A new Up trailer premiered on Yahoo today. Now I have no clue why they didnt premiere it last week attached to the Jonas Brothers 3D film, but what do I know. In what has become a tradition, the trailer tells you the film was produced by the folks that made other Pixar hits like Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, and Cars. I cant help but notice that A Bugs Life is not mentioned. And then I came to the sudden realization; A Bugs Life is Pixars Rescuers Down Under. It is the film that has somehow become forgotten that was released in the middle of a hot streak. I am not saying A Bugs Life was flop; and the film lives on in the parks, but it is no Toy Story or Monsters Inc.
I wonder what film Up will be analogous to. Will it be Pocahontas? A film that is successful, but seems to bring about the end of a golden age. Will it be Tarzan? A bright spot that ends up ushering in an era of mediocrity. Will it be Dinosaur? A technical masterpiece that seems to be forgotten. Or maybe it will be none of those things. Everyone keeps waiting for Pixar to fail, and some day they will probably miss one. But why wait around for it? Enjoy the success while you can. And I would rather get to see a good movie, then to learn the Pixar is not infallible.
Quick Takes:
Media Networks: As I write this, I am watching Chinese Taipei vs. China; a World Baseball Classic game on ESPN2. The international nature of this event makes me wonder what it would be like if ESPN has the Olympics. Recently, NBC announced that the International Olympic Committee has delayed bidding for the rights because of the economic state. They hope that if they wait a bit, they can get a better deal. And while Bob, who worked several Olympics for ABC, doesnt view the Olympics as a must have, he does know the value they have. It will be interesting to see if Disney can take advantage of GEs weakened state and snipe the Olympics.
Parks and Resorts: Disney Parks Merchandise has created a new website at www.artofdisneyparks.com. The site basically replaces the Disney Gallery website. Of course, they decide to wait until they announce the Disney Gallery is actually returning, to premiere a new URL.
Disney Interactive Media: The folks at Disney.com know that technology can be frustrating at times. So they have decided to help out by having Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker offer tech support. I didnt know they lived in India.
Consumer Products: Anybody been to a Disney Store lately? I havent heard anything about them since Disney reacquired them. Its a shame. They are being underutilized as marketing machines for the rest of the company.
Who is Celebrating: Once again, there is no joy in Disneyville as Disney stock sunk even lower. Luckily, DST will cheer me up.
Video of the Day: American Idol winners, finalists, and judges offer tips on performing at The American Idol Experience. If these guys were the judges, perhaps that wouldnt be considered the worst part by nearly everyone that has seen to show.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: Robin Williams, the voice of the Genie, needs an aortic valve replacement surgery. While he has a bumpy history with Disney; Doobie and I wish him the best.
NY Times: Michael Jackson will perform his final concerts in London. Its great to see London is getting a gift……a gift you can hear! It is amazing how much I dont miss Captain EO.
USA Today: USA Today reports that more hotels are facing foreclosure. This could be a good thing. That is, of course, if the Swan and Dolphin are included in this trend.
LA Times: Its not Disney related, but it is still important. This Saturday will be the UCLA seniors last game at Pauley Pavilion. Good luck at the big dance. Lets get to another Final Four.
Orlando Sentinel: Even the recession has its good points. As attendance, sales, and profits slip at Universal Orlando. I take my small victories.
Variety: ABC has picked up Impact, a four hour disaster mini-series. I dont know if it will be good, but I know that Doobie will watch it.