Sneak Peek at 'Finding Nemo' Blu-ray!

The Pixar Times has nabbed some photos of the cover for the upcoming Blu-ray release of the Pixar classic, Finding Nemo. The film remains the only movie from the studio to not yet be available on the Blu-ray format, but that will change in December.

With the photos, we get a look at what super-awesome bonus features the new release of the film will have. If you decide to go for the 3D Blu-ray version (which includes a 3D Blu-ray, two regular Blu-rays, a DVD, and a digital copy), then you'll get the chance to enjoy the immersive HD Aquariums in 3D. I remember the virtual aquariums from the original DVD edition, and back then they blew my mind, so I can only imagine how spectacular they'll be in gorgeous high-definition and 3D!

Other special features include:

CineExplore

Reinventing The Submarine Voyage

Deleted Scene: Alternate Opening

A Lesson In Flashbacks

Filmmakers’ Roundtable Discussion

Knick Knack Theatrical Short

HD Art Review

Outtakes and Deleted Scenes

Pixar extras are always very exciting to watch, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing all these new additions. Also, the original bonus features from the DVD will likely also be included on the Blu-ray; the DVD was also jam-packed with fabulous bonus material.

Nemo swims onto Blu-ray on December 4 with a whole ocean of new special features! (Please excuse the puns, they're irresistable.)

New Series of Pixar Stamps

Last summer, the USPS released a set of vibrant and colorful stamps featuring some of Pixar's most beloved characters. This year, a new set of these has arrived, now including characters from even more of Pixar's films.

The first series, titled "Send a Hello", highlighted the films Cars, Up, WALL-E, Toy Story, and Ratatouille. Now, A Bug's Life, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Toy Story 2, and Monsters, Inc. are showcased in the new "Mail a Smile" series.

Here is a video from a ceremony held recently at the new Art of Animation Resort:

The new stamps definitely live up to the old ones, as they are beautifully designed and full of so much life. I'll be looking for a way to get my filthy hands on these soon...

Brave Finally in Theaters!

After months, for some even years, of counting down the days, Pixar's thirteenth animated feature film, Brave, has arrived in theaters!

Brave is quite an exciting film for the animation studio, as it marks the first time in Pixar history that a female protagonist leads the film, and it is also the studio's first fairy tale. But this isn't just your regular Disney-type fairy tale. This is a fairy tale done Pixar style.

Pixar's latest is now out, and I highly recommend going to see Brave this weekend, or if not, then sometime during its run in theaters! It seems like another lovely film worthy of the Pixar name.

Change your fate today

Pixar Website Gets Extreme Makeover!

For years, Pixar has had the same website, only receiving minor updates from time to time. There wasn't really anything wrong with this website; it just wasn't enough. The site was just a little dull, and it didn't seem right for the world's best animation studio to have a 'so-so' quality website.

Not to worry, as yesterday Pixar's official website got the biggest makeover it has ever received! Now bearing a more sleek, professional design, tons of impressive new features have been added to every little corner of the site. There are pages about every single feature film and short film, each providing info on all of Pixar's different projects. There's even a complete timeline of the company's history, which goes back all the way to 1979. One of my favorite additions is the gallery of what "life at Pixar" is like, as well as all the never-before-seen behind the scenes videos.

It's good to see a website that lives up to the company's standards.

What do you think of Pixar's new official site? Is it better or worse than the old one?

Monsters University Teaser, Images, & Concept Art!

At long last, our first look in a long time at everyone's favorite monsters has arrived. We go back to the day before Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan were scarers at Monsters, Inc. Because after all, they had to go to college first, right?

Yes folks, the teaser trailer for Monsters University has indeed finally arrived, along with a couple of other surprises.

The teaser is awesome, and, as I said the other day, it's great to see these characters again after such a long time. Not only that, but Mike and Sulley both look amazing, as the technology has quite improved since 2001. Also, expect to crack up once or twice when you watch this teaser. The characters are as funny as ever.

What's cool is that Pixar has released four different versions of the teaser, each on a seperate site. The only difference there is among the four versions, though, is Mike's sleep-talking line. However, each different quote is hilarious.

Watch the four different versions on Yahoo! Movies, iTunes Movie Trailers, The Huffington Post, and Disney's official website! Below I have also posted the 'Pony' version.

Along with the teaser, four high-res images (one of which is seen above) taken from the new trailer have also been revealed, along with two phenomenal pieces of concept artwork. This also seems like it will be one of Pixar's most colorful feature films. Just look at all those monsters! It looks like a rainbow!

Check out the stills and artwork here:

By the looks of it, this will be a fantastic film without a doubt! Stay tuned, as the coming months ought to bring more surprises regarding this monstrous new prequel.

Monsters University enrolls in theaters on June 21, 2013!

Brave Soundtrack Now Available

Well folks, the agonizing wait until Brave still isn't over (only three days left now though), but to ease the pain, the soundtrack for the film just arrived yesterday!

Along with Patrick Doyle's breathtaking score for the film, there are two original songs by Julie Fowlis, along with one by Birdy and the British folk rock band Mumford & Sons. These three songs are:

• "Into the Open Air" (performed by Julie Fowlis, music and lyrics by Alex Mandel)
• "Touch the Sky" (performed by Julie Fowlis, music and lyrics by Alex Mandel and Mark Andrews)
• "Learn Me Right" (performed by Birdy and Mumford & Sons, music and lyrics by Mumford & Sons)

King Fergus also sings a song about his legendary battle with the demon bear Mor'du, and there is also a beautiful song sung by Elinor and Young Merida, making this the first Pixar film in which any of the characters actually sing. The film, however, is not a musical.

You can purchase the soundtrack on iTunes.

Also, be sure to listen to previews of every song and track from the Brave soundtrack on iTunes and on the YouTube video below.

I can honestly, sincerely tell you that the music from Brave is some of the most beautiful music I've heard in a long time. I'd say the soundtrack for this film is worth a listen.

Brave is out this Friday, so get ready!

'Brave' Celebrates Father's Day

Yesterday was Father's Day, as you probably already know. Pixar released a little tribute to all fathers with this short and sweet TV spot for Brave, focusing on Merida and Fergus' relationship. It's quite similar to the Mother's Day TV spot that we got last month.

 

Brave comes out in just four days now! And happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

'Monsters University' Teaser Coming Wednesday!

With Brave coming out this Friday, many fans were also eagerly anticipating the teaser trailer for Pixar's following film, Monsters University, to arrive in theaters on that same day. Now, Pixar has announced that we won't have to wait until Friday for this teaser, as it will arrive online this Wednesday!

Scheduled for release on June 21, 2013, Monsters University is the prequel to one of Pixar's most beloved films, Monsters, Inc., and follows Mike and Sulley during their days in college, when they weren't exactly the best of friends.

On Friday, the following message was posted on the official MU Facebook page:

"You’re about to discover a bit more about Mike and Sulley’s days at Monsters University."

It was accompanied by a picture with the text "5 Days" written in the iconic Monsters, Inc. lettering. Five days from Friday would be June 20, which is this coming Wednesday. I think the best guess at as to what is being released on Wednesday is the teaser trailer, don't you? After all, what else could it be?

This is actually quite an exciting event for Pixar fans around the globe, as it marks the first time we see Mike and Sulley since 2001 when the original Monsters, Inc. debuted. The teaser was screened a couple of months ago at CinemaCon, and there were reports that the whole audience had been laughing. We've heard that this teaser revolves around Sulley pulling some sort of prank on Mike, so the results ought to be hilarious.

Check back here on Wednesday (that's June 20) for the new teaser!

Brave: Lords, Triplets, and Witches!

It's incredible the amount of Brave videos that Pixar and Disney have been uploading to the web lately. Here are some that you may have missed.

In another "Family Portrait", Merida talks about "the neighbors"; the Lords Dingwall, Macintosh, and MacGuffin and their sons.

In this featurette, Merida's mischievous little triplet brothers, Hamish, Hubert, and Harris, put up a little show for Fergus and the Lords as Elinor narrates. Watch as hilarity ensues.

Finally, in this new parody of a television commercial, we get our first glimpse at the Witch, who grants Merida a wish to "change her fate". Now, with Witch's Magical Mystery Brew, you no longer have to wish your problems away, you can witch them away. But beware some minor side effects.

With only 10 days to go until Brave, I am getting more excited than ever.

Behind the Scenes of Brave

A lot of Brave clips, featurettes, and TV spots have been posted online lately, but we haven't seen much from 'behind the scenes' of the film - that is, until now.

These first two vids gives us a glimpse at what you expect to find when you go watch Brave. They include short interviews with director Mark Andrews and producer Katherine Sarafian, along with some of the cast members, Brenda Chapman, and Pixar honcho John Lasseter.

The second of these, particularly, gives us a lot of insight into all the hard work that went into making Brave. This is, after all, a film that has been in the works since 2005. This second video lasts over five minutes, and focuses on the inspiration, story, art, characters, and music of the film; all the aspects that, if done well, will make Brave a true masterpiece.

Also, you can check out these individual interviews with Kelly Macdonald (voice of Merida), Emma Thompson (Elinor), Billy Connolly (Fergus), Craig Ferguson (Lord Mactintosh), and Kevin McKidd (Lord MacGuffin/Young MacGuffin). It's really interesting to hear the cast's different thoughts on the story, film, and the characters, so I strongly recommend watching these videos.

Brave hits theaters in just eleven days!

(Hat tip to Pixar Portal)

Bundle of Fantastic Brave TV Spots

With only eleven days to go until Brave debuts in theaters, it seems that we get more TV spots for the film with every second. Check out these six new ads that show how prominent action and humor will be throughout Pixar's new feature film.

Also, there was another TV spot released, called "Mother and Father", but this one particularly grabbed me. Not only does it include one of the first reviews for the film, but it is just absolutely beautiful. Watch and see what I mean.

This is, to me, the best TV spot we've seen yet for the film, as it shows just how deep and sentimental the story of the film is. I think the themes in Brave will truly touch the hearts of many, just as many Pixar films in the past have done (Up and Toy Story 3 come to mind). Expect to see a few people tearing up in the theater during Brave. And don't forget to bring some tissues along in case you get teary yourself.

Just 11 more days!!

What's Next for Toy Story?

Back in 2010, Pixar delivered the third entry of what is probably their most beloved franchise; the phenomenal Toy Story 3. With a finale that touched the hearts of millions across the globe, many assumed that 3 was also the end of the Toy Story series. After all, it was a pretty beautiful ending.

But a couple of months back, rumors started popping up about a Toy Story 4. Tom Hanks, the voice behind Sheriff Woody, stated in an interview that he believed Pixar was currently working on TS4. Later on, John Lasseter also teased about a fourth installment. Then there's also this video of Tim Allen, AKA Buzz Lightyear, talking about the possibility of a fourth Toy Story film:

So will there be a Toy Story 4? We can't be sure for now, but I'd say the chances of it happening aren't very big. Lee Unkrich (director of TS3) himself stated that they tried to end the series the best they could with the third film, but that they are keeping the characters alive with a series of Toy Story short films; the Toy Story Toons.

So far, two Toy Story Toons have been released; Hawaiian Vacation and Small Fry. Both have been well-received by audiences, and have left fans hungry for more.

Some pretty big news has been dropped this week. Yes folks, we are getting more Toy Story. No, not another feature film, but rather, three new Toons will join the library, along with two original 22-minute long TV specials!

These are likely being worked on at Pixar's satellite studio in Vancouver, which has thus far worked on Air Mater and Small Fry. The TV specials are scheduled for October 2013 and Spring 2014, and will probably air on either ABC or the Disney Channel. Aside from that, we don't know much about these half-hour specials, but expect them to bring the Toy Story characters to life in a remarkable and unique way.

As for the three new shorts, there have been a few rumors flying around about one called Partysaurus Rex. You can tell by the title that Rex would likely be one of the central characters in this short. Also, some tiny bits of plot details regarding this short were spilled by electronic artist BT a while ago. He said:

"I’m in the middle of scoring a film for Pixar right now. It’s a short for Toy Story, and I’m not allowed to say the whole story, but quite literally, it’s like a Toy Story rave, and I’m actually not kidding either. Like, the toys get into all these shenanigans and it’s like pounding club music, this thing. So it’s really not very Pixar, but in like a really hysterical way, everyone laughs so hard when they see it. It’s really exciting to work with those guys."

After reading BT's comments on the short film, I am quite intrigued and eager to see it. While Wikipedia claims that Partysaurus Rex will debut this fall, nothing has been offcially announced by Pixar or Disney. Chances are, however, that this short and possibly the other two will show up on either the Pixar Short Films Collection - Volume 2 or on the Brave DVD and Blu-ray.

So there you have it. If you were worried that we wouldn't be seeing much of the Toy Story characters in the future, hopefully your anxieties have been eliminated, because it seems to me that Woody and Buzz aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

(via BigScreen Animation)

Party With Brave!

Are you hosting a party anytime soon? Are you a big Pixar fan? Are you eagerly waiting for Brave to arrive in theaters?

Discount Party Supplies has got some pretty neat party supplies so you can add a little Brave touch to your next celebration. There's everything from plates and cups to napkins and table cloths. Wouldn't it be cool to have those so that you can impress your guests?

Also, by using the code MERIDA10, you can get a 10% discount on all this Brave supplies at Discount Party Supplies, up until June 30th!

Pixar at Disney Parks

The wonderful Disney Parks are always expanding, and of course, there's always going to be a little bit more of Pixar the more they expand.

Everyone's favorite space ranger and one of Pixar's most beloved characters, Buzz Lightyear, stars in this new promo for Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim, California. Watch as Buzz visits some of the amazing new additions to the theme park, including the highly-anticipated Cars Land, as well as some old classics.

Note to self: visit Disney's California Adventure ASAP.

Also, check out another vid showcasing the new meet-and-greet area where Merida is now positioned over at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. The way she interacts with guests is quite charming, I think, and I love that the three bear cubs are there behind her.

Also, head over to the Disney Parks Blog and check out some extremely awesome die-cast cars of the ride vehicles at Cars Land. Now that is something I want on my shelf of Pixar knick-knacks.

Pixar seems to be more and more present within the Disney Parks as we go along, and that, I must say, warms this passionate Pixar fan's heart.