Japan Just Does It Better: Take A Look At This Hand-Drawn Big Hero 6 Trailer From The Land of the Rising Sun!!!

The Japanese get it... they just do. Disney decided to take a different approach with the marketing in Japan for Big Hero 6. So they went with a hand drawn animated trailer for the movie, and it is spectacular. I'm not gonna waste time with the particulars, just trust me that the Mouse House hit gold this time and watch it after the jump...

Ohhhh... What the 'John Carter' Franchise Could Have Been.... Well, Titled At Least !!!

The 'John Carter' movie from Disney a few years back is considered one of the worst bombs in the history of movies. But it is truly unwarranted. The movie has its flaws, certainly, but it is overall a good film. Disney just shit the bed in terms of marketing. They dropped the "... Of Mars" part of the title!!!! It is based on a series of books called John Carter of Mars series... good lord, why make it sound like a period piece featuring Julia Roberts & George Clooney? Not to mention it starred Captain Curse himself, Taylor Kitsch. This movie had no chance. But director Andrew Stanton laments what might have been, and if the film would have done well than there is no doubt The House of Mouse would have franchised the shit out of it. Anyway, Stanton tweeted out the proposed next two title cards of the film. #2 would have been called John Carter: Gods of Mars, and #3 would have been John Carter: Warlord of Mars. Damn, I still can't understand how it took so long to adapt the book that inspired almost every idea you have ever seen in Sci Fi as you know it... and then they promptly fucked up. Damn. Check out the title cards after the jump...

 

Dan Luvisi Takes Some Of Your Most Beloved Childhood Characters To A Very Dark Place...

Now I have seen a ton of 're-imaginings' and 're-designs' come and go on all sorts of characters. The usual suspects, like the Disney Princesses... the more obscure characters, like minor Marvel heroes. But it is very rare when you get an artist like Dan Luvisi, who not only re-designs some of the most recognizable characters of pop culture history, but also gives you a dope back story about the new characters. Luvisi does so over on his blog, and the stories are almost as wonderful as his insanely fantastic pictures. Imagine the cast of the Muppet show thrust into the movie worlds of No Country For Old Men and Drive. How about Homer Simpson being pushed into the world of Grand Theft Auto. But my personal fave has to be Wreck It Ralph jumping into a Street Fighter cabinet and taking up the mantle that Ryu has championed all this time. These are great... just great. I can't wait to see what else Luvisi has up his sleeve. Check out more of his artwork here, and check out my faves after the jump....

  

What If 'Wicked' Were A Disney Animated Film? Artist Minkyu Lee Shows You What It Would Look Like...

I recently took the wife to see 'Wicked: The Musical' on Broadway, and I have to admit that I think I left the show more enthralled than she was. I read the original book by Greg Maguire around two years ago and I really enjoyed it. I have long wanted to see the stage show, and my wifey's bday gave me an excellent excuse to get it done. It seems that I wasn't wrong with my lofty expectations, as the show was amazing! It really blew me away, and the story came to life on the stage. But with the fan friendly subject matter (a prequel to the Wizard of Oz??? Who doesn't want to watch that?) and excellent song book, it seems that it is a no brainer for a company like Disney or Pixar to come along and scoop this puppy up for animated adaption. Nothing is in the works yet, but one animator from Disney is taking a bit of initiative for the sake of his portfolio by coming up with some great prototypes for the key characters in the play... and it is exactly what a fan would hope/expect to see from Elphaba and the rest of the Wicked crew. Animator Minkyu Lee has worked on The Princess & The Frog and and Frozen, so the dude is qualified. Very good stuff, and even more proof that this adaption could work. Check out the first series of pics he has released of his Wicked prototypes after the jump, and check out his Tumblr for even more animated goodness by clicking here...

Marvel x Star Wars by Robert Shane

I have seen a few really cool mash ups with characters owned by Disney and the Star Wars characters ever since the merger of the two conglomerates last year, but none are more interesting than the few that artist Robert Shane have thrown together. Robert decided to attack the mash ups through the aspect of the Marvel branch of Disney... and boy did he give it a hell of an effort! He choose three candidates (Iron Man, Doctor Doom and Nick Fury) and found great counterparts from the Star Wars universes for them (Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, and Mace Windu) in his pieces. These are absolutely amazing, and my fave has to be the Doctor Doom/Darth Vader one. Great execution of a great idea... no matter how obvious the connections may be! Shane still had to execute them, and he did so to perfection. Check out all of his cool ass art here over at his Deviant Art page, and see the three Marvel x Star Wars pieces after the jump...

Marvel & Netflix Team Up To Change The Game

Good lord... this is a true game changer! Marvel and Netflix have agreed to team up in one of the most ambitious ventures ever announced. The two industry titans have decided to come together and produce 4 individual 13 episode television shows based on the characters of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Power Man & Iron Fist... and then a Defenders mini series highlighting all four characters!!! Holyyyyyy SHIT!!! Are you kidding me? All four series will be set in Hell's Kitchen, NY and will be based in the same universe as the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as well. Good god... the best part is they say "a minimum of four" live action series... could even be more!!! The plan is to unroll the shows in 2015, and given the recent success with Netflix original programming (Orange is the New Black, House of Cards, etc) and everything live action Marvel (movies & the SHIELD TV show) this should go over swimmingly. Plus, I really dig the idea of getting 13 episodes to explore each character in full detail. Than we can bring them all together... wow. This can be so great, and think about how many villains, lesser characters and cameos we can plan on seeing. Check out the full press release after the jump...

"This deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel's brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling. Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty," said Alan Fine, President of Marvel Entertainment. "This serialized epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what's sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure." 

"Marvel’s movies, such as 'Iron Man' and 'Marvel’s The Avengers,' are huge favorites on our service around the world. Like Disney, Marvel is a known and loved brand that travels," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. "With 'House of Cards' and our other original series, we have pioneered new approaches to storytelling and to global distribution and we're thrilled to be working with Disney and Marvel to take our brand of television to new levels with a creative project of this magnitude." 

This new original TV deal follows last year's landmark movie distribution deal through which, beginning with 2016 theatrically released feature films, Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the Walt Disney Studios, including titles from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Disneynature and Lucasfilm.  Netflix members can currently enjoy a wide range of Disney, ABC TV and Disney Channel films and shows across the 41 countries where Netflix operates

Minimalist Disney Attraction Posters

Disney gets it. They totally understand marketing and have for years. Maybe that is just a small reason on why the company has been so epically successful in getting customers in the doors. But the coolest part about the company is that they are totally open to exploring different aspects of marketing... especially when it comes concocting posters to promote their attractions. Check out these minimalist posters (which are all the rage) that appear over at the Disney & More blogspot page. They really capture the essence of the classic Disney rides and put a fresh spin on these old faithful rides. It is good to see that Disney is consistently trying to look for new ways to market their products, even though the rep that they have now is probably big enough just to coast on. Either way, any visitor who has been to Disney will love these posters. Check out all 5 after the jump...

Disney's Next Nature Documentary Will Be 'Bears'... I For One Could Not Be Happier!!!

Disney is mostly know for their animated features, but truth is they are a very diverse company. Disney owns Marvel, and they just bought the Star Wars conglomerate... yeah, they are a huge company. But one of the forgotten aspects of the company is their work in nature documentaries... they have long been involved in wildlife documentaries and conservation projects. Disney's Oceans is one of my fiance Tara's favorite thing to watch, and I loved the African Cats documentary they did a few years back. So when their newest project, Bears, was announced for next April, I immediately became excited for a documentary that is over 1 year away from being released. I love bears, so I hope that it loves up to my lofty expectations. I know Disney will do it justice. It does come out in April of 2014, but there is a little teaser trailer out now to get you ready. While I love me some comics and nerd shit, there is nothing like a really good nature documentary to balance things out. Check it out after the jump....

Sean Hartter & Entertainment Weekly Team Up To Imagine The Future Of Iron Man & Disney After The Great Merger

Damn it feels good to see people up on it! Yup, I just quoted Puff Dady right there... and my words couldn't ring much truer. I have been extolling the virtues of the very talented artist Sean Hartter right here on CCD since way back in September 2010, and have developed an excellent relationship with the man that will finally come full circle when we team up for the CCD/Hartter booth at the 2013 NY Comic Con. So imagine how happy I was to get a message on Facebook from my buddy Sean providing me with a link to Entertainment Weekly's website, where he created 9 images for an online article by Geoff Boucher about the future of Iron Man after the great merger between Marvel and Disney. Boucher does a great job proposing some excellent team ups for Tony Stark to join Disney properties, and Sean uses his unique photo manipulation style of art to make these possible collabos come to life. There are 9 pieces created for the article, and they are exclusive to Entertainment Weekly online, so click here to see them in all their splendor. My personal fave is the Wizard of Oz and Tron mashups... and the Herbie the Love Bug one is classic! Good to see my man Sean getting some mainstream recognition from a big publication like Entertainment Weekly, and I wish him all the best in all his future endeavors. The guy has got talent, and talent goes a long way. Can't wait for October to expose all of NYC to his wonderful artwork....

So JJ Is Doing 'The Wars' Huh? A Short CCD Rant by Mike CCD

So, LucasFilms and Disney have announced that JJ Abrams, of 'Lost' & the new 'Star Trek' franchise fame, will be the director of the seventh full length 'Star Wars' movie. It is set to take place somewhere in the future after the events of the 'Return of the Jedi', may feature some of the familiar characters we love (albeit much older and in a supporting roles) and will sure to be the movie event of 2015 alongside 'Avengers 2'. While I love me some JJ and am actually really excited for another set of Star Wars movies, I can't help but have some trepidation. So here is a little bit of a rant on why I think it could be good, but also 3 reasons why this could be disastrous. Lets delve in, shall we...



Lets look at the positives:

 1) Disney is in charge now, and George has moved on to greener pastures. I was never someone who hated on Lucas... they are HIS movies after all. But he may have dropped the ball, a bit, on the prequels (depending on your feelings) and now the Mouse House is in charge. Disney is not in the business of losing money (usually). With Marvel killing all types of cinema box office records, the pressure is on. Which brings me to my next point...

2) JJ is no slouch. The guy has a track record....a huge one. 'Lost', 'Alias'...kid can do TV! 'Mission Impossible III' & 'Star Trek'... kid can save franchises! 'Super 8'? The kid can do original. So he ain't no slouch that can be bossed around... nah, JJ is as big as you can get in the current climate of Hollywood. I think this is great, because whether it turns out good or not, at least we will get HIS movie... HIS vision. Now I don't know exactly how it's all gonna shake out, but at least we're getting a masters take, right now, while he is in his prime! And finally...

3) The guy always has killer casts. Just look at his track record: Made a star out of Keri Russell on 'Felicity'; discovered a little actress named Jennifer Garner and made her a bonafide star on 'Alias'; picked out one of the greatest ensemble casts of all time and made them all stars in their own right, forever, on 'Lost'. Also, he made a star out of Chris Pine, Karl Urban & Zachary Quinto on the big screen in Trek. All those kids from 'Super 8' are gonna be stars... watch! Especially, that little Fanning girl...she is a star in the making. And let's not forget how he cast Phillip Seymour Hoffman as one of the best, most unsuspected villains of all time in 'Mission Impossible 3'... before PSH was the mega-serious acting star he is today. If I gotta put together what amounts to one of the most important casts in the history of cinema, I want THIS guy!

So the proof is in the pudding. If anyone is up to making this film, it is JJ. Steven Spielberg is too old and might not have the heart for this undertaking. Same with a guy like Sam Raimi. Kevin Smith seems like a good choice, but might be too snarky and smart with his dialogue for his own good. Matthew Vaughn, Duncan Jones, Rian Johnson or Matt Reeves? Good choices but, probably not seasoned enough yet. Joss Whedon is a bit busy killing the Marvel Comics Universe. My only other logical choice would have been Jon Favreau. Guy is a great director, can do big budget, and has a killer relationship with the studio but, can he do full-on Sci Fi? not sure. JJ really is the logical choice.

...but, there are a downsides to this as well. And to be honest, you don't have to make that far of a stretch see them. Like all things, this situation has two sides. Here is my take on why this may not work so great...

My main man Sean Hartter's take on JJ doing The Wars & Trek

1) If JJ takes on 'Star Wars' and all it is going to entail over the next 10 years, he's probably leaving 'Star Trek'...and that sucks, 'cause he made Trek watchable. He made it great. And he did it as the complete overseer.. directing the movie which, contrary to popular belief, is not a role he occupies often. He is more often associated with projects as a producer but, when he actually directs, the guy is gold. So will he stay on as a Trek producer into the future? Probably but, being in the chair is probably over. And that stinks for Trek fans... which brings us to point #2.

2) 'Star Trek' & 'Star Wars' are completely different and the fans all kinda hate each other. It's the oldest rivalry in the world of Sci fi. Trekkies hate the Wars. Star Wars fanboys hate Trek. it is one of the written rules of geekdom. Watch this clip from Fanboys to prove my point:




Now, Am I crazy to think that this new pairing of, 'Star Trek' legend, JJ with 'Star Wars' can cause the geek universe to fold in on itself and implode? No... there will be blood in the streets of sci-fi conventions everywhere! Phasers will not be set to stun, light sabers will be extra charged, and people are going to die when this fight finally takes place. Romulans vs. Wookies, Klingons vs. Bounty Hunters, Green Bitches as slaves in Jabba's dungeons... it is gonna be fucking crazy!!!! Trek fans will hate JJ for leaving their franchise and bringing glory to 'Star Wars'. If 'Star Wars Episode VII' turns out to be shit, Star wars fanboys will say it is because we trusted a shit-loving Trekkie with our franchise. It could be awful no matter how it turns out. And finally...

3) JJ is directing from a script. Not HIS script.... not a script from one of his collaborators or someone he is working side-by-side with. He is going to have to work from someone else's blueprint.  I'm not sure how I feel about that. I guess we will have to see which direction they want to take it. Will they go down a similar path of the Timothy Zahn Extended Universe Star Wars books that have been released throughout the years? Will they completely break that canon and move in another direction? Will it relate to Jedi and the original trilogy at all, or will it be set so far in the future that it will only echo those movies in spirit and unsaid connections? No one knows for sure. And this could be a major hang up.

So there it is. My three reasons why it could be great and 3 reasons why it could turn out badly. I, for one, will be there to see it no matter what... but, would love to hear your opinion on the whole situation. please leave some comments on the page and tell me what you think about JJ helming the Wars!!!!    

Soooo..... Mickey Was In On The Merger All Along!!!

This is just too cool not to post. I was cruising over at the Star Wars blog where I came across an article by Pablo Hidalgo that deals with a certain little Easter Egg from The Empire Strikes Back. Ya see, Mr. Lucas has always been a huge fan of Disney (kind of ironic, no?) and was even in attendance the day Disneyland opened when he was just 11 years old. So when he was set designing the scenes at the end of The Empire Strikes Back that take place in Cloud City he strategically placed Mickey Mouse head shaped objects on what was supposed to be computer screen walls. Why did he do it? Because he loved him some Mickey. But it is all the more bizarre because last year Lucas would sell LucasFilms to Disney and the Mouse House is now in charge of the direction of the franchise. You can always find cool Star Wars related tidbits over at the official Star Wars blog, but you can see the appearance of Mickey in Empire after the jump...

Disney Joins Forces With Netflix... Bring It On!!!!

This is one of the greatest pieces of news to come out of the Netflix camp in the history of the company. Disney has had a limited partnership with Netflix Streaming over the past few years, and I have watched a few movies (Princess & The Frog comes to mind) from the studio on the service. But now Netflix has locked up this partnership for the better part of the rest of the decade, and Disney is bringing along the newly acquired Marvel Films & Star Wars franchises along for the ride. How fucking cool is this? First up, I can't wait to eventually watch Clone Wars on Streaming. Secondly, this provides Disney with an outlet for movies that they have put in the Vault, which sucks if you miss out on buying one of these films when they are released shortly. Not to mention Avengers on repeat... yeah buddy! These changes will begin right away, with films like Dumbo, Alice In Wonderland, and Pocahontas starting to stream shortly and more titles to follow over the next few years. Thanks to Deadline for breaking the story. This sure leads me to believe that Netflix will still be getting my 7.99 a month for the foreseeable future. Check out the full press release after the jump...

Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq:NFLX) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) today announced a new multi-year licensing agreement that will make Netflix the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run live-action and animated feature films from The Walt Disney Studios.

Beginning with its 2016 theatrically released feature films, new Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios and Disneynature titles will be made available for Netflix members to watch instantly in the pay TV window on multiple platforms, including television, tablets, computers and mobile phones. Also included in the agreement are high-profile Disney direct-to-video new releases, which will be made available on Netflix starting in 2013.

Separately, Disney and Netflix have reached agreement on a multi-year catalog deal that today brings to U.S. Netflix members such beloved Disney movies such as “Dumbo,” “Pocahontas” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

“Disney and Netflix have shared a long and mutually beneficial relationship and this deal will bring to our subscribers, in the first pay TV window, some of the highest-quality, most imaginative family films being made today,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. “It’s a bold leap forward for Internet television and we are incredibly pleased and proud this iconic family brand is teaming with Netflix to make it happen.”

“With this cutting-edge agreement, we are thrilled to take our highly valued relationship with Netflix to the next level by adding Disney’s premier films to their programming line-up,” said Janice Marinelli, President, Disney-ABC Domestic Television. “Netflix continues to meet the demands of its subscribers in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, and we are delighted that they will have much earlier access to our top-quality and entertaining slate,” she continued.Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.  

Wreck It Ralph Is Breaking Out The Big Video Game Character Guns For 4 New Posters

Wreck It Ralph looks like a ton of fun. A Disney movie about video game characters who want to change their lot in life, but as always Disney can't just stop with a cool concept. They have licensed out a ton of actual video game characters from real life to lend some support to the newly fictional characters of the movie. Yup, that is M Bison & Dr. Eggman. Yup, That certainly is Q-Bert. And yup, Zangrief definitely has a lazy eye. Check out the four new posters after the jump and go see the movie Nov. 2nd....

Disney Location Playsets: Bring The Magic Of Disney's Theme Parks Into Your Own Home.....

Disney World in Orlando, Florida is one of my favorite places on Earth. I visited the park many times when I was an young adult living two hours away in Miami and I always loved it. Universal Studios may have had better rides (Islands of Adventure is the best theme park EVER!!!!), but there truly is something magical about walking the grounds of Disney World. Now you can bring the magic of some of those very locales right into your own home. Disney is offering a variety of playsets featuring some very cool real life locations that can be used in conjunction with each other to recreate the magic of the park in your own living room. The Mono Rail set connects with the hotel locations through the docking areas. There are even some great attraction sets, like Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain, and Epcot Center. All the sets are around 50 bucks or so, and you can find them and much more over at the Disney Store's website. Click after the jump to see some of the pictures...