No, it’s not Kung Fu Panda… it’s SO not Kung Fu Panda. Yeah, once again it’s time to take note a knock-off DVD, but this one - The Prodigy - was not created by anonymous drones in some third world country, but by former Disney and Dreamworks artists.
Here’s the synopsis:
KG - the ‘Kung Fu Girl’ with a big heart - is an underdog. When the odds are against her, she discovers that there is no limit to what she can accomplish when she believes in herself. With the help of her brave yet zany Master Panda, KG sets off on a journey to restore justice to her beautiful kingdom and rescue her beloved prince. “A hilarious side-splitting animated feature, THE PRODIGY delivers Non-Stop Kung Fu Fun!”
Yeah, right.
According to a press release they foolishly sent me:
The film represents a milestone for Writer/Director Robert D. Hanna, who created Prevalent Entertainment as an independent animation house that has employed an American team without outsourcing to foreign animators, and performs outside of the big studio system.
Some top CG Animators, Production Designers, and Artists from DreamWorks, Sony, and Disney studios all contributed. An integral part of the team is David Colman of Disney Feature Animation; he’s an Emmy Award winning artist who generated character designs for The Prodigy. David Lowery (Head of story on Shrek) was producer and supervisor of the story department, and Craig Elliott (Shark Tale, Bee Movie) was the inventive production designer. Steve Gordon (Shrek II, Anastasia, Over The Hedge) created essential story boards to flesh out the meaningful romantic storyline. Instructive Bonus Featurettes on the DVD illustrate a primer for future animators on “Animated Character Creation” and bringing the “Story To Life”; they document the pre-production work of the talented artists and animators who worked tirelessly on the film.
Initial Details, Cover Art For "Batman: The Brave And The Bold - Volume Two" DVD Release
Warner Home Video has provided initial details and cover art on the upcoming DVD release Batman: The Brave and the Bold - Volume Two.
The initial details for the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold - Volume Two DVD release, slated to hit shelves November 10th, 2009, are available below. Information provided by Warner Home Video.
Synopsis: Batman isn't going at it alone this time! From Warner Bros. Animation comes the latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise. Our caped crusader is teamed up with heroes from across the DC Universe, delivering nonstop action and adventure with a touch of comic relief. Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, Aquaman and countless others will get a chance to uphold justice alongside Batman. Though still based in Gotham, Batman will frequently find himself outside city limits, facing situations that are both unfamiliar and exhilarating. With formidable foes around every corner, Batman will still rely on his stealth, resourcefulness and limitless supply of cool gadgets to bring justice home.
Episodes: Day of the Dark Knight! Enter the Outsiders! Dawn of the Dead Man! Fall of the Blue Beetle!
Details: Announce Date: 7/22/09 Order Date: 10/6/09 Street Date: 11/10/09 Media Quantity: 1 Disc Configuration: DVD 9 Packaging Type: Amaray Case Run Time: 88 minutes MSRP: $14.98 Product Language: English Original Soundtrack Language: English
Warner Home Video also has plans to release Batman: The Brave and the Bold - Volume Three DVDs, currently in the works. Stay tuned for further updates, including the official press release, video clips, and detailed information on this DVD title.
The first volume, Batman: The Brave and the Bold - Volume One is slated to hit shelves August 25th, 2009. Click here to read the press release for this DVD title.
Filmation’s Marx Brothers?
Thank God for small favors… As far as I know this show doesn’t exist. Fred Grandinetti sent me this trade ad from Broadcasting Magazine (February, 1966) offering a Marx Bros. cartoon package from Filmation. Was there be a pilot? The ad offers a screening, so… could be? This was in the era when Hanna Barbera was producing Abbott and Costello, and Laurel and Hardy cartoons. Considering what Filmation would later do to Jerry Lewis a few years later, let’s consider ourselves lucky the brothers Marx weren’t subjected to their cheapjack production methods.
David OReilly is a name that requires little introduction on the Brew. His new video for U2’s “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” is a visual stunner. It was created in collaboration with designer Jon Klassen.
5 Superheroes That Deserve an Animated Series Comicscape: Superheroes who need some TV love.
While some fans are too stubborn to accept the notion that Batman can be anything other than a brooding loner, the fact remains that Batman: The Brave and the Bold is no less valid a version of the Dark Knight than any other of the countless interpretations of the caped crusader.
So in keeping with the spirit of this fantastic animated series (and last week’s No-Fly Zone topic), we at Mania would like to offer up a few suggestions for heroes we’d like to see grace the small screen in animated form. We’re going with the same basic notion as The Brave and the Bold: family friendly and most importantly, fun!
1. Kamandi
Anybody who caught the episodes of The Brave and the Bold that featured Kamandi knows what we’re talking about. For those that don’t, the basic gist of the series goes like this: The Great Disaster has forever altered life as we know it. Humans are a persecuted minority while highly evolved animals rule the earth. It’s like Planet of the Apes… and Tigers and Monkeys and Bats and Rats and Dogs and … well, you get the picture. If you liked Thundarr the Barbarian, you’ll like Kamandi.
Bipedal animals waging war in a post-apocalyptic setting? It’s genetically impossible for young boys to dislike this Jack Kirby-created concept. And the toy line would be amazing. Action figures and plush dolls? It’s a marketing bonanza waiting to happen. It’s nearly impossible to believe that this wouldn’t be a monster hit.
2. Captain Marvel
No, not the one Marvel Comics created to secure the copyright and cash in on the name--we’re talking about the real Captain Marvel, the one that says “Shazam!”
Much like Kamandi, this is a concept that kids simply can not dislike and one of its big selling points is that it appeals to both boys and girls. A young boy (and his sister, because the cartoon has to include Mary Marvel) says a magic word and turns into a super-powered adult. That should be enough to sell any kid on the concept, but there’s also a talking tiger who wears suits and one of the main villains is a little worm with glasses who uses a 1930’s-style radio to communicate. And we haven’t even mentioned Captain Marvel Jr.
To get an idea of the tone of the series, look no further than Jeff Smith’s 2007 Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil mini-series or Mike Kunkel’s current Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam!, published under the Johnny DC imprint. They’re both Golden Age-influenced, whimsical and loads of fun for adults and kids.
3. Plastic Man
He’s been around since 1941, guest starred on The Brave and the Bold, been a member of the Justice League--he even had his own cartoon series in ’79. We’re talking about a hero that can alter his shape to become nearly anything you can imagine. There’s no doubt that Plastic Man deserves another animated go-round.
Blending action and comedy, Plastic Man would be a huge hit with kids. It’s established he’s in the same universe as Batman, so the occasional team-up could be arranged. And of course, a Johnny DC tie-in would help bring in a whole new generation of readers to the DCU proper.
4. Power Man and Iron Fist
Fans of current Marvel Comics probably think we’re crazy for suggesting this one as a kids’ show. Luke Cage is a pull-no-punches member of the New Avengers and Danny Rand is always involved in some crazy, mystical otherworldly stuff. To make this one work, you take the same route as The Brave and the Bold, get the heroes out of New York and send them on a series of globe-trotting adventures that don’t involve the rest of the Marvel U.
They’re heroes for hire, right? So every week they accept a job that takes them to an exotic locale where they fight a villain or perhaps a local monster (Nessie in Scotland or the Chupacabra in Puerto Rico). It’s a buddy show that focuses on teamwork and could even be a little bit educational if you’re sneaky about it.
5. Devil Dinosaur
It should come as no surprise that another Jack Kirby creation made it on the list, especially since the character was created in the hopes that it would be picked up as an animated series way back in the ‘70s.
Here’s the deal: Devil Dinosaur and his companion Moon Boy live in prehistoric times where they do battle with primitive humans, dinosaurs and beings from other worlds. Once again, it’s a concept that is impossible for children to dislike. It’s got dinosaurs for God’s sake! Every male human on the planet likes dinosaurs, no matter what their age and everyone can enjoy a story about a young boy (or ape) who befriends a dinosaur.
In the original comics, Devil Dinosaur was depicted as being intelligent though still being a savage animal. A simple twist on the basic premise could have Moon Boy as a rambunctious kid with Devil being the wiser voice of reason (for the purposes of this cartoon, we’ll give him the ability to speak). Once again, valuable lessons are being learned throughout the carnage and everyone is happy: parents and kids. Who wouldn’t take advice from a dinosaur?
There are loads of other comic properties that could fit the bill for this type of family friendly entertainment. These are but five. Batman: The Brave and the Bold has proven that “family friendly” and “all ages” doesn’t have to mean “dumbed down.” We’re hoping that Marvel and DC will continue this trend of awesome animation into the future (and maybe even take our advice!).
Complete Voice-Cast List For "Green Lantern: First Flight" Direct-To-Video Animated Feature
The World's Finest has a look at the full cast list for the upcoming direct-to-video Green Lantern: First Flight animated feature.
The complete voice-cast rundown for the Green Lantern: First Flight direct-to-video animated feature, as listed in the official credits for the feature, are as follows below.
Hal Jordan / Green Lantern - Christopher Meloni Sinestro - Victor Garber Boodikka - Tricia Helfer Kilowog - Michael Madsen Tomar Re - John Larroquette Kanjar Ro - Kurtwood Smith Ganthet - Larry Drake Appa Ali Apsa - William Schallert Ranakar - Malachi Throne Carol Ferris - Oliva d'Abo Cuch - Richard Green Labella - Juliet Landau Ch'p - David L. Lander Abin Sur - Richard McGonagle Weaponers - Rob Paulson Arisia - Kath Soucie Lieutenant - Jim Wise Bug Boy - Bruce Timm
A co-production of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, the direct-to-video Green Lantern: First Flight animated feature will debut Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 on DVD and Blu-ray disc.
Selling Ponyo
Hayao Miyazaki's animated features have made scads of money worldwide, but never set American turnstiles whirling. Maybe that's about to change.
... Kennedy-Marshall set about bringing both A-list acting and writing talent to the English-language version of "Ponyo," including Oscar-nominated "E.T." screenwriter Melissa Mathison. "We felt a responsibility to subtly reinterpret Miyazaki's storytelling," Kennedy recalls. "Miyazaki-san was quite intrigued with Melissa getting involved, and she found a subtle adjustment to the language so that you understand you're watching a Japanese movie but, at the same time, you're not getting confused by a literal translation."
No cuts were made to Miyazaki's animation, so the challenge in directing the voice actors was to make their English dialogue fit the existing picture. "It's different than the way we usually work, where we animate after recording the voices," explains Brad Lewis, who, like fellow Pixar directors Lasseter and Peter Sohn, helmed individual recording sessions for "Ponyo.""With this, the actors watched the animation, and then we'd record several versions and see what worked. The only liberties we could take were a few words of pre-lapping dialogue." ...
The eighteen-year-old Hulett has always been keen on Japanese animation. Since he's dead-center in the target demographic, I've always been a little mystified why Japanese features haven't performed more robustly in the States, instead of being just a niche sideshow.
I mean, live-action and animated features from the U.S. perform like gangbusters in Japan. For some reason (maybe cultural, maybe promotional) the reverse has never been true.
Comic-Con Preview: Stan Lee & Disney Team Up For 'Time Jumper' Motion Comic!
Listen up, true believers! Stan Lee has announced a team-up with Walt Disney Studios today for a new "digital motion comic" debuting at Comic-Con (and online) this week.
"Time Jumper" will feature the voice of Lee himself, as well as "Species" star Natasha Henstridge, and will tell the tale of a reluctant, time-traveling hero pressed into service by a secret agency. The first 8-10 minute episode of the 10-part series will be released on iTunes this Friday, July 24, but Lee himself will host a screening of the episode and series trailer during Comic-Con. For those who can't make the show, we have an exclusive preview of "Time Jumper" for Splash Page readers:
Ben studied animation under former Disney animator Milt Neil at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. He has been in the animation industry since 1984. He started doing animation for small commercials, then years later moved on to J.J. Sedelmaier Productions working on the "Cluckin' Chicken" parody for Saturday Night Live, which led to MTV, where he worked on "Beavis and Butt-Head", doing storyboard revisions, character and prop design, layout. animation on the hallucination sequence on the feature "Beavis and Butt-head Do "America" and also MTV's "The Maxx", doing character layout. As a freelancer, he's worked for various companies including Disney TV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, HBO Family, Miramax, Warner Bros., Saatchi and Saatchi, General Mills and Comedy Central. Currently, he's still doing the freelancing thing, while developing some personal projects for pitching.
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