[UPDATED] Dan Scanlon Will [Not] Helm 'Cars 3'

Dan Scanlon

Update (23/02): it looks like Oh My Disney made a mistake, which has been fixed since we posted the news: Dan Scanlon won't direct Cars 3 after all. Which means we still don't know who is directing a film that's supposed to be released next year. We wouldn't be surprised if the movie gets pushed back.

Monsters University Coming to DVD/Blu-ray on 29th October (US)

Monsters University is coming to DVD and Blu-ray in just over a couple of months (in America anyway)! The studio's fourteenth feature film, which has been met with a generally positive response, will hit home video on 29th October.

Monsters University Review - Pixar Scares Up Some Laughs, Twists and a Lot of Fun

*This review is largely spoiler free, and most plot-details mentioned are evident in the trailers, but read cautiously if you haven’t seen the film yet*

Pixar are the gold standard of animation. Once upon a time that was Disney, and if all stays as is it might well be again sometime in the near future, but since 1995, Pixar have been fully leading the animation revolution. We've gone from a time when Disney was more or less the only source of feature animation, to a time when there's about a dozen mainstream animation studios. That's thanks to Pixar. Toy Story was a complete game-changer - revolutionary both visually and thematically - and since then the studio have created classics like The Incredibles and Up. Since 2011 and Cars 2 though, it seems faith in the studio has been broken: that film was widely panned, Brave got a much harsher reception than it deserved, and their fourteenth feature film, Monsters University, has been received - while rather more warmly than the previous two films - to a kind of glum acceptance unfitting of a Pixar film.

An editorial Munir wrote recently has stayed with me; Pixar haven't lost a step, they're not slumping, they're not making poor films, but it is undeniable that their last three films aren't their greatest. The key line, I thought, was "Toy Story 3 is Pixar's Lion King," meaning, once you have reached the absolute pinnacle of creative, critical and commercial success, there's nowhere to go but down. So, while Monsters University is not Pixar's finest film, while it's not as good or as groundbreaking as Monsters, Inc. was 12 years ago, it is still a fine piece of cinema, a testament to great storytelling, and proof that Pixar isn't going anywhere fast.

Early Monsters University Reviews Are Really Rather Positive

Pixar have had a rather rough time of it as of late. Cars 2 was what it was, I think it was very fun and entertaining, but, as people frequently cited, not quite up to the level of films like Toy Story or Ratatoulle; Brave had some directorial trouble, (but was still great) the critical problems it faced were critics still bitter over Cars 2. It's ironic, then, that the film which seems to have restored most critics' griping is in fact another sequel. Well, prequel.

Lay Your Eye on This: New Monsters University Still

A new still from Pixar's summer release, Monsters University, was rolled out onto the film's Facebook page today, with the caption "Mike and Sulley didn't always see eyes to eye," showing the scaring duo's formerly adversarial relationship at its height. The lighting and staging are immaculate, as is the use of colour - Chronicle Books' The Art of Monsters University will surely be fantastic!

Monsters University is directed by Dan Scanlon (Mater and the Ghostlight), produced by Kori Rae (Tokyo Mater) and returns the voices of John Goodman and Billy Crystal to the lead roles. Pixar's first prequel releases in the US on 21st June, and in the UK on 12th July.

Japanese Monsters University Trailer Shows Off Lots of New Footage - And a Lot of the Plot

Japanese trailers are a curious thing. On the one hand, they're always really good, often very emotional, and lend a lot of charm and excitement to the promotion of whatever film they're made for (see last year's awesome Brave one for an example). On the other hand, however, they're always extremely spoiler-heavy, showcasing a sizeable portion of a film's major plot-points. With that in mind, check out this new spoiler heavy Japanese trailer for Pixar's Monsters University!

The Art of Monsters University Gets a Bright New Cover

We've got a steady stream of information, clips and images from Monsters University over the past couple of weeks and one conclusion we can clearly and confidently draw from them all is this: it's going to be a beautiful film!

Given the vibrant colours, the hilarious character designs and the inventive worlds on display, The Art of Monsters University looks set to be a must-buy. Amazon today updated their listing for the art book - which will be released by Chronicle Books in June in the US and on 1st July in the UK - with some great new concept art from the film. I just love the cartoony, fun shapes and the wide mix of colours. Noteworthy: like the trailers and clips, this cover seems to put just a bit more focus on Mike than on Sulley.

The Art of Monsters University is written by Karen Paik (The Art of Ratatouille), with prefaces by executive producer John Lasseter and Monsters, Inc. director Pete Docter, and a foreword by director Dan Scanlon. UK readers can pre-order it below.

Via The Pixar Daily.

Hilarious New Monsters University Trailer

Brave is picking up some serious awards steam, but now Pixar start planning for the future, as today Walt Disney Studios UK's YouTube channel unveiled a new trailer for this summer's Monsters University! We saw a new clip in the extended preview for the film a few days ago, but this trailer gives us our biggest indication as to the plot of Pixar's first prequel.

The trailer's embedded above and be sure to watch it in HD! The trailer itself is absolutely hilarious, Mike and Sulley are on top form and the new characters seem brilliant; Monsters U promises to be an absolute hoot - and a damn good looking film to boot.

Monsters U is directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae, it opens on 21st June in the US and 12th July in the UK.

Monsters University Extended Preview Gives Us Plot Details and New Footage

The guys over at the great animation podcast Animation Fascination have got an awesome extended preview for Pixar's next film, Monsters University, for us! Be warned, it contains some moderate spoilers.

I really like the first 30 seconds or so, with the nifty little "from the makers of" bit, and it gets even better from there! The featurette, which is apparently the one that'll show up on the soon-to-be-released Monsters, Inc. Collector's Edition Blu Ray, is introduced by Monsters U director Dan Scanlon (Mater and the Ghostlight) and introduces the film's premise, beyond just the college theme we've been drip-fed so far, and shows off some new concept art and a great new clip! It certainly seems this prequel is going to be just as funny as the original.

Pixar are the greatest animation studio - and, perhaps, film studio in general - on the planet, who very rarely put a foot wrong, so it's always exciting to see whatever they've got up their sleeves next! Monsters U is particularly exciting, given it's their first prequel and the first follow up to the beloved 2001 original. Monsters University will also be preceded by a brand new short film, The Blue Umbrella - check out the first look here.

So, it's going to be great fun enjoying all the hype and promotion as we roll on towards its 21st June release in the US, and its 12th July one in the UK.

First TV Spot for Monsters University Takes the Viral Approach

Pixar aired the first TV spot for their fourteenth feature film, Monsters University, today, during the Rose Bowl, and it's now worked its way onto YouTube. Continuing the viral advertising that started with the launch of a real /edu website back in October, Pixar are after advertising the actual university here, rather than the film - and it works, it's hilarious. Not to mention, we see lots and lots of beautiful backgrounds and settings; Monsters U looks to be a beautiful movie!

A prequel to 2001's original Monsters, Inc., Monsters University is directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae. It stars the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Frank Oz and many more returning from the original film, new characters will also be voiced by Dave Foley (who previously voiced Flik in A Bug's Life), Julia Sweeney, Joel Murray and Pixar's Peter Sohn - Kelsey Grammer (who previously voiced the Prospector in Toy Story 2) is replacing the late James Coburn as Mr. Waternoose also.

Now we're in 2013, it's only a matter of months to go, and Monsters University is released on 21st June in the States and 12th July in the UK.

After Monsters U, we've got a string of other exciting films, check out newly released artwork from three of them here.

UPDATED: Pete Docter AMA, Monsters, Inc. 3D Featurette and New Monsters U Images

The fantastic Pete Docter took to Reddit today, for an AMA (Ask Me Anything), answering questions about Pixar, his work past and present (including The Inside Out and Monsters, Inc. 3D), and some somewhat off-topic stuff. The Monsters, Inc. and Up director was cut off in mid-stream though, by an impromptu fire alarm at Pixar - which he reassuringly posted about upon his return:

Two Cool New Monsters University Posters

Brave's been and gone, and the big push for advertising Pixar's fourteenth animated feature film has begun. Today that manifests itself with two new posters for the Monsters, Inc. prequel, Monsters University!

We firstly get the above teaser poster, showing the film's leading duo, looking quite a bit younger, decked out in MU apparel. The minimalistic, white-background design definitely harkens back to the poster for the 2001 original.

Secondly, we get this awesome international poster for the film - titled Monsters Academy in France. I personally prefer this to the American one, it shows a little bit more from the film: some environments we can expect to see, the competitive relationship between Mike and Sulley, Little Mikey making a re/preappearance, and holy Easter Eggs, Batman, check out the time on that clock!

Monsters University is directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae, and hits cinemas on 21st June, 2013 (US) and 12th July, 2013 (UK).

With Monsters U on the horizon, be sure to check out Monsters, Inc. 3D in cinemas from 19th Decmber (US) and 18th January, 2013 (UK) - and have a read of our exclusive review of it here.

New Monsters University CG Character Art

Upcoming Pixar has some exclusive CG character art from Pixar's upcoming, highly anticipated, prequel, Monsters University. A few weeks ago Pixar rolled out their viral website for the film, and we can surely expect the second trailer for it with Disney's Wreck-It Ralph this coming Friday - or soon thereafter.

Check out the great CG renders of the characters - including Mike and Sulley, and new characters Don, Squishy, Squishy's Mom, Art and Terry & Terri - via Upcoming Pixar's Flickr page. Monsters U looks set to have just as lively a cast of characters as the original Monsters, Inc. did 11 years ago - and they're sure as hell going to sell a lot of Monsters plush toys!

Monsters University is directed by Dan Scanlon, and produced by Kori Rae, and arrives in cinemas next year, on 21st June (US) and 12th July (UK) - and the original Monsters, Inc. is re-released in 3D on 19th December (US) and 18th January, 2013 (UK)

Billy Crystal on Monsters U: Voicing Mike Again and the Ending

Billy Crystal has always been vocal in his love of Monsters, Inc., specifically his own character in the film, Mike Wazoswki. And in a recent interview with THR, the When Harry Met Sally... star gushed about being back in Monstropolis for the prequel, Monsters University.

"He’s my favorite character I’ve ever played" the co-vocal lead says of Mike, while also singing the praises of co-star, John Goodman, and the chemistry the two have created on-screen, saying:

"We do it together and he’s a genius. That’s why I think there’s a lot of affection between Mike and Sulley on the screen -- the relationship between the two of us is so real. We really love working with each other."

Crystal (pictured, top, with Monsters U director, Dan Scanlon) also speaks about the film's ending so avert your eyes now if you want to avoid spoilers - that said, it's pretty tame given that it's a prequel:

"The movie ends with us walking into Monsters, Inc. and working in the mail room."

Monsters University looks every bit as great as the original, and the anticipation only grows and grows with every detail we're drip-fed. The film will be released almost 12 years after the original, on 21st June, 2013 (US) and 12th July, 2013 (UK).

Related news: Apply to Monsters University Now! No, Really. and Monsters University Plot Details Emerge

Via The Pixar Post.

Apply to Monsters University Now! No, Really.

Damn Pixar, you know how to market a film.

Pixar have gone viral with the marketing of their next feature film, the prequel to 2001's Monsters, Inc., Monsters University. The studio have launched a super clever, super cool and - oddly - super believable website for Monsters University - the place, not the film. It has an admissions page, a list of clubs, professors (that presumably will feature in the film), a map (below), a student portal and even a functioning MU store! Pixar have really gone the whole hog on this one!

Check out more awesomeness after the jump break!

Monsters University Plot Details Emerge

With Brave's US theatrical run pretty much over (though it's just started in the UK!), eyes begin to turn towards Pixar's fourteenth feature film, Monstsers University. Aside from the fact that it's a prequel to Pixar's 2001 classic, Monsters, Inc., and that it's set in college, when best-friends Mike and Sulley were rivals, we know little about the plot of Monsters U thus far. However, Billy Crystal is here to enlighten us a bit.

Though he famously turned down the role of Buzz Lightyear, Crystal leapt at the opportunity to lend his voice to Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc. and has a great love for the character and the film. So it's no surprise that in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the topic of the hotly anticipated prequel came up. Crystal spoke about the plot of the film, saying:

"[Mike and Sully] end up in the same fraternity where they have this scare competition — like Greek Games in college. They have to mobilize a group, sort of like Revenge of the Nerds-monsters, and get them ready to be scary.”"

So, expect to see more hilarious pranks and college-antics, like we saw in the teaser trailers a couple of months ago. Crystal also said that the duo are 17 and 18 in the film, adding "My guy has a retainer, even."

Monsters University is released on 21st June, 2013 in the US and 12th July in the UK, and the original Monsters, Inc. is re-released in 3D on 19th December (US only - UK re-release date likely in early 2013).

Via The Pixar Times.

First Monsters University Posters

Argentinian movie poster site, Cine 1, recently debuted the first posters for Pixar's Monsters University. Cine 1 treats us to a hi-res banner for the film (above) and two character posters featuring the eventually-inseparable, once-rivals Mike and Sulley.

Directed by Dan Scanlon, (Mater and the Ghostlight) Monsters U is Pixar's first prequel, and promises to be hilarious. And if these posters and the teasers are anything to go by, the new animation software debuted on Brave is going to make Monsters University an absolutely gorgeous film; we can already see a world of difference (even if the posters are annoyingly sprawled with watermarks) from the, already wonderfully animated, characters from the 2001 original.

You can enroll in Monsters University when it hits theatres next year, 21st June in America and 12th July in the UK.

Via Pixar Corner.

Three New Monsters University Stills

Although Pixar's latest film, Brave, is still to open in a lot of territories (including here in the UK), it's run is coming to an end in US cinemas; after grossing over $200 million! So, eyes have now began to turn to the Toy Story studio's 14th feature film, the prequel to 2001's Monsters, Inc., Monsters University.

Set while the best-friend duo of Sulley and Mike were in college - and rivals - Monsters University is Pixar's first prequel and is sure to do very well. We can expect to be hearing more and more from Pixar's next film in the next year, and today, a PDF found on Pixar's Graphics Research website, with the catchy title of  "Multiresolution Radiosity Caching for Efficient Preview and Final Quality Global Illumination in Movies", about lighting, rendering and global illumination/colour bleeding in computer animated movies brings us three brand new stills from the film.

Admittedly, the images are unfinished and unpolished, but they still show a startling amount of detail and give us a glimpse into the film and the rivalry between the two eventual-best friends. The red-boxes around the second two images featured here are because later in the document these highlighted areas are enhanced and compared; the document (read it in full here) describes new, faster, techniques for rendering and global illumination in Pixar's films.

Monsters University is directed by Dan Scanlon (Mater and the Ghostlight) and is due for release on 21st June, 2013 in the US, and in the UK on 12th July, 2013.


Via The Pixar Times.

Theory: Monsters University Has the Potential to Beat Toy Story 3

A few days ago, I posted a theory: that Pixar's purportedly shelved film newt, wasn't in fact cancelled, but rather, just hibernating. A couple of weeks ago, the first teasers for the Monsters, Inc. prequel, Monsters University, appeared online, to a huge response. "Monsters University" trended on Twitter, worldwide, all day, and fans across the web and across the world were enthralled. It really struck home for me, once again, how insanely popular Pixar is, and how Monsters, Inc. is one of its most beloved properties.

Back in 2010, after an 11 year break since Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3 arrived in cinemas, and went on to become the highest grossing film of the year, the highest grossing animated film of all time, and the 5th highest grossing film worldwide, ever (now down to 8th). This got me thinking, it'll have been almost 12 years since Monsters, Inc. when Monsters U premieres, so: does Monsters University have the potential to out-gross Toy Story 3?

Monsters University Teaser Trailer Due Wednesday

Brave isn't quite out yet, but Pixar are gearing up to advertise their next release, the Monsters, Inc. prequel, Monsters University. The official Facebook page for Monsters U  yesterday shared the above simplistic image, with the accompanying text:

"You’re about to discover a bit more about Mike and Sulley’s days at Monsters University."

With Brave opening stateside on the 22nd, this seems to point to the upcoming reveal of the Monsters University teaser trailer! That's 4 days now, which places the teaser reveal on this coming Wednesday. The trailer, which apparently follows Mike and Sulley trying to prank each other, will be attached to Brave and La Luna in cinemas, and we'll post it here when it arrives online on Wednesday - so be sure to visit this blog then!

The trailer was screened to CinemaCon audiences this year, and is said to be hilarious, and with characters like Mike and Sulley back on screen for the first time in 12 years, it's easy to imagine why!

Brave opens in the US on 22nd June (and 13th August here in the UK) and Monsters University, directed by Dan Scanlon (Mater and the Ghostlight) opens just under a year later, on 21st June, 2013 (12th July, 2013 here in the UK).

UPDATE:

You can now view, not one, not two, not even three, but four - count 'em, FOUR - teaser trailers for Monsters U here, along with a couple of pieces of concept art.