Plane Crazy...

I was one of many who had absolutely no interest in Planes. Planes, in case you don't know, is a feature-length spin-off of the Cars franchise that was produced by DisneyToon Studios; the same animation studio who produced the direct-to-video Disney sequels including the Tinker Bell films. Of course, this was commissioned because the Cars franchise is massive. Of course Disney would want to expand on that... What better way to do that than with aircraft?

Early on, I didn't mind that this film was being made. After all, it wasn't being made by Pixar and it was going straight to home media. If Pixar was making it, then I'd be a bit concerned. But then last year, Disney announced that the film was going to get a theatrical release. I wasn't pleased... Direct-to-video product in cinemas? Bad idea. Plus, since a lot of people can't tell what studio made what, people will think it's a Pixar film and if it's a bad film... Then it would only further all the "Pixar is dying" hoopla. Cars 2 being poorly received and Brave's reception was enough...

I was not okay with any of this... That was until Morgan Stradling of The Rotoscopers reviewed the film, as she had seen a test screening of the film... Apparently it's a pretty decent film!

Yes, you heard that right... A decent film...

Now this doesn't completely change my mind about the film. I'll probably skip it, seeing that it's still a cash grab that's more for the kids than us adults. But after reading the review, I'm thinking that John Lasseter really made sure that this film would be no clunker. Remember, Cars is his baby. He's in love with this universe and idea since he's a car nut. There's nothing wrong with that, and again, I'm one of the few who doesn't consider Cars 2 a horrible film, not even a mediocre one. Lasseter gets a lot of flack for this franchise, but I'm actually glad that he's involved with a film like this.

Why's that? Well Lasseter put the kibosh on the direct-to-video sequels, saving us from monstrosities like The Aristocats II and Dumbo II. But the Tinker Bell franchise got a huge start with the first film in the series, so they inevitably had to make more. I have not seen any of the Tinker Bell films nor do I want to, but I hear that they are a significant cut above all of the previous direct-to-video sequels. Apparently he wants them to be good enough, despite the fact that they are direct-to-video products that are aimed at children more than anything.

Also, since this is part of the world of Cars, it would make sense that Lasseter would be heavily involved. Now you may say, "But Cars 2 was bad." Well, as I said in my defense of Pixar, I think that most of Cars 2's problems were there from the beginning before Lasseter came on board... And if you ask me, I think he may have been too late. Lasseter replaced original director Brad Lewis in 2010, when the film was already being animated! I don't think that he had enough time to improve the story... This sort of thing needs to happen before production begins on the film! Ratatouille, anyone? Also, he directed the film from an iPad. So he had very little time to "improve" the film and he could only do it via technology. This is why I think Cars 2 is the problematic film that it is.

Anyways, maybe Lasseter put some passion and effort into this project? Maybe he made sure that it was more than just a cash grab... Who knows, but this review is a good sign... But we don't know how other critics will react to the film.

None of this means that I'm all in support of the film. I'm just glad that it isn't a Pixar production, because the franchise can still make Disney happy without having the Emeryville folks involved. Pixar can continue doing what they want to do, while Disney can have other outlets continue the Cars (or pretty soon, Autos) franchise. But do they need to come to theaters? Personally, I think this should be the only one and all future spin-offs should go straight to home media.

Let's just put it this way... I'm conflicted on all of this. Sure this will come, make money and please fans and children. Pixar didn't work on it, so animation fans need not worry about the studio's future or image... But I just hope that the non-Pixar side of this franchise doesn't become a theatrical thing. It just doesn't sit right with me for some reason. However, after reading this review, I won't be surprised if the film happens to get anything better than the reception that Cars 2 received.

Are you okay with Planes being a theatrical release? Or not? Do you think that it could be a decent film? Or do you think it's going to be a disaster?

Sound off below!

A Suggestion to Disney Home Entertainment

Next week, fans and consumers will be able to own three Disney animated films on Blu-ray for the first time in stunning high definition: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Brother Bear. Of course, they are going to be released the same way The Fox and the Hound and Pocahontas were on Blu-ray. They're being packaged with their direct-to-video sequels and each release will be billed as a "2 Movie Collection".

Of course, you all know how I feel about this business model for the not-so-successful Disney animated films. People are split. Lots of fans are fine with this and will buy the sets no matter what. Other fans refuse to purchase the titles because they feel that including the direct-to-video sequel cheapens the importance of the original and is overall insulting. I won't go any further, because I've already ranted about this time and time again.

I don't speak for the majority of Disney fans. Again, they have their purchasing preferences, as I am no different. However, I think what should be done could work for both fans and those who want to own the direct-to-video sequels alongside the originals. I understand that parents buy these sets up for their kids, and having the sequel on there is convenient for them. However, many fans object to the idea of Disney putting it on the same set (and same disc) as the original. Right now, this way of releasing these films on Blu-ray has Disney fans divided. Rightfully so, if you ask me.

So here's my ultimate suggestion to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment...

A) Release [insert film here] on its own. No sequel included. Instead, pack this release with all the bonus features you can afford or port from earlier editions. Give it a nice slipcover, include a DVD copy as always, and sell it for the usual price. Make it no different from your typical home media release of a Disney animated film.

B) Release a double pack of [insert film here] and its direct-to-video sequel. But this time, don't put many bonus features on it. Put very little on there. The set should also include the 2 DVDs for both the original and the sequel. Also, don't give it any snazzy packaging. No slipcover is necessary. Sell it like one of those budget Blu-ray releases; you know - the ones that have two or three movies on them and are called "Double Feature" or "Double Pack". They also usually have decent packaging, nothing crazy. That way, you can sell it for a very good price and satisfy consumers.

If Disney does that with every other non-Diamond Edition animated feature that happens to have a direct-to-video sequel, then it will be a win-win situation for everyone. Fans can own the original on its own complete with bonuses, while parents and consumers looking for a great value can buy the budget "double feature" release.

In all honesty, I believe this would be the best of both worlds for fans and those who are buying these films on Blu-ray.

"Planes" Flies To Theaters

Originally announced as a direct-to-video release, the DisneyToon-produced Cars spin-off Planes is now getting a theatrical release on August 9, 2013. I was initially alright with Disney doing this, without having Pixar's name on it, but why a theatrical release?

Do they really think that this spin-off (that's most likely directed at kids only, like any Disney direct-to-video sequel) will be a box office success? I remember when Disney gave two of their direct-to-video sequels a theatrical release in the domestic market: Return to Neverland in 2002 and The Jungle Book 2 in 2003. Both did poorly at the box office (yes they made their budget, but still didn't make much of a mark), because, who but kids wanted to see a direct-to-video quality sequel in theaters? I feel the same may happen with Planes.

Anyway, the only other possible problem is that people who aren't in the know might mistake this for a Pixar release. A lot of casual moviegoers still refer to most computer animated films as Pixar films, even if they've seen them and saw the logos before them. They may think Planes is Pixar as well. Pixar's name was already blemished by Cars 2 (or more appropriately, the criticism it got), so I'm hoping this doesn't add to that.

3 Out Of The Gate (Make That 4)

Looks like Disney will be releasing more and more of their animated classics on Blu-ray next year! The week after Wreck-It Ralph comes to Blu-ray (March 5th), three Disney animated films will be released!

What are they releasing? The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Brother Bear!

Oh... They are being packaged with their crummy direct-to-video sequels. Bummer...

But wait... That may not be... Blu-ray.com has two entries listed for each of the three films: One that's a double pack with the sequel, and one that doesn't come with the sequel. See for yourself.

If that's true, then that means Disney must know that a good amount of their fans really objected to this "package it with the direct-to-video sequel" trend that began last year with the Blu-ray release of The Fox and the Hound. I know I was one of them, and many others were appalled.

Also, look at the cover for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Notice how it doesn't list the sequel or show any of the characters from that said sequel anywhere on the cover, yet Mulan and Brother Bear's covers do? Why that one only? I guess it could be because the sequel really clashes with the mood and tone of the first film. Maybe, maybe not.

Only time will tell. The trailer and print advertisement for Mulan (which can be found in the Blu-ray set of Finding Nemo) seem to imply that they'll be released separately. If Disney goes through with releasing the film on its own and the double-pack as a separate release, you can call me one happy fan.

Which of these Disney classics will you be buying on Blu-ray?

Update: Atlantis: The Lost Empire has also been confirmed for a March 12th release. Oddly enough, both this film and Brother Bear were initially planned for an autumn release this year, but were quietly removed from the schedule. When they announced the March release of Brother Bear, I was wondering, "Now where's Atlantis?" Lo and behold, it's coming, but again, it'll be a two-movie collection with its awful direct-to-video sequel/failed TV series made into a movie.

The Sequel Problem

Not too long ago, a trailer for the upcoming Blu-ray release of Disney's Mulan has made the waves. Notice anything... Different about it?



The trailer states "Also available - Mulan II", implying that the film's direct to video sequel from 2004 is getting a separate release around the same time.

Disney's home entertainment division has recently been pairing their not-so-successful animated films with their direct-to-video sequels on Blu-ray, without giving consumers a choice to buy the first film on its own. This has angered several Disney fans, including myself, while others don't see the big deal about it. I have ranted about this before, so I'll keep the flames at bay. This trailer does make me wonder though, is Disney going to do away with the bundles? Or are they going us consumers a choice?

Don Hahn's comments on his Facebook have contradicted this, as he confirmed that the upcoming Blu-ray releases of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Atlantis: The Lost Empire will be packaged with the sequels. But... Why would Mulan be an exception? Why would the trailer say "also available"? To me, that says it'll be available separately. If Mulan II was in fact part of the set, wouldn't the trailer excitedly show clips from both and say "Mulan and Mulan II, coming to Disney Blu-ray"?

Mulan and Mushu don't approve of low quality
direct-to-video sequels...

Personally, if they were to axe the sequel bundles, I'd be satisfied. The decision to package The Fox and the Hound and Pocahontas with the dreadful direct to video sequels caused quite a backlash, and rightfully so. Maybe Disney got wind of this? Who knows, but this trailer is very vague about the whole sequel issue. Maybe we'll find out later come next year...