2014 Oscar Nominations Announced

The nominees were announced today for the 2014 Academy Awards. In the animation categories, five feature films and five short films were nominated (see below). Also, two songs from animated films have been nominated in the Original Song category: “Happy” from Despicable Me 2 and “Let It Go” from Frozen. And Pixar Animation Studios was snubbed again by not receiving any nominations for the great Monsters University and their beautiful short film The Blue Umbrella.  Here are the animation nominees…

“Animation Fascination” Episode 56: The Best of 2013 and What to Look Forward to in 2014

Listen Now!!

Stanford Clark joins Marc to discuss their personal top five animated films of 2013. Which of your favorites from last year made their lists? They also look towards the future and discuss all of 2014’s upcoming animated films.

Also discussed: Doctor Who‘s 50th Anniversary and Christmas Specials, The Lone Ranger, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and Mary Poppins.

(Recorded on 01/06/14)

Short List Announced for Best Animated Short Oscar

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (The Oscars) recently released their short list of candidates for the Best Animated Short Film category.

Check Out These Posters for ‘The Blue Umbrella’

Pixar’s beautiful animated short film The Blue Umbrella is going to be included in the upcoming Monsters University Blu-ray and DVD set. In honor of its upcoming release next week, Pixar Animation Studios has shared with us three cool posters for the short which you can download here.

‘Monsters University’ Coming to Blu-ray October 29th, Features Detailed

This October get ready to head back to college as Pixar’s fourteenth feature film, Monsters University, hits Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and Digital HD 3D. The digital releases will street a few weeks earlier (October 8th) than the physical copies,  which will be available October 29th. Check out a detailed list of all the bonus features after the jump!

“Animation Fascination” Episode 47: Monsters University Orientation with Chris Chua and Austin Madison

Listen Now!!

Hop on the bus with Marc and Matt as they head to Monsters University for orientation. Joining them on campus are Pixar story artist Austin Madison and animator Chris Chua to give us an in-depth look at the production of the film as well as a little bit about The Blue Umbrella.

Hear it here first: details about the MU short that will appear on the Blu-ray this fall, Party Central directed by Kelsey Mann.

Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous, so stay tuned!

‘Monsters University’ Review [Spoiler Free]

Yesterday I was lucky enough to get tickets to an early screening of Pixar’s latest feature, Monsters University, the prequel to their 2001 blockbuster Monsters, Inc. As I made my way along London’s Southbank towards the British Film Institute, my excitement grew as this wasn’t just a screening of the film but also a Q&A session with the film’s producer Kori Rae and its director Dan Scanlon.

Pixar’s New Short ‘The Blue Umbrella’ Builds on Tradition and Innovation

Animation Magazine has a fantastic new story about the making of Pixar Animation Studios’ new short The Blue Umbrella, which will be shown in theaters front of Monsters University.

Details for ‘Monsters University’ Film Music and Official Soundtrack Album

Pixar has released the details for the monstrously fun music that will be part of this summer’s Monsters University. From the music that we’ll hear when seeing the film, to the film’s official original soundtrack album, to the music that will be included in the attached short The Blue Umbrella, it sounds like the film will definitely be a feast for the ears along with the eyes and funny bone.

“Animation Fascination” Episode 39: Oscar Recap 2013

Listen Now!!

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.