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A Heartwarming Animated Adventure That Nature Lovers Will Love

May 5, 2026 by dadofdivas

Hoppers

In this animated comedy adventure, animal lover Mabel seizes an opportunity to use a new technology to ‘hop’ her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. As she makes amazing discoveries, Mabel befriends a charismatic beaver and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face a major, imminent human threat.

Bonus Features*

  • The Critter Diaries: Wander behind the scenes with director Daniel Chong and the Pixar creative team as they explore Yellowstone, study wildlife, and find real-life inspiration for our favorite new animated characters from Hoppers.
  • Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers: Hop into the making of the movie as filmmakers, cast, and crew share how their ideas, collaboration, and creative process brought the story, animation, and lovable characters to life in Pixar’s Hoppers.
  • “Meet King George” Scene Breakdown: Dive deep with director Daniel Chong and the filmmaking team as they reveal the craft of making King George’s Superlodge. Get insight into the directing process, editing, VFX, animation, and production design.
  • Beaverton Revealed: Explore Hoppers to find surprising Pixar film cameos, hidden references, and plenty of fun, behind-the-scenes facts.
  • Dam Good Bloopers: Laugh along with your favorite voice actors from Hoppers as they have fun bringing their characters to life in the recording booth.
  • Deleted Scenes: Check out these scenes that didn’t make the final cut, as introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes.
    • Cold Open
    • The Glade
    • The Mission
    • Kings Arrive
    • George’s Bachelor Pad
    • Helicopter Ride

My Take on the Movie

As someone who lives in Michigan and spends a lot of time enjoying our own wildlife and natural spaces, Hoppers really struck a chord. Directed by Daniel Chong, this animated adventure blends humor, heart, and an environmental message in a way that feels both entertaining and meaningful. The story follows Mabel, who uses new technology to connect with animals in a completely unexpected way, leading to friendships and discoveries that drive the film forward.

The animation is vibrant and full of personality, especially in the way the animals are brought to life. There’s a warmth to the storytelling that makes it easy to connect with, whether you’re watching as a parent or just someone who appreciates a good animated film. While the central conflict may feel somewhat familiar, the emotional moments and lighthearted humor help carry it through.

For anyone who loves nature—or just a feel-good story—Hoppers offers a fun, thoughtful experience that lingers after the credits roll.

Filed Under: disney, DVD, Entertainment, movie, product review Tagged With: animated movies, animation, cinema, Disney Pixar, entertainment, environmental themes, family entertainment, family movies, feel good movies, film review, hoppers, kids movies, movie, movie night, movie recommendations, movie review, nature lovers, new movies, pixar, storytelling, wholesome films, wildlife

INSIDE OUT 2 – Comes to Digital Retailers on Aug. 20 and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray & DVD on Sept. 10

August 9, 2024 by dadofdivas

Inside Out 2

Make room for new emotions when Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 arrives to digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) on August 20 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 10. The highly anticipated heartwarming sequel has already proven to be a blockbuster smash hit, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the fastest animated film to reach $1 billion globally, and is currently the 10th highest grossing film in global box office history.

Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and celebrated by critics as “absolute perfection, hilarious” (Jazz Tangcay, Variety) and “an unforgettable experience” (Landon Johnson, Awards Watch), the historic box office run has also established Inside Out 2 as Pixar’s top-grossing movie of all time globally. Fans can continue the emotional roller coaster with exclusive content featuring an all-new documentary, an alternative opening, deleted scenes and much more. The 4K Blu-ray will be available in a Limited-Edition Collectable SteelBook™ release.

Film Synopsis
  • Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.
Bonus Features*
  • New Emotions – With Riley’s imminent puberty, the story of Inside Out 2 always suggested that there would be a party of new emotions complicating Riley’s world—and throwing a wrench into Joy’s hard-won stability. But exactly what those new emotions could be was a big question mark. Casting the new emotions in Riley’s mind was a fun exploration into the shifting mindset of a teenager, and was also informed by some of the discarded scenes and characters from the original film. In this documentary we’ll discuss that process of creating Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Envy—from narrowing them down from a long list of possible emotions, to the design, animation, and voicing of these new, hilarious, and strangely recognizable characters.
  • Unlocking the Vault – In a kind of visual commentary, a group of central creatives watch and discuss the scene “The Vault.” As they stop and start—and refer to various IP versions of the scene—we’ll hear about the inspiration for Riley’s repressed memories like Bloofy and Lance Slashblade, the development of the scene in Story, and the technical challenges of creating 2D characters that exist in the CG world of Riley’s mind.
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Cold Open – In this alternate opening, a now 13-year-old Riley awkwardly fumbles her way through an original song she wrote for a school audition.
    • Broken Joy – After momentarily being unable to drive the console, Joy worries that she might be starting to malfunction.
    • Pool Party – After Riley tries too hard to be fun at an older teen’s party – resulting in utter embarrassment – her “Anxiety” becomes “Self-Loathing” who then ousts our hero emotions from headquarters.
    • Puberty Park – After seeing their faces printed on “wanted posters,” Joy and the others rogue emotions race through a puberty-themed amusement park while being chased by mind worker cops.
    • Shame Spiral – At a lock-in with some cool, older girls, Riley and friends play a game of “Never Have I Ever” that goes a bit too far – wreaking havoc in Riley’s mind.
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailerCast
Amy Poehler as Joy
Maya Hawke as Anxiety
Lewis Black as Anger
Phyllis Smith as Sadness
Tony Hale as Fear
Liza Lapira as Disgust
Ayo Edebiri as Envy
Adèle Exarchopoulos as Ennui
Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment
Kensington Tallman as Riley
Lilimar Hernandez as Valentina
Diane Lane as Mom
Kyle MacLachlan as Dad
Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green as Bree
Grace Lu as Grace
Yvette Nicole Brown as Coach Roberts
Sarayu Blue as Margie
Flea as Jake
Ron Funches as Bloofy
Dave Goelz as Mind Cop Frank
James Austin Johnson as Pouchy
Bobby Moynihan as Forgetter Bobby
Frank Oz as Mind Cop Dave
Paula Pell as Mom’s Anger
Paula Poundstone as Forgetter Paula
John Ratzenberger as Fritz
Kendall Coyne Schofield as Hockey Announcer
June Squibb as Nostalgia
Kirk Thatcher as Foreman
Yong Yea as Lance SlashbladeProduced by
Mark Nielsen

Executive Producers
Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera and Dan Scanlon

Written by
Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein

Directed by
Kelsey Mann

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment Tagged With: disney, disney animation, Disney Pixar, inside out 2, pixar, Pixar Animation Studios

Inside Out 2 Garners Biggest Animated Trailer Launch in Disney History

November 11, 2023 by dadofdivas

Inside Out 2

Disney and Pixar just debuted the first look at the highly anticipated Inside Out 2, and excitement over the new film was felt everywhere.

The first look at the sequel to the 2015 blockbuster was the biggest animated trailer launch in Disney history. The trailer—which brings viewers back into the mind of the now teenage Riley as her emotions try to keep up with her new feelings—garnered 157 million views in 24 hours. The previous record holder was 2019’s Frozen 2.

“We are thrilled so many people have tuned in to check out the new trailer for Inside Out 2,” said Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer of Pixar. “When the first film came out, we knew that by telling a story where we could see our emotions—those little voices inside your head—there would be so much more to explore than we could possibly fit into one film.”

Docter added that director Kelsey Mann and team “have done such a great job with Inside Out 2, expanding the world and introducing new emotions that we’re very anxious for audiences to discover.”

“We couldn’t be more grateful to see the kind of response the trailer has received so far,” he said. “Thank you to all who have checked it out — we can’t wait for everyone to see the film when it comes to theaters next summer.”

The film was especially a big hit on TikTok bringing in 78 million views on the social media platform in the past day. Disney announced a first-of-its-kind content hub with TikTok last month to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary.

Undoubtedly, one of the reasons that Inside Out 2 was so popular was due to the introduction of the brand-new emotion, Anxiety.

The frazzled, but lovable orange emotion—who is voiced by Maya Hawke—will join Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust.

Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 releases exclusively in theaters on June 14, 2024.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pixar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarInsideOut

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixarinsideout/

X:  https://twitter.com/PixarInsideOut

Hashtag: #InsideOut2

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment Tagged With: disney, Disney Pixar, entertainment, inside out 2, pixar

Disney and Pixar Animation Studios’ Elemental – a Film For the Whole Family

August 15, 2023 by dadofdivas

Elemental

Welcome to Element City, where the fiery Ember Lumen and the go-with-the-flow Wade Ripple are about to discover what happens when fire meets water in Pixar Animation Studios’ dazzling and imaginative Elemental, which debuts on all major digital platforms (Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, etc.) August 15 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD September 26.

Described as “stunning” (Joey Magidson, Awards Radar), “beautiful and immersive” (Belen Edwards, Mashable), Elemental is and Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ with “Pixar’s signature blend of vibrant revolutionary animation and imagination” (Luke Harfield, Awards Watch). Fans can be the first to watch at home by adding the film to their Pixar movie collection, and access bonus content including exclusive deleted scenes, featurettes, an audio commentary, and the widely popular all-new short, “Carl’s Date.”

Film Synopsis

Elemental is an original feature film set in Element City, where residents of Fire, Water, Earth and Air live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Partly Cloudy” short), and produced by Denise Ream (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Cars 2”), Elemental features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh, and stars the voices of Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie as Ember and Wade.

Bonus Features*

Short Film

  • Carl’s Date – Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award winner Bob Peterson and produced by Kim Collins, this all-new short, “Carl’s Date,” finds Carl reluctantly agreeing to go on a date with a lady friend —but admittedly with no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl’s pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends — if you’re a dog. “Carl’s Date” opened in theaters in front of Disney and Pixar’s Elemental.

 

Featurettes

  • Ember and Wade – Take a deeper look at the development of main characters Ember and Wade, from early designs to final effects, and learn how the complex work of the technical and character teams brought these characters to life.
  • Next Stop: Element City – Explore how Element City is built to accommodate its different inhabitants. Director Peter Sohn and crew members share insights about the evolution of the designed world, as well as some of the research that inspired its unique look.
  • Paths to Pixar: The Immigrant Experience – Hear from first-generation filmmakers on the Elemental crew as they share their journeys to Pixar.  Discover how Elemental’s real-world themes of sacrifice and identity, amongst many others, reflect or diverge from their own lived experiences.

Deleted Scenes

Director Peter Sohn introduces five scenes that are storyboarded, set to music, timed, and voiced, but are not included in the final version of Elemental.

  • Intro Ember – An alternate opening in which our hero Ember helps a newly immigrated Fire family navigate through, and acclimate to, Element City. Scene introduced by director Peter Sohn.
  • Mom Rejects Wade – Ember’s traditional parents learn that she’s enamored with watery Wade…and it doesn’t go well. Scene introduced by story supervisor Jason Katz.
  • Dante Challenge – In an attempt to keep Ember apart from Wade, Bernie tasks her with finding a place to live for newcomer Dante, who Wade finds himself rather enamored with. Scene introduced by story artist Nira Liu.
  • Brook Dinner – Ember joins Wade for dinner at his home, in this abandoned storyline in which Wade’s mother, Brook, is revealed to be the villain diverting water into Firetown. Scene introduced by story artist Anna Benedict.
  • Beach Proposal – Sharing a tender moment on the beach, Ember and Wade propose marriage to each other. Scene introduced by story artists Yung-Han Chang and Le Tang.

Audio Commentary

  • Elemental Filmmaker Commentary – Join director Peter Sohn, supe tech Sanjay Bakshi, supervising animator Mike Venturini, and directing animator Gwendelyn Enderoglu as they provide insight into the making of this remarkable animated feature while you watch it.

 

My Take on the Film

While this movie followed a similar theme to some of the other recent films, I have to say that it was a wonderful story that brings in a lot of themes about love, friendship and more. I loved that the film brought in perspectives surrounding different types of love, such as familial love, romantic love, and friendship love. The characters in the film are memorable and there are many moments where I found myself laughing. All-in-all this was a truly enjoyable film that I would recommend to any family! 

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment Tagged With: disney, Disney Pixar, elemental, entertainment, movie, movies, pixar

Disney and Pixar’s Elio

June 13, 2023 by dadofdivas

 

Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett to Join Previously Announced Voice Talent America Ferrera and Yonas Kibreab

 Pixar Animation Studios’ 28th Animated Feature Opens in Theaters on March 1, 2024

Disney and Pixar’s “Elio”

 

 

About the Movie

An out-of-this-world teaser trailer, poster and images for Disney and Pixar’s 28th feature film, “Elio,” are now available. Revealed this morning are additions to the voice cast: Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett join previously announced America Ferrera and Yonas Kibreab in the intergalactic misadventure that is scheduled to take off next spring—March 1, 2024. Check out the trailer, poster and images and please share with your readers.

For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new movie “Elio,” the universe calls back! The original feature film introduces Elio, an underdog with an active imagination who finds himself inadvertently beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the rest of the universe, and completely unprepared for that kind of pressure, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, survive a series of formidable trials and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.

Directed by Adrian Molina (screenwriter and co-director of “Coco”) and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”), the film features the voices of America Ferrera as Elio’s mom, Olga; Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa; Brad Garrett as Ambassador Grigon; and Yonas Kibreab as the title character. “Elio” releases in theaters March 1, 2024.

Disney and Pixar’s “Elio”

Facebook:  https://Facebook.com/Pixar

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/pixar

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pixar

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment Tagged With: disney, Disney Pixar, Elio, pixar, Pixar Animation Studios

Disney Live Action, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Upcoming Slate Wows Thousands at D23 Expo 2022

September 11, 2022 by dadofdivas

The Walt Disney Studios turned up the volume in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center today where thousands of fans gathered at D23 Expo 2022 to be the first to hear big announcements, new details and future plans for Disney Live Action, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. The showcase began in true Disney style with a look back at special moments in Studio history and Cynthia Erivo’s breathtaking performance of the classic Disney song “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Disney’s all-new live-action version of “Pinocchio,” now streaming on Disney+.

“What a way to kick off the show,” said Alan Bergman, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Of course, ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ was first heard in the animated film ‘Pinocchio’ in 1940. It’s a motto about dreaming big, dreaming the impossible and making those dreams come true. And that’s something we try to do each and every day at the studio.”

Fans in Hall D23 were among the first to see a brand-new logo introduction of the iconic Disney castle—now platinum in honor of Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder celebration. Created by Disney Studios and Industrial Light & Magic, and featuring an all-new arrangement of “When You Wish Upon a Star” by award-winning composer Christophe Beck (“Frozen,” “WandaVision”), the new Disney castle introduction will play in front of all Disney theatrical and streaming releases starting this fall.

Bergman called on Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action); Pete Docter, chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios; and Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios to walk fans through a powerful lineup of streaming and theatrical titles. The event included the following highlights.

 

DISNEY LIVE ACTION

Sean Bailey greeted excited fans with a nod to Erivo’s stunning performance and this week’s Disney+ debut of the beloved tale of the wooden puppet who longs to be a real boy. “PINOCCHIO” stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto and Erivo as the Blue Fairy, and features the voices of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio, respectively. Bailey reflected on the Studio’s incredible live-action history, “My team and I feel so lucky that we get to continue that tradition.”

Bailey queued up three more streaming titles: “We love making movies for the big screen and we have some incredible ones coming up,” he said. “But what’s so exciting about Disney+ is that it gives us a lot of freedom to tell an even bigger range of stories. We continue to explore reimaginings that honor our Disney legacy, and we can also create the next generation of Disney original stories. And of course, we have the chance to explore new chapters of stories we all know and love.”

 

  • Fans got a wicked greeting from “HOCUS POCUS 2” stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who appeared magically via video to surprise the room with a new trailer. It’s been 29 years since the 17th-century sisters have been resurrected and they are looking for revenge. It’s up to three high-school students (Whitney Peak, Belissa Escobedo, Lilia Buckingham) to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. Directed by Anne Fletcher and produced by Lynn Harris, “Hocus Pocus 2” also stars Sam Richardson, Tony Hale and Hannah Waddingham. It debuts exclusively on Disney+ Sept. 30.  Trailer, poster, film stills and event imagery are available to download and share.

  • Up next, Bailey welcomed to the stage stars from “DISENCHANTED,” including Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Yvette Nicole Brown and Jayma Mays. Featuring music from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, the musical comedy picks up 15 years after Giselle (Adams) and Robert (Dempsey) get married when their family heads to suburbia in search of happily ever after. Fans were among the first to see the first trailer of the film, which is directed by Adam Shankman, produced by Barry Josephson, Barry Sonnefeld and Adams, and features new music from the greats, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. “Disenchanted” streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 24. Trailer, key art and event imagery are available to download and share. 
  • “PETER PAN & WENDY” spotlights iconic characters in a whole new way. Joining Bailey on stage were cast members Alexander Molony (Peter Pan), Ever Anderson (Wendy), Alyssa Wapanâtahk (Tiger Lily) and Captain Hook himself: Jude Law. The new film dives deeper into Wendy’s story as she joins the boy who refuses to grow up on a magical journey to Neverland and reveals the history behind Peter Pan’s rivalry with one of Disney’s most memorable villains. The cast discussed what fans can expect from the new film and revealed an exclusive first look at the film for the D23 audience. Directed by David Lowery and produced by Jim Whitaker, the live-action reimagining of the 1953 animated classic begins streaming on Disney+ in 2023. Key art and event imagery are available to download and share.

Strange World

Bailey concluded his presentation with four highly anticipated titles heading to theaters in 2023 and 2024:

  • “HAUNTED MANSION” director Justin Simien—who actually used to work at Disneyland—joined Bailey to discuss the ghostly adventure. Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. They shared a sneak peek of the film exclusively with the D23 Expo crowd, then welcomed the queen of scary movies, Jamie Lee Curtis, who made an unforgettable entrance aboard a Haunted Mansion doom buggy. Curtis plays Madame Leota in the film, which releases next year. Title treatment and event imagery are available to download and share.
  • “MUFASA: THE LION KING,” a prequel to “The Lion King,” won’t release until 2024, but director Barry Jenkins was on hand to show a never-before-seen sneak peek and share a little about the film, which is currently in production. Told in flashbacks—Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa tell the story of Mufasa to a young lion cub—“Mufasa” reveals the rise of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Lands. Title treatment and event imagery are available to download and share. 
  • “SNOW WHITE” is a live-action reimagining of the classic tale starring Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as Snow White’s Stepmother, The Queen. The film’s two stars joined Bailey to talk about their roles and to share a very early glimpse at the iconic characters in the 2024 film, which is directed by Marc Webb, produced by Marc Platt and features new songs by Tony®-, Grammy®- and Oscar®-winning songwriters Pasek and Paul. Title treatment and event imagery are available to download and share.
  • “THE LITTLE MERMAID” director Rob Marshall took a break from post-production under the sea to share more about the live-action version of the beloved tale. He played the “Part of Your World” sequence for fans in Hall D23 and invited on stage Ariel herself, Halle Bailey, who shared her excitement about her new role. Marshall concluded by introducing the new teaser trailer, available worldwide today. Featuring fan-favorite songs plus four new songs penned by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the feature film also stars Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as Triton. “The Little Mermaid” swims onto the big screen next summer. Teaser trailer and event imagery are available to download and share. 

 

PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS 

Pixar’s Pete Docter was excited to share the upcoming slate for the Emeryville-based animation studio. “These last few years have been a time of great change in the world,” said Docter. “And it’s led us at Pixar to think about the future. Or, if I’m channeling my inner Joe from ‘Soul,’ I’d ask: ‘Why are we here? What’s our purpose?’ Well, for us, it’s to tell great animated stories. Whether those are theatrical feature films, streaming series or shorts, we think telling stories is foundational to who we are as people. They really define us. And we believe in the power of animation to capture and reflect the stories of our own lives.”

Elemental

First up, filmmakers Peter Sohn and Denise Ream joined Docter on stage to discuss “ELEMENTAL,” an all-new, original feature film releasing on June 16, 2023. Sohn, who directs the film, shared the personal inspiration behind the film—a story of immigrants pursuing dreams in beautiful neighborhoods where language and cultures come together. Filmmakers introduced the characters in “Elemental,” which is set in a city where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. Ember is a tough and fiery young woman, and Wade is a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy. Helping bring them to life are Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, who were warmly welcomed to the Hall D23 stage. Audience members got an exclusive look at the film and received a mini-poster featuring Ember and Wade. Film still and event imagery are available to download and share.

“WIN OR LOSE” directors Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates provided a closer look at Pixar’s first-ever long-form series and what inspired it. “Win or Lose” follows the Pickles, a co-ed middle school softball team, in the week leading up to their championship game. Each episode takes place that same week, highlighting the perspective of a different main character—players, their parents, the umpire—each reflected in a unique visual style. Hobson and Yates revealed that Will Forte will voice Coach Dan in the series, and shared a shout-out Forte recorded for the occasion, followed by a special clip just for fans. “Win or Lose” streams on Disney+ in Fall 2023. Key art and event imagery are available to download and share.

Following flickering lights and an ominous message reading “Bring Us Your Leader,” Docter welcomed to the stage director Adrian Molina and producer Mary Alice Drumm to showcase for the first time ever plans for the original feature film “ELIO.” In the story, 11-year-old dreamer Elio is artistic, creative and an avid INdoorsman who finds it hard to fit in. Meanwhile Mom Olga, who runs a top-secret military project, is working to decode a strange signal from outer space. But it’s Elio who makes contact, gets beamed into space and is subsequently mistaken for an intergalactic Ambassador for Earth. The voice of smart and super-confident Olga, America Ferrera, was invited on stage alongside Yonas Kibreab, who lends his voice to Elio himself. Kibreab revealed to the audience that “Elio” releases Spring 2024. Concept art and event imagery are available to download and share.

Before Docter could wrap Pixar’s portion of the show, he heard a voice from inside his head. Fortunately, it was actually the voice of Joy, Amy Poehler, who arrived on stage to huge applause—especially when she informed the audience that “INSIDE OUT 2” is in the works at Pixar. Director Kelsey Mann, producer Mark Nielsen and writer Meg LeFauve are hard at work on the all-new adventure inside the head of now-teenager Riley—who may or may not be feeling all kinds of new Emotions. “Inside Out 2,” the follow-up to 2015’s Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-winning feature film, is slated for release Summer 2024. Event imagery is available to download and share.

Wish

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment Tagged With: #DisneyAlice, Disney Pixar, entertainment, pixar, Pixar Animation Studios, The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Animation Studio, Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Studios

Lightyear Launches onto Digital August 3 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD September 13

July 24, 2022 by dadofdivas

Lightyear

You know the toy. Discover his story when Disney and Pixar Studios’ epic space adventure Lightyear debuts on all major digital platforms August 3 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD September 13.

Described as an “Extremely fun action sci-fi film that will bring a smile to fans of the character” (Ross Bonaime, Collider) and Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™, Lightyear brings to vivid life the origin story of the iconic Space Ranger.

Pixar fans can add to their Toy Story movie collection, and access bonus content including exclusive deleted scenes, featurettes and an audio commentary by filmmaker Angus MacLane. Lightyear will also stream on Disney+.

 

Film Synopsis

From Disney and Pixar comes an animated sci-fi action-adventure — the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans), the hero who inspired the toy. Lightyear follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits, Izzy, Mo and Darby, and his robot companion Sox. As this motley crew embark on their toughest mission yet, they must learn to work as a team to escape the evil Zurg and his dutiful robot army who are never far behind.

 

Bonus Features*

Deleted Scenes

  • Deleted Scenes Introduction – Director Angus MacLane introduces six scenes that are all drawn, set to music, timed and voiced, but are not included in the final version of this amazing film – which took five and a half years to make!
  • The Dump – In one of LIGHTYEAR’s original opening scenes, we explore Proxima B, with its carnivorous plants, sulfur pits, weird bugs, hot climate, and lack of coffee! A familiar Space Ranger volunteers to risk all in an effort to return to Earth.
  • Polly – Buzz relives childhood memories when he visits an aeronautic museum in which his father is memorialized. There, he finds Polly, his dad’s robot companion bird, who possesses a very revealing recorded message meant for Buzz!
  • Meet Izzy – After young Izzy and her family (including her brother Maurice) move in next door to Buzz, the adorable, talkative girl bursts into Buzz’s home, warms up to Sox, and asks Buzz a lot of questions.
  • Up in the Lair – After his spacecraft crash-lands and he winds up in the bunker of fledgling Space Rangers, Buzz is introduced to cheesy snacks and a character whose role was cut due to time. He also receives shocking information about his father.
  • Tilted Ship – Star Command Space Rangers of the 56th Airborne Alpha Quadrant meet Buzz and the Space Ranger students. Buzz is given a truth serum so he’ll expose whatever he knows about his father’s connection to the aliens who have taken over Proxima B.
  • Fathership – Buzz wakes up in what he thinks is his childhood home, where he meets his father, who was a time travel pilot, just as he is. But it turns out he’s on the mothership of the aliens who are destroying Proxima B – and hope to vanquish Buzz as well!

 

Featurettes

  • Building the World of Lightyear – Visits to the Johnson Space Center in Houston and a very familiar cinematic archive gave the filmmakers inspiration as they embarked on the exciting journey of creating Lightyear’s breathtaking production design.
  • The Zap Patrol – Meet the actors who gave voice to Izzy, Mo and Darby, the untrained, unprepared rangers who join Buzz on the adventure of a lifetime. While the misfits may not seem ideal for the mission, their unlikely friendship helps see them through challenging times.
  • Toyetic – Learn why Lightyear is one of the most “toyetic” films ever. Join director Angus MacLane and others on the meticulous, fun process of creating toy models for spaceships and other production elements that led to the film’s richly textured animation.

 

Audio Commentary

  • Lightyear Filmmaker Commentary – Join director Angus MacLane, writer Jason Headley, and director of photography Jeremy Lasky as they provide insight into the making of this remarkable animated feature while you watch it.

*bonus features vary by product and retailer

Voice Cast

Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear

Keke Palmer as Izzy Hawthorne

Peter Sohn as SOX

Taika Waititi as Mo Morrison

Dale Soules as Darby Steel

James Brolin as Zurg

Uzo Aduba as Alisha Hawthorne

Mary McDonald-Lewis as I.V.A.N

Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside

Efren Ramirez as Airman Díaz

Keira Hairston as Young Izzy

Directed by

Angus MacLane

Produced by

Galyn Susman p.g.a

Executive Producers

Pete Docter

Andrew Stanton

Screenplay by

Angus MacLane

and Jason Headley

 

Story by

Angus MacLane

Matthew Aldrich

and Jason Headley

Music by

Michael Giacchino

Product Specifications

Street Date

Digital: August 3

Physical: September 13

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment Tagged With: disney, Disney Pixar, entertainment, Lightyear, movie, movies, pixar

Turning Red – An Amazing Coming Of Age Story

May 4, 2022 by dadofdivas

Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red is available now on all major digital platforms and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD, just in time for Mother’s Day. Pixar fans can transport back to the early aughts and experience all the warm and fuzzy red panda Mei-hem with never-before-seen bonus material including seven deleted scenes, three featurettes and audio commentary with Director Domee Shi. Turning Red is also streaming on Disney+.

 

Film Synopsis

In Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red, confident, dorky 13-year-old Mei must balance being a dutiful daughter with the chaos of adolescence. Her slightly overbearing mom is never far from her daughter. And, as if changes to Mei’s interests, relationships and body aren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she “poofs” into a giant red panda!

 

Bonus Features*

  • Audio Commentary – View the film with audio commentary by director Domee Shi, producer Lindsey Collins, and director of photography Mahyar Abousaeedi.

 

  • Featurettes
    • Life of a Shot – Domee Shi and members of the crew describe the many-layered process and artistry involved in creating the hilarious Red Peony scene – from observing red pandas in a zoo to creating a storyboard to finalizing the animation and background lighting.
    • Build Your Own Boy Band – Step backstage to learn how 4*TOWN came to animated life. From creating each band member’s persona to writing and producing the songs to fine-tuning the details of their stadium performance, the filmmakers reveal how they designed the ultimate boy band.
    • Ani-Mei-Tion – Because Mei’s heightened emotionality is central to the story, it was important that her look and movement reflect that energy. Learn how Domee Shi led the animation team to incorporate hints of expressive anime to create Mei’s lovable, dynamic character.
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Deleted Scenes Introduction – Director Domee Shi introduces scenes not included in the final version of Turning Red.
    • Intro Meilin – In this alternate opening, Ming and young Mei have their portrait taken in a studio…but Ming has her own specific vision for the photo.
    • Taming The Panda – Under her mother’s guidance, Mei learns techniques to control her ability to magically turn into a red panda…to varying degrees of success.
    • The Debate – Mei runs for class president against frenemy Tyler, and the speeches get a little out of hand.
    • Fei And Christina Hang – Mei (formerly Fei) shares a banana split while having a heart-to-heart with Aunt Christina.
    • 4*TOWN Dilemma – Mei scores tickets to her dream concert, but her strict mother won’t let her out of the house. What will she do?
    • Roping In Leo – Pleading with Leo for help with getting out of trouble, Mei learns a couple of his closely guarded secrets.
  • Easter Egg – Robutton Deleted Scene – An alternate ending in which Mei, finding herself sitting next to her 4*TOWN dream-idol Robaire on a flight to California, has some feelings.

My Take on the Movie

This movie was a great coming of age story from a Asian American character that works hard to find her own path which is different then the path her mother had planned for her. That being said, the movie has a lot of powerful themes that allows you see all of the characters digging deep to learn more about themselves. You see Mei learning about emotions and controlling them before they take control of her. She also has to learn to live with the inner panda within herself and set herself on a path much different than the other women in her family. The movie was a ton of fun for all ages!

Filed Under: disney, Entertainment Tagged With: disney, Disney Pixar, Disney Pixar Turning Red, entertainment, movie, pixar, Pixar Animation Studios, turning red

Loot Crate Opens the Door to Adventure with the Pixar Limited Edition Series

August 11, 2020 by dadofdivas

Get ready to step into the world of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story, The Incredibles, Up and more as Loot Crate celebrates the continuing legacy of Pixar with a series of 3 one-time-only limited-edition crates. Unbox the new Disney and Pixar Limited Edition Series and celebrate the magic of Pixar’s stories, films and characters with exclusive collectibles, apparel and gear you can’t find anywhere else!

For the first crate, Loot Crate opens the door to adventure with gear and collectibles from beloved films including Disney and Pixar’s Up, Wall-E, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles and more.

Before this series of 3 one-time-only limited-edition crates sell out, be sure to order by September 30 at 9:00pm PST. Each Pixar crate costs $49.99 plus shipping and handling. Supplies are limited. The first crate is expected to ship in December 2020, with crates monthly thereafter.

Subscribe to the Pixar Limited Edition Series!

https://www.lootcrate.com/crates/pixar

About the Loot Company

The Loot Company™ is a leading subscription eCommerce service for fans of pop culture, video games, anime, and more. The Loot Company collaborates with global entertainment properties to help audiences discover their favorite products. With over 20 premium consumer product lines in themed and limited-edition crates, as well as crowdfunded Loot Launcher exclusives, fandom is delivered directly to subscribers’ doorsteps. Loot Crate was acquired by the Loot Company in 2019 and is supported by the heart of a diverse subscriber community affectionately known as Looters. The Loot Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Money Chest LLC, with sister brands including NECA, Kidrobot and WizKids. To sign up for a Loot Company subscription, visit www.lootcrate.com

Facebook:facebook.com/lootcrate/

Twitter:@lootcrate

Instagram:@lootcrate

Filed Under: disney, product review Tagged With: disney, loot crate, pixar, product review

Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” Reveals Teaser & More

May 31, 2019 by dadofdivas

Check out the teaser trailer for Disney and Pixar’s “Onward,” a new original feature film in theaters March 6, 2020, that features the voices of Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer.

 

Set in a suburban fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” introduces two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new original feature film is directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae—the team behind “Monsters University.” “Onward” releases in theaters on March 6, 2020.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/pixaronward/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pixaronward

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixaronward/

Hashtag: #PixarOnward

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: disney, movie, Onward, pixar, short

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