With the Pixar prequel Monsters University opening in theaters this summer, the folks over at Threadless hosted a contest asking artists to design t-shirts inspired by the numerous characters that inhabit the first film, Monsters Inc.  The result is a pretty great collection of interesting and fun custom t-shirts that simultaneously express one’s love of art and Pixar movies.  Whether you prefer sporting an advertisement featuring the Abominable Snowman or something a bit more artsy that shows off the memorable Monsters Inc. doors, there’s something for everyone.  Head over to Threadless to peruse the collection.

During our recent set visit to Pixar Animation Studios for their upcoming film Monsters University, Production Designer Ricky Nierva and Character Animation Director Jason Deamer took time out of their schedules to participate in this one-on-one interview.  The pair talked about the film’s technical and creative challenges, establishing a broad sense of scale in the monsters’ world, re-imagining old characters, creating new characters, how  character animation inspired plot and vice versa, and just how much of the human world we might be seeing.

Monsters University features the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, John Krasinski, Nathan Fillion, Charlie Day and many more.  The film opens in 2D and 3D starting June 21st.  Hit the jump for the full interview.

During our recent set visit to Pixar Animation Studios for their upcoming film Monsters University, supervising animator Scott Clark took time out of his busy schedule to participate in this one-on-one interview.  Clark talked about what exactly it means to be a supervising animator, his favorite scenes to work on, the film’s biggest technical challenge, believability vs realism and his favorite characters.

Monsters University features the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, John Krasinski, Nathan Fillion, Charlie Day and many more.  The film opens in 2D and 3D starting June 21st.  Hit the jump for the full interview.

Last night I had the opportunity to check out a late showing of Pain & Gain during which I encountered a few thoughts that I couldn’t shake: 1) I wish Michael Bay would make more films like this and less of the transforming car variety. 2) Why can’t Dwayne Johnson be in every movie? 3) This is probably the craziest “Based on a True Story” movie I’ve ever seen. I’ve heard Bay say that some of the most extreme elements of the plot are also the most true to the original story. This is good to know because had someone written a lot of what shows up in the film I would likely call it too farfetched for my suspended disbelief to withstand. Make no mistake, this is a wild, entertaining ride that utilizes layers of action, crime, comedy, sex, and even a touch of sadism to keep you invested from beginning to end.

My mini-review aside, this week’s Top 5 includes the first trailer for Thor: The Dark World, Pain & Gain interviews with Michael Bay, Mark Wahlberg, and more, a recap of our visit to Pixar for Monsters University, news that Zack Snyder could take the helm of Justice League pending Man of Steel‘s success, and the first entry in a new interview series from Steve: “Breaking Down the Movie” with The Place Beyond the Pines director Derek Cianfrance. As is customary, a brief recap and link to each of the above is ready and waiting after the jump.

Disney has released a new trailer for the Monsters, Inc. prequel Monsters University.  The pic focuses on the college years of Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman), and this new full-length trailer reveals the film’s plot.  The Revenge of the Nerds-esque story finds Mike and Sully joining a fraternity of outcasts, as all of the Greek houses must compete against each other in the Scare Games, which carry dire consequences for the losers.  The film looks like it could be Pixar’s most purely fun movie yet, and early reactions from the screening at CinemaCon had many praising the pic’s heart.  If you missed any of Dave’s coverage from his visit to Pixar, be sure to check out his review from seeing 40 minutes of footage, 35 things to know about the film, and his interview with director Dan Scanlon.

Hit the jump to watch the new trailer.  The film also features the voices of Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, John Krasinski, Nathan Fillion, Bonnie Hunt, Dave Foley, Sean Hayes, Joel Murray, Peter Sohn, Aubrey Plaza, Tyler Labine, Bobby Moynihan, Julie Sweeney, Alfred Molina, Beth Behrs, and of course, John Ratzenberger. Monsters University opens June 21, 2013.

During our recent set visit to Pixar Animation Studios, we were treated to an absolute deluge of behind-the-scenes information for the upcoming animated film, Monsters Unviersity.  Director Dan Scanlon kindly took some time out of his busy schedule for a roundtable interview in which he talked about making Mike’s story the central arc, re-imagining familiar characters as younger versions of themselves, introducing new characters into the universe, college movies as source materials, possible Blu-ray extras and a lot more.

Monsters University features the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, John Krasinski, Nathan Fillion, Charlie Day and many more.  The film opens in 2D and 3D starting June 21st.  Hit the jump for the full interview.

During our recent set visit to Pixar Animation Studios for Monsters University, we were treated to the first 40 minutes of footage from the film.  This first act had the task of reintroducing audiences to younger – and less mature – versions of Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) and James “Sulley” Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman).  The majority of this time was spent allowing viewers to acclimate themselves to these new looks at familiar characters; it isn’t until nearly the end of the first act that a host of new characters are introduced by their names and individually bizarre personality traits.  While I had some reservations about a Monsters, Inc. prequel heading into the visit, this footage preview turned me right around and got me excited for the full film; I can’t wait to see it!  Hit the jump for more and be aware that spoilers follow.

As we stepped onto the campus of Monsters University, we were greeted by the school’s cheerleading squad who were accompanied by the drum section of their marching band.  Music and cheers filled the air as we walked to the center of campus where a huge tailgating party had been set up for the annual homecoming game against Fear Tech.  In the quad, all manner of student organizations were out in force trying to sign us up for the Yearbook Club, the Greek Council and the Art Club (or maybe it was just a guy named Art…).  As soon as we set foot inside the doors to the main hall, we knew we had arrived … at Pixar Animation Studios.

In what was too short a time at Pixar, our group was whisked on a whirlwind behind-the-scenes journey of their latest animated feature (and The Blue Umbrella, the short that will be preceding it in theaters).  Monsters University, the studio’s first prequel, will re-introduce fans of Monsters, Inc. to the college versions of Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman).  Hit the jump for 35 things you need to know about it!

This week on Blu-ray a Best Picture favorite comes to home video, the second season of an incredibly addicting HBO series hits HD, and a classic Pixar title finally gets a Blu-ray release.  Briefly:

• Anna Karenina (Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) – $22.99 (34% off)
• Argo (Blu-ray/DVD Combo+UltraViolet Digital Copy) – $22.99 (36% off)
• Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome (Unrated Edition -Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) – $19.99 (43% off)
• Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) – $29.99 (63% off)
• Insider [Blu-ray] – $14.86 (26% off)
• Monsters, Inc. (Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition : 3D Blu-ray / Blu-ray / DVD Combo + Digital Copy) – $29.99 (40% off)
• On the Waterfront (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] – $41.99 (16% off)
• Sinister [Blu-ray] – $19.99 (50% off)
• Top Gun (Two-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / Digital Copy) – $19.96 (50% off)

Hit the jump for special features details on all of the aforementioned releases.

Pixar’s Monsters University is capitalizing on college bowl games in order to recruit new students/viewers.  A new TV spot for the Monsters, Inc. prequel debuted during the Rose Bowl today and invited the best and brightest young monsters to visit their campus.  You can get a virtual tour by heading over to the film’s fantastic website complete with campus store.

Directed by Dan Scanlon (Tracy) and featuring the returning voices of John Goodman, Billy Crystal and Steve Buscemi, Monsters University opens June 21st.  Hit the jump to watch the recruitment commercial.

With the 3D re-release of Monsters, Inc. on the way, Disney is making sure to tie in the marketing for the upcoming prequel, Monsters University, and have released a couple of posters.  The film goes back to Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan’s (John Goodman) college days and shows how the two overcame their differences and became BFFs.  These posters show both sides of the friendship, and how it’s probably best to not give the bigger guy the top bunk.

Hit the jump to check out the posters.  The film also features the voices of Steve Buscemi, Dave Foley, Julia Sweeney, Joel Murray, and Peter Sohn.  Monsters, Inc. 3D opens December 19th.  Monsters University opens in 3D on June 21, 2013.

This past weekend, I was invited to participate in a collegiate experience for Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University, the prequel to 2001′s Monsters, Inc. Directed by Dan Scanlon (Tracy), Monsters University features the returning vocal talent of John Goodman as Sulley, Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski and Steve Buscemi as Randall Boggs and takes place when the monsters were cutting their teeth in college. To get into the school spirit, we were invited to USC’s campus to attend a tailgate and the game against #1 ranked Notre Dame. But the real highlight of the day was getting to see not only a post-converted scene from the upcoming re-release of Monsters, Inc. in 3D, but the first footage from Monsters University itself!

Monsters, Inc. 3D screams into theaters starting December 19th, which will have to tide you over until the release of Monsters University on June 21st, 2013. Hit the jump for my review of the sneak peek footage. 

It’s been “Back-to-School” time for kids for a little while now and the students at Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University are no exception.  The official website for the Monsters, Inc. prequel is a brilliantly designed marketing scheme fronted by the MU admissions and welcome page. The fully-functional website includes links for prospective students, alumni and faculty, as well as a breakdown of the various schools (ie School of Scaring, School of Liberal Arts & Monstrosities) and even an events calendar.  Why, they’ve even got a fully functional store so you can buy some gear from your favorite fictional alma mater! Someone definitely had fun with this site.  If you’re a fan of Monsters, Inc., you’re going to enjoy it!

Director Dan Scanlon’s Monsters University, featuring the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi, opens June 21st, 2013.  Hit the jump for images from the site. 

Opening this weekend is Pixar’s Finding Nemo 3D.  Unlike some post-converted movies that are released as a cash grab, Finding Nemo 3D is absolutely worth seeing again, especially in 3D.  When the movie was first released almost ten years ago, the gorgeous ocean-set pic looked beautiful and the animation was stunning.  However, when Pixar converted the film, they also re-rendered it (without changing anything) and it’s now even more vivid with higher resolution.  Finding Nemo has never looked this good and the 3D actually helps tell the story.

Recently, Pixar held a press day for the re-release at The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.  While there I was able to speak with Stereoscopic Supervisor Bob Whitehill and the Director of 3D Production Josh Hollander.  We talked about the collaboration process with directors when converting films to 3D, the technical challenges of turning older Pixar movies into a 3D release, how technology has helped make 3D easier, and what fans can look forward to with the 3D release of Monsters Inc..  Finally, Whitehill and Hollander answer whether they have started to think about 3D re-releases for The Incredibles and Ratatouille.  Hit the jump to watch. 

The first trailer for Monsters Inc. 3D has been released.  Since the smashing success of the 3D re-release of The Lion King, Disney has committed to bringing a number of the studio’s classics back to theaters in the 3D format.  Pixar’s bounty of films is a natural fit, and in addition to Finding Nemo 3D later this month we’ll see the return of the loveable duo of Mike and Sully from Monsters. Inc this December.  The Pete Docter-directed comedy ranks high on my personal list of Pixar favorites so I’m jazzed to see it on the big screen once again.  Moreover, the engagement will act as a nice refresher before the release of Pixar’s prequel, Monsters University, next summer.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer.  Monsters Inc. 3D opens on December 19th.