MTV has unveiled The Goon Trailer

MTV has unveiled a first look at the upcoming CGI cartoon version of The Goon, Eric Powell’s awesomely awesome comic book series about a massively-muscled thug who fights zombies, demons and other assorted nastiest. For the upcoming animated film “The Goon” from producer David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac, Seven), the animated studio Blur Studios and Dark Horse Entertainment will bring “The Goon” to film. The comic book artist Eric Powell is writing the script.

Not too much is known about the plot of the upcoming feature, but “The Goon” is a hugely popular comic book created by Eric Powell in 1999, which follows a muscle bound brawler named Goon. Dark Horse has been publishing the comic book since 2003.

The clip is just a 30-second preview of extended animation that will be shown at this weekend’s Comic-Con Convention in San Diego. The footage, created by Blur Studios, is part of a long-gestating animated film that is being produced by David Fincher. Clancy Brown will provide the voice of The Goon while Paul Giamatti will voice Frankie, The Goon’s wife-beater wearing sidekick. A release date for the film hasn’t been announced but one might expect that news to be discussed at the film’s Comic-Con panel.

Korean Animation Series "Metajets" is now at U.S. Cartoon Network

The Korean animation "Metajets," funded in part by the city of Seoul, made its U.S. debut on Cartoon Network on July 4. U.S. TV channels like CBS have broadcast several Korean animations before, but "Metajets" is the first for Cartoon Network, the biggest animation channel in the U.S.

The Metajets is one wonderful program that will keep the kids and adults engaged and offer a lot in terms of high speed entertainment and excitement. Metajets is all about high flying competitions and combating with the rival planes. The paramount place of aviation is emphasized in Metajets and kids will absolutely fall in love with the show. It is believed that the Cartoon Network is the ideal channel for launching Metajets since it is one of the major broadcasters of entertainment for children.

When it was broadcast in Korea in 2009, the series, comprised of 40 half-hour episodes, recorded the highest viewer ratings of any animation in the country. The Cookie Jar Group of Companies has high expectations from this show. The group is the leading global independent entertainment, consumer products and educational publishing group of companies.

Toy Story 3 takes you on Emotional Roller Coaster

Pixar’s “Toy Story” movies just keep getting better. “Toy Story 3,” has more emotional power than either of its predecessors. Come to think of it, it also has more emotional power than most of the live-action movies out there.

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back to reprise their roles as Woody and Buzz Light-year. The general plot of the movie is that Andy, the boy who owns them is all grown up and about to go college. He rarely plays with toys anymore and all his toys are feeling a little neglected. The adventure starts when they accidentally end up in a day care which is lead by a ruthless purple bear and a scary looking toy baby.

If it were just another Hollywood financial success, the Toy Story tale wouldn't be one of particular note. But the technological brilliance of the films together with superlative story-telling and the fact that even critics have been leaving screenings of Toy Story 3 tear-stained and emotionally spent, have started the hype over here long before the film opens on July 19.

Toy Story is one of those franchises that don’t just bank on fancy graphics and visuals. Yes it is in 3D but that’s not its main attraction. The plot and storyline for Toy Story has always been solid and Toy Story 3 doesn’t disappoint. Its got action, romance, humor and pretty much anything you would want from a movie. My only qualm with the film is that at some parts its a little too cute.

Toy Story 3 takes you on a roller coaster of emotion as well. As you will be laughing, clinging on to the edge of your seat and feeling sad at certain parts.

"Green Lantern: Emerald Knights" On the Way

According to World's Finest Online, Warner Brothers Home Video has revealed that "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights" is on their upcoming slate of animated projects. The new animated film was hinted at earlier this month during the Cartoon Network up fronts that also announced the upcoming "Green Lantern" animated series.

The list also included the recently announced Superman/Batman: Apocalypse and confirmed that a Batman: Year One adaptation is in development.

A storyline titled 'Emerald Knights' previously appeared in DC's Green Lantern comic series in 1998. The plot involved Hal Jordan traveling from the past to team up with modern Lantern Kyle Rayner. It is unknown whether the cartoon will be a direct adaptation.

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights is expected to coincide with the character's cinematic debut next summer. "Green Lantern: Emerald Knights" is expected to coincide with the summer 2011 release of director Martin Campbell's live action "Green Lantern" adaptation starring Ryan Reynolds, Mark Strong, Peter Sarsgaard, Blake Lively, Tim Robbins, Angela Bassett, Jon Tenney, Gattlin Griffith and Jenna Craig.

Disney and IMAX Deals With 3D Movies

The Walt Disney Co will release three 3D movies to IMAX Corp theaters in 2011, including the next "Pirates of the Caribbean" film, under an agreement between the two companies revealed. Deal includes the Mouse House's Seth Green starrer "Mars Needs Moms," set for release March 11, followed by "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" on May 20 and Disney/Pixar's "Cars 2" on June 24.

Partnership comes after IMAX scored a record-setting performance last weekend, with "Toy Story 3" earning $8.4 million (8%) of the $110.3 million opening. "Toy 3" became the company's highest-grossing toon opener, surpassing the $5.1 million benchmark set last year by Paramount-DreamWorks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens." "Cars 2" marks the second Disney/Pixar release for IMAX.

"The incredible performance of our Imax releases in 2009 and 2010 demonstrated that the combination of IMAX and Disney resonates with moviegoers worldwide," said Disney prexy of distribution Chuck Viane.
Disney and IMAX most recently partnered for 3D titles "Alice in Wonderland" and last year's Robert Zemeckis-directed "A Christmas Carol."

The Disney/IMAX pact reps the second multi-picture deals this year for IMAX. The company entered an agreement earlier this year to release up to 20 Warner Bros. titles, including a "Batman 3" project and the two-part "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" installments set to launch in 3D on Nov. 19 and July 15, 2011.

"Mars," which co-stars Joan Cusack as a mom abducted to the Red Planet, is based on the kid tome by Berkeley Breathed and is directed by Simon Wells. Zemeckis serves as exec producer.
Disney's fourth "Pirates" installment reunites stars Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush, with franchise newcomers Penelope Cruz and helmer Rob Marshall.

Disney's Phineas and Ferb Animated Cartoon Series

If you do not have a small child between the ages of 6 and 11, it's likely you have never heard of Phineas and Ferb, an animated series about two stepbrothers that air on the Disney Channel.

Disney is giving its offbeat 'Phineas and Ferb' cartoon the full marketing treatment, with a full line of merchandise and a movie in the works. As Disney Channel prepared to launch the cartoon series "Phineas and Ferb," one top company executive thought the hard, geometric shapes of the characters' heads represented too radical a departure from Disney's round faced animation tradition.

But talk of forcing the creators to soften the edges of Phineas' isosceles dome to make him and the other angular characters less jarring was quelled.

"I said 'no,' " said Disney Channel Entertainment President Gary Marsh.”This is what I love about this show. It is different, and driven by someone's unique vision as opposed to compacted by a committee."

All Time Favorite Cartoon Scooby-Doo is back

The Scooby Gang is Back with More Spooky Mysteries to Solve. Scooby-Doo is back in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Monday, July 12, at 7 p.m. (ET, PT). Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and their talking dog Scooby-Doo are back, solving mysteries in the spooky town of Crystal Cove in the animated Scooby-Doo! Crystal Cove is a sleepy coastal village that boasts a long history of ghostly sightings, werewolves and glowing deep sea divers. Because of all the mystery, Crystal Cove has become a tourist hotspot, taking in major profits and the townspeople don’t appreciate the meddling of the renowned sleuthing team.

From Warner Bros. Animation, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated features the voices of Frank Welker (What’s New, Scooby-Doo?) as Fred/Scooby-Doo, Mindy Cohn (The Facts of Life) as Velma, Grey DeLisle (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) as Daphne and Matthew Lillard (the Scooby-Doo films) as Shaggy. Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) is the executive producer. Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone (both Duck Dodgers, Back at the Barnyard, Space Jam) are the supervising producers.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Arabic Language Treasure Cartoon to Learn Arabic

The second edition of Arabian Sinbad "Arabic Language Treasure" package is due for UAE exclusive launch during June 2010.

The updated package of Arabian Sinbad: Arabic Language Treasure created by Fine Media Group and Dubai based animation company EmariToons is to be launched exclusively in the UAE, with markets in the rest of the world to follow shortly. Maher Hakim, CEO, limitless Knowledge, the world wide distributer of the product, said: "We are proud to present this second edition, which utilizes proven immersive and engaging language teaching techniques via cartoon animation, clear pronunciation, repetition, music and song”.

The 18 cartoon episodes utilize the renowned “Immersion & Repetition Method” which plunges the viewer into the new language as if he or she were explorers in that country. The 24+ cute and hilarious cartoon characters where joined in superstar Arabian Sinbad; a young sailor boy with a perfect classical Arabic accent and a love for treasures and adventures, are all now ready to teach you Arabic.

The Arabian Sinbad: Arabic Language Treasure DVDs feature a series of pirate themed adventures of a boy and his sister on a treasure island that only uses Arabic no English is spoken whatsoever. By completely immersing the viewer in the Arabic language, children would be able to quickly make direct mental connections between what they see and what they hear without an intermediary, thereby developing an ear for Arabic. The first edition of the package Arabian Sinbad Treasure Chest, launched in March 2006.

Rayman Origins is back with classic 2D platform

After years out of the spotlight, a new Rayman is finally on the way. Ubisoft announced Rayman Origins at the company's press conference.

Using a new toolset developed by Rayman and Beyond Good & Evil designer Michel Ancel, a team of just five people are putting together Rayman Origins. The game looks to be a return to the platforming franchise's roots, with extremely detailed, 2D environments and some seriously beautiful animation.

From the looks of the trailer, Rayman also won't be going this one alone. We're not sure of the gameplay implications, but at some point Rayman befriend a large, beast-like thing that appears to join him on his adventure.

The classic 2D platformer is back with an incredible art style and absolutely jaw-dropping visuals. The trailer, which moves into actual gameplay, looks entirely reminiscent of the original Rayman games but with a much sharper, ethereal look.

Ray Man: Origins introduces the character’s origins and expands to tell fans how the running star character was created and unveils the existence of his dark brother. The animation is very stylized and looks like a running cartoon more than a traditional video game or 3D sprite and with examples like Trine and Castle Crashers it’s evident that modern HD games can make cartoon platformers look and play amazingly.

Smith Micro Software Revealed new Anime packages

Smith Micro Software has unveiled Anime Studio Debut 7 as well as Anime Studio Pro 7. With the help of both the programs one can create cartoons, 2D movies, and also cut-out animations. Both feature a new content library, new integrated audio recording capabilities, and other new tools. Anime Studio Pro is targeted to professionals and digital artists, while Anime Studio Debut is targeted to beginners.

In addition to the new audio capability and content library, Anime Studio Pro 7 offers a range of additional new features like 3D shape design, simulated physics, and also advanced animation tools.
The program alleviates the need for tedious frame-by-frame design through its bone-rigging system, which lets users create a character skeleton that moves the figure over time. This provides greater control, flexibility, and efficiency in the design process, the company says.

With the help of the new Simulated Physics toolkit users are able to apply movement parameters to object and characters so that they could rotate, fall as well as react. Users are able to control the gravity, density, springiness of objects, and friction as well as adjust the way they collide.

Anime Studio Debut 7 is integrated with built-in lip-syncing, audio recording, new content library, as well as accessible interface for the creation of 2D movies, cartoons, cut-out animations, and anime.

The software provides a user with a new Beginner’s Mode. It is created in order to guide first-time animators by means of key animation tools as well as techniques. Also it offers quick access to the key feature of the program available with rollover instructions, video tutorials as well as streamlined interface.

DQ Entertainment Animation Agreement with Indian Companies

DQ Entertainment (DQE), the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and Distribution Company announced that it has signed a broadcast agreement with Turner International India's children's entertainment channels, Cartoon Network and POGO for the animated feature "Balkand."

“Balkand”, sequel 1 and 2, follow the debut of “Balkand” on POGO in 2009. The series has been created and produced by DQE. The sequels comprise of 70 minute animated features, split into 3 episodes of 22 minutes.

"Promoting and supporting Indian animation is a critical mandate of Turner in India. We have been aggressively executing our 'Desi Toons' strategy," Krishna Desai, director, Programming, Turner International India said.

Tapaas Chakravarti chairman & CEO of DQE Group said: “We are very happy to partner with Turner Entertainment Networks the pioneers for showcasing Indian animation content. This deal will help in adding to our library of Indian content and embarking on a new and exciting venture for producing Indian content.”

"Despicable Me" Animation with Memorable Characters

"Despicable Me" opening July 9, doesn't measure up to Pixar at its best. Nonetheless, it's funny, clever and warmly animated with memorable characters.

Gru animated character is one of the world’s greatest super-villains, as he uses his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and a small army of minions to pull off the biggest heist in the history of the world.

Steve Carell voiced to Gru character is an evil genius whose plan to steal the moon is sidelined by the arrival of three little girls looking for a father figure, in this animated comedy, one of several films coming out in 3-D. The film's comedy lies in a clash of opposites on a supervillain who loves to mess with everyone while committing high-profile crimes versus three little orphan girls whose wills are every bit as strong as his. Mind you, this supervillain, who goes by the name of Gru, is only marginally successful at villainy. As the banker who finances supervillains in their nefarious schemes points out, Gru's sinister plots "don't turn a profit." This hurts Gru’s feelings.

Where "Despicable Me" falls short of Pixar glory is its predictably. From moment to moment, one can never guess where a Pixar cartoon is headed. Here, it's all too clear. But individual sequences and fresh characters dreamed up by writers Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (from a story by executive producer Sergio Pablos) are quite wonderful.