Ratatouille DVD Info... and more!

Via DavisDVD, comes some great news! First the 3D stuff...



Above is the cover for the upcoming Ratatouille DVD release, which DavisDVD has some info on, that can also be found at Ultimate Disney, including word that the film will include a new short titled, "Your Friend the Rat."



DavisDVD and Ultimate Disney also both have word on the above "Pixar Shorts" DVD, which is set to release on November 6th, and will include (in chronological order): The Adventures of André & Wally B., Luxo Jr., Red's Dream, Tin Toy, Knick Knack, Geri's Game, For the Birds, Mike's New Car, Boundin', Jack-Jack Attack, One Man Band, Mater and the Ghostlight, and Lifted.

However what I'm most excited about is the non-3D release that DavisDVD also mentions, which is the up until now VHS-only, "Opus and Bill In: A Wish for Wings that Work."



I cannot wait for this to release, as I've only seen it one time on TV, and it was mostly over by the time I surfed by and noticed it. The site claims that there will be no extras, but it's also going to retail for only $15 bucks, so I can't complain too much.

More info on all 3 from DavisDVD

More on the Pixar releases from Ultimate Disney

Blur Studio Animation Reel 2007

You may want to tape your jaw in place so it doesn't get bruised hitting the floor.



This demo reel is a fine example of why few companies can match the level of quality that Blur continues to kick out time and again.

The best part of the entire reel?

Right around 2:29, when you get a very brief glimpse of what a 3D Opus would have looked like.

Amazing stuff.

Berkeley Breathed's Non-Opus Opus

According to Jim Hill Media (via Animated News), Berkeley Breathed is set to work with Gore Verbinski (Pirates Trilogy) on an animated version of his book "Flawed Dogs."



Why For? Because -- as author Berkeley Breathed explained this past Friday night on the first stop of his "Mars Needs Moms!" book tour:

"Gore's sick of pirates. If I wrote a scene that had to be shot on water, he'd run the other way."

And Breathed? He's in a really good position to know Verbinski's mindset these days. Given that Berkeley & Gore are now working together to try & turn Breathed's 2003 children's book, "Flawed Dogs: The Year End Leftovers at the Piddleton "Last Chance" Dog Pound" into a CG film for Walt Disney Pictures.

Not only that, but Breathed claims to be working with Robert Zemeckis on adapting his brand new book "Mars Needs Moms!" to the big screen as well.

Now while this is all fine and dandy, my ultimate question is:

Where in the hell is the Opus movie?

Don't get me wrong... I love Breathed's childrens books, but I think we can all agree that his most cherished piece of work has to be that little short, fat, flightless water fowl. The fact that there was talk of the film (Wildbrain had even done some animation tests), which built my hopes up, and then killed the project, only made me want it more.

Breathed often seems like a child actor who doesn't want to be known for the role that made him famous. When he returned with his "Opus" Sunday strip, it almost felt like he was forced into it, rather than really wanting to come back just to further explore this great character.

Now with the film shelved (for now) in favor of his other book adaptations, it may be a long time before Opus hits the big screen.

Which is a shame.

Opus Off Again?

The penguin that started it all, Opus, was supposed to star in his own 3D animated film, but now it looks as though the project may be dead (again).



According to The Business of Animation Blog:


The rumor is that planned "Opus" has died once again. The comic strip based CG film has seen its share of ups and downs, and if you believe the rumor, it is down once again.

I'm not sure that this is such a bad thing, as the film had been picked up by the Weinstein Company, and I frankly wouldn't want them to destroy one of the most beloved characters in comic strip history with a 2nd rate animated film.

The Blog goes on to state that this is just a rumor, so it's very possible the film will still get made. I guess it just depends on if the Weinstein Company can find a crew to make it for less that $100 dollars in McDonald's gift certificates.

More Info at The Business of Animation Blog