of the Adg winners, “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” and “Parasite,...
- 2/2/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Avengers: Endgame and Parasite were the big film winners at the Art Directors Guild’s 24th annual Adg Awards tonight, taking the Period, Fantasy and Contemporary trophies, respectively,
Toy Story 4 picked up the Animated Film prize during the ceremony at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown that honored excellence in production design across 11 categories in film and television., Check out the full list of winners below.
Trophy-takers on the TV side included The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Cherrnobyl, The Big Bang Theory, Russian Doll, The Umbrella Acedemy and Drunk History.
Since the Adg Awards launched in 1996, one of its top prize winners has gone on to win the Art Direction Oscar 15 of 23 years. The ADGs awarded a Feature Film prize for its first four years, then split its top categories into Period/Fantasy Film and Contemporary. Since 2006, it has handed out separate trophies for Period,...
Toy Story 4 picked up the Animated Film prize during the ceremony at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown that honored excellence in production design across 11 categories in film and television., Check out the full list of winners below.
Trophy-takers on the TV side included The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Cherrnobyl, The Big Bang Theory, Russian Doll, The Umbrella Acedemy and Drunk History.
Since the Adg Awards launched in 1996, one of its top prize winners has gone on to win the Art Direction Oscar 15 of 23 years. The ADGs awarded a Feature Film prize for its first four years, then split its top categories into Period/Fantasy Film and Contemporary. Since 2006, it has handed out separate trophies for Period,...
- 2/2/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The 24th annual Art Directors Guild Awards, which honors the best production design in film and television, took place Saturday, February 1. All eyes were on the Period Film category, which this year had four nominees match up with the Oscars for Best Production Design: “The Irishman,” “Jojo Rabbit,” “1917” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” The other two Adg period contenders were “Ford v Ferrari” and “Joker,” while the Oscars’ fifth bid went to “Parasite,” which was up for Contemporary Film at the guild. Scroll down to see the full winners list for the 2020 Adg Awards.
SEE4 reasons why Brad Pitt winning the Oscar for ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ is as real as a donut
The Art Directors Guild Awards have a great track record predicting the Oscar race for Best Production Design. Throughout the first 23 years of these kudos, the eventual Academy Award winner has always numbered...
SEE4 reasons why Brad Pitt winning the Oscar for ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ is as real as a donut
The Art Directors Guild Awards have a great track record predicting the Oscar race for Best Production Design. Throughout the first 23 years of these kudos, the eventual Academy Award winner has always numbered...
- 2/2/2020
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
On December 9, the Art Directors Guild announced the nominees for its 24th annual awards, which will be handed out on Feb. 1. These kudos have a stellar record at previewing the Academy Awards. Over the first 23 years of these prizes, the eventual Oscar winner for Best Production Design has always numbered among the Adg nominees in the various categories.
According to our expert predictions, period film contender “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” is the clear frontrunner to win the Oscar for Best Production Design. We expect that three of its rival in that race at the Adg — “The Irishman,” “Jojo Rabbit” and “1917” — will also contend at the Oscars. The fifth Academy Awards nominee is expected to be “Little Women,” but its odds might lengthen after being snubbed by the guild.
Period Film
“Ford v Ferrari” – François Audouy
“The Irishman” – Bob Shaw
“Jojo Rabbit” – Ra Vincent
“Joker” – Mark Friedberg
“1917...
According to our expert predictions, period film contender “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” is the clear frontrunner to win the Oscar for Best Production Design. We expect that three of its rival in that race at the Adg — “The Irishman,” “Jojo Rabbit” and “1917” — will also contend at the Oscars. The fifth Academy Awards nominee is expected to be “Little Women,” but its odds might lengthen after being snubbed by the guild.
Period Film
“Ford v Ferrari” – François Audouy
“The Irishman” – Bob Shaw
“Jojo Rabbit” – Ra Vincent
“Joker” – Mark Friedberg
“1917...
- 12/10/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Disney led the pack with eight production design nominations for the 24th annual Art Directors Guild Awards. These included Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” for fantasy, and animation entries “Frozen II,” “Toy Story 4,” and “The Lion King”.
All of the Oscar contenders were well represented, including Bong Joon Ho’s Lafca Best Picture winner, “Parasite,” and period standouts “1917,” Sam Mendes’ innovative, single-shot, World War I thriller, “Joker,” Todd Phillips’ blockbuster origin story, which channeled gritty ’70s New York as Gotham City; Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” which gave a 50-year facelift to Hollywood Blvd.; and Martin Scorsese’s sprawling mob epic, “The Irishman,” which crammed 117 locations for 309 scenes.
Contemporary nominees included Marielle Heller’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” Chad Stahelski’s “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum,” Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” and Jordan Peele’s “Us.” The other...
All of the Oscar contenders were well represented, including Bong Joon Ho’s Lafca Best Picture winner, “Parasite,” and period standouts “1917,” Sam Mendes’ innovative, single-shot, World War I thriller, “Joker,” Todd Phillips’ blockbuster origin story, which channeled gritty ’70s New York as Gotham City; Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” which gave a 50-year facelift to Hollywood Blvd.; and Martin Scorsese’s sprawling mob epic, “The Irishman,” which crammed 117 locations for 309 scenes.
Contemporary nominees included Marielle Heller’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” Chad Stahelski’s “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum,” Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” and Jordan Peele’s “Us.” The other...
- 12/9/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Art Directors Guild has announced nominations for the 24th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and animation features. The nominees include features The Irishman, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Ford v Ferrari, and Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian, The Crown and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on the TV side.
Winners will be honored at the 2020 Awards at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The nominees were announced today by Art Directors Guild President Nelson Coates, Adg, and Awards Producer Scott Moses, Adg. Additional honorees for Cinematic Imagery will be announced at a later date.
As previously announced, Syd Mead will receive the William Cameron Menzies Award. The Adg Lifetime Achievement Awards be presented to Joe Alves, Denis Olsen, Stephen Myles Berger and Jack Johnson. Additional honorees...
Winners will be honored at the 2020 Awards at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The nominees were announced today by Art Directors Guild President Nelson Coates, Adg, and Awards Producer Scott Moses, Adg. Additional honorees for Cinematic Imagery will be announced at a later date.
As previously announced, Syd Mead will receive the William Cameron Menzies Award. The Adg Lifetime Achievement Awards be presented to Joe Alves, Denis Olsen, Stephen Myles Berger and Jack Johnson. Additional honorees...
- 12/9/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Art Directors Guild has announced its nominations for the 24th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and animation features.
Among the films recognized for outstanding production design are James Mangold’s “Ford V Ferrari,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
“Aladdin,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Dumbo” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” all scored nods in the fantasy film category.
In television, streaming newcomer Disney Plus scored a production design nomination for its freshman season of “The Mandalorian.” HBO’s “Big Little Lies,” “Game of Thrones” and “Veep” also earned nominations in their respective categories.
Syd Mead, the “visual futurist” and concept artist known for his design contributions to science-fiction films such as “Star-Trek: The Motion Picture,” “Aliens,” and “Blade Runner,” has been named the recipient of the William Cameron Menzies Award. The Adg Lifetime...
Among the films recognized for outstanding production design are James Mangold’s “Ford V Ferrari,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
“Aladdin,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Dumbo” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” all scored nods in the fantasy film category.
In television, streaming newcomer Disney Plus scored a production design nomination for its freshman season of “The Mandalorian.” HBO’s “Big Little Lies,” “Game of Thrones” and “Veep” also earned nominations in their respective categories.
Syd Mead, the “visual futurist” and concept artist known for his design contributions to science-fiction films such as “Star-Trek: The Motion Picture,” “Aliens,” and “Blade Runner,” has been named the recipient of the William Cameron Menzies Award. The Adg Lifetime...
- 12/9/2019
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“The Irishman,” “Ford v Ferrari,” “Jojo Rabbit,” “Joker,” “1917” and “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” on Monday all nabbed nominations for the Art Directors Guild Awards’ period-film category, the Adg category that most closely corresponds to the Academy Award for Best Production Design.
In the Adg fantasy-film category, which typically supplies one or two Oscar nominees, the guild singled out “Ad Astra,” “Aladdin,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Dumbo,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Both of those categories were expanded from five to six nominees because of ties.
Also Read: How 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood' Turned Back the Clock on L.A.'s Streets
Nominees in the contemporary-film category are “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,” “Knives Out,” “Parasite” and “Us.”
Animated-film nominees are “Abominable,” “Frozen II,” “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” “The Lion King” and “Toy Story 4.
In the Adg fantasy-film category, which typically supplies one or two Oscar nominees, the guild singled out “Ad Astra,” “Aladdin,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Dumbo,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Both of those categories were expanded from five to six nominees because of ties.
Also Read: How 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood' Turned Back the Clock on L.A.'s Streets
Nominees in the contemporary-film category are “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,” “Knives Out,” “Parasite” and “Us.”
Animated-film nominees are “Abominable,” “Frozen II,” “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” “The Lion King” and “Toy Story 4.
- 12/9/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Keanu Reeves holds a special connection to his Toy Story 4 character Duke Caboom.
In a People exclusive clip from the Blu-ray/DVD and Digital home release, the 55-year-old actor gives life to the whimsical character who only wants to ride his motorcycle and be the greatest stunt-toy ever made.
“He’s a stunt guy from Canada, you’ve got Keanu Reeves from Canada who loves motorcycles,” said Bob Pauley, production designer of the film. “The planets align on that character.”
Scott Clark, the supervising animator on the film, said he was impressed with Reeves’s performance.
“When we were in pre-production for Duke Caboom,...
In a People exclusive clip from the Blu-ray/DVD and Digital home release, the 55-year-old actor gives life to the whimsical character who only wants to ride his motorcycle and be the greatest stunt-toy ever made.
“He’s a stunt guy from Canada, you’ve got Keanu Reeves from Canada who loves motorcycles,” said Bob Pauley, production designer of the film. “The planets align on that character.”
Scott Clark, the supervising animator on the film, said he was impressed with Reeves’s performance.
“When we were in pre-production for Duke Caboom,...
- 9/19/2019
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
As Woody and the toys return to cinemas in Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 4, one of the most prominent new locations — and arguably the most challenging to create — is Second Chance Antiques, which had to be populated with thousands of items.
"Fortunately, at Pixar, we have a big 'backlot' of objects from all of our feature films. It was a big treasure hunt because we have a lot of interesting history, and we also took the opportunity to plant some fun Easter eggs," says production designer Bob Pauley.
"There are awards cases from Gusteau's ...
"Fortunately, at Pixar, we have a big 'backlot' of objects from all of our feature films. It was a big treasure hunt because we have a lot of interesting history, and we also took the opportunity to plant some fun Easter eggs," says production designer Bob Pauley.
"There are awards cases from Gusteau's ...
- 6/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Woody and the toys return to cinemas in Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 4, one of the most prominent new locations — and arguably the most challenging to create — is Second Chance Antiques, which had to be populated with thousands of items.
"Fortunately, at Pixar, we have a big 'backlot' of objects from all of our feature films. It was a big treasure hunt because we have a lot of interesting history, and we also took the opportunity to plant some fun Easter eggs," says production designer Bob Pauley.
"There are awards cases from Gusteau's ...
"Fortunately, at Pixar, we have a big 'backlot' of objects from all of our feature films. It was a big treasure hunt because we have a lot of interesting history, and we also took the opportunity to plant some fun Easter eggs," says production designer Bob Pauley.
"There are awards cases from Gusteau's ...
- 6/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The SAG-aftra Foundation presents Game Changers, a four-night outdoor screening series June 27-30, featuring groundbreaking films and television that impacted diversity and representation in media, reimagined traditional narratives, and achieved major advances in storytelling.
Taking place at the Ford Theatres, each screening includes a moderated talk with cast members, creators or special guests to speak about the cultural significance and influence of each film.
Game Changers opens on Thursday, June 27 with the acclaimed Boyz N the Hood (1991). Cast members Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long and Tyra Ferrell will participate in a pre-screening conversation about their experiences working on John Singleton’s award-winning debut film, and the creative and cultural impact it had on Hollywood and audiences all over the world.
The featured screening on Friday, June 28 will be the original Toy Story (1995), preceded by a conversation with actors John Ratzenberger (voice of Hamm), John Morris (voice of Andy), art director Ralph Eggleston...
Taking place at the Ford Theatres, each screening includes a moderated talk with cast members, creators or special guests to speak about the cultural significance and influence of each film.
Game Changers opens on Thursday, June 27 with the acclaimed Boyz N the Hood (1991). Cast members Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long and Tyra Ferrell will participate in a pre-screening conversation about their experiences working on John Singleton’s award-winning debut film, and the creative and cultural impact it had on Hollywood and audiences all over the world.
The featured screening on Friday, June 28 will be the original Toy Story (1995), preceded by a conversation with actors John Ratzenberger (voice of Hamm), John Morris (voice of Andy), art director Ralph Eggleston...
- 6/13/2019
- Look to the Stars
Back in the mid-’90s, when Pixar was creating the world’s first computer-animated feature, the seminal “Toy Story,” the process was by necessity a collaborative one. Any of the 129 crew members could shout down the hallway with a question and get a quick response.
That spirit of collaboration persisted through the making of “Toy Story 2” (1999) and “Toy Story 3” (2010), and comes full circle with “Toy Story 4,” which Disney will release in the U.S. on June 21. For the latest iteration, Pixar found new ways to break down the walls between departments and allow crew to collaborate comprehensively on ambitious elements, including what’s believed to be the most complicated set in Pixar history — a realistic, dust-filled antiques mall stocked with 10,000 digital props.
“We got everybody together, almost every day, from every department, in a screening room for at least an hour to just look at scenes in...
That spirit of collaboration persisted through the making of “Toy Story 2” (1999) and “Toy Story 3” (2010), and comes full circle with “Toy Story 4,” which Disney will release in the U.S. on June 21. For the latest iteration, Pixar found new ways to break down the walls between departments and allow crew to collaborate comprehensively on ambitious elements, including what’s believed to be the most complicated set in Pixar history — a realistic, dust-filled antiques mall stocked with 10,000 digital props.
“We got everybody together, almost every day, from every department, in a screening room for at least an hour to just look at scenes in...
- 5/8/2019
- by Tom Mclean
- Variety Film + TV
Just a heads up -- in case you can't get to Walt Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA from August 14-16 -- heaps of new Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel and Disney movie intel will be coming out of the event, so put yourself on standby for cool previews.
Disney just shared a press release with the 2015 schedule. You'll see it's noted that "a bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel's Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens-and much, much more." Also, "Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar's upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation's Zootopia and Moana." So if those movies, and all Disney/Pixar projects, are of interest to you, just know some good teases should be coming out of this.
Here's the...
Disney just shared a press release with the 2015 schedule. You'll see it's noted that "a bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel's Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens-and much, much more." Also, "Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar's upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation's Zootopia and Moana." So if those movies, and all Disney/Pixar projects, are of interest to you, just know some good teases should be coming out of this.
Here's the...
- 7/22/2015
- by Gina Carbone
- Moviefone
The Movie Pool takes a long look at the short films of Pixar from their new Blu-ray!
The Set-up
Short films from Pixar, many featuring characters from the studio's feature fims, are presented.
The Delivery
This second collection of short films from Pixar features 12 cartoons in stunning high definition. Many of the shorts were previously available on Pixar home video releases (including "Hawaiian Vacation" and "Air Mater"), and three are Academy Award nominees.
What we get in Volume 2 of the series is an eclectic mix of styles and approaches, and for the most part, it all works well. While some are mildly amusing, others (like "Day and Night") are exceptional, that entertain and manage to be original.
The shorts included in the collection are:
"Your Friend the Rat" Ratatouille's Remy and Emile provide the disgusting yet funny history of rats. Director Jim Capobianco and production designer Nate Wragg provide an optional audio commentary.
The Set-up
Short films from Pixar, many featuring characters from the studio's feature fims, are presented.
The Delivery
This second collection of short films from Pixar features 12 cartoons in stunning high definition. Many of the shorts were previously available on Pixar home video releases (including "Hawaiian Vacation" and "Air Mater"), and three are Academy Award nominees.
What we get in Volume 2 of the series is an eclectic mix of styles and approaches, and for the most part, it all works well. While some are mildly amusing, others (like "Day and Night") are exceptional, that entertain and manage to be original.
The shorts included in the collection are:
"Your Friend the Rat" Ratatouille's Remy and Emile provide the disgusting yet funny history of rats. Director Jim Capobianco and production designer Nate Wragg provide an optional audio commentary.
- 12/17/2012
- by bogus@nospam.com (Victor Medina)
- Cinelinx
Toy Story 3 3D Blu-Ray Combo Pack Walt Disney Home Entertainment 2010/Rated G/Running Time 103 Mins List Price: $49.99 – Available November 1, 2011 “What do you think is gonna happen Woody, Andy's going to take you with him to college?” That's a question raised by the old prospector (Kelsey Grammer) in Toy Story 2 and a decade later, the third chapter in the series builds upon it. It's probably fitting that we've all had to wait so long for another sequel to the first full length computer animated film, because time is never on a toy's side, yet the subject makes compelling story telling. Lee Unkrich, who co-directed the previous film as well as Finding Nemo and Monster's Inc., finally gets full directing duties for perhaps one of Pixar's best films. Though not as emotionally powerful as Toy Story 2, this sequel is the darkest and most adult oriented of the three, raising...
- 11/8/2011
- LRMonline.com
The full reunion—pass the popcorn! Illustration by Disney Pixar.During an early concept sketch, Pixar’s Bob Pauley plops the characters in the theater. Sketch by Bob Pauley, courtesy Disney Pixar.Vintage photo of 3-D moviegoers—the inspiration for Pixar artists. Photo by J. R. Eyerman/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images. It wasn’t a cinch to convene the Academy Award-winning bigshots you see here—and not because their agents are nightmares. Assembling all hands for a Pixar character reunion took nearly two weeks and a team of dozens, who brainstormed, sketched, rendered, posed, lighted, and perfected this picture—which, as movie guys, they call “a shot”—for the studio’s Vanity Fair spotlight. “It’s one of those things where, when we were first brainstorming, I started an e-mail chain and it’s 60 or 70 e-mails—reply-all, reply-all, reply-all,” says Guido Quaroni, supervising technical director at Pixar who oversaw the rendering,...
- 2/4/2011
- Vanity Fair
Isn't it a law of nature that a sequel is rarely as good as the original? As for a second sequel, you might as well bet on a snowball's chances in Hell. It is because these rules generally hold that you could be forgiven for anticipating Toy Story 3 with skepticism. The fact that it comes 11 years after Toy Story 2 would be further cause to lower your expectations. We are talking Disney-Pixar, here though. This is a company for whom the nearest thing to a flop has been Cars. That film has hardly disappeared into obscurity. That the made-in-heaven partnership between these companies has such a stellar record shows they have talent on their books. It only seems natural, then, that Toy Story 3 bucks the trend for second sequels.
In every respect Toy Story 3 is a worthy entry in one of cinemas' most enduring movie series. Although shown in 3D in theaters,...
In every respect Toy Story 3 is a worthy entry in one of cinemas' most enduring movie series. Although shown in 3D in theaters,...
- 11/12/2010
- CinemaSpy
Toy Story 3 is out on Blu-Ray and DVD, and while I was not quite as taken with the film as most people, the home release exceeds even the standards we have come to expect from Pixar. The special feature effort is beyond just about anything else you’ll find, and more importantly, it is filled with interesting, quality bonuses.
The extras you get are really too numerous to mention, though I’ll try below, and the overall effort is amazing. Of course, when you’re the number one animated film ever, and can pretty safely predict that as an outcome, you can put a lot of resources behind more than just the film itself.
It’s likely that few people really need a lot of sell for this purchase, but below you can check out quite a bit to help you out, including – previews of the bonuses, an interview...
The extras you get are really too numerous to mention, though I’ll try below, and the overall effort is amazing. Of course, when you’re the number one animated film ever, and can pretty safely predict that as an outcome, you can put a lot of resources behind more than just the film itself.
It’s likely that few people really need a lot of sell for this purchase, but below you can check out quite a bit to help you out, including – previews of the bonuses, an interview...
- 11/12/2010
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Toy Story 3 Quick Thoughts:
I feel as if I have now seen Toy Story 3 the way it was meant to be seen... in 2D. The fact these films are released in theaters in 3D with a massive marketing blitz and then delivered to Blu-ray and DVD with absolutely no mention of 3D is proof positive no film needs or benefits from 3D. Is anyone going to argue Toy Story 3 is less of a film in 2D? Based on the marketing of the theatrical release one would expect the studio to feel that way, but good luck getting them to trash the cash cow that is the DVD and Blu-ray release of one of 2010's biggest films. Best of all, this film doesn't need gimmicks to prove it's great, because it's just that... great.
I'm not going to go too in-depth on the film itself because I think...
I feel as if I have now seen Toy Story 3 the way it was meant to be seen... in 2D. The fact these films are released in theaters in 3D with a massive marketing blitz and then delivered to Blu-ray and DVD with absolutely no mention of 3D is proof positive no film needs or benefits from 3D. Is anyone going to argue Toy Story 3 is less of a film in 2D? Based on the marketing of the theatrical release one would expect the studio to feel that way, but good luck getting them to trash the cash cow that is the DVD and Blu-ray release of one of 2010's biggest films. Best of all, this film doesn't need gimmicks to prove it's great, because it's just that... great.
I'm not going to go too in-depth on the film itself because I think...
- 11/2/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Toy Story 3 is making its way to your home on November 2nd, and there is finally some word on the release, the special features, and the purchasing possibilities. Not only is the release loaded with bonuses, as we have come to expect from Pixar, but you’ll have the chance to get a great box set with all three films.
Check out all the info below, and mark your calendars.
They’re back! Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios present the critically-acclaimed, global box office smash Toy Story 3, an exciting, heart-warming story filled with humor, adventure and surprises, that reunites America’s favorite animated toys, Buzz and Woody, and introduces a whole new set of favorites to audiences around the globe. The world’s #1 animated film in box office history and The Walt Disney Company’s second biggest film of all time, Toy Story 3 will...
Check out all the info below, and mark your calendars.
They’re back! Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios present the critically-acclaimed, global box office smash Toy Story 3, an exciting, heart-warming story filled with humor, adventure and surprises, that reunites America’s favorite animated toys, Buzz and Woody, and introduces a whole new set of favorites to audiences around the globe. The world’s #1 animated film in box office history and The Walt Disney Company’s second biggest film of all time, Toy Story 3 will...
- 9/14/2010
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Toy Story 3 has become the world's #1 animated film in box office history. An accomplishment that will be difficult for any future animated release to beat, even by Pixar themselves.Disney/Pixar has just released all of the details regarding the DVD/Blu-Ray that will be hitting store shelves on November 2nd, 2010. But they've also packaged it in a 10 disc set called The Ultimate Toy Box Collection.Of course you don't have to purchase the box set to enjoy Toy Story 3, especially if you've already purchased Toy Story 1 & 2 on Blu-Ray or DVD. But would make a pretty cool addition to your animation library.Here's the official press release and stills courtesy of Disney: The World’S Biggest Animatedrelease Of All Time Comes Home!The Biggest Toy Story Yet Just Got Bigger Withblu-ray™ Combo Pack Offering Three Ways To Enjoy! Disney?Pixar’S Toy Story 3 Buzz and Woody -...
- 9/13/2010
- LRMonline.com
Last night was the UK Premiere of Toy Story 3 in London’s Leicester Square. Our friends from Upbeat were there with their camera and got interviews with director, Lee Unkrich and Producer, Darla. K. Anderson.
Unfortunately none of the cast of the movie were able to make it to the UK premiere but many of your favourite characters from the movie were there. If it’s interviews you’re after, fear not as we have interviews with many of the cast from the movie here and interviews with the team behind the movie including Pixar Archivist, Christine Freeman (view here), Stereoscopic Supervisor , Bob Whitehill (view here), Production Designer, Bob Pauley (view here) and Lead Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini (view here) and finally director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson which went up earlier today here.
Toy Story 3 is released in UK cinemas today.
Unfortunately none of the cast of the movie were able to make it to the UK premiere but many of your favourite characters from the movie were there. If it’s interviews you’re after, fear not as we have interviews with many of the cast from the movie here and interviews with the team behind the movie including Pixar Archivist, Christine Freeman (view here), Stereoscopic Supervisor , Bob Whitehill (view here), Production Designer, Bob Pauley (view here) and Lead Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini (view here) and finally director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson which went up earlier today here.
Toy Story 3 is released in UK cinemas today.
- 7/19/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
You may remember back in March, along with a group of other awesome bloggers and YouTubers from around the world, I got to visit Pixar, see a very early screening of Toy Story 3 and the short that sits before it, Day and Night and meet the creators of the phenomenal movie that is released in UK cinemas Today.
While I was there, I got to meet Pixar Archivist, Christine Freeman (view here), Stereoscopic Supervisor , Bob Whitehill (view here), Production Designer, Bob Pauley (view here) and Lead Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini (view here) and finally director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson which went up earlier today here.
One thing we didn’t get to do was interview the cast but fear not as our friends from Upbeat did and managed to get us our own interviews which you can see here. In the interview, we get to meet,...
While I was there, I got to meet Pixar Archivist, Christine Freeman (view here), Stereoscopic Supervisor , Bob Whitehill (view here), Production Designer, Bob Pauley (view here) and Lead Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini (view here) and finally director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson which went up earlier today here.
One thing we didn’t get to do was interview the cast but fear not as our friends from Upbeat did and managed to get us our own interviews which you can see here. In the interview, we get to meet,...
- 7/19/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
You may remember back in March, along with a group of other awesome bloggers and YouTubers from around the world, I got to visit Pixar, see a very early screening of Toy Story 3 and the short that sits before it, Day and Night and meet the creators of the phenomenal movie that is released in UK cinemas Today. It’s been a long time coming but I can now finally show you the interviews and footage that I collected while I was there. Over the next few days, I’ll be posting videos from the archives with Christine Freeman (view here) and interviews with Stereoscopic Supervisor , Bob Whitehill (view here), Production Designer, Bob Pauley (view here) and Lead Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini (view here)
Today I have the final interview in my Pixar visit collection with Director, Lee Unkrick and Producer of Toy Story 3, Darla K. Anderson.
Today I have the final interview in my Pixar visit collection with Director, Lee Unkrick and Producer of Toy Story 3, Darla K. Anderson.
- 7/19/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As the exquisite Toy Story 3 finally arrives in the UK, Clothes on Film caught up with its director Lee Unkrich for an exclusive interview. We discussed the role of costume in animation, Ken’s camptastic wardrobe and how Stanley Kubrick shaped Lee’s career as a filmmaker.
Costume and animation may not seem like typical bedfellows, simply because the medium is not tangible as such. It does not exist in the physical world only on screen, yet animated films; particularly those by Disney/Pixar, particularly Toy Story, often employ costume as a character/storytelling device. Woody stripped of his identity as a cowboy by losing his hat, or Al of Al’s Toy Barn’s subtle 50’s inspired shirts for example (both Toy Story 2) demonstrate how costume can function in animation on a conscious and subtextual level.
Lee Unkrich expands this idea with Toy Story 3. Evidently in animation,...
Costume and animation may not seem like typical bedfellows, simply because the medium is not tangible as such. It does not exist in the physical world only on screen, yet animated films; particularly those by Disney/Pixar, particularly Toy Story, often employ costume as a character/storytelling device. Woody stripped of his identity as a cowboy by losing his hat, or Al of Al’s Toy Barn’s subtle 50’s inspired shirts for example (both Toy Story 2) demonstrate how costume can function in animation on a conscious and subtextual level.
Lee Unkrich expands this idea with Toy Story 3. Evidently in animation,...
- 7/19/2010
- by Chris Laverty
- Clothes on Film
You may remember back in March, along with a group of other awesome bloggers and YouTubers from around the world, I got to visit Pixar, see a very early screening of Toy Story 3 and the short that sits before it, Day and Night and meet the creators of the phenomenal movie that is released in UK cinemas this Monday, 19th July. It’s been a long time coming but I can now finally show you the interviews and footage that I collected while I was there. Over the next few days, I’ll be posting videos from the archives with Christine Freeman (view here) and interviews with Stereoscopic Supervisor , Bob Whitehill (view here), Production Designer, Bob Pauley (view here), and the Director and Producer of Toy Story 3, Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson.
Today I have the interview that I took with Lead Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini.
Today I have the interview that I took with Lead Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini.
- 7/16/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
You may remember back in March, along with a group of other awesome bloggers and YouTubers from around the world, I got to visit Pixar, see a very early screening of Toy Story 3 and the short that sits before it, Day and Night and meet the creators of the phenomenal movie that is released in UK cinemas this Monday, 19th July. It’s been a long time coming but I can now finally show you the interviews and footage that I collected while I was there. Over the next few days, I’ll be posting videos from the archives with Christine Freeman (view here) and interviews with Stereoscopic Supervisor , Bob Whitehill, Supervising Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini, and the Director and Producer of Toy Story 3, Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson.
Today however I have the footage and interview that I collected from Production Designer, Bob Pauley...
Today however I have the footage and interview that I collected from Production Designer, Bob Pauley...
- 7/15/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
You may remember back in March, along with a group of other awesome bloggers and YouTubers from around the world, I got to visit Pixar, see a very early screening of Toy Story 3 and the short that sits before it, Day and Night and meet the creators of the phenomenal movie that is released in UK cinemas this Monday, 19th July. It’s been a long time coming but I can now finally show you the interviews and footage that I collected while I was there. Over the next few days, I’ll be posting videos from the archives and interviews with Stereoscopic Supervisor (this one went up yesterday and is here), Bob Whitehill, Supervising Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini, Production Designer, Bob Pauley and the Director and Producer of Toy Story 3, Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson.
Today however I have the footage that I collected...
Today however I have the footage that I collected...
- 7/14/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
You may remember back in March, along with a group of other awesome bloggers and YouTubers from around the world, I got to visit Pixar, see a very early screening of Toy Story 3 and the short that sits before it, Day and Night and meet the creators of the phenomenal movie that is released in UK cinemas this Monday, 19th July. It’s been a long time coming but I can now finally show you the interviews that I collected while I was there. Over the next few days, I’ll be posting videos from the archives and interviews with Pixar Achivist, Christine Freeman, Stereoscopic Supervisor, Bob Whitehill, Supervising Animators, Bobby Podesta and Mike Venturini, Production Designer, Bob Pauley and the Director and Producer of Toy Story 3, Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson.
Today however I have the first interview and it’s with the Stereoscopic Supervisor, Bob Whitehill.
Today however I have the first interview and it’s with the Stereoscopic Supervisor, Bob Whitehill.
- 7/13/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
135 filmmakers and executives have been invited by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to join its ranks. Recent Oscar nominees and winners such as Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Mo'Nique, Carey Mulligan, Jeremy Renner, Gabourey Sidibe and Christoph Waltz have been invited to join; but even "Saw's" Tobin Bell and "Avatar's" Zoe Saldana received invites.
New members will be "baptized" in an invitation-only reception in September at the Academy's Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study in Beverly Hills.
Here's a complete list of the 2010 invitees:
Actors
Tobin Bell -- "Saw," "The Firm"
Vera Farmiga -- "Up in the Air," "The Departed"
Miguel Ferrer -- "Traffic," "RoboCop"
James Gandolfini -- "In the Loop," "Get Shorty"
Anna Kendrick -- "Up in the Air," "Twilight"
Mo'Nique -- "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," "Phat Girlz"
Carey Mulligan -- "An Education," "Public Enemies"
Jeremy Renner -- "The Hurt Locker,...
New members will be "baptized" in an invitation-only reception in September at the Academy's Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study in Beverly Hills.
Here's a complete list of the 2010 invitees:
Actors
Tobin Bell -- "Saw," "The Firm"
Vera Farmiga -- "Up in the Air," "The Departed"
Miguel Ferrer -- "Traffic," "RoboCop"
James Gandolfini -- "In the Loop," "Get Shorty"
Anna Kendrick -- "Up in the Air," "Twilight"
Mo'Nique -- "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," "Phat Girlz"
Carey Mulligan -- "An Education," "Public Enemies"
Jeremy Renner -- "The Hurt Locker,...
- 6/27/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
it's not Tuesday but it's time for a Top Ten anyway... as this is yesterday's news already!
AMPAS used to hide their membership roster like the vote tallies but in the information age, they've opened up. Now we get to see the whole list of new invitees each year. I wonder how they keep they're membership around 6,000 given how many people they invite annual. Maybe enough people reject the offer, stop paying their dues, or pass from this mortal coil each year to balance it out?
You can read the full list of recipients at Indiewire, but as is the Film Experience tradition, we like to pinpoint the newest (potential) members whose future ballots we'd most like to see. So let's have at it.
New Academy Member Ballots We Most Want To See
10 Bono & The Edge (music)
They're two separate people but we'd like to imagine them filling out their ballots together inbetween sets.
AMPAS used to hide their membership roster like the vote tallies but in the information age, they've opened up. Now we get to see the whole list of new invitees each year. I wonder how they keep they're membership around 6,000 given how many people they invite annual. Maybe enough people reject the offer, stop paying their dues, or pass from this mortal coil each year to balance it out?
You can read the full list of recipients at Indiewire, but as is the Film Experience tradition, we like to pinpoint the newest (potential) members whose future ballots we'd most like to see. So let's have at it.
New Academy Member Ballots We Most Want To See
10 Bono & The Edge (music)
They're two separate people but we'd like to imagine them filling out their ballots together inbetween sets.
- 6/26/2010
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
HollywoodNews.com: Adam Sandler is gearing up for the release of his new film, “Grown Ups,” and has just been announced as one of 135 artists selected to join the Academy.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 135 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Those who accept the invitation will be the only additions in 2010 to the Academy’s roster of voting members.
“The work of these individuals has been appreciated by moviegoers all around the world,” said Academy President Tom Sherak. “The Academy is proud to invite each and every one of them.”
The Academy’s membership policies would have allowed a maximum of 180 new members in 2010, but as in other recent years, the several branch committees endorsed fewer candidates than were proposed to them. Voting membership in the organization has now held...
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 135 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Those who accept the invitation will be the only additions in 2010 to the Academy’s roster of voting members.
“The work of these individuals has been appreciated by moviegoers all around the world,” said Academy President Tom Sherak. “The Academy is proud to invite each and every one of them.”
The Academy’s membership policies would have allowed a maximum of 180 new members in 2010, but as in other recent years, the several branch committees endorsed fewer candidates than were proposed to them. Voting membership in the organization has now held...
- 6/25/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Oscar winner Indian sound recordist Resul Pookutty has been invited to join the coveted Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as a member. Along with Resul the invitation has been extended to 135 film professionals from around the globe that includes Christopher Walts (Inglorious Basterds) and Jacque Audiard (A Prophet). Resul was awarded an Oscar last year for Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire.
Members of the academy vote for the annual academy awards.
“The work of these individuals has been appreciated by moviegoers all around the world,” said Academy President Tom Sherak. “The Academy is proud to invite each and every one of them.”
The Academy’s membership policies would have allowed a maximum of 180 new members in 2010, but as in other recent years, the several branch committees endorsed fewer candidates than were proposed to them. Voting membership in the organization has now held steady at just under 6,000 members since...
Members of the academy vote for the annual academy awards.
“The work of these individuals has been appreciated by moviegoers all around the world,” said Academy President Tom Sherak. “The Academy is proud to invite each and every one of them.”
The Academy’s membership policies would have allowed a maximum of 180 new members in 2010, but as in other recent years, the several branch committees endorsed fewer candidates than were proposed to them. Voting membership in the organization has now held steady at just under 6,000 members since...
- 6/25/2010
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 135 filmmakers and executives -- including such recent Oscar nominees and winners as Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Mo'Nique, Carey Mulligan, Jeremy Renner, Gabourey Sidibe and Christoph Waltz -- to join its ranks.
The Academy issued its annual invitation list Thursday.
The actor's portion of the list ranged from genre favorites like "Saw's" Tobin Bell to "Avatar's" Zoe Saldana, from "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, whose film credits include "In the Loop" and "Get Shorty" to rising leading man Ryan Reynolds, who's appeared in "The Proposal" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
An international sampling of directors made the cut: Among them France's Jacques Audiard, Argentina's Juan Jose Campanella, Denmark's Lone Scherfig and, from the U.S., Lee Daniels and Adam Shankman, the latter of whom co-produced the last Oscar show.
Oscar nominee "District 9" was well represented: Matt Aitken and Dan Kaufman...
The Academy issued its annual invitation list Thursday.
The actor's portion of the list ranged from genre favorites like "Saw's" Tobin Bell to "Avatar's" Zoe Saldana, from "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, whose film credits include "In the Loop" and "Get Shorty" to rising leading man Ryan Reynolds, who's appeared in "The Proposal" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
An international sampling of directors made the cut: Among them France's Jacques Audiard, Argentina's Juan Jose Campanella, Denmark's Lone Scherfig and, from the U.S., Lee Daniels and Adam Shankman, the latter of whom co-produced the last Oscar show.
Oscar nominee "District 9" was well represented: Matt Aitken and Dan Kaufman...
- 6/25/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
An "Avatar" scene delving into the sex lives of the Na'vi may not have made it into the film's final cut, but it did make it into a script posted online by Fox, and Richard Kelly was on Twitter today to post his reaction.
In other tweets, Edward Norton ended a long Twitter sabbatical after wrapping up a vacation in Indonesia. "New Moon" actor Alex Meraz, meanwhile, was prepping for his own getaway, where hope hopes to issue a challenge to Mickey Mouse. You can check that out after the jump along with a shot of Fred Durst hanging out with Staind frontman Aaron Lewis, a hip-hop-themed soda fountain and Demi Moore with her favorite monkey. It's all in the Twitter-Wood report for January 11, 2009.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@mrskutcher Me with my first monkey! http://twitpic.com/xlssf
-Demi Moore, Actress ("Striptease," "G.I. Jane")
Runner-Up:
@Finallevel http://twitpic.
In other tweets, Edward Norton ended a long Twitter sabbatical after wrapping up a vacation in Indonesia. "New Moon" actor Alex Meraz, meanwhile, was prepping for his own getaway, where hope hopes to issue a challenge to Mickey Mouse. You can check that out after the jump along with a shot of Fred Durst hanging out with Staind frontman Aaron Lewis, a hip-hop-themed soda fountain and Demi Moore with her favorite monkey. It's all in the Twitter-Wood report for January 11, 2009.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@mrskutcher Me with my first monkey! http://twitpic.com/xlssf
-Demi Moore, Actress ("Striptease," "G.I. Jane")
Runner-Up:
@Finallevel http://twitpic.
- 1/11/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Movies Blog
Android is bringing aboard a public face for Androids everywhere at its Android Lounge at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. CES has been all over the tweets of gadget-conscious Twitter-Wood accounts this week. "Star Trek"'s Brent Spiner didn't sound too thrilled about putting on his Data makeup for the appearance, but both he and "Heroes" actor James Kyson Lee were stoked for the show.
On the subject of movies, Mark Webber got in to his "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" co-star Michael Cera's premiere for "Youth in Revolt" last night, and he had good things to say. Check out those tweets after the jump where you'll also see Jessica Simpson eating hair, a tattoo proposition from Jim Gaffigan and a "Toy Story 3" designer's holiday card. It's all in the Twitter-Wood report for January 7, 2010.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@JessicaSimpson what the who?!?! Who is in whoville tonight?...
On the subject of movies, Mark Webber got in to his "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" co-star Michael Cera's premiere for "Youth in Revolt" last night, and he had good things to say. Check out those tweets after the jump where you'll also see Jessica Simpson eating hair, a tattoo proposition from Jim Gaffigan and a "Toy Story 3" designer's holiday card. It's all in the Twitter-Wood report for January 7, 2010.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@JessicaSimpson what the who?!?! Who is in whoville tonight?...
- 1/8/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Movies Blog
It may be the year that the bug saved Hollywood, with Disney's splendid "A Bug's Life" overtaking the DreamWorks hit "Antz" to climb to the top of the boxoffice hill.
A dazzling, embracing computer-animated feature from Pixar, "A Bug's Life" should soar to holiday heights, much to the level that Pixar's "Toy Story" ascended three Thanksgivings ago. This splendid offering should be able to carry $200 million domestically on its back, no sweat, and with no end in sight for its worldly potential.
As you know in the ant world, life is no picnic. In this subterranean saga, the ants of Ants Island toil for the man -- namely Hopper (voice of Kevin Spacey), the intimidating leader of the grasshoppers, who, in this insect universe, are akin to the marauding colonialists. Each summer, the legions of ants toil earnestly and without complaint, planting and harvesting the crops and then turning the bounty over to the hated 'hoppers. Fortunately, there's one crackpot ant, Flik (Dave Foley), who doesn't go along with the lock-step society. He's no revolutionary idealogue, but Flik sees that there's definitely something wrong with this picture. Why are we working for the man? Why not keep the crop ourselves? In short, Flik's the sort of cutting-edge thinker who in the human world might win an election in the state of Minnesota.
Unfortunately, as in real life, change is not wholeheartedly embraced -- not by the worker-ant class and certainly not by the dominating grasshoppers. But that's where the fun is as the flaky Flik takes it upon his fluttery wings to take on the grasshoppers. In a nutty undertaking with all the crazy inspiration of a Preston Sturges-like battleground, Flik mistakenly enlists the assistance of a traveling theatrical troupe (out-of-work screwballs, mainly) to provide the military defense against the thundering hordes of grasshoppers.
What's best about this bug story is that it's so wiggy -- it's rambunctious, spirited, funny, kindly and goofy all at once. A whole vat of chocolate picnic goodies to the screenwriters (Andrew Stanton and Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw) for the lively, screwy retooling of, basically, the Aesop fable about a carefree grasshopper. And the story line will appeal to everyone from tots to those who were born way before "Snow White" even spun her animated magic.
What's truly magical, as it was in "Toy Story", is the stupendous computer-animated imagery. "Bug"'s look is simply eye-popping: From the translucent sheen to the framings to the kaleidoscopic grandeur of the mammoth crowd shots of ants, the visuals are a delicious treat. The animation is truly a work of wizardry, from the rectilinear compositions to the characters' incredibly lifelike physical movements. One suspects that a team of entomologists and anatomy professors guided the animators, so crisp and natural are the true-to-bug body movements. Director John Lasseter, along with co-director Stanton, have indeed marshalled a virtual army of talented artists -- from animators to musicians to vocalists -- and attained a creative height that is leaps and bounds above even the most persnickety techie expectations.
Credit director of photography Sharon Calahan for the wonderfully punchy framings and supervising film editor Lee Unkrich for the blazing pacing. There's nary an empty mini-frame or missed mini-moment in this entire magnificence. So packed is the look -- thanks to the creativity of production designer William Cone and art directors Bob Pauley and Tia Kratter -- that one definitely wants to savor the detail-juiced excellency another time.
It's not all in the look but in the sounds as well. The vocalists are a treat, especially Spacey as the belligerently threatening lead grasshopper. Foley's energetic and appealing vocals as the flibberty-jibbet Flik are wonderfully appealing, while Phyllis Diller's nasally hauteur is perfect for her role as the queen. Cheers also for the contributions of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Richard Kind and David Hyde Pierce for their perfect, peccadilloed performances.
The late Roddy McDowall makes a pleasing turn as a council ant, while Edie McClurg adds some screwy spice as another ants council-ite. A plate of ketchup drippings and dollops of mayonnaise to Joe Ranft who does a delicious turn as a comic caterpillar.
Not exactly hiding in the grass is the bouncy music courtesy of Randy Newman, whose "The Time of Your Life" nicely synthesizes the experience one enjoys in this "Bug's Life".
A BUG'S LIFE
Buena Vista
Walt Disney Pictures
A Pixar Animation Studios Film
Director: John Lasseter
Co-director: Andrew Stanton
Producers: Darla K. Anderson, Kevin Reher
Screenwriters: Andrew Stanton, Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw
Original story: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft
Director of photography: Sharon Calahan
Production designer: William Cone
Story supervisor: Joe Ranft
Supervising film editor: Lee Unkrich
Supervising technical directors: William Reeves, Eben Ostby
Art directors: Tia W. Kratter, Bob Pauley
Supervising animators: Glenn McQueen, Rich Quade
Shading supervisor: Rick Sayre
Sound designer: Gary Rydstrom
Production supervisor (technical): Graham Walters
Production supervisor (editorial): Bill Kinder
Story-art-layout: BZ Petroff
Executive music producer: Chris Montan
Casting: Ruth Lambert, Mary Hidalgo
Color/Stereo
Voices:
Flik: Dave Foley
Hopper: Kevin Spacey
Princess Atta: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Dot: Hayden Panettiere
Queen: Phyllis Diller
Molt: Richard Kind
Slim: David Hyde Pierce
Heimlich: Joe Ranft
Francis: Denis Leary
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
A dazzling, embracing computer-animated feature from Pixar, "A Bug's Life" should soar to holiday heights, much to the level that Pixar's "Toy Story" ascended three Thanksgivings ago. This splendid offering should be able to carry $200 million domestically on its back, no sweat, and with no end in sight for its worldly potential.
As you know in the ant world, life is no picnic. In this subterranean saga, the ants of Ants Island toil for the man -- namely Hopper (voice of Kevin Spacey), the intimidating leader of the grasshoppers, who, in this insect universe, are akin to the marauding colonialists. Each summer, the legions of ants toil earnestly and without complaint, planting and harvesting the crops and then turning the bounty over to the hated 'hoppers. Fortunately, there's one crackpot ant, Flik (Dave Foley), who doesn't go along with the lock-step society. He's no revolutionary idealogue, but Flik sees that there's definitely something wrong with this picture. Why are we working for the man? Why not keep the crop ourselves? In short, Flik's the sort of cutting-edge thinker who in the human world might win an election in the state of Minnesota.
Unfortunately, as in real life, change is not wholeheartedly embraced -- not by the worker-ant class and certainly not by the dominating grasshoppers. But that's where the fun is as the flaky Flik takes it upon his fluttery wings to take on the grasshoppers. In a nutty undertaking with all the crazy inspiration of a Preston Sturges-like battleground, Flik mistakenly enlists the assistance of a traveling theatrical troupe (out-of-work screwballs, mainly) to provide the military defense against the thundering hordes of grasshoppers.
What's best about this bug story is that it's so wiggy -- it's rambunctious, spirited, funny, kindly and goofy all at once. A whole vat of chocolate picnic goodies to the screenwriters (Andrew Stanton and Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw) for the lively, screwy retooling of, basically, the Aesop fable about a carefree grasshopper. And the story line will appeal to everyone from tots to those who were born way before "Snow White" even spun her animated magic.
What's truly magical, as it was in "Toy Story", is the stupendous computer-animated imagery. "Bug"'s look is simply eye-popping: From the translucent sheen to the framings to the kaleidoscopic grandeur of the mammoth crowd shots of ants, the visuals are a delicious treat. The animation is truly a work of wizardry, from the rectilinear compositions to the characters' incredibly lifelike physical movements. One suspects that a team of entomologists and anatomy professors guided the animators, so crisp and natural are the true-to-bug body movements. Director John Lasseter, along with co-director Stanton, have indeed marshalled a virtual army of talented artists -- from animators to musicians to vocalists -- and attained a creative height that is leaps and bounds above even the most persnickety techie expectations.
Credit director of photography Sharon Calahan for the wonderfully punchy framings and supervising film editor Lee Unkrich for the blazing pacing. There's nary an empty mini-frame or missed mini-moment in this entire magnificence. So packed is the look -- thanks to the creativity of production designer William Cone and art directors Bob Pauley and Tia Kratter -- that one definitely wants to savor the detail-juiced excellency another time.
It's not all in the look but in the sounds as well. The vocalists are a treat, especially Spacey as the belligerently threatening lead grasshopper. Foley's energetic and appealing vocals as the flibberty-jibbet Flik are wonderfully appealing, while Phyllis Diller's nasally hauteur is perfect for her role as the queen. Cheers also for the contributions of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Richard Kind and David Hyde Pierce for their perfect, peccadilloed performances.
The late Roddy McDowall makes a pleasing turn as a council ant, while Edie McClurg adds some screwy spice as another ants council-ite. A plate of ketchup drippings and dollops of mayonnaise to Joe Ranft who does a delicious turn as a comic caterpillar.
Not exactly hiding in the grass is the bouncy music courtesy of Randy Newman, whose "The Time of Your Life" nicely synthesizes the experience one enjoys in this "Bug's Life".
A BUG'S LIFE
Buena Vista
Walt Disney Pictures
A Pixar Animation Studios Film
Director: John Lasseter
Co-director: Andrew Stanton
Producers: Darla K. Anderson, Kevin Reher
Screenwriters: Andrew Stanton, Donald McEnery & Bob Shaw
Original story: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft
Director of photography: Sharon Calahan
Production designer: William Cone
Story supervisor: Joe Ranft
Supervising film editor: Lee Unkrich
Supervising technical directors: William Reeves, Eben Ostby
Art directors: Tia W. Kratter, Bob Pauley
Supervising animators: Glenn McQueen, Rich Quade
Shading supervisor: Rick Sayre
Sound designer: Gary Rydstrom
Production supervisor (technical): Graham Walters
Production supervisor (editorial): Bill Kinder
Story-art-layout: BZ Petroff
Executive music producer: Chris Montan
Casting: Ruth Lambert, Mary Hidalgo
Color/Stereo
Voices:
Flik: Dave Foley
Hopper: Kevin Spacey
Princess Atta: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Dot: Hayden Panettiere
Queen: Phyllis Diller
Molt: Richard Kind
Slim: David Hyde Pierce
Heimlich: Joe Ranft
Francis: Denis Leary
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
- 11/13/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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