New Cars 2 Posters " Japan Sequence "

Pixar has released new Cars 2 visuals, and this ime it's related with the sequence in Japan. Let's begin with the posters, above and below.





Also released, pictures of Japanese Cars named Okuni, Zen Master, Nobunga and Tanaka.









In addition, but not linked to the Japan sequence, three new posters released last week-end, the first one below is related to the spy part of the story and have the style of 1960's espionage movies posters.







All pictures: copyright Disney-Pixar

John Lasseter Gives Cars 2 Sneak Peek

In this interesting new Cars 2 video John Lasseter reveals the origin of the Finn McMissile character - who is "play" by the great Michael Caine - and also that John Turturro, another great actor and Pixar's favorite choice, will make the voice of Cars 2 italian character Francesco Bernoulli. Have a look!



Picture and video: copyright Disney-Pixar

Cars 2 Update: New High-res Pictures, Great Retro Posters, and Fantastic Trailer 3 !

New high-res pictures of Cars 2 were released yesterday as well as two different trailers 3 of the animated movie and great retro posters. Let's begin with the high-res pictures and above, one from the Paris sequence. Below, Mc Missile in action and Lightning McQueen and Mater.







The new trailers - the U.K and U.S versions - looks fantastic as they center on the spy theme. As you will see some of the scenes looks as great as they can be in a real espionnage movie. The two are different and first below is the U.K version. Full screen mode highly recommanded!




And, below, the U.S version.



Pixar also released four different retro posters, one for London, Paris, Tokyo and Porto Corsa, and as usual they look great, too!









See you soon for a new Cars 2 update!

Pictures and videos: copyright Disney-Pixar

How i had a GREAT evening last night, watching the 83rd Academy Awards

Last night, at the 83rd Academy Awards, Toy Story 3 won the Best Animated Feature Film Award as well as the Best Original Song Award for Randy Newman. Congratulations to everyone at Pixar who contributed to create this wonderful movie and of course to Randy and the film's director Lee Unkrich. They had without a doubt a great evening last night, and so did I and i will explain to you why.



ABC and the Academy released recently this great application for the iPad called "Oscar Backstage Pass" which gave "all access" to the Academy Awards ceremony and beyond. This interactive "all access" feature was also available on computer but not if you were not living in the U.S.

Boy, how great this Backstage Pass was. Not only they didn't lie, you could really see everything but i was amazed how technically they succeed to provide a total interactive experience of the event with images of very good quality. As you will understand in a few seconds, it was not that simple to do it.

So, how did this amazing app worked? Well, it all began with the first part of the evening, the red carpet and the arrival of the guests. Once you launched the application you could see this - see picture below - and as you can see you had on the screen a map with the choice of different cameras all filming from different point of views. Whether it was the "fashion cam" showing the arrival of the guests or the "fan camera" showing you the scene from the point of view of fans in the stands.



Now, the great idea was that you were able to choose the camera you like and changed of angle of view whenever you wanted, just like if you were the one doing the editing of the broadcast! As you can see on the picture above and below you had the choice in the bottom part of the screen between the "map view" and the "camera grid" which show pictures of all running cameras. You simply touched the one you like to move from a camera angle to another one. And it worked like magic! Considering that we were probably hundred of thousands of people in the world doing the same at the same time - changing of "camera" angle - i was stunned to see how it worked well with no technical problems, all night long.



Not only you could watch the red carpet from different angles, but you could see the guests in the Kodak Theater staircase thanks to a 360 degrees camera...



...Or watch them at the the bar drinking champagne, thanks to the "champagne cam".



Then, the ceremony began and the second part of this interactive evening too. The bottom part of the screen changed with a new map giving the choices of several cameras allowing you to see what was happening backstage, something you normally don't see when you watch the ceremony. Of course the ceremony itself is the most interesting part but it was fun to look at it on TV and to have at the same time my iPad to see what is happening when Academy Awards winners go behind the curtains. I had the choice between the "backstage cam", the "winners walk cam", the "thank you cam" (yes, winners are making thanks again to others cameras when they go off-stage!)...



...but also the "winners photo cam", and the "press room cam" (where winners answer to questions from the press). Additionally you also had the choice of three others cameras, one showing the broadcast control booth, and two showing the audience (amazing to see how many people are moving from their seats during the breaks!).



You might think that this interactive experience ended when the ceremony was over, but no, the best was yet to come and the icing on the cake was the last part of the evening: the "Governor's Ball". We all know that guests are moving to Hollywood party after the ceremony but TVs usually don't broadcast it. During this third part, the bottom part of the app screen changed again and as usual you had the choice between different cameras. Before entering the Governors Ball you could see the "Oscar Engraving" for the winners...



...the guests arrival at the Governors Ball (the image turned full screen in iPad landscape mode)...



...like Natalie Portman who won the Best Actress Award last night for her performance in "Black Swan"...



...and of course the Governors Ball with its magnificent decor and buffets.





The "Governors Ball camera" was also zooming in the room, allowing you to see, here Francis Ford Copolla eating with friends, here producer Harvey Weinstein in big conversation with Jesse Eisenberg (who plays Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network). and you had the feeling to be like a little mouse in the ball room, watching in silent the private party of Hollywood giants!



It was fun to see great actors like Kevin Spacey (below, on the right of the lamp) with some friends shooting picture of themselves with a mobile phone (they had to do it three times to get a good shot!)...



...or to see, later, John Lasseter leaving the Governors Ball party.



As you probably understood this amazing "all access" application gave the unique feeling of entering the intimacy of Hollywood biggest event of the year. Great experience, really, and wonderful evening!

Pictures: copyright ABC and A.M.P.A.S.

All aboard for a Cars 2 Update !

We'll have a Cars 2 update today, and let's begin with the new trailer released last sunday during the NASCAR Daytona 500 broadcast. It includes lot of never seen before footage, so don't miss it.



Almost every day Pixar announces new Cars 2 characters and here is a choice of the one i like. All pictures are in high-res as usual. The first one shows British secret agent Finn McMissile, on the picture below with Mater at a Japanese airport terminal.



John Lasseter is getting his own Cars character - called John Lassetire. Lasseter who was surprised by the honor said: "It was news to me. I did not know about that, so I was a little surprised. I ended up voicing this character. It was just one line, but now I have a Cars character. I'm very excited about that".



Two new Italian characters called Uncle and Aunt Topolino living near Porto Corsa in the small village of Santa Ruotina are Luigi's favorite uncle and aunt.



"Uncle Topolino is the owner of the village’s tire shop, where he taught Luigi and Guido everything they know, though Uncle Topolino is full of sage advice about more than just tires. Mama Topolino, is a masterful cook with the best fuel in the village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Italy. Though she has a loving, but fiery relationship with her husband, Uncle Topolino, she shows her love and generosity for both family and friends by feeding everyone her renowned delizioso fuel".



You'll notice the private joke with the Topolino name as Topolino is the Italian name of Mickey Mouse!

Those of you who visit regularly the excellent Pixar fans web sites are aware that for each new character Pixar also release a short video on which the character introduces himself on a "turning table". Pixar did a real good job on these as you quickly guess each character's personnality. Here is a selection of my favorites and let's begin by two characters who don't need to be introduced, i.e Lightning McQueen and Mater.





Next one is Shu Todoroki, a prototype racer representing Japan and bearing #7 in the World Grand Prix. "Shu was raised at the base of the active Mount Asama volcano in Japan, and soon became a champion on the Suzuka Circuit. His sleek design sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon, which Shu borrowed from Japanese legend because he relates to the small, yet fierce nature of the dragon. His team legacy is filled with victories – his coach, a Mazda, was the only Japanese car to ever win at Le Mans – and Shu hopes to prove his champion-level racing on the international stage of the World Grand Prix".



Another italian character is Francesco Bernoulli "who grew up in the shadow of the famous Monza race course in Italy where he and his friends would sneak onto the track and race the famous Pista di Alta Velocita bank turn. He was an instant winner on the amateur circuit and soon became an international Formula Racer champion. The ladies love Francesco’s open wheels, youngsters look up to his winning spirit and fellow racers envy his speed. But Francesco’s biggest fan is Francesco himself, as evidenced by his racing number. As the most famous race car in Europe, #1 Francesco is a favorite to win the World Grand Prix, which also makes him McQueen’s chief rival".



Raoul ÇaRoule, "Known as the ‘World’s Greatest Rally Car”, if the French character. And believe me, he really looks French in his behaviour! "A restless soul, Raoul joined the famous ‘Cirque du Voiture’ French circus where he learned Gymkhana – a graceful, drift-filled motorsport that taught him pinpoint timing and an unparalleled ability to navigate tricky courses with ease. He’s the first car to ever win nine consecutive rallies. Raoul is confident he can use his rally experience to pull ahead of his fellow World Grand Prix racers during the three courses’ touchy dirt sections, especially with his fans in the stands waving banners that read ‘ÇaRoule Ca-Rules!’"



Next one from my selection is Carla Veloso, a Brazilian racecar, dancing samba on the turning table! "Updated World Grand Prix contender Carla Veloso hails from Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The sweet but powerful Latin diva can dance the night away at “Car-nival,” but spends most of her time on the racetrack. In the World Grand Prix, the proud Brazilian Le Motor Prototype racer is the only female in the field, and Carla is ready to prove to the world that #8 is there to win for her home country".



Let's end with a brilliant one, the secret agent Finn McMissile turning table. He introduces himself in a "James Bond" way.



Talking about Finn Mc Missile, the toys based on his character are gonna sell like crazy next fall. Anyone who remember how many million copies Corgi Toys sold of the James Bond "Goldfinger" Aston Martin in the 1960's could tell you this! It was a huge merchandise hit back then and i predict the same for all Finn McMissile toys, you will understand why easily with a look at the pictures below.





You will have the choice between different McMissile toys, the first one above will be done by Spin Master - who will also release a McMissile car climbing on a wall (!) - and will come at a price of $49.99. The other one below will be manufactured by Mattel and will have a retail price of $29.99. Both are fully loaded with “top secret” spy weapons, projectile missiles, sound effects, and thrilling transformations and truly embodies all of McMissile’s gadgetry.





Here is a video where the great actor Michael Caine - Finn McMissile's voice - introduce the Spin Master toy.



Mattel plans to introduce more than 150 "Cars 2" toys this fall and also the new and interesting "Lightning McQueen Alive". Lightning McQueen's big personality will be captured in a small package as he'll be able to drives around by himself — both forward and backward and in complete 360s, moves his eyes, shrugs his shoulders and moves his life-like mouth to speak signature phrases voiced by actor Owen Wilson.



Lightning McQueen Alive will say over 40 phrases and squeals his tires and interacts with you. When Lightning McQueen will needs to refuel after a long day’s play, you will simply place him back on the included gas station charger to refresh his batteries. Released next october at a price of $59.99 and already available for pre-order HERE. Here is two hands-on videos of the prototype .





That's it for today's Cars 2 update, hope you've enjoyed it!

Pictures and videos: copyright Disney-Pixar

Cars 2 - First Trailer and High-res Pictures

Disney released today the Cars 2 first trailer which looks exciting. You'll find it below in the american and french version but, before, new high-res pics which will also do great wallpaper pictures for you desktop if you're a Cars fan.



Below Lightning McQueen and a new female Cars character in the Tokyo scenes.





On the next picture Finn McMissile - the british secret service character - which will have the voice of the great Michael Caine.



The two Cars on the picture below looks like the bad guys of the movie, and yes they are!



A last picture with two Hench cars.



Here is the american trailer and i remind you that the music score is written this time by Michael Giacchino which is probably a very good choice considering the "James Bond" style of the movie.




And for my french readers here is the french version of the trailer. You'll note that they are not totally the same and that the one above include few more shots of the movie.




While we talk about Cars, i'd like to let you know that the Cars Toon Dvd and Blu-Ray - as well as the Toy Story 3 - are now released. The Cars toon is definitely great an include NEW and hilarious Mater Tall Tales including "Mater on the Moon" or "Mater private eye" a tribute to Humphrey Bogart and Roman Polanski's Chinatown. You can find these great Dvds on the Disney and more Amazon Store HERE!



Pictures and videos: copyright Disney-Pixar