The Walt Disney Studios Rolls Out Slate of 10 New Animated Motion Pictures Through 2012

Posted by admin

April 11, 2008

NEW YORK, April 8 /PRNewswire/ — - DISNEY’S ‘FAIRIES’ DIRECT-TO-DVD FRANCHISE WILL ALSO DEBUT The Walt Disney Studios unveiled a diverse and ambitious slate of 10 newanimated feature films from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios to bereleased through the year 2012 at a New York press conference held today byDick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, and John Lasseter, chiefcreative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. The line-up includes new films from Disney and Pixar’s accomplished teamof filmmakers, and features vocal performances by such top celebrity talentsas John Travolta and Miley Cyrus (”Bolt”), Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connollyand Emma Thompson (”The Bear and the Bow”), Anika Noni Rose and John Goodman(”The Princess and the Frog”), as well as return engagements by Tom Hanks,Tim Allen and the rest of the “Toy Story” vocal ensemble (”Toy Story 3″). Theroster of new animated features includes six new films from Pixar AnimationStudios, four from Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the first four in aseries of direct-to-DVD films featuring Disney Fairies from DisneyToonStudios. Starting later this year with the release of Disney’s “Bolt,” allDisney and Pixar animated features will be presented in state-of-the-artDisney Digital 3-D(TM). Additionally, newly converted 3-D versions of thebeloved classics, “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2,” are set to debut in 2009 and2010 respectively. Among the upcoming animated films on the 2008 release schedule are”WALL*E” (Pixar) from Academy Award(R)-winning director/writer Andrew Stanton(”Finding Nemo”) opening nationwide June 27th; “Bolt” (Disney) from thetalented new directing team of Chris Williams and Byron Howard, due intheatres on November 26th; and the Disney DVD and Blu-ray release of “TinkerBell,” the first in a new franchise of original entertainment set in theworld of Fairies, on October 28th. The Studio’s 2009 animated slate includesthe summer release of Pixar’s first 3-D feature, “Up,” from director PeteDocter (”Monsters, Inc.”) and co-director Bob Peterson, the Christmas Dayrelease of Disney’s original animated fairy tale “The Princess and the Frog”from acclaimed veteran Disney directors John Musker and Ron Clements (”TheLittle Mermaid,”"Aladdin,”"Hercules,”) and the Disney DVD and Blu-rayrelease of “Tinker Bell North of Never Land” (working title). 2010 brings thehighly anticipated return of Buzz and Woody in the Disney Digital(TM) 3Dsummer release of Pixar’s “Toy Story 3″ directed by Lee Unkrich (”FindingNemo,”"Monsters, Inc.”); followed by the Christmas arrival of Disney’sversion of the classic fairy tale, “Rapunzel,” featuring the directing debutsof animation legend Glen Keane and directing partner Dean Wellins, and theDisney DVD and Blu-ray release of “Tinker Bell A Midsummer Storm” (workingtitle). In the summer of 2011, Pixar’s “newt” marks the directing debut ofmultiple Oscar(R)-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom. Christmas 2011 bringsPixar’s first fairy tale, “The Bear and the Bow,” from acclaimedfilmmaker/writer Brenda Chapman (”The Prince of Egypt”). The Disney DVD andBlu-ray release of “Tinker Bell A Winter Story” (working title) also debutsin 2011. The year 2012 will mark the return of Lightning McQueen, Mater thetow truck, and an international cast of favorite and new car characters inPixar’s “Cars 2,” directed by Brad Lewis (producer of “Ratatouille”).Scheduled for Christmas 2012 from Walt Disney Animation Studios is “King ofthe Elves,” an adaptation of a Philip K. Dick short story, directed by AaronBlaise and Robert Walker (”Brother Bear”). Commenting on the announcement, Cook said, “We couldn’t be more proud andexcited about our upcoming line-up of feature projects. With so many greatfilms literally on the drawing boards and computer screens, we felt that nowwas the perfect time to give moviegoers all over the world an update on thestate of our art. In a year when our Studio is marking the 80th anniversaryof Mickey Mouse, the character that started it all for us, it seemsespecially timely to share our plans for the future of animation. With JohnLasseter and Ed Catmull guiding our creative efforts both at Emeryville andin Burbank, this is as exciting a time as any in our history.” Lasseter added, “This is an amazing time for animation at Disney andPixar, and it’s a thrill to be working on such a diverse and original groupof films with such an all-star team of filmmakers. The thing I love bestabout my job is that I get to work at both Disney and Pixar with filmmakerswho are passionate about their projects and who are the absolute best in thebusiness. We’re excited to be pushing the boundaries of 3-D and computertechnology to tell our stories in the best possible way. At the same time,we’re drawing on our past to emphasize memorable characters, originaledge-of-your-seat stories, and believable worlds. Walt Disney and hiscreative team taught us how to blend comedy, powerful emotion, andaction-filled excitement in our films, and this group of incrediblefilmmakers is bringing their own originality and sensibilities to theprocess.” WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS/ PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS RELEASE SCHEDULE2008 — 2012: 2008: WALL*E (Domestic Release Date: June 27th, 2008) Pixar Animation Studios Director/Screenwriter: Andrew Stanton Producer: Jim Morris Co-Producer: Lindsey Collins Sound and Character Voice Designer: Ben Burtt Composer: Thomas Newman, with an Original Song Performed by Peter Gabriel Voice Talent: Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, Sigourney Weaver, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy What if mankind had to leave Earth and somebody forgot to turn off thelast robot? Academy Award(R)-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (”Finding Nemo”)and the inventive storytellers and technical geniuses at Pixar AnimationStudios transport moviegoers to a galaxy not so very far away for a newcomputer-animated cosmic comedy about a determined robot named WALL*E. After hundreds of lonely years doing what he was built for, WALL*E (shortfor Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life(besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot namedEVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL*E has inadvertently stumbled upon the keyto the planet’s future, and races back to space to report her findings to thehumans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home).Meanwhile, WALL*E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one ofthe most incredible comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen. Joining WALL*E on his fantastic journey across a universe ofnever-before-imagined visions of the future is a hilarious cast ofcharacters including a pet cockroach, and a heroic team of malfunctioningmisfit robots. BOLT (Domestic Release Date: November 26th, 2008, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Walt Disney Animation Studios Directors: Chris Williams, Byron Howard Producer: Clark Spencer Voice Talent: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman For super-dog Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), every day is filled withadventure, danger and intrigue — at least until the cameras stop rolling.When the canine star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from hisHollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet –a cross-country journey through the real world. Armed only with the delusionsthat all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of twounlikely traveling companions — a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens(voiced by Susie Essman), and TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball namedRhino — Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero. Miley Cyrus(”Hannah Montana”) brings her vocal talents to the role of Penny, Bolt’shuman co-star on the television series. TINKER BELL (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: October 28th, 2008) DisneyToon Studios Director: Bradley Raymond Producer: Jeannine Roussel Enter the magical world of fairies and meet the enchanting creatures ofPixie Hollow, who “nurture nature” and bring about the change of the seasons.Changing the colors of the leaves, moving a sunbeam to melt snow, wakinganimals from their winter slumber, or giving a patch of sproutlings asprinkle of water are all within the realm of these seasonal specialists.Tinker Bell thinks her fairy talent as a “tinker” isn’t as special orimportant as the other fairies’ talents. But when Tink tries to change whoshe is, she creates nothing but disaster! With encouragement from her friendsRosetta, Silvermist, Fawn and Iridessa, Tink learns the key to solving herproblems lies in her unique tinker abilities … and discovers that whenshe’s true to herself, magical things can happen. 2009: UP (Domestic Release Date: May 29th, 2009, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Pixar Animation Studios Director: Pete Docter Co-Director: Bob Peterson Producer: Jonas Rivera Writer: Bob Peterson Voice Talent: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Jordan Nagai From the Academy Award(R)-nominated team of director Pete Docter(”Monsters, Inc.”) and co-director Bob Peterson comes “Up,” a comedicadventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009. Carl Fredricksenspent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing lifeto its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until atwist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell)gives him a new lease on life. “Up” takes audiences on a thrilling journeywhere the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains andjungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer — look “Up.” TOY STORY in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: October 2nd, 2009) Pixar Animation Studios Director: John Lasseter Producers: Ralph Guggenheim, Bonnie Arnold Composer: Randy Newman Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger Originally released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1995, “Toy Story” was thefirst feature film from Pixar Animation Studios and director John Lasseter.The film went on to receive Oscar(R) nominations for Best Original Score,Best Original Song, and Best Original Screenplay, and earned Lasseter aSpecial Achievement Award (Oscar(R)) “for the development and inspiredapplication of techniques that have made possible the first feature-lengthcomputer-animated film.” The 3-D version of this landmark film is beingpersonally overseen by Lasseter with his acclaimed team of technical wizardshandling all the necessary steps in the conversion process. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2009) Walt Disney Animation Studios Directors: John Musker, Ron Clements Producer: Peter Del Vecho Composer: Randy Newman Voice Talent: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, John Goodman A musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans, “ThePrincess and the Frog” marks Disney’s return to the timeless art form oftraditional animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker, creatorsof “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” with Oscar(R)-winning composer RandyNewman to tell the most beautiful love story ever told … with frogs,voodoo, and a singing alligator. TINKER BELL NORTH OF NEVER LAND - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2009) DisneyToon Studios Director: Klay Hall Producer: Sean Lurie In autumn, Tinker Bell is entrusted with crafting a great treasure thatcan rejuvenate the Pixie Dust Tree. But when her friend Terence offers tohelp, Tink’s temper and stubbornness get the better of her, shattering bothher creation and her friendship with Terence. To set things right again, shemust embark on a journey far North of Never Land … and along the way, shewill discover an even greater treasure. 2010: TOY STORY 2 in 3-D (Domestic Release Date: February 12th, 2010) Pixar Animation Studios Director: John Lasseter Co-Directors: Lee Unkrich, Ash Brannon Producers: Helene Plotkin, Karen Robert Jackson Composer: Randy Newman Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger Originally released in 1999, “Toy Story 2″ went on to become one of themost popular animated features of all time. The film picks up as Andy isheading off to Cowboy Camp and the toys are left to their own devices. Whenan obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggin (owner of Al’s Toy Barn)kidnaps Woody, and Woody learns that he’s a highly valued collectable from a1950s TV show called “Woody’s Roundup,” the stage is set for a daring rescueattempt by the gang from Andy’s room. The film introduced such othermemorable characters from “Woody’s Roundup” as Jessie the cowgirl, Bullseyethe horse, and the Prospector. TOY STORY 3 (Domestic Release Date: June 18th, 2010, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Pixar Animation Studios Director: Lee Unkrich Producer: Darla K. Anderson Writer: Michael Arndt Composer: Randy Newman Voice Talent: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Ned Beatty The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box andbring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favoritegang of toy characters in “Toy Story 3.” Lee Unkrich (co-director of “ToyStory 2″ and “Finding Nemo”) directs this highly anticipated film, andMichael Arndt, the Academy Award(R)-winning screenwriter of “Little MissSunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to theproceedings. RAPUNZEL (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2010, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Walt Disney Animation Studios Directors: Glen Keane, Dean Wellins Producer: Roy Conli In this new telling of the classic fairy tale, “Rapunzel,” audiences willbe transported to a stunning CG fantasy world complete with the iconic tower,an evil witch, a gallant hero and, of course, the mysterious girl with thelong golden tresses. Expect adventure, heart, humor, and hair … lots ofhair, when Rapunzel unleashes her locks in theaters for the 2010 holiday. TINKER BELL A MIDSUMMER STORM - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2010) DisneyToon Studios Director: Carolyn Gair Producer: Margot Pipkin After being confronted by her antagonist Vidia, an irritated Tinker Bellretaliates by taking a photograph of Vidia … without considering theconsequences. Now, the two must set aside their differences and cooperate toprevent evidence of the existence of fairies from falling into human hands. 2011: NEWT (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2011, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Pixar Animation Studios Director: Gary Rydstrom Producer: Richard Hollander Writers: Gary Rydstrom, Leslie Caveny What happens when the last remaining male and female blue-footed newts onthe planet are forced together by science to save the species, and they can’tstand each other? That’s the problem facing Newt and Brooke, heroes of”newt,” the Pixar film by seven-time Academy Award(R) winner for sound GaryRydstrom, and director of Pixar’s Oscar-nominated short, “Lifted.” Newt andBrooke embark on a perilous, unpredictable adventure and discover thatfinding a mate never goes as planned, even when you only have one choice.Love, it turns out, is not a science. THE BEAR AND THE BOW (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2011, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Pixar Animation Studios Director: Brenda Chapman Producer: Katherine Sarafian Voice Talent: Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson A rugged and mythic Scotland is the setting for Pixar’s action-adventure”The Bear and the Bow.” The impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though adaughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer. A clashof wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, whichunleashes unintended peril on her father’s kingdom and her mother’s life.Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark,ancient curse to set things right. Director Brenda Chapman (”The Prince ofEgypt,”"The Lion King”) and the storytelling wizards of Pixar conjure humor,fantasy and excitement in this rich Highland tale. TINKER BELL A WINTER STORY - working title (Disney DVD and Blu-ray Release Date: 2011) DisneyToon Studios Producer: Sean Lurie The fourth, as-yet-untold story of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends willtake place in winter, completing the cycle of the seasons. 2012: CARS 2 (Domestic Release Date: Summer 2012, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Pixar Animation Studios Director: Brad Lewis All the world’s a racetrack as racing superstar Lightning McQueen zoomsback into action, with his best friend Mater in tow, to take on the globe’sfastest and finest in this thrilling high-octane new installment of the”Cars” saga. Mater and McQueen will need their passports as they findthemselves in a new world of intrigue, thrills and fast-paced comedicescapades around the globe. “Cars 2″ is being directed by Brad Lewis,producer of the Oscar(R)-winning film “Ratatouille.” KING OF THE ELVES (Domestic Release Date: Christmas 2012, Disney Digital 3-D(TM)) Walt Disney Animation Studios Directors: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker Producer: Chuck Williams Legendary storyteller Phillip K. Dick’s short story (his only experimentin the fantasy genre) becomes the basis for this fantastic and imaginativetale about an average man living in the Mississippi Delta, whose reluctantactions to help a desperate band of elves leads them to name him their newking. Joining the innocent and endangered elves as they attempt to escapefrom an evil and menacing troll, their unlikely new leader finds himselfcaught on a journey filled with unimaginable dangers and a chance to bringreal meaning back to his own life. For press materials log on to http://www.wdsfilmpr.com Web site: http://www.wdsfilmpr.com The Walt Disney Studios

Art