So what did I miss? When did Disney pick up Pixar (http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/disney_pixar_deal/ - actually I might remember this one) and Marvel (http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/31/news/companies/disney_marvel/index.htm )? Wonder what happens to all those Marvel rides at Universal Studios in Orlando?
And now I see this today: http://ca.ign.com/articles/2012/10/30/the-walt-disney-company-acquires-lucasfilm-star-wars-episode-vii-set-for-2015?abthid=509035fabe10adde15000060 -> Disney buys Lucasfilm for 4.05 Billion and is releasing Star Wars Episode VII in 2015? WOAH!!!!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!!
...okay, I'm gonna be calm about this because I have my head in art / animation a lot but @%&#ING AGES AGO!!!!!
:D
The major players at the moment are Disney, Sony and DreamWorks. Though DreamWorks has had a few successes in the last 10 years they are well below where they should be and recently changed distributors (from Paramount to Fox). Not like Fox Animation has been up to much outside television but it may be that Fox is trying to edge into that area by working closer with the struggling DreamWorks.
There's a weird situation at the moment, Classic Media was recently acquired by DreamWorks, they owned properties like Rocky & Bullwinkle, Gumby and The Lone Ranger, Disney is making a live-action version of the Lone Ranger and has distribution rights for it through (the now) DreamWorks Classic, so this may make distribution of Lone Ranger stuff much more confusing in the future.
As well since distribution of DreamWorks Animation stuff prior to 2012 is still under Paramount but ownership of those properties is still DreamWorks (Viacom) it may make finding DreamWorks animated titles difficult in the foreseeable future (so if you really dig The Road to El Dorado or whatever you might want to get those on DVD now while the getting's good).
There's also something going on between DC Comics and Warner Brothers Animation at the moment that may mean an end (or change) to that successful partnership that started more than 20 years ago.
Also if you haven't yet seen them yet check out ParaNorman (produced by Laika, distributed by Universal) and OF COURSE Hotel Transylvania!! (directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, produced by [echh] Sony and distributed by Columbia). Couple a great movies just in time for Halloween.
Also keep your eyes out for Wreck-It Ralph (like I had to mention it)
Yeah, Disney buying Pixar was pretty big news. El Jobso made a right killing off of that transaction. After Disney closed the deal, Steve Jobs became the largest single shareholder of Disney with 7% of the stock. Neither Eisner nor Roy E. Disney had more than 2% each. Talk about crazyness.
That brings up a good question, does the Jobs estate still maintain that ownership?
But also, why another Star Wars sequel?
I like Clone Wars (oddly better stories/acting [oddly enough] than the prequel triology) but then again PREQUEL TRILOGY *shudder*
Disneyfied Prequel Trilogy (now with 65% more princesses?)
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 30, 2012, 03:15:56 PM
That brings up a good question, does the Jobs estate still maintain that ownership?
Yup. It was folded into a Trust I think.
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 30, 2012, 03:15:56 PM
But also, why another Star Wars sequel?
I like Clone Wars (oddly better stories/acting [oddly enough] than the prequel triology) but then again PREQUEL TRILOGY *shudder*
Disneyfied Prequel Trilogy (now with 65% more princesses?)
Pure money I think. Lucas was more interested in rehash releases. I actually think, a company more interested in making money than trying to forward their strange vision may actually have a better chance at making a better Starwars Movie.
Disney has a lot of properties under its belt, some of them you wouldn't even remotely think Disney itself would be a part of. They generally keep those under other brands (for obvious reasons). It'll be the same with Lucas Film/Lucas Arts.
I don't know, a Star Wars VII might be kewl now. Luke, Leia, and Solo would all be old enough (and actors) to continue the story for the next generation of fans. Most kids now don't know much about the franchise. Disney and Lucasfilms might be thinking something new and exciting - maybe to start the rivalry up with Star Trek franchise. Who knows. I'll probably see it.
Err, which Clone Wars? There was the 2003 TV version and the 2008 TV version. And of course there were a few books, too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Wars_novels#The_Clone_Wars.
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford are all significantly older and the first two might not've aged all that well. I don't know if it makes sense to include them in the movies unless they are clearly portrayed as elders of some sort.
What subject matter would they cover in episode 7?
Quote from: Thorin on October 30, 2012, 03:49:59 PM
Err, which Clone Wars? There was the 2003 TV version and the 2008 TV version. And of course there were a few books, too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Wars_novels#The_Clone_Wars.
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford are all significantly older and the first two might not've aged all that well. I don't know if it makes sense to include them in the movies unless they are clearly portrayed as elders of some sort.
What subject matter would they cover in episode 7?
Midi-chlorians?
Well the Empire is not dead. And I can't see the Sith being gone just because the Emperor and his right hand are. The universe is so much more richer and content so much more broader since Lucas' first Movie. There is a lot of content to draw upon, and lots to explore. It might not even have to be an Empire vs Rebel, Jedi vs Sith. Could be something all new with the Jedi, or with the Empire, etc.
Plus I think those 3 actors could easy play their on screen counter parts - they could be the parents of the next generation, just like the gap between the first 3 and second 3 movies.
Well for starters there will be no Han Solo, Harrison Ford has stated many times that he would not do another Star Wars project... ever.
Having a post-RotJ film will mess up a ton of expanded universe crap (but again, as pointed out before many times the franchise cares very little for its fanbase).
I'm not 100% sure it's a money thing, Lucas I think at this point is more interested in telling stories for his kids, who (I guess) the prequels were created for in mind? Who can say for sure, I'm sure everyone involved will make a lot of money (no doubt). Also Disney is known for pushing sequels, that's one thing that changed big time at Pixar after the takeover.
As for Clone Wars I like both, they are actually intertwined a bit, but the latter (CG version) is much better written and more interesting (at least the first 3 seasons). The visual style and layouts were extremely well done in Genndy's animated version.
I dunno, the Star Wars Kid in me wants to see the series redeem itself on the big screen but the cynical Gen X slacker in me feels like this will never happen ever.
http://nooooooooooooooo.com/
Quote from: Melbosa on October 30, 2012, 02:30:23 PM
And now I see this today: http://ca.ign.com/articles/2012/10/30/the-walt-disney-company-acquires-lucasfilm-star-wars-episode-vii-set-for-2015?abthid=509035fabe10adde15000060 -> Disney buys Lucasfilm for 4.05 Billion and is releasing Star Wars Episode VII in 2015? WOAH!!!!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!!
I just saw this as well, via the Unicycle photo in the same Twitter that Mr. Analog linked to earlier today.
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/30/disney-buying-lucas-films-for-4-billion/
I guess George Lucas is ready to retire, and his family is asking for some big bucks if he's not interested in being a businessman anymoe?
Hey if I was just 68 years old and in a position to "step down from day-to-day operation" of a company that I basically built with some fantasy stories, I would jump at the chance...
Quote
With the acquisition, Disney will acquire Lucasfilm?s live action production business, along with its Industrial Light & Magic effects business, its Skywalker Sound audio operation and its consumer products unit, among other things.
that's a lot of business units!
Quote
the really exciting thing here for me is that George Lucas won't be at the helm of the new films. While perhaps 13 years too late, Lucas rightfully acknowledges that the time has come for new filmmakers to inherit the franchise.
ouch. but no argument from me.
Having settled down a bit I am greatly excited to think that the innovators at ILM and the people at Pixar are together at last (or, in some cases, again).
Here's a thought... Look at what Disney did for Marvel movies...
What would happen if they brought in the same writer/director for StarWars?
Quote from: Tom on October 31, 2012, 03:11:36 PM
Here's a thought... Look at what Disney did for Marvel movies...
What would happen if they brought in the same writer/director for StarWars?
Joss Whedon? I think people would lose their frickin' minds ('cause it would be awesome)
I'd be there opening day if Josh did the next Star Wars for sure!!!!
Quote from: Melbosa on October 31, 2012, 04:12:05 PM
I'd be there opening day if Josh did the next Star Wars for sure!!!!
http://www.google.com/search?q=Joss+Whedon+star+wars
VERY first result:
Dear Internet, Joss Whedon Shouldn't Run Everything, Including 'Star Wars'ThinkProgress - by Alyssa Rosenberg - 8 hours ago (http://thinkprogress.org/alyssa/2012/10/31/1114291/joss-whedon-star-wars/)
Quote
As I was reading through the coverage of the announcement that Star Wars Episode VII will be arriving in movie theaters in 2015, I clicked on over to my friend Alex Knapp?s post on the subject on Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2012/10/30/three-options-for-a-new-star-wars-trilogy/). And then I lowered my head slowly and repeatedly to my desk. It?s not that I think Alex?s ideas for storylines for a new trilogy are bad ones?they definitely aren?t. But it was that the post fell prey to a symptom I?m finding more and more deadly in criticism these days: the idea that we should just hand the keys to all pop culture over to Joss Whedon and sit back and enjoy the ride.
and of course https://www.facebook.com/LetJossWhedonWriteDirectStarWarsEpisode7 (no shock there)
in other words, many other netizens are thinking the same damn thing (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/printthread.php?t=411600&pp=40).
Also, Joss has a TV show to develop!
http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/abc-greenlights-s-h-i-e-l-d-marvel-pilot-joss-whedon-to-co-write-possibly-direct/
http://www.geekzenith.com/2012/08/29/abc-greenlights-joss-whedons-marvel-tv-series-s-h-e-i-ld/
and re. the Avengers TV series, apparently... (spoiler) -- http://i46.tinypic.com/30mlead.png
http://www.inquisitr.com/386822/george-lucas-to-give-majority-of-disney-money-to-charity/
the URL says it all.
might be a result of / inspired by "The Giving* Pledge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Pledge)"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/20/giving-pledge-warren-buffett-bill-gates_n_1441387.html
(thanks, Gates-Man (http://www.inquisitr.com/181177/since-2007-bill-gates-has-given-away-48-percent-of-his-net-worth-for-charity-infographic/)!)
*some mistakenly call it The Living Pledge ... but it might be a more clear name, since it's intended to encourage the LIVING billionaires to do something before the State or their family members get a hold of it after they have died
Lucas got the big bucks, but apparently he still got to (gets to?) dictate details
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/03/07/lucas-began-new-star-wars-trilogy-before-selling-to-disney
Quote from: Darren Dirt on March 08, 2013, 12:08:56 PM
Lucas got the big bucks, but apparently he still got to (gets to?) dictate details
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/03/07/lucas-began-new-star-wars-trilogy-before-selling-to-disney
If they keep Lucas out of the directing, CG and dialog that might be a good thing.
EXACTLY clone wars was sooooo good, why bugger it up
I really want to know what happens to Ahsoka now dammit
Quote from: Mr. Analog on March 08, 2013, 04:32:25 PM
EXACTLY clone wars was sooooo good, why bugger it up
I really want to know what happens to Ahsoka now dammit
Ya I am tempted to clear some HD space and start watching those. I have watched a few and they seem fairly solid.
They are so good, I really didn't expect to identify with anything but the new series is just so good it's worth checking out.
I don't know why I identified with Ahsoka so much but I did, it was like she is always accepted but different at the same time, I really felt that these were the Clone Wars I was supposed to see not the films.
In later seasons things get both more serious and more ridiculous but it's a delicate balance that makes you want to watch more.
Honestly as a long time, yet somewhat jaded Star Wars fan (guys you know me) Clone Wars really brought me back into the fold somehow.
Definitely worth the watch.
5 years later and "All!" has an entirely expanded meaning.
:(
Thought of this thread when I saw this silly animated gif:
https://twitter.com/Mobius___Strip/status/986120355264770048
Part of a Twitter thread to discuss/speculate "Infinity War be soon coming y'all so who gonna die bitches?"
https://twitter.com/SlaylerJ/status/985967981506236417
I hate that everything I like is getting conglomerated into one of the worst IP hoarding institutions that ever existed, the irony is of course that if they make it difficult to consume their content like, I don't know, creating yet another paid streaming service and pulling their stuff off of Netflix their influence fades as people see less of it.
I think I'm also experiencing "Blockbuster" movie fatigue, I've seen enough CG explosions not to care anymore and without naming names it seems like only the Marvel comics seem get done right through the Mouse AND EVEN THEN its all starting to collapse into a big light-hearted jokey mess (not saying the other extreme is any better, the DC GrimDark BS that tried to make Superman SUPERMAN!! an EdgeLord is so off key it actually hurts my comic glands)
Star Trek is Star Wars now, cats and dogs living together... it's anarchy I tells ya!
EVERY NIGHT IS A TUMS FESTIVAL
(don't even get me started on sequels hoo boy)
GEEZ, guess what I found on-topic with this as a result of looking at former Cracked staff projects...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ASWLshamUM
Cool "beans" to see these guys working together again. Also, making fun of George Lucas never gets old.
PS: I saw SM:HC recently with "Bat-Bird-Man" as the believable villain and Yet Another British Actor perfectly playing an American High School Nerd Bitten By A Spider and I am perfectly happy with that being the final SuperHero movie viewing for >>>this guy<<<.
Probably will give in at some point ("kid" pressure is way worse than "peer" pressure!) but I would be perfectly happy ending on that high note. Grinned the whole time, despite the out-of-place drumsplosion-ness of the 3rd act. Forgot that blockbusters can still be fun.
ROFL well at least their is some kind of "justice" in terms of audience engagement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB-UKwO367s
Watching this "Film Theory" analyzing the theory that theories (such as MatPat's own Film Theory) are partly to blame for audiences mostly being unhappy with The Last Jedi (while critics were mostly positive if not drooling worshippers of the latest product dumped into theatres) I noticed in a quick visual gag that
subscriptions: Film Theorists = 6 million.
subscriptions: Star Wars (official) = 2 million.
It's almost like the makers of certain long-running content are completely out of touch with much of the audience for that content...
The Last Jedi is a fine movie, it's just not a Star Wars movie
Star Wars was supposed to be pretend unending serial not a real one. And sure a few episodes are fun but it wears thin real fast.
BUT IT SUBVERTED EXPECTATIONS!!
very cool
Not even joking, last night was the 2nd night in a row where I *tried* (dammit, I really tried) to finish the last 45 minutes of Rogue One without falling asleep during my attempt.
I don't know if it's my old man brain seen too much scifi chasey explodey explainy stuff over the years. But it just all blurs together after a while. The first hour was less boring somehow, but tbh that's only because it mainly hopped between maybe 15 homages to (ripoffs of?) A New Hope. Which is weird, I thought only Episode VII would do that.
/CynicMode
Rogue One just lacks a story, characters and drama. Other than that it's great!
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Quote from: Mr. Analog on April 21, 2018, 04:23:58 PM
Rogue One just lacks a story, characters and drama. Other than that it's great!
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Speaking from the perspective of someone who finally managed to stay awake through that blurs-together like-everything-youve-ever-seen final 30-minutes... " I concur (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5j1wWY-qus)".
Quote from: Darren Dirt on April 23, 2018, 11:42:03 AM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on April 21, 2018, 04:23:58 PM
Rogue One just lacks a story, characters and drama. Other than that it's great!
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Speaking from the perspective of someone who finally managed to stay awake through that blurs-together like-everything-youve-ever-seen final 30-minutes... " I concur (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5j1wWY-qus)".
I keep wanting to re-watch it because I feel like I'm missing something. It has all the ingredients of a good movie but it just has no flow. I recently watched a de-special-ized version of Star Wars and man that movie knows how to move from beat to beat. The original SW edit is so tight... honestly? That's half the movie right there. I never used to pay attention to stuff like that and with Star Wars its hard because it really does have a lot of razzle dazzle that nothing else had before it, so I always kinda judged it on the direct presentation but the editing is what took it from great to legendary.
Makes me want to look up the editors and see what other magic they've worked:
Richard Chew ... film editor
Paul Hirsch ... film editor
Marcia Lucas ... film editor