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Tag Archives: Pixar

November 17

November 17, 2011 – Toy Story Land Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland

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“And you can experience the feeling of being shrunk to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard to play with your favorite Toy Story friends.”

On November 17, 2011, the Toy Story themed area Toy Story Land opened in Hong Kong Disneyland. It was the first of three themed areas of the park, with Grizzly Gulch opening in 2012, and Mystic Point opening in 2013. Based on the hit series from Pixar, the area gives guests the feeling of being one of Andy’s toys. There, guests can meet characters Woody and Jessie, join the Toy Soldiers in a “boot camp,” or ride RC on a fast-paced roller coaster ride.

November 4

November 4, 2003 – The 2-Disc Collector’s Edition DVD of Finding Nemo is Released

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“…a hilarious adventure where you’ll meet colorful characters that take you into the breathtaking underwater world of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.”

On November 4, 2003, the 2-disc Collector’s Edition version of the animated feature film Finding Nemo was released on DVD. This special edition features a myriad of special features, including a documentaries of the film and Pixar studios, short films, a sneak peek at the next animated feature The Incredibles, and commentary by the makers of the film.

October 30

October 30, 1996 – Buzz Lightyear’s Pizza Planet Restaurant Opens in Disneyland Paris

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“Hungry Space Rangers needn’t worry, as Buzz Lightyear is to the rescue with an out of this world all-you-can-eat buffet.”

On October 30, 1996, the buffet restaurant Buzz Lightyear’s Pizza Planet Restaurant opened in Disneyland Paris’s Discoveryland area. Designed after the restaurant in the Toy Story series, guests can help themselves to servings of pizza, pasta, salads, and a variety of desserts, with help from Space Rangers in brightly colored outfits.

August 10

August 10, 2013 – Eight New Disney Legends are Inducted at the D23 Expo

Photo courtesy of D23

                   Photo courtesy of D23

“…today we are celebrating some of the remarkable people behind the Disney Magic.” – Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger

On August 10, 2013, at the D23 Expo, Chairman and CEO Bob Iger and host Tom Bergeron presented the next eight inductees into the Disney Legends line, joining 249 others that have been recognized for their contributions to the Disney legacy. The 2013 inductees included Imagineers Tony Baxter and Collin Campbell, television personality Dick Clark, actors Billy Crystal and John Goodman, Apple founder Steve Jobs, animator Glen Keane, and comedian Ed Wynn. For those still living, the honorees were brought to the stage to be given a special trophy and to say a few words about their career or time with Disney. A special presentation was held for those that had passed away prior to the awards.

June 14

June 14, 2011 – The Soundtrack for Cars 2 is Released Through Walt Disney Records

Cars 2

“You might think I’m crazy to hang around with you.”

On June 14, 2011, the soundtrack to Pixar’s 12th animated feature Cars 2 was released through Walt Disney Records. The soundtrack featured a score by Michael Giacchino, who had previously worked on The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up; this was his first collaboration with John Lasseter as the director. The soundtrack also featured songs by artists Weezer, Brad Paisley, Robbie Williams, and Japanese pop group Perfume. The soundtrack peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Top Soundtracks chart.

June 10

June 10, 2012 – The Pixar Animated Feature Brave Premieres at the Seattle International Film Festival

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” I am Merida, firstborn descendant of Clan Dunbroch.”

On June 10, 2012, the Pixar animated feature Brave made its debut at the Seattle International Film Festival, weeks before its general United States release. The film was listed as one of the five special presentations at the festival, along with Diaz, The Last Reef 3D, People Like Us, and Trishna.

June 2

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June 2, 2010 – Composer and Disney Legend Randy Newman Earns Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

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“I love Randy Newman. And not just physically. I love his music. Who could resist a man who looks like a dentist, writes like Voltaire, sings like a frog on heroin – and breaks just like a little girl.” – Actor Eric Idle

On June 2, 2010, Randy Newman was the newest inductee in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The singer-composer and Disney Legend, well known for his songs such as “I Love L.A.” and “Short People,” as well for his work with Pixar films starting with Toy Story, was honored before the release of Toy Story 3, which was to be released on June 18 featuring a score by Newman. Newman was joined at the ceremony by John Lasseter, and actor and admirer Eric Idle.

May 31

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May 31, 2008 – WALL-E Greets Visitors at the Newseum

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“Obviously you’re making the news: look at all the people who came out to see you!”

On May 31, 2008, the title character from Pixar’s animated feature WALL-E was on hand to greet families at the Newseum in Washington, DC. The life-size robot was there on Family Day as a promotional tool for the upcoming film. The character was featured in the New York Times – Ochs-Sulzberger Family Great Hall of News for a few hours.

May 20

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May 20, 2003 – The Soundtrack for Finding Nemo is Released Through Walt Disney Records

Finding Nemo Soundtrack

“Somewhere beyond the sea…”

On May 20, 2003, the soundtrack to Pixar’s fifth animated feature Finding Nemo was released through Walt Disney Records. This was the first Pixar feature not to be scored by Randy Newman, and the first collaboration between Pixar and Thomas Newman, who would go on to work with Andrew Stanton on the score for WALL-E. The score would go on to be nominated for Original Music Score at the Academy Awards, but lost to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

April 14

April 14, 2009 – The Picture Up: My Name is Dug is Released Through Disney Press

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“You are surprised that I can talk. Oh, yes! I can talk.”

On April 14, 2009, the picture book Up: My Name is Dug was released through Disney Press. The book, written by Kiki Thorpe and illustrated by Pixar employee (specifically, the story supervisor for the film Up and the director for Dug’s Secret Mission short film) Ronnie del Carmen, the picture book is based on the film Up, and has the character of Dug interact with the audience. An app version of the storybook was released in late 2012.