[UPDATE] Meridagate 2013 – Merida’s Princess ‘Makeover’ Gets Widely Criticized

Merida’s artistic “makeover” as part of becoming a full-fledged member of the Disney Princess brand has been met with major criticism, especially from her creator, former Pixar director Brenda Chapman. As reported by Animation Fascination and many other news sites, Merida, the heroine from Pixar’s 2012 animated hit Brave, was inducted into the Disney Princess “Royal Court” last weekend in a ceremony held at Walt Disney World. New artwork was created for Merida as part of the induction and for new Merida products for the Disney Princess product line. All Disney princesses have received a newly designed look over the last few months, which takes them more “off model” from how they looked in their respective films and makes them look more like, well, something else more sparkly.

Merida Joins Disney Princess Royal Court

Merida, the fiery red-head heroine from Pixar’s 2012 hit Brave, will officially join the Disney Princess “royal court” next month. On Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. EDT, in a special “royal celebration” in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Florida, Merida will be crowned and become a full-fledged member of the Disney Princess brand. All 10 current Disney princesses (Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana and Rapunzel) will be in attendance. Merida is the first Pixar-created princess to join the Disney Princess club, I mean court.

Mark Andrews Writing and Directing New Original Film for Pixar

Recently Brave Director Mark Andrews travelled to Glasgow, Scotland to start a mentoring project for Scottish students. While there he spoke with the Scotsman about many things, among them an original film he’s developing at Pixar as well as the possibility of a sequel to Brave.

“Animation Fascination” Episode 39: Oscar Recap 2013

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In this episode Matt is away so Marc is joined by Rudie Obias (from “AuteurCast“). They recap the 85th annual Academy Awards nominees and winners, as well as their opinions on the films.

Also discussed: new Blu-ray/DVD releases from Disney and Pixar, the VFX protests, and new trailers including Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

The 85th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony Recap

The 85th Academy Awards show is now in the record books. With host Seth MacFarlane (sans Stewie, unfortunately), Hollywood’s big night was full of fashion, surprises, musical numbers a-go-go (“Gold-fin-GAH” anyone?) and speeches great and, well, not so great (although the Jaws theme was a nice touch when time was running out). Overall, it was a reminder about what a terrific year it’s been for movies, including animated ones.

Animation Fascination’s Oscar Picks: 2013

It’s that time of year again, folks! Let’s break out the bow ties and gowns in celebration of what’s commonly known as “the biggest night in Hollywood”. I’m talking, of course, about the 85th Annual Academy Awards. 2012 was filled with wonderful animated creations that have entertained and moved us all. The Academy has narrowed down their favorites in each category to five Shorts and five Full-Length Feature nominees, all vying for the highest honor, an Oscar. We here at Animation Fascination have decided to share exactly who we would like to win tonight, take a look after the jump…

“Animation Fascination” Episode 37: Alex Mandel – Pixar Composer

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Can you hear the music?

In this episode Marc and Matt interview Annie Award nominated Pixar composer Alex Mandel. We discuss Alex’s influences on his music, how he came to work for Pixar, Mickey Mouse-ing, and what it’s like to have an iTunes library in your head. Alex also talks about the collaborative process at Pixar and the 25 verse version of one of the songs he wrote for Brave.

The new trailers for Monsters University and From Up on Poppy Hill as well as our recommendations are also brought up.

“Animation Fascination” Episode 34: The Best Green Lantern of Sector 2012

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Happy New Year! In the first episode of 2013 Marc and Matt are joined by returning guest host, Ralph Apel. Amongst things discussed are “Green Lantern: The Animated Series”, our best of 2012 lists, and what we’re excited for in 2013.

“Animation Fascination” Episode 32: The Guardians of Wrecking November

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We’re Back! In this episode Marc and Matt are joined by returning guest host Tim Costello to discuss November’s animation releases. From Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph and Paperman, to Dreamworks’ Rise of the Guardians, as well as a whole slew of Blu-ray and DVD reviews. They’re all here in this episode, plus much, much more…

“Animation Fascination” Episode 26: An Endless Summer of Animation

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In this episode Marc and Matt are joined by guest hosts “The Rotoscopers” (Morgan Stradling, Chelsea Robson, and Mason Smith) to discuss this summer’s animated films & preview next year’s. Plus “Disney Animation” on Blu-ray reviews and much, much more…