Aside from the previously announced Brave, to be released in the summer of 2012; and Monsters University, the 2013 follow follow-up to Monsters, Inc., Pixar honchos at this weekend’s D23 convention have announced the production of two shiny new animation feature-films. HOW. EXCITING.

From veteran Pixar writer, animator and voice-lender Bob Peterson and producer John Walker, comes Untitled Pixar Movie About Dinosaurs – whose catchy title may have been reconsidered by its release on November 27, 2013. All they can say so far is “What if that life-changing asteroid missed Earth?” apparently a “hilarious tale” “in a world where dinosaurs never went extinct”. Say no more Pixar, say no more.

As if a film about a world overrun with chicken-reptiles wasn’t enough, Pete Docter, director of Monsters, Inc. and UP has been working on a Pixar treat that takes the viewer inside the inner workings of the human mind. Deep. Set for release in May 2014.

Dinosaurs and Disney psychoanalysis. Yes.

We’re hauled across America on a journey to Paradise Falls in a house with an ‘lift’, navigated by a grumpy old widower called Carl Frederickson (voiced by Edward Asner) and a chubby boy scout called Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagaii). In a beautiful opening montage of scenes reminiscent of the golden era of silent movies underscored with music resonant of that from a gramophone, we’re first introduced to Carl. A shy young boy with dreams of exploring the world like his hero Charles Muntz – an explorer who disappeared into the wilderness after being accused of forgery.

We get a glimpse of Carl’s life from when he meets his wife Ellie as a child, their life as a married couple with hopes of visiting Venezuela, to him as a lonely old widow in a now modern America. Determined to keep his home from being bought and destroyed by property investors and to keep the memory of his wife alive, Carl uses the skills he learned as a former balloon salesman to literally uproot his home from the ground and fly away to Paradise Falls. When boy-scout Russell knocks on Carl’s door one afternoon determined to gain a “helping the elderly badge” he unwillingly finds himself a stowaway on Carl’s flying house. On their journey the two are joined by a giant rainbow coloured bird called Kevin and annoying yet charmingly chatty dog named Dug both of whom are trying to thwart Carl and Russell’s mission.

There are some very funny moments in the film but at the same time it’s also very touching. It is more than just a colorful children’s adventure in a flying house. From the slapstick humor of having to fight off a pack of dogs trained by their master to attack, to confronting the void of missing loved ones in their life (Carl’s deceased wife and Russell’s absent father figure), Carl sees a glimmer of a younger version of himself in Russell and fulfils his late wife’s long life dream, little Russell’s hopes are also realised through their adventures. 

Special Features

Dug’s Special Mission Short
Partly Cloudy Theatrical Short