DisneyToon Studios' Planes Now to Be Released Theatrically

DisneyToon Studios' controversial Cars spin-off, Planes, was previously intended for a direct-to-DVD release for next Autumn, however, Box Office Mojo now reports that it will be released in cinemas. A release date of 9th August, 2013 is cited, which will put it in box office competition with DreamWorks' seemingly Cars-esque Turbo (check out the teaser trailer for that film here).

As Upcoming Pixar points out, with John Lasseter producing, this could be a sign that the film has turned out really rather well. On the flip-side, the much more pragmatic and pessimistic side, it could be just a ploy for money. We'll find out soon enough, I'm positive it won't be Pixar quality, but it should be enjoyable enough

Planes is directed by Klay Hall (The Simpsons, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure) and stars the voices of Jon Cryer and Brad Garrett. In my interview with Superman Classic director Rob Pratt, he spoke about Planes and the team working on it, saying:

""PLANES" has been a pleasure to work on largely because of the support John Lasseter has shown for the production. "Cars" is clearly a passion project for him, and he is so excited about having that world expanded. My director, Klay Hall, is an inspiring guy to be around, so knowledgeable and a great collaborator. I've learned a lot from him! The story crew got to be very close - I truly like and respect everyone on our team. I'm very proud of how the movie is coming out!"

Via Cartoon Brew.

Planes Storyboards

A storyboard from Planes, Sequence 13

Courtesy of the website of Robb Pratt, the very talented Disney storyboard artist who brought us Superman Classic and Bizarro Classic, we get a look at some story art from Planes! Planes, being produced by DisneyToon Studios, is a spin-off from Pixar's widely successful Cars universe, and the world of Planes was introduced to us in the Cars Toon, Air Mater.

A storyboard from Planes, Sequence 23

Robb is working on Planes as a storyboard artist and has shared some of his work on the film on his website. There are a huge number of storyboards on the website, for sequences '13' and '23', and there's a slideshow function so that you can watch the boards in action; giving a feel of the actual film.

A storyboard from Planes, Sequence 43

There are also a few storyboards from sequence '43'. They seem to show some sort of festival, and have a wider variety of jets and emergency vehicles.

There's not a lot in terms of story we can grasp (other than a few settings) but these storyboards are great for giving us a look at the characters and the worlds! Remember there's a sequel, Planes: Fire & Rescue, coming up too!

Two and a Half Men's Jon Cryer lends his voice to Planes' main character, Dusty, and Everybody Loves Raymond's Brad Garrett also lends his voice to the film, currently due in 2013.

Bizarro Classic by Disney's Robb Pratt

I was just thinking about Robb Pratt's Superman Classic earlier today actually - after recently watching some of the Fleischer Studios' Superman shorts - so, I was very pleased to come online and find Cartoon Brew sharing Robb's follow up short, Bizarro Classic!

Robb is a Disney veteran who has animated on Tarzan and Pocahontas, and he directed, produced and co-animated both this and Superman Classic, fully realising the funny, clever and visually striking "Super Fan Film" to create a fantastic homage. Again starring the voices of John Newton (TV's Superboy) and Jennifer Newton as Superman/Bizarro and Lois Lane respectively. The short is swiftly followed by an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the short, showing the animation process.

Robb's enthusiasm and adoration for both the subject matter and the medium is evident, and, whilst I love the visual style, I'd love to see what he could do using Disney's new Meander animation program, used on John Kahrs' Paperman.

I'd love to see more from Robb in this realm, be sure to check it out!