Brave: New TV Spot, Stills, More

Over the course of the last few days, there have been plenty of Brave surprises popping up here and there.

Above we have a new promotional image for the film, which absolutely blew me away. It's simply stunning; I love the dramatic shot of Merida taking aim as she rides on Angus, while being pursued by King Fergus and Lords Dingwall, Macintosh, and MacGuffin.

Second, Pixar released a new Brave TV spot on Thursday for the NFL Draft. It shows bits of new footage, and focuses more on the comedic aspect of the film. Take a look below:

There's also a new video featuring Merida teaching her three little brothers archery...but these guys seem to be far more interested in obtaining sweets than actually becoming archers. This looks more like it is a promotional video and not part of the actual film. Watch it here:

Pixar also released more pictures that show the process of making one of their films. The first of the images shows a photo of a castle from a research trip to Scotland, a second shows concept art for the DunBroch castle featured in Brave, and the third and final image is a completed, rendered shot of the kingdom from the movie. You can see another set of progression shots here.

Lastly, take a look at these three magnificent new stills from Brave. One shows a scene that I assume is somewhere near the climax of the film, with Merida leaping towards her mother Elinor and about to be caught by the ferocious beast Mor'du. This shot was shown in the newest trailer. Another still, from the second trailer, has Merida concentrating on her target, about to shoot her arrow. The last one shows the three little bear cubs, which I think may be the triplets transformed into bears.

Brave takes aim at theaters on June 22 (we're almost there!).

Pixar Announces Latin-Themed Film, Dino Film Given Title

All us Pixar fans were overwhelmed Tuesday evening with the loads of Pixar-related news that tumbled onto the web. So let's get started this massive blog post...

We had heard in September that Lee Unkrich, director of Toy Story 3, was now working on a new film at the studio. No plot details whatsoever were revealed at the time, just that fact that Pixar was beginning a new project and that Lee would be the one directing it. Now, ladies and gentlemen, we know what Unkrich is up to. Ever heard of Día de los Muertos? Well, in case you haven't, it translates to "Day of the Dead", and it's essentially a Mexican holiday which is celebrated in early November in remembrance of those who have passed away.

Lee Unkrich tweeted:

So excited to finally reveal my next movie at Pixar: a story set in the world of the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos.

Disney and Pixar have also confirmed that TS3 producer Darla K. Anderson will produce the new "Día de los Muertos" film. No release date has been given yet, but expect sometime in 2015 or 2016; the film seems to have started production not too long ago, and most Pixar films take an average of four years to be completed.

Next, the new Bob Peterson-directed film, which, until Tuesday, was known as "The Untitled Pixar Movie About Dinosaurs" has now been given a title and a new release date. The film has been given the simple name of The Good Dinosaur, and is now scheduled for release on May 30th, 2014. Pete Docter's project which "takes you inside the human mind" remains untitled, but it is now set for June 19th, 2015.

Here is the official synopsis for The Good Dinosaur:

What if the cataclysmic asteroid that forever changed life on Earth actually missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? This hilarious, heartfelt and original tale is directed by Bob Peterson (co-director/writer, “Up;” writer, “Finding Nemo”) and produced by John Walker (“The Incredibles,” “The Iron Giant”).

And for the 'Human Mind' film:

Pixar takes audiences on incredible journeys into extraordinary worlds: from the darkest depths of the ocean to the top of the tepui mountains in South America; from the fictional metropolis of Monstropolis to a futuristic fantasy of outer space. From director Pete Docter (“Up,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and producer Jonas Rivera (“Up”), the inventive new film will take you to a place that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen: the world inside the human mind.

And finally, for Lee's 'Day of the Dead' film:

From director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson, the filmmaking team behind the Academy Award®-winning "Toy Story 3," comes a wholly original Pixar Animation Studios film that delves into the vibrant holiday of Día de los Muertos.

Even after all this excitement, Pixar was not finished with their explosion of news. The audience at CinemaCon was treated to the new teaser trailer for the upcoming prequel Monsters University. The teaser, I've heard, revolves around a younger Sulley pulling a sort of prank on a sleeping Mike in a dorm room. The whole audience is said to have been laughing. A Pixar employee confirmed on Twitter that we will see this trailer in June when Brave hits theaters. I am super excited to see it.

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Screaming with laughter and fun, “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”) and produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

It seems I've covered everything...

Pixar's calendar seems loaded with nothing but awesomeness, and they seem to be exploring completely new worlds and possibilities, which excites me even more.

So if someone asks you, "Do you know what Pixar is working on right now?", you can tell them, "Yup. They're taking us back to when Mike and Sulley were in college, then showing us what the world would be like if dinosaurs had never gone extinct, followed by a vivid journey into the human mind, and later an immersive story set in the world of the Día de los Muertos holiday." How awesome is that answer?

Watch Remarkable New Brave Trailer

Yesterday morning, we were treated to the fourth and final trailer for Pixar's Brave, and in my opinion, it is the best one for the film yet. It might even be one of the best trailers for any Pixar film ever. Watch for yourself to see what you think.

The new trailer does an excellent job highlighting the thrilling action, hilarious comedy, and heartwarming emotion of the film. I have stated this before, but it looks like these three elements that make a film so enjoyable will definitely be present in Brave.

I love the part when Fergus mimicks Merida; the funniest thing I've seen from the film so far in the trailers. That last shot of the viscious beast Mor'du clawing at Merida as she jumps reaching for who I believe to be Elinor in bear-form is quite dramatic, too.  And the last few seconds (with the same song we heard in the first TV spot) warms my heart. I almost cried during this trailer, which pretty much confirms that I'll be a wreck when I watch the actual movie in June. Pixar is cooking up yet another tear-jerker for us...

Only a little less than a month to go!

What did you think of the new trailer? Was it better or worse than the previous ones? How excited are you to see the film?

Spooky New 'Brave' Still

Above is the latest still from Pixar's upcoming tale, Brave. The filmmakers at the studio have stated that this new movie will have a significantly darker and scarier tone than previous Pixar films, and by the look of this new image from the film, they aren't kidding. Just look at it; the eerie mist, the  mystical, glowing, blue Wisp...oh, yeah, and that big black bear in the background.

Merida has sure got some serious guts if she can handle all that at once. Of course, it may have to do with the fact that the film is titled Brave...

Just two months to go! June 22 is coming closer...

Pixar Corner: Celebrating Two Years

Today, for me, is quite an exciting day. Exactly two years ago, on April 21st, 2010, this blog was created. These two years have completely changed my life.

I've improved not only as a writer, but as a person, I think, because this blog has motivated me to be dedicated and to not give up on what I wish to accomplish. Blogging has taught me that, with determination and a little luck, anything is possible. Just a year after starting Pixar Corner, I found myself entering the actual Pixar studios in Emeryville.

I'd like to thank all my readers, followers, friends, and family for always motivating me and encouraging me, and I hope you all enjoy this site. And thank you, of course, to Pixar, for inspiring me with your extraordinary characters, worlds, and stories.

I hope for many more years of blogging about Pixar!

New 'Brave' Featurette Focuses on Triplets

Yes, now we have another brand new featurette from Pixar's Brave to marvel at. This new video, while still narrated by the film's protagonist Merida like the previous one, gives us a closer look at some different characters – Merida's younger, mischievous triplet brothers, Hamish, Hubert, and Harris.

The triplets sure seem to be quite hungry not only for treats, but for trouble. I've said this before, but these little guys, while they have no actual spoken dialogue in the film, are probably going to become some of my favorite Pixar characters. They just seem so cute and, from what was shown in this featurette, hilarious, and quite lovable too. Don't you think so?

See the triplets in action when Brave hits theaters on June 22!

More Amazing 'Brave' Concept Art Revealed

June 22 is coming up fast, and as the date draws closer we get more and more little tidbits from Brave. Today we have some phenomenal pieces of concept art for the film, all of which are just breathtaking. I'm not sure if there are words that can describe this type of art, so I'll just let you enjoy the masterpieces below.

Just two months to go...

Amazing New 'Brave' Featurette, Stills, More

This week is starting off to be an exciting one. Yesterday, three all-new stills from the upcoming Brave popped up online, followed by a fantastic featurette which arrived this morning. Also, you may have noticed the poster seen above, and if it seems slightly familiar, it's because it is the same Japanese poster which was revealed a few weeks ago, except this is the new English version of it.

Check out the awesome new stills here:

Dawn of a battle...

The mischievous triplets, up to no good as usual...

Something bad seems to have happened...

Pixar also recently posted some pics that briefly describe the process in which Pixar makes their films. They have a photograph from one of their research trips to Scotland first, followed by some concept art inspired by this photo, and finally the finished shot from the final film. We saw something similar last year when they posted the 'Pixar Process' featuring Cars 2.

I also found some neat concept art from the film on Yahoo.

Our heroine Merida

Various sketches of Merida's beloved horse, Angus

And finally, we have what is probably the most exciting element in this post. This brand-new featurette, entitled "Brave Stories: Merida" focuses on the protagonist of the film, and has a nice narration by Merida herself as she explains the plot of the film from her perspective. This, I am guessing, is the first of many "Brave Stories", and I expect we'll soon be seeing some other ones that give us an insight into some of the other characters' points of view. There's also bits of fresh new footage here and there in the new video, which makes it all the more exciting to watch.

The anticipation just keeps building, and pretty soon I won't be able to handle the anxiousness that is accumulating inside of me. Why can't June 22 come faster?

Classic 'Easter Eggs' to Return in Brave

Pixar is known to infuse little hidden 'Easter eggs' into all of their films, which makes watching a Pixar movie even more exciting.

Sometimes, we get little glimpses at characters from upcoming films. For example, Monsters, Inc. had a hidden Nemo, Lotso from TS3 made a discrete appearence in Up, as did Cars 2's Finn McMissile in Toy Story 3. Cars 2 also had 'car-ified' versions of Merida, Elinor, Fergus, and the triplets from Brave.

Pixar also has some other hidden goodies that their fans have grown to love looking for in the films, such as the mysterious code, A113, the Pizza Planet truck, which first appeared in Toy Story, and John Ratzenberger's voice. Mark Andrews has confirmed that all of these will make an appearence in this year's Brave.

What's intriguing is that Brave is set in Medieval Scotland; back when pizza delivery trucks didn't exist. However, back at D23 Expo last year, John Lasseter himself stated:

"Here's the challenge for all of you; Brave. Medieval Scotland. Try to find the Pizza Planet truck there!"

Now, Bleeding Cool talked with Brave director Mark Andrews recently, and here's what Mr. Andrews had to say on the subject:

"Yes, everything is in here. Everything. All of the typical things, those little insider jokes are all in the movie. You’ve got hours and hours hours with the Blu-ray to look for them. There it is! But it’s right there, yeah.

John Ratzenberger’s Scottish accent is good, it’s not bad. He had a couple of goes at it, but he got there. He’s one of the guards in the background. His voice is in there but if you can’t pick him out we’ve done our job and nailed it."

So it seems that John Ratzenberger's role in Brave won't be as big as some of his previous Pixar voices, such as Hamm in the Toy Story trilogy and P.T. Flea in A Bug's Life. But at least Pixar's keeping up tradition by including John's voice once again.

As for the Pizza Planet truck, I am not sure how they'll have it in there. A rock or cloud shaped like the truck? A Pizza Planet wagon or cart? I guess we'll have to wait until June 22 to find out.

Pixar Pogo Remixes!

Lee Unkrich just tweeted Pogo's new remix, "Boo Bass", which was made by simply using sounds from Monsters, Inc. Just watch and be blown away.

Also, Pogo has made some other neat Pixar remixes in the past, entitled "UPular and "Toyz Noize". It's really hard to pick a favorite, don't you think?

New 'Brave' Character Posters, New Plot Details

Entertainment Weekly debuted on Monday some pretty neat posters for the upcoming film Brave, each highlighting different characters from the new movie. My favorite is definately the one with the triplets. You?

The posters were posted along with an interview with Brave director Mark Andrews, who spilled the beans on some minor plot details that remained unknown until the article was published.

 

Mr. Andrews tells us that one of the main aspects of the film will be "looking inside yourself and coming to grips with who exactly you are". The film will have a particularly "darker" and "creepier" tone than previous Pixar films, but will continue to have all those elements that make a Pixar film a Pixar film. I'm excited to see how the studio will capture a feeling of eeriness, yet not go extremely horrific.

We also learn that the film will contain a peek into the past, when Merida was younger; a flash-back.

While the film is not a musical, King Fergus will sing a song about "his trials and tribulations with the great demon bear Mor'du". The kingdom which Fergus and his wife Elinor govern is apparently called DunBroch. Lastly, Mark Andrews tell us that Merida's younger triplet brothers, Harris, Hubert, and Hamish, will not have any actual spoken dialouge in the film, they just "giggle and laugh — that’s it". Of course, Pixar has proven to us that they can make incredibly strong and developed characters, even without using dialouge. Remember WALL-E?

Don't forget to read the full interview!

Only 78 days to go until Brave debuts in theaters for the first time, so get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure on June 22!

New Easter Logo for Pixar Corner

Paul Robin has once again wowed us by designing another fantastic seasonal logo for this blog. This time, he has added a little Pixar touch to the festive tradition of colorful Easter eggs, and...oh look! The iconic Pixar Luxo ball has been transformed into an Easter egg!

Thanks again to Paul for never disappointing with his astounding contributions of art for this blog! Check out his blog to see what adventures he has gone on lately.

Smithsonian Welcomes Buzz, Merida To Enter Disney Parks

In the first Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear found out that he wasn't actually a space ranger. However, that turned out to not be entirely true, as an actual Buzz action figure made its way to the International Space Station back in 2008, and stayed there for 15 months, helping astronauts conduct some research. If Buzz were human, he'd hold the record for having stayed the longest time in outer space.

A few years have passed since the 12-inch space ranger went up into space, and Disney and Pixar have decided to donate our little plastic hero to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, where he will be displayed this coming summer. Pixar and Buzz must be very proud.

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People around the world will also be able to visit another Pixar character starting in May. Merida, the studio's first ever female protagonist and the hero in Pixar's upcoming film Brave, will now be greeting guests at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida respectively. By the looks of the concept art, it looks like meeting with Merida will be quite a remarkable experience! Head on over to the Disney Parks Blog for more info.

Will you be visiting either Buzz or Merida (or both)?