Disney and Neflix are Exclusive!

Disney DVD

The agreement won't begin until 2016 when Disney's current arrangement with Starz expires; however, the deal gives Netflix streaming rights to movies from Disney's live action and animation studios, including those from Pixar, Marvel, and the recently acquired Lucasfilms. That's quite a catch!

The movies from Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks are not included in this deal, as they have an existing deal with Showtime.  

Under the terms, Netflix can stream Disney movies between 7 and 9 months after they appear at the theater, as Starz did with Disney's prior agreement. The deal does not cover DVD rentals of Disney movies.

The agreement is similar to deals Netflix has with smaller studios, including Relativity Media, The Weinstein company and DreamWorks Animation.

Netflix shares were up 12.9 percent to $85.83 this afternoon in trading following the announcement.

Source: Reuters

Former Disney Digital Pioneer, Bob Lambert, Dies

Bob Lambert, who is best known for "taking Disney from film to digital cinema using CGI technology," has left an indelible mark on the world of digital animation.  He was 55 and died from undisclosed causes.

While working for Disney Feature Animation, Lambert conceived a strategy for replacing cell animation with CGI production. He worked with Pixar to develop a digital production system that earned Disney an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement.  He held over 30 patents in the digital technology field.

Our thought are with his family and friends.

Sources: Huffington Post and LA Times

New trailer for Pixar's "Brave"

                                  Here's a new trailer for Pixar's first fairy tale animation, "Brave":

"Set in Scotland in a rugged and mythical time, "Brave" features

 Merida, an aspiring archer and impetuous daughter of royalty. 

Merida makes a reckless choice that unleashes unintended 

peril and forces her to spring into action to set things right."

Merida is voiced by Kelly Macdonald ("Trainspotting" and "Nanny McPhee.") 

The film also stars Julie Walters, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, 

Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane, and John Ratzenberger.

"Brave" is set to be released on June 22, 2012.

SOURCES: Video; IMDb

New trailer for Pixar's "Brave"

A new trailer for Pixar's first fairy tale animation, "Brave" has been released.

The premise of the story reads: "Set in Scotland in a rugged and mythical time, "Brave" features Merida, an aspiring archer and impetuous daughter of royalty. Merida makes a reckless choice that unleashes unintended peril and forces her to spring into action to set things right."

Merida is voiced by Kelly Macdonald ("Trainspotting" and "Nanny McPhee.") The film also stars Julie Walters, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane, and John Ratzenberger.

"Brave" is set to be released on June 22, 2012.

SOURCES: Video; IMDb