Mike's BlogSpot

Blog Comments for Post #12

2005-12-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

For post #12, Mike commented on the following blogs:
Michele Brady and Philip Thomas.

Since blogger wouldn't take my comments for Philip's posting I pasted it below:

Was I the only person that never saw "The Nightmare Before Christmas" before? If not, definitely one of the few. I used stop-animation for my animation that we created for class. It's pretty tough to allocate enough time to each particular movement and to keep the moves consistent. For example, you don't wanna move the character too far during a step and want to keep it consistent every time you move him. I had a hard time with that.
I agree with the clay-animation belief that some are the best animations use that technique.

I'm surprised I didn't see any blogs this semester on Gumby. He was a popular one growing up. It must be difficult for animators to use clay animation and restore the character back to itself again. Everything would have to be identical and simple copying and pasting techniques that computers offer is not an option.

Post #12: Atlantis: The Lost Empire

2005-12-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

It’s sad to end this great course reviewing such a disappointing movie for both its plot and animation. Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire was far from being a cash cow for Disney’s animators. With its poor animation, dull storyline, and many errors addressing the continuity of scenes, this film is a disappointment.

The animation of the film contained both traditional animation and computer graphics imaging. The scenery may have been done fairly but the characters lacked realism, displaying square and non-detailed faces. In times of modern animation where films have displayed amazing artistic creativity and ability Atlantis: The Lost Empire didn’t prove that it can compete with other animation films. The blending between scenes and animation techniques was done poorly. At times it seems that the viewer can stop the film and be able to tell that another animator worked on that particular segment since there is no continuous flow between segments and scenes. Although this may be a difficult task, Disney has been doing this for years. If I viewed this film at the beginning of the semester it would have passed my eyes but scrutinizing animations more closely now the blemishes in the Atlantis don’t pass.

In addition to the animation, or lack thereof, there were a number of flaws that the animators neglected to notice. For example, in one scene Milo is going upstairs from the basement with his maps under one arm and when he adds one more items to be carried the maps seem to have magically disappeared from under his arm. Another instance of an imperfection in the continuity of scenes is when the travelers look at the city from afar by stepping in front of the machine. When a panoramic shot is performed, the machine is not noticeable when in fact it’ the same place that they were looking from before. Even though both of these items, the maps and the machinery, seem to have been overlooked in subsequent scenes the animators played a reverse role once in adding a few items to one of the characters. In one scene, Milo is running holding nothing but in the next frame he has his book.

The majority of animation films I have seen over the course of this semester have been impressive (e.g. Toy Story 2 and Polar Express). I have been able to appreciate the work behind such films, however the Atlantis: The Lost Empire can not be compared to the brilliance behind those films. This may be a generalization but I think it’s safe to say that in the last eighteen weeks everyone in the class has learned a few things about animation. Specifically, we have been able to appreciate animations (after the hard work we put into our shorts), be able to see differences in animation techniques and tools used, and notice any imperfections that the company or the animators neglected to notice. Maybe my eyes have been a lot more critical in recent weeks but the Atlantis: The Lost Empire is never going to receive any praise from me.

Blog Comments for Post #11

2005-12-04T02:44:00.000-08:00

For post #11, Mike commented on the following blogs:
Constantinos Havelos, Kristy Manas

Post #11: Polar Express

2005-11-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

After watching the amazing computer animation, Toy Story 2, (See Post 1) tonight it was announced that we would not have the time to view Polar Express. I heard the sighs of disappointment echo throughout the room so I'm here to do the next best thing...write a blog on one of the great recent animations and and the subject of our misfortune, Polar Express. Polar Express is a great animation released during the holidays last year that captured many viewers hearts.

For one young boy doubting the existance of Santa Claus, something astonishing takes place. While hoping to hear reindeer and Santa on the historic present-delivering sleigh ride, a train invites the young boy to travel to the North Pole to experience the true Christmas experience. Although many critics tend to argue the logistics and physics of the trains motion, viewers need to remember that this is not reality but instead a fantasy taking place in a so called dream world.
Each scene in this film is injected with exuberance, great amounts of energy, and childlike wonders. The faces, the details, and the scenery are beautifully created. However, one can argue with just cause that the faces lack expression and personalization. Still the thrilling train ride, the reindeer, and amazing photographic tricks that can only be done in this new process of computer generated animation make Polar Express a hit!

Polar Express lets the view enjoy the holiday season and every moment of it! If you haven't seen the film, I strongly urge you to do so this holiday season. Also, remember that this originated from the childrens book by Chris Van Allsburg, so check that out as well! So when you sit back and wait for Santa to place toys under the tree this Christmas, don't be surprised if you hear the bells of a locomotive instead.

Blog Comments for Post #10

2005-11-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

Below are the blogs that Mike commented on for Post #10:
Ryan McCoy, Thomas Hedblom

Post #10: X-Men

2005-11-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

It seems that every little boy growing up during our generation knew about "The X-Men". After all, these superheroes appeared in comic books, television shows, movies, trading cards, and anything else a retailer can sell to a child. Contrary to many of our beliefs, "The X-Men" was created in the early 1960’s and made their first debut in 1963. Marvel comics can attribute much of their success and name recognition to Wolverine, Cyclops, and the rest of "The X-Men" team.

Collecting Marvel comic books and trading cards was the fad growing up amongst young children, particularly boys. From the comics and cards came the video games on Sega Genesis. What more can a kid ask for? Well...the answer is simple. Marvel comics released two popular television series and two hit movies (a third scheduled to come out next year). Contrary to my previous posts about Captain Planet, Popeye, etc. "The X-Men" was a different cartoon that was able to be found during Saturday morning cartoons. This show didn't appeal to the parents due to its graphic nature and most often times non-educational storyline. However Marvel made a huge splash in the marketing and advertising industries by constantly promoting "The X-Men" and making the superheroes become a common household item.

I've always believed that cartoons aired for the children of this generation aren't as appealing as the classic cartoons we grew up watching and admiring. But yet again, every generation has different interests. Over time cartoons have evolved from being political illustrations and sources of humor in times of need to action-packed and exciting to dull and educational.

http://www.marvel.com/publishing/showcomic.htm?id=4

Blog Comments for Post #9

2005-11-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Below are the blogs that Mike commented on for Post #9:
Noah Shankin, William Olivier

Post #9: Captain Planet

2005-11-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

"Let our powers combine."

"Earth." "Fire." "Wind." "Water." "Heart." "Go Planet!"

"By your powers combined I am Captain Planet."

It feels like yesterday when I was watching cartoons on television and Captain Planet flew to the center of the screen to make an appearance. Captain Planet was a hit cartoon during the very early 90's. Although many educational and learning geared cartoons at that time were being forced on to the television networks, Captain Planet was a different story. The show first made its appearance in early September 1990 after being created by the owner of the channel TBS, Ted Turner. Its purpose was to spread awareness environmental damage that occurred every year, coincidently this was a large issue at the time and was a view supported by Turner. The only obstacle was to make it appealing and action-packed enough to capture the hearts and minds of the young Saturday morning cartoons crowd. Fortunately, Captain Planet was entertaining enough to make 113 appearances over a six year span on televisions across the country. The show was one of the most popular shows of the early 90's.

While Gaia, the Goddess of the Earth, saw environmental dangers across the globe she called upon five kids from all around the world to be the opposing force. Each of these kids would represent the four elements of the physical world in addition to a spiritual element to complete the team. This opposing force would be known as the Planeteers while they educated others to be environmentally responsible. The Planeteers team consisted of: the power of Earth coming from Kwame in Africa, the power of fire coming from Wheeler in the U.S., Linka from the Soviet Union had the power of wind, Gi from Asia had the power of water, and Ma-Ti from South America had the power of heart. When they feel the danger is too large for their team to defeat they join forces, shine their laserlike beams from their respective rings into the air and after a few magic words Captain Planet appears to prevent whatever catastrophe was occurring that particular day.

Ted Turner brought together many talented actors/actresses to be the voices of the evil villains, Gaia, and Captain Planet himself. Popular names included Whoopi Goldberg, Meg Ryan, Martin Sheen, among others. Turner created a show to appeal to the younger audience while at the same time teaches an important preventive measure to help save the environment. Kudos to Ted Turner for taking his own initiative and voicing his opinions to address an issue that engulfed much of the news and controversy during the early 90's. "Go Planet!"

Blog Comments for Post #8

2005-10-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike commented on for Post #8:

Bryanne Dade, Scott Bush

Post #8: The Simpsons

2005-10-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

Bart, Homer, Lisa, Marge, and Maggie are THE SIMPSONS. All of the members of this well-known American family have their own personalities and unique features ranging from Marge and her blue hair to Homer’s classic line “D’oh!”. The Simpsons have definitely made their mark on families across the globe. The targeted audience ranges greatly from growing youth to the oldest couch-sitting, potato-chip eating, alcohol-drinking man sitting in front of his television every evening. According to many critics, The Simpsons is the greatest animated series ever to be aired on television. Time magazine went to go as far naming it the best television show of the 20th century in 1998.

The Simpsons made their television debut on December 17, 1989 on FOX. Seventeen seasons and 359 episodes later, The Simpsons is still a leading animation on television. What makes The Simpsons so appealing to viewers of all ages? On the surface the answer seems to be fairly simple. Fortunately, I don’t think there is a below the surface explanation. The Simpsons appeals to families across the globe. Families can easily relate to this often times dysfunctional family from time to time.

The Simpson family displays the epitome of an everyday, down-to-earth, average-blue-collar family. Bart doesn't do extremely well at school, Homer is lazy and isn’t too fond of his job, the children get into trouble while bickering with one another, and the plastic ketchup bottle at dinner even makes “farting” sound. The Simpsons is highly satirical, providing an alternative to the different family sitcoms that frequently showcase perfectly functional families. Writers of the show are proud of their differences from other family sitcoms and have the slogan that the Simpsons “put the fun back in dysfunctional.”

I’ll leave it up to you to decide if The Simpsons is the best television show of the 20th century or the greatest animated series ever to be aired can be debated. One thing I can comment on is that the show appeals to many television watchers during the early evening hours. The show provides laughter for some, a safe-haven for others, and pure entertainment for most. Apparently, my personality is similar to Lisa's, which Simpsons character are you?

Blog Comments for Post #7

2005-10-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike commented on for Post #7:
Dina Baruth and Charla Downard

Post #7: Using a Popular Animation as a Political Tool

2005-10-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Smurfs have reappeared and are gaining attention across the globe! When I was riding the Metro last week, I picked up the Express, a version of The Washington Post targeted to metro riders on their daily commute. As I flipped through the pages I read the headline: “UNICEF Bombs Smurfs to Highlight Plight”.

In a recent United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) ad-campaign the Smurf’s are happily singing their theme song, birds are flying, the sun is shining…until, the village is bombed with missiles, engulfed by flames, and leaving the Smurf’s to be helpless and crying for help. The thirty second long commercial is being aired on Belgium televisions and in print across Europe. UNICEF chose an effective way to get their important message across to Belgium citizens and citizens across the world. “Don’t let war destroy the world of children”, is the text that appears at the end of the ad after Smurfette is killed and Baby Smurf is left crying.

This horrifying scene of the Smurfs being killed with their village being destroyed has never been associated with the adorable Smurfs that children across the world have loved. Account director, Julie Lamoureux, at Publicis (the agency that created this campaign) mentioned “In 35 seconds we wanted to show adults how awful war is by reaching them within their memories of childhood”.

Although this scene can be disturbing for some, it does have good intentions. According to UNICEF’s website almost half of 3.6 million people killed since 1990 in conflicts are children. The objective of this ad is to shock unworried citizens to supporting its fund-raising attempts for ex-child soldiers in Africa, specifically Burundi, Congo, and Sudan. The UNICEF Belgium spokesman Philippe Henon said the aired clip is being shown “to show that war can happen in the most innocent of places”.

Although many citizens across the world are appalled by such a cartoon due to its alarming scenes, many do not know that this commercial is only being run after 9:00 pm. However, what happens to all of the children that see the image in print?

Henon later states “UNICEF traditionally uses real life images of playing and laughing children but decided to change it for something that would shock people…We wanted to have lasting effect of our campaign, because we felt that in comparison to previous campaigns, the public is not easily motivated to do things for humanitarian causes and certainly not when it involved Africa or children in war.”

This ad will be run until April.

Article in The Washington Post

FAQ: “Smurfs: What’s it all about?”

UNICEF’s Website

Blog Comments for Post #6

2005-10-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike commented on for Post #6:

Laura Dobbs, Thomas Hedblom

Post #6: Controversies Following “The Lion King”

2005-10-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Following the release of Disney’s prized production, The Lion King, much controversy arose. The Lion King, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, is a film that is impossible not to like due to its astonishing and pristine pictures and storyline. However was The Lion King completely original and deserving of all the positive attention? Accusations were brought forth against Disney’s animation studios regarding selected scenes, accompanied music tracks, and even the storyline.

Scrutinizers of the film noted that in one of the scenes when Simba lies down into the grass the word “sex” appears in the pollen that arises as a subliminal message. Although a typical viewer is not able to notice this and even when one slows the film down it is still difficult to see. Disney’s defense to this accusation of the sexual message was that instead of “sex” it read “sfx”, an abbreviation for special effects. Disney stated that this is a common “signature” of special effects artists that often appear in Disney films.

In addition to the accused subliminal message promoting sexual activities, film critics also noted a problem with The Lion King renowned song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". A South African family claimed that approximately 60 years prior to the release of The Lion King they had written the song, entitled "Mbube" which seems to be identical. Last summer the family filed a lawsuit in attempts to receive over one and a half million dollars.

The previous claims brought negative publicity to The Lion King, however none of the claims were more questioned than the claim of the films storyline. The following is a plot summary of the Japanese animated television show that aired in the late 1960’s: “The series follows the adventures Leo (renamed Kimba in the English release), a young lion cub. Leo becomes king of the jungle when his father, the previous king of the jungle is killed by a human hunter” (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=627). Although Simba’s father was not killed by a human hunter this storyline seems remarkably similar in structure to that of The Lion King. After all, instead of “Kimba” Disney named the main character “Simba”, a mere one letter difference. Although the creator of Kimba, Osamu Tezuka, has been notified about the resemblance he has yet to file suit against Disney. Critics say that this may be caused due to his deep admiration for Disney and their productions.

Can one of America’s favorite films be a remake of a Japanese animation? Can the positive emotions that arose in viewers of The Lion King change into feelings of disappointment?

Blog Comments for Post #5

2005-10-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike commented on for Post #5:

Isaac Bernstein-Miller, Charla Downard

Post #5: “The Lion King”

2005-10-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

The Lion King, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, is a film that is impossible not to like. The animation was astonishing, the pictures were pristine, and the storyline was great. Like previous Disney films, children as well as adults can find the film most entertaining. The Lion King is the best Disney animation film produced to date.

While The Lion King was being produced, it was thought-of as a less important project that Disney had been pursuing. Pocahontas was the film that Disney animators preferred to work on and was the film management thought would be a bigger hit in film industry. After the trailer was released by Disney, The Lion King started to gain immediate publicity and attention. Disney animators and management were incorrect, The Lion King grew to be the highest-grossing traditionally animated film ever released.

What led the film to be the highest-grossing film release? Well, for one, the animation used throughout The Lion King is absolutely stunning. While using traditional animation, the animation didn’t come easy. The Lion King’ animation team consisted of 800 animators and resulted in a steep $45 million bill. Computer animation techniques were widely used throughout the film especially during the stampede frames (The stampede itself took over two years to create and only resulted in a two minute scene). After all, the brilliance in animation resulted in the public’s initial interest in The Lion King. The trailer showcases the birth of Simba and a panning shot around Mufasa holding Simba on Pride Rock. Zebras are running, the sun is rising, and rays of light are peeking through the clouds. The details are so rich and detailed through use of 3-D computer animation, the trailer is absolutely stunning.

Unlike many other animated films, The Lion King was the first Disney film (and still holds true today) that does not have any human presence. The entire film features only animals, no human elements. This is a positive trait that Disney implemented. Unlike many other Disney animation films, The Lion King does not have a similar storyline that illustrates the heroine.

In addition to the great animation and features that The Lion King offers, there are many very well-known actors that are behind the scenes (since there are no humans) being voice actors. Among these big names are James Earl Jones (voice of Mufasa), Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Mathew Broderick (voice of Simba), and Whoopi Goldberg (one of the hyenas). Additionally, songs were written by Elton John and Tim Rice.

For great details on the making of The Lion King visit this site: http://www.lionking.org/text/FilmNotes.html

Please visit next week for The Lion King: Part Two where I will discuss some controversial issues that once surrounded Disney’s greatest production.

Blog Comments for Post #4

2005-09-28T23:53:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike commented on for Post #4:

Laura Dobbs, Ryan McCoy

Post #4: "Steamboat Willie"

2005-09-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

During the late 1920's there were not too many popular cartoons. Felix the Cat held the majority, if not all, of the market share. Of course the era of Felix would soon come to a halt. The year of 1928 is a memorable year in history especially for cartoon buffs and animators. In 1928, Mickey Mouse was born!

Contrary to popular belief Steamboat Willie was not the first animation production featuring Mickey Mouse. In fact, Mickey Mouse was produced twice prior to Steamboat Willie and released once in Plane Crazy (a silent cartoon) that resulted in a disappointment for Walt Disney.

Steamboat Willie was just over seven minutes in length and created the publics attachment and admiration for the little mouse that makes frequent appearances on our televisions today. Additionally, in a historical context of the film, Steamboat Willie comforted and entertained people of all ages during the rough times of the Great Depression.

Prior to Steamboat Willie there were a few animated productions with sound (produced by Max Fleischer most notable for Betty Boop and Popeye the Sailor Man) however until Steamboat Willie the general public neglected to catch on. Steamboat Willie was the first animation to feature synchronized sound that appealed to the public.

Believe it or not, the music that originally accompanied Steamboat Willie was actually a harmonica being played in the background. Rumor has it that the first recording session was a complete disaster for Walt Disney. With no financial resources left Walt Disney sold his car to finance the second attempt for a successful recording session. Disney's sacrifice paid off, the session was a success!

In addition to obstacles that arose during the production of Steamboat Willie there was one more problem! Walt Disney was not able to find a distributor for this film. Finally, Walt took advantage of an opportunity to showcase Steamboat Willie before a longer film similar to an opening act for a noted band. Ironically when all of the viewers left, Steamboat Willie grew in conversations and found its way to make a name for itself. Steamboat Willie was a success!

Reference: http://www.bcdb.com/cartoon_information/3820-Steamboat_Willie.html

Blog Comments for Post #3

2005-09-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike has commented on:
Blog #3: Ryan McCoy, Tom Hedblom

Post 3: "The Cathedral"

2005-09-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Every piece of film, animation, and/or script does not need to win an Oscar per se to be viewed as one of the most talented pieces of work in a particular industry. The Cathedral, roughly a seven-minute animated film by Tomek Baginski, is a truly unbelievable piece of animation. Instead of an Oscar, the film received SIGGRAPH’s “Best Animated Short” award in 2002. The technical details that comprise this rather short piece are so intricate in every frame that leaves the viewer in awe. These details resulted in such remarkable visualization causing viewers, critics, and judges to view repeatedly becoming more fascinated each and every time.

Although we had a brief discussion in class about the film a lot of discussion resulted in the conclusion that The Cathedral does not possess a story. To an ordinary viewer one may not pick up on the story and plot however, for every film there is a story. The Cathedral was based off of the novel by Jacek Dukaj and illustrates a long voyage of a pilgrim that seems to arrive at the edge of the world. The cathedral that the pilgrim travels through is not a building but more than that. The cathedral is a mystery to the view left open to interpretation as it showcases similar pilgrims against the wall. The viewer is left to think about the meaning of the bodies that are lined up around the perimeter of the cathedral. In one scene the viewer notices the astonishing detail on a woman’s face as she smiles slightly while turning her head.

Baginski used various methods and tools of animation in intriguing the audience and producing The Cathedral. Such methods included particle generation, texture generation, motion animation, 3D rendering, 2D graphics, the use of various lighting, and "some compositing tricks". Self-taught Baginski had a rather hard time with animation so after a few months the producers facilitated the creation by using motion animation to reduce the amount of character animation work. Remarkably, I find it interesting that Baginski used a many two-dimensional paintings in this film intertwined with the three-dimensional environments. In an interview, Baginski stated: "The elements I mentioned are the ones I liked the most but I also enjoyed modeling, texturing and lighting. I liked to invent tricks to make things which are theoretically impossible to make. Many people asked me how I did the final part of the animation, what is the name of the plugin that I used to create it. They find it hard to believe that it is just the result of using a few modifiers wisely; pure 3ds max with no plugins. Just tricks. "

The full interview transcript can be seen by visiting: http://www.maxunderground.com/articles/2003/tbaginski_interview.html

Blog Comments for Post #2

2005-09-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike has commented on: Blog #2: Ryan McCoy, Tom Hedblom

Post #2: Popeye the Sailor Man (Toot Toot)

2005-09-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man, I'm Popeye the Sailor Man, I'm strong to the finich Cause I eats me spinach.

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man I'm one tough gazookus, Which hates all palookas Wot ain't on the up and square I biffs 'em and buffs 'em An' always outroughs 'em An' none of 'em gets nowhere.

If anyone dasses to risk me fisk It's "boff" and its "wham", un'erstand So, keep good behavior That's your one life saver With Popeye the Sailor Man.

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man I'm Popeye the Sailor Man I'm strong to the finich Cause I eats me spinach I'm Popeye the Sailor Man.

Remember the tough and muscular spinach-loving sailor Popeye? Popeye was one of the greatest childhood characters of many generations. He was a hero to many. He was the Zack Morris of cartoons, a “cool” guy that children looked up to decade after decade. Furthermore, parents gave him the stamp of approval in hopes that their children would eat their “veggies” during dinner. Still to this day as I look at the canned spinach on the kitchen table I envision Popeye and without question place a heaping scoop on my dinner plate.

Originally called Thimble Theatre, Popeye emerged into a series of adventures in the 1920’s. Popeye was the greatest thing that ever happened to Thimble Theatre. Having only appeared in a few newspapers originally, it only took a few years until Popeye brought in big business (more appearances of the comic strip, merchandise, etc.). The writers of the comic strip had intended for the role of Popeye to be a quick-lived character but after many responses from Popeye’s fans the writers opted to develop Popeye even further. Popeye remarkably emerged in a devastating time of Depression. His positive attitude rubs off on the audience and can bring happiness in times of sorrow.

Quick History of Popeye:
-Popeye made his first animated appearance in Betty Boop Meets Popeye the Sailor (1933).
-Popeye The Sailor: In 1960 Popeye The Sailor was the first show to feature Popeye cartoons made just for television.
-The Popeye and Olive Show: 1981 - A Saturday morning show featuring Popeye, Olive Oil, Bluto and Wimpy.
-Popeye and Son: 1987 - Popeye and Olive are married and have a son, Popeye Jr. Bluto had married as well, and he and his wife Lizzie had a son called Tank.

http://www.onceuponadime.com/reviews/popeye.htm

Blog Comments for Post #1

2005-09-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

Below are the blogs that Mike has commented on:
Blog #1: Ryan McCoy, Tom Hedblom

Post 1

2005-09-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Insider: Toy Story 2

During this three-day weekend I took time to brush off the dusty DVD’s on the video shelf in the family room. Cinderella…Jurassic Park…The Perfect Storm…ah ha Toy Story 2! What a great choice for the first week in the History of Animation class. Watching Toy Story 2 for only the second time, the first animation flick in a while, made me ponder about the animation involved as opposed to just viewing the film from the surface. A few years ago, Toy Story made a name for itself in the modern animation market; Toy Story 2 built on the predecessor and took animation to a new level.

Toy Story 2 being the 3rd product of the Disney and Pixar Animation Studios partnership set box office records since it is a rare film that can be enjoying by both the youngest of children to the oldest of adults. After all, who doesn’t feel a sense of nostalgia of ones early days while watching a film with the very toys we played with growing up? I have been told that Toy Story 2 was scheduled not to make an appearance in the box office and follow the distribution chain used for the sequels of Aladdin, The Lion King, among others. Fortunately for the viewers sake (as well as for Disney and Pixar financially) they opted to show this film on the big screen.

The primary difference between Toy Story and Toy Story 2 is illustrated in the human characters. Pixar Animation Studios mastered 3-D animation and brought more realism to the human characters in Toy Story 2. In terms of the storyline, Toy Story 2 uses the storyline from its predecessor and expands upon the issues of mortality. The film was an amazing product of Disney and Pixar and is a standard for future animation films.

Mike's BlogSpot is Brought to Life

2005-08-27T08:17:00.000-07:00