Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG Trailer debuts! And people have seen the film too!

They've come a long way from Song of the South. by Orionsangels	May 10th, 2009 12:43:09 AM

I'm looking forward to this by 420 Boylston St	May 10th, 2009 12:52:39 AM
+ I'm looking forward to the classic art books Disney sells during the films' run
It looks like it's trying too hard... by phaedrus007	May 10th, 2009 01:05:52 AM
Too many "zany" characters with "wacky" voices. It seems a little grating.
Finally a return of The Hand drawn animated disney films. by LeviDTinker	May 10th, 2009 01:20:18 AM
Its been far to long since the last one, I really hope we continue to see new ones produced. CG animated films just cant come alive the way that 2D animated films do. the great thing about hand drawn features like Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Aladdin and the rest is that you can see the love and heart put into breathing life into them by hand, you just dont get that with CGI.
CreepyThinMan? by TheMarineBiologist	May 10th, 2009 01:21:24 AM
Why are you such an ass?
Out of development hell? by Chief Joseph	May 10th, 2009 01:22:37 AM
This thing has had a troubled production plagued with complaints from the PC Police. The original title was The Frog Princess and they had to change it to avoid offending the French. Then people complained that the lead character (a black woman) was a "servant type" and that the male love interest was too light-skinned. Thus, I expect it to be blander and even more PC than Pocahontas. Ebert is either going to really love this one or really hate it.
Yeah I saw over at by BartholomewNeff	May 10th, 2009 01:34:52 AM
the Blue Sky Disney blog they posted yesterday that the trailer would be coming out today. I loved it. It looks like a long, lost classic animated film from the 90's.
CreepyThinMan has been banned by HEADGEEK	May 10th, 2009 01:44:36 AM
because he is a complete douche. That is all...
DIsney is BACK, baby! by BenBraddock	May 10th, 2009 02:24:25 AM
Yeah! Looks beautiful!
This really isnt my bag by DOGSOUP	May 10th, 2009 02:25:09 AM
But anything that preserves 2D animation is worth it in the long run. For that reason I hope this does well.
HONESTLY... by VALENTINEproductions	May 10th, 2009 02:39:08 AM
This trailer do anything for me. I love 2d but im not feeling this. I hope the princess atleast booty shakes in this.
Alright by louisse	May 10th, 2009 06:43:48 AM
This looks wonderful but I want Bird to do another 2D, even though Iron Giant was a box failure it was such an amazing flick.
DIS' GON' BE GUD!!! by OGoncho	May 10th, 2009 07:27:41 AM
Nice.
'Bout time we had a sexy sistah as a Disney princess by Nasty In The Pasty	May 10th, 2009 07:38:04 AM
Yeah, Pocahontas, Jasmine and Esmeralda were dark-skinned (and hot), but it's long past due to have an actual black woman in one of these.
What was so wrong about Song of the South anyway!? by Missing Dink	May 10th, 2009 07:40:37 AM

No surprise the FROG is FRENCH by Missing Dink	May 10th, 2009 07:41:25 AM

please be good by walrusholder	May 10th, 2009 07:58:44 AM
I have a nine month old son and I want Disney to keep this art form alive, I really think this is a make or break moment for them. If this sucks every animated film will go to Pixar (which is great but is a different medium, I think there first bomb could be the Bear and the Bow) Fairy tales should look like this hope it works out.
There's nothing wrong with SONG OF THE SOUTH by Jardinier	May 10th, 2009 08:20:42 AM
except for a handful of people who probably haven't even seen it proclaiming its racism far and wide. Which is why Disney is still sitting on one of their landmark films instead of releasing it already. Obama's President, America's supposed to become post-racial real soon like, so how about it, Disney? Just record some new introductions by well-regarded black folk like you once planned and finally give me my DVD. Not that SotS is a masterpiece, it's not, but it's neither terrible nor racist. The African Americans in the film are fairly happy, so what? There weren't any happy blacks and douchy but non-racist farm owners in the South during Reconstruction? C'mon. Regarding THE PRINCESS OF THE FROG, I remain cautiously optimistic. I'm not thrilled by the scene with frog-Naveen, but many of the snippets in the montage look interesting. Some of them were obviously taking from song scenes, so I hope we'll hear some of that music soon.
So, shouldn't the title actually be "The FROG and the FROG?" by tylerzero	May 10th, 2009 08:34:51 AM

Wow, a French Frog by Star Hump	May 10th, 2009 08:35:46 AM
Worth repeating. Who's decision was that? Probably a Republican. I'm sure Disney is infested with them.
"Disney should pass the torch"? by Galactic	May 10th, 2009 08:48:11 AM
lol ORLY? And who would pick up that torch up exactly? No one is doing hand drawn animation to the quality of the old Disney movies in this country. You gotta go to Studio Ghibli in Japan to even get close.
Star Hump and Missing Dink... what French frog? by MurderMostFowl	May 10th, 2009 08:49:56 AM
Something tells me you 2 are one in the same person. Both have the same cultural intellect I see. Are you not realizing the location of this film... Louisiana. That'd be a Cajun frog.
For the record, I loved Song of the South by judderman	May 10th, 2009 09:13:07 AM
and I love Uncle Remus stories. And yes, if you really want to read the real thing, and not some whiteboy's rework, read "Every Tongue Got to Confess" by Zora Neal Hurston. These are great African folktales preserved in adversity and deserve to be remembered and cherished, not dropped because they're "racist."
Uncle Walt, your touch is back by terry1978	May 10th, 2009 09:15:35 AM
This feels like something he would have put his stamp of approval on, most definitely.
Here's why I'll buy the race choices by RogueWarrior65	May 10th, 2009 09:22:52 AM
From what I can tell, this has a Cajun flavor to it all. New Orleans, river boats, voodoo witch doctors, bayous, etc. Given all of that, I buy the race choices as opposed to choosing a particular race for a main character because it's trendy.
Star Hump...Unfunny and Ignorant is really no way by conspiracy	May 10th, 2009 09:30:31 AM
to go through life. Ever been to Louisiana? Know its history? Having this character be French..and a Frog, his historically and culturally correct. Oh...and if you think the irrelevant dinosaurs in the GOP have somehow cornered the market on bigotry and ignorance maybe you should get out more often...maybe talk to a Pakistani, I'm sure they'd love to hear your discourse on how much different the tards in the DNC are. Star Hump....Funking Amateur.
I hope people see this by RichardAlpert_TimePimp	May 10th, 2009 09:32:32 AM
If they don't, and general audiences are entirely dispassionate and uninterested in a 2D movie, good or not, we will never see another 2D animated film with a major release and actual talent behind it ever again. I really hope we aren't too cool for this movie, with our fancy computers and gizmos. I worry.
RogueWarrior65...Race choices.. by conspiracy	May 10th, 2009 09:35:55 AM
The fact we are sitting here typing about "Race Choices", as though somewhere, some politically correct douche is pouring over the Civil Rights Act of 1964 looking for the clause related to "ethnic diversity in an animated film" says much about how that law has been twisted and manipulated by politicians and special interest groups. For Fucks sake people...it is a CARTOON! WHO THE FUCK CARES what "race" they are!
RichardAlpert_TimePimp.. by conspiracy	May 10th, 2009 09:39:22 AM
Between fucktards searching far and wide, hoping to find some "racial" stereotype they can complain about; and the typical American cinema patron needing Pissing RObots, tits and 'Splosions in every movie they see...you should worry about artistry surviving
75 Years of Magic? by Nice Marmot	May 10th, 2009 09:43:16 AM
They only showed us examples from the last 20. OK, that's a bit anal. I'm looking forward to it. You gotta think they went all out w/ this one. And I'm with walrusholder. I have month old twin girls and want them to someday see some quality Disney 2D outside of our living room. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TALKBACKERS!
Did it bother anybody else by The Pusher	May 10th, 2009 09:43:17 AM
that the opening of the trailer only referenced late-era Disney films? Does Disney not remember that their own legacy extends beyond The Little Mermaid? Or are they just trying to reach out to kids with the only Disney films they think kids remember?
I thought it was interesting that the opening showed... by rbatty024	May 10th, 2009 10:01:54 AM
nothing after the Lion King. I think Disney knows they haven't come up with any truly great 2D animation since that film. What a shame.
It will do well by spaceghost_me	May 10th, 2009 10:13:45 AM
After such a dearth of 2D animated movies, new princess movies, etc., as long as this movie is somewhat decent, I think it will do really well. Hopefully, it will make people realize that its not the medium that make the movie good, but the story and the characters. Pixar knows this and I'm hopeful they've brought this back to Disney as a whole.
2d animation needs some love... by Sparhawk38	May 10th, 2009 10:20:17 AM
Look...Can you imagine the Iron Giant being better in cgi...I can't. Even if this is not a classic, I am glad to see some serious work done in traditional animation. Although I completely agree with Spaceghost....it is all about character and story telling..not the medium... that makes an excellent film. I just don't want to see all the good stories in cgj.
Oh...and 2d animation gotta eat! by Sparhawk38	May 10th, 2009 10:20:55 AM
Just seemed right.
Princess and the Frog by Hipshot	May 10th, 2009 10:26:47 AM
Looks wonderful. And it will go a long way toward rehabilitating my sense of Disney animation as being the most racist major Hollywood film division (not a single black animated character in a film in the entire 20th Century, out of countless thousands of images. Even though they set two films in Africa!) I worked in animation, knew people who worked at Disney, and they were very clear that this was not accidental. That the older generation of animators had to die out before the first black character could appear (in "Fantasia 2000"). Even though the Prince is VERY light skinned, an obvious FC choice (Financially Correct as opposed to Politically Correct) this is a major, major moment, and I'm very proud of them. I'm sure there are white talkbackers who will suggest it doesn't matter, what am I complaining about, etc...and that's all right. The problem with "Song of the South" is that there was no balancing imagery. No exploration of the humanity of those black folks other than the "see! Our Negroes are happy!" image that white southerners of the time used to defend their noxious customs. We're in the 21st Century, and I would think that we can release it now. But every person who "doesn't understand" why it was offensive has probably never talked to actual black people who lived at that time, gotten them to open up about the overwhelming fear and anger actually felt by the black community. That's all right. That's not your responsibility. But bless 21st Century Disney for stepping up to the plate and finally including us in the American Myth. It feels great.
This looks very promising! by Fa_Tass_DinoMolester	May 10th, 2009 10:31:50 AM
As others have said, I can't wait to see the return of traditional animation. There's a character, and an art, in hand-drawn work that you don't get with CGI stuff. Hopefully, this'll be a big hit and Disney will keep giving us the good old fashioned animated films which kept the company afloat in previous decades...
conspiracy by Jonas Grumpy	May 10th, 2009 10:36:51 AM
Those who care about what "race" animated characters are could be - COULD BE - those who are of a "race" which hasn't been represented all that much (or that well) in animated form, and would like to see themselves on the big screen once in a while. Of course, no matter what a studio does, some people won't be happy. Think about how many animated Africans you saw in "The Lion King" or "Tarzan." That's right: ZERO. Because Disney knew they would be chastised either way, they opted to go the "safer" route, and not show any actual Africans at all. Just imagine the hoopla that would have erupted from some groups if they had, no matter how those characters were portrayed. Plus, you seem to equate "politically correct" with a bad thing. We've moved past wanting to see portrayals like Mr. Magoo's Chinese houseboy these days - especially when voiced by white actors - and those who do are a bunch of ignorant, racist assholes. The real trick is to disguise stereotypical characteristics so "the kids" don't make the connections. (The crows in "Dumbo" and Jar Jar Binks are examples of this.) Either that, or we need to create NEW racial stereotypes to match current trends and behavior. Would that please you?
Hipshot by Jonas Grumpy	May 10th, 2009 10:42:07 AM
Oh, there were some animated black characters in a 20th century Disney feature. You'd have to go to YouTube or some other site to see them in the original cut of "Fantasia." (I almost corrected you by stating the example of "Atlantis," but then I remembered that it came out this decade.) On the flip side of that, some African-American actors were cast to voice characters in 20th century features - they just weren't playing people. Dogs, mostly. Plus a crab or two. ;)
"No great since Lion King-"disagree by WT	May 10th, 2009 10:45:39 AM
The Hunchback of Notre Dame was clever, dark and dealt with some surprisingly adult issues for Disney. I honestly suggest giving that another go. As for "racism" I would argue there's a lot more coded racism today. What about Fresh Prince of BelAir- isn't it hilarious that a group of upwardly mobile black people can't communicate with someone from the innercity (don't get me wrong, I still like the show, just wondered)?
You really can't win when it comes to race by terry1978	May 10th, 2009 10:47:03 AM
Either they're doing it to "be P.C." according to some people, or they're doing it to appeal to a demographic that we as fanboys don't care about. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
zom-bot.com by Jonas Grumpy	May 10th, 2009 10:58:21 AM
"...i think that disney realized they need a black princess toy/backpack/sheet set to sell in their princess line..." Which is what Hipshot was referring to when he (she?) used the phrase "...an obvious FC choice (Financially Correct as opposed to Politically Correct)..." As I never really liked the term "PC" (especially when used in the derogatory way by people who still want to get away with using stereotypes to describe other people), I'm going to use "FC" from now on. It's much more accurate.
terry1978 by Jonas Grumpy	May 10th, 2009 11:02:13 AM
"Damned if you do, damned if you don't." This is exactly what I meant by noting the lack of any Africans in "Lion King" and "Tarzan." No matter what Disney did, somebody would have hated it and called it "racist," so Disney decided to let themselves be attacked for what they DIDN'T do, rather than for what they DID. Which still smacks of cowardice, but it was a smarter move overall.
Why worry about the race/PC thing? by dukeroberts	May 10th, 2009 11:24:13 AM
Though Disney may have made this movie as a way of giving voice to a black character in a lead role, who cares? They are trying to revive an art form thought dead. It may prove to be a fun, entertaining movie. The art doesn't look as beautiful as SLEEPING BEAUTY, FANTASIA or even BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, but it is of better quality than Disney wanna- bes like ANASTASIA and HAPPILY EVER AFTER for Pete's sake. And for those who think Disney hasn't produced a good 2D film since THE LION KING, give MULAN, HERCULES and THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE another look. MULAN is beautiful to look at and HERCULES and TENG are are entertaining. TENG is frickin' hilarious. I will defend SONG OF THE SOUTH as well. I used to work at Blockbuster and the occasional request for the film on video was always by a black person. The fact that some people (but especially probably liberal, former hippies) find it offensive is no good reason to keep it from the many, including many blacks, who will still enjoy it, as I do. Need I remind people that the most racially stereotypical movies made these days are made by and for blacks. BOOTY CALL, anyone? Everybody lighten up.
Will Uncle Remus be in this one? by Alkeoholic77	May 10th, 2009 11:40:30 AM
Zip-a-dee do da!
Hate Disney trailers by Chesterfield Slacks	May 10th, 2009 11:48:28 AM
Why do they have to bash us on the head about their legacy on every goddamn video, DVD, trailer, flyer, gumwrapper, for fuck sakes? Can't watch a Disney video without 20 minutes of "a timeless classic, re-issued just this once" bullshit. Who on this planet doesn't know what Disney's been doing for 75 years? Get to the point and show us the movies, Disney, you greedy, whoring bastards.
The Prince of New Orleans? by zooch	May 10th, 2009 12:22:04 PM
How did New Orleans get a Prince and Princess?
Looks awesome! Didn't see that part coming! by Johnno	May 10th, 2009 12:33:27 PM
I'm down for Disney returning to 2D stuff, and by that I mean good 2D stuff, and here's hoping they'll even go so far as to do some more mature things too! They can leverage their Miramax brand or come up with soemthing new entirely! And by mature I mean along the lines of Steamboy or even as far as Princess Mononoke, hell even Spirited Away had some edgy dark stuff in it! C'mon you DIsney bitches, push the envelope a little! I'm nto asking you for Akira... I'm asking for Steamboy! Do it! I've always been secretly wishing that there'd be an epic animated film of something like 'Freedom at Midnight'! There's tons of stuff they can adapt, even under a different branding if they want Disney left for the families. Anyway I'm all set to welcome The Princess and the Frog.
Much appreciated, Harry... by TheMarineBiologist	May 10th, 2009 12:50:23 PM
That guy was getting on my last nerve.
New Orleans is sinking and I don't wanna swim... by Alkeoholic77	May 10th, 2009 12:53:03 PM
Great song by the Tragically Hip.
I don't know about Princes, but there sure are Queens! by Batutta	May 10th, 2009 02:06:03 PM
The title should've been The Queen and the Gerbil.
Whiskey... by Kid Z	May 10th, 2009 02:08:03 PM
...Tango... Foxtrot?!!?
Creepythinman by The Penultimate Gunslinger	May 10th, 2009 02:17:58 PM
Man, I wanna know what he said now. People say so much crazy and offensive stuff on these talkbacks that it must have been a humdinger!
THAT LOOKS BALLBUSTING AWESOME! by FeralAngel	May 10th, 2009 02:40:07 PM
I had seen an earlier trailer I didn't care for too much, but holy Nellie this one rocks. Great idea, a beautiful BLACK Disney princess livin' in New Orleans. Making use of the rich cultures and incredible music there. I am hot to see this now. Yeah, Lasseter! You own it, man!
Hipshot, you ignorant slut, tell that to Floyd Norman/black guy/ by FeralAngel	May 10th, 2009 02:46:40 PM
Floyd Norman posts at various sites around the web. He's a black man and worked as an animator at Disney in Walt's day (starting with Sleeping Beauty). Nobody was purposely keeping blacks out of Disney animation OR Disney films. The story pool containing black characters was extremely limited back then; it took a few decades before strong black characters began to emerge in new media. Audience attitudes had to change as well; that's why we're finally seeing a black princess (although, after all, Disney does have princesses belonging to other nonewhite ethnic groups). Hopefully Disney hasn't created Titiana in order to erase any imaginary stain on its legacy and all that crap; hopefully she was created to tell a fresh, new and good story. I believe in the latter scenario. Again, can't wait to see this.
Wow - by ThusSpakeSpymunk	May 10th, 2009 03:09:57 PM
All we've got to go on is the trailer, and already we've got: 1) A minstrel show 2) a dancin' shoeshine boy 3) A big-lipped voodoo witch doctor 4) a jive-talkin' gran'ma sayin' "Dis GONNA BE GUUUUD!" Thanks.
I hear you Gunslinger . . . by Nice Marmot	May 10th, 2009 03:15:28 PM
. . . if someone gets banned, all references to said dickhead should also be deleted so I don't wonder what was said. Me Me ME . . . . .
So, if the frog marries her in the end, & becomes King by finky089	May 10th, 2009 03:19:21 PM
of New Orleans, will Better Than Ezra get to sing a song in the movie?
from valerie to tiana took 40 years by CreamCheeseAlchemist	May 10th, 2009 03:20:52 PM
And H-B came pretty close to making Valerie the Pussycat white back then even though she was black in the comics. I think it's primarily a licensing issue nowadays- I mean, was Static Shock marketed at all? Tiana has been a long time coming, and I sincerely hope she's the first of many. It is a shame this couldn't have happened sooner. I mean, you guys know the kid from Treasure Planet was originally black right?
THIS is what Disney should have been doing all along by performingmonkey	May 10th, 2009 03:43:47 PM
They should leave the 3D to Pixar and go all out classic 2D!! It's bullshit that people only want 3D. It's only because they're now USED to 3D. FFS, this is just what the doctor ordered. It doesn't feel soulless (and I'm not talking about the fact that it's a black main character) like PLENTY of animated flicks in the last 10 years (Pixar aside - there's a hell of a lot of heart and soul in every Pixar film)
Sounds promising, plants and all. by Sal_Bando	May 10th, 2009 04:12:58 PM
I always like their classic animation, heck Lilo and Stich was a blast-so am hoping this does well for them, too.
Hooray for old school animation, Boo for Disney by alienindisguise	May 10th, 2009 04:15:59 PM
I hate Disney and their thieved, cornball shit.
FeralAngel by blakindigo	May 10th, 2009 05:28:00 PM
Hipshot isn't being a douche, I think that post represents a LOT of thinking in regards to how Black characters were portrayed in Disney movies. Floyd Norman was an inspiration to many young, Black animators—his nickname was "The Lone Negro." It's unfortunate that a single individual was sometimes identified with an entire ethnic group as an example of 'inclusion.' The racist caricatures of the time were pretty severe and unforgiving and Disney had their fair share of them. I'm sure if you talked to animation character designer Dan Haskett he could inform you of the challenges that Black animation professionals had to face in the 20th Century regarding the industry. This doesn't mean Hipshots points are ignorant or lack relevance. Disney's history with characters of colour isn't exactly the strongest.
Gorgeous Animation -- Looks promising by Zeegloo	May 10th, 2009 05:35:00 PM
I hope this succeeds for the sake of hand drawn animation as a medium.
75% of the iron giant WAS cgi?!! by blakindigo	May 10th, 2009 05:35:58 PM
Um, no. NO. Nonononono. The title CHARACTER of "The Iron Giant" was CG. Also, a few vehicles and other props but, that film is obviously crafted by group of extremely talented 2D animators. Lovely movie.
Imagine if "The Spirit" looked like this by blakindigo	May 10th, 2009 05:38:36 PM
Oh man, I can only dream of what could have been. Brad Bird someone, somewhere owes you a MASSIVE apology.
Dear Disney... by Lemure_v2	May 10th, 2009 05:48:11 PM
Whatever it is John Lasseter asks for, give. Sincerely Me
I don't think that's fair ThusSpakeSpymunk… by blakindigo	May 10th, 2009 05:50:46 PM
And if I'm proven wrong by the movie I'll eat my words, but I don't think that's what is going on in the trailer. I'm anxious to see this a)for the return of American 2D animation on the big screen and b) for it's celebration of the New Orleans culture. I hope it captures some of the spirit of The Big Easy. 2D animation needs to get out of it's ghetto and stop conditioning audiences to expect an inferior medium suited entirely for children.
AMEN Lemure_v2 by blakindigo	May 10th, 2009 05:51:45 PM
A–fucking–men.
Re: ThusSpakeSpymunk by ooggbboo	May 10th, 2009 05:54:39 PM
I had the same thought. Over-under on the number of times somebody says "bling" in the movie: 3 1/2.
We'll see how this goes by kirttrik	May 10th, 2009 05:57:09 PM
It might be somewhat embarrassing, with heavy apologists abound. But I have no idea, I particularly can't stand Disney... the animation looked interesting though.
I can't wait to see this! by viola123	May 10th, 2009 07:13:05 PM
It looks so good. And starting out with "Aladdin", "Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," and "The Lion King," just got me all nostalgic and teary-eyed before it even began! But yeah, I think that trailer is magical and can't wait to see it. I purposefully skipped the spoilers, so I'm just happy that the two reviews were positive. Thanks, Harry!
CreepySinMan struck again didn't he? by Sal_Bando	May 10th, 2009 07:32:06 PM
Basic bomb-thrower ala Mel_Gibson FlyTrap and BalZacLockwood there-though I've no problems w/ any of them, can see how it can be a problematic thing. Iron Giant was a good one wasn't it?
Hmmm... by Jiggah	May 10th, 2009 08:03:15 PM
As much as I love Disney, I'm already picturing the inevitable crappy sequels and spin-offs to this film. I'll definitely be there for this movie though, they are making a come back and I hope this one will signal a new beginning for the 2D animation division. I think the one after this sounds interesting as well. Rapunzel, which will use computer animation, but stick with the 2D look. It sounds like they are trying to bridge the Pixar division with the classic animation division.
DISNEY?! by kgerm	May 10th, 2009 08:45:33 PM
It seems John Lassetter has done it again.
That Song of the South ad in the corner by palpatinefuckedmydog	May 10th, 2009 08:50:33 PM
That can't be legit. Aintitcool is pimping bootleg DVDs now?
"count me outta dis one, better dead here than in the core" by STEVE_GUTTENBERGS_DICK_ICECREAM	May 10th, 2009 09:16:34 PM
you said it jar jar. um this looks like it's for girls. all you talkbackers must be women aye? except for the haitian voodoo dude this looks kinda girly.
Brother bear was good by supercowbell4therequestformoreco wbell	May 10th, 2009 09:52:28 PM
so disney didnt really leave a bad taste dripping down my face or nothing with that last movie
Blakindigo, here's what Norman had to say about it by FeralAngel	May 10th, 2009 10:29:37 PM
I'm quoting from a Walt Disney biography here: "Floyd Norman, an African-American story artist, also rejects the racism accusation. He recalls that, during the 1960s, several civil rights leaders tried to force Disney to hire more minorities. "The funny part," he said, "was that minorities weren't knocking at the gates to get in. The jobs were there if they were qualified. It's like the old ruse that Walt didn't hire Jews, which was also ridiculous. There were plenty of Jews at Disney. Personally, I never felt any prejudice from Walt." (Taken from How To Be Like Walt written by Pat Williams and Jim Denney.) Now when it comes to black characters, I'm not saying that black characters aren't largely missing from American animation. But Disney was hardly the only studio to do it. It just gets tiresome to hear people whine "About time! If Disney wasn't so conservative/racist it would have happened sooner" or crap like that. Disney seems to be making an effort to create a good black female character who has a logical place in the story she's in - she's not being injected into it like a token. I'm just saying Disney deserves credit for being CREATIVELY inclusive. I sure don't see Dreamworks or Blue Sky coming up with a movie with a black protagonist (although you can bet that if P & F is successful that probaby WILL happen. Disney usually leads the way when it comes to animated innovations).
The Penultimate Gunslinger by TheMarineBiologist	May 10th, 2009 10:43:05 PM
Yeah, he was spamming quite a bit at the beginning of the TB insinuating that Walt Disney was a Nazi among other things. Basically, he was just being an all around ass and our discussion is better off without him.
About that Song of South ad by onezeroone	May 10th, 2009 10:49:47 PM
AICN doesn't choose which ads show up, google does that based on contents of website. Am sure it must be all the Song of South comments that made that ad popup. Try lots of posts with Lion King and you might get a different ad. Back OT... looks, good, not great. But a cautious return to 2D by Disney is better than none at all. I hope this does well enough to revive 2D animation.
They really studied New Orleans.. by ChrisPC24	May 10th, 2009 10:59:38 PM
The scenery is gorgeous. St. Peter's Cathedral, the Cabildo, the streetcars, the Quarter, City Park, it's all there.
Thanks to Creepysinman being banned. I'm first! Woot! by Orionsangels	May 10th, 2009 11:08:06 PM
Who cares, anyway, this movie looks nice and all, but i wish they didn't use computers to color it.
That's not much of a spoiler. by CoursinLarry	May 10th, 2009 11:44:12 PM
I mean, the movie was originally called The Frog Princess. So, her turning into a frog ain't that big of a shocker.
i think the spoiler was the Marriage Carriage by George Newman	May 11th, 2009 12:29:29 AM
there's a split second shot of the princess and prince in a what looks like a marraige parade. although if you didnt think that the film would end in love/marriage, then you've never seen a disney romance
Very cool by Weezy	May 11th, 2009 12:59:33 AM
It's so weird to see a commercial for a Disney 2D animated movie, it feels like forever since the last one. It's almost like... exciting, brings back memories of seeing the preview for the new yearly (or so) Disney cartoon.
What makes Creepythinman a douche to have him banned... by AxeEmAll	May 11th, 2009 01:03:42 AM
...as compared to our classic DannyGloversDickBlood? :)
Thank heavens for John Lasseter by AxeEmAll	May 11th, 2009 01:05:10 AM
...He has revived Disney's 2D animation with this one.
The Disney organization was conservative— by blakindigo	May 11th, 2009 01:11:24 AM
but, I agree that accusations of racism seem pretty one sided; the lack of inclusion and the restrictions of content are what many people are really complaining about when they mistakenly(?) attribute racist motives. The fact that the overall landscape of animation is fairly homogenized and typically monolithic is the main problem, IMO. On the "Wizards" DVD, Ralph Bakshi lamented "Why can't I call a character Italian? Why can't I draw a Black guy…" before beginning "Fritz the Cat" and he makes a case for the overwhelming influence of Disney in the field; as Disney was regarded as the pinnacle of animation, their influence directly dominated content that wasn't perceived as wholesome or kid friendly. Apparently for idiotic reasons people of colour weren't included in that wholesome vision unless they were token sidekicks or comic relief. I'm happy that Disney has taken a great step in casting a LEAD character as Black person without resorting to tokenism or minstrel caricatures. As for Dreamworks their FIRST film was "The Prince of Egypt" which focused on Jewish and Egyptian characters, respectively. Most of their latter movies don't really have human leads (especially the CG movies) and Will Smith was the lead in "Shark's Tale." I wish that had been a better movie though.
It's been a long time coming.... by saxon1014	May 11th, 2009 01:32:37 AM
I had heard YEARS ago that they were trying to find the 'perfect vehicle for a black Princess'. I think that Disney princesses have always trancended race, since children done usually 'see in color' in that respect, parents do. But I am happy to know that we are getting a new 'princess' and I absolutely LOVE that the setting is New Orleans. Since they've added a wonderful 'Queenie' character who sings with 'soul' and that 'deep south' accent and grace of a bygone era to New Orleans Square, this is perfect timing. I guess politically speaking, the time is also perfect, but I'm more concerned and happy that Disney 'real' animation is back. I LOVE the snippet of the trailer that shows a guy dancing in the street ala Gene Kelly! THAT is what we need, to go back to a time of musicals with that old time feel. And even though I wasn't over joyed with the movie 'Haunted Mansion', I did love the inter-racial 'forbidden love' of that era. This, I think is another step in that direction, that love should NOT have any boundries...something that Disney has always tried to give us. No matter if you are rich or poor, royalty or commoner...temporarily of a different species...those all spoke to 'differences' that didn't or shouldn't matter. I look forward to the lovely young ladies taht will be walking around the Disney parks as this new and beautiful character. And I can just imagine all the lovely little girls having someone new who looks more like them to emulate and dress up as at Halloween. Every new Princess gives one more little girls someone to want to be. one of the reasons I loved Enchanted, it gave little girls REASON to believe the impossible, even today. sigh...yeah, I'm a Disney fanatic, and I've raised my girls to believe the impossible. I hope this movie will be a success. I did get the 'Disney magic' feel just from the little bit I saw. Can't wait.
It's too early in the morning by kafka07	May 11th, 2009 04:47:03 AM
to watch this craziness. I need my coffee first.
YES!!!!! by pills_26	May 11th, 2009 08:39:13 AM
That is all.
Am I the ONLY one annoyed.. by Ronimus Prime	May 11th, 2009 09:05:47 AM
That Tiana is hyped up as "Disney's first black princess" while Princess Kida was black, a Disney character, and a princess, thus should have had all this publicity? Atlantis is hella underrated. Had they given Kida this hype, I can't help but think it wouldn't have been.
a little off topic by genesis495	May 11th, 2009 09:40:58 AM
Did any one pick up the Pinocchio Blu Ray I'm curious how the transfer looks. Since I'll definitely pick up the snow white one and want to get Pinocchio too, but just curious about the picture quality.
75 years of animation by thepoohguy	May 11th, 2009 10:57:08 AM
But they only show movies from the past 30 years. Where is Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty? You'd think it was a tribute to Ashman and Menken.
genesis495 by erichaislar	May 11th, 2009 10:58:16 AM
I don't have the blue ray, but the DVD is gorgeous looking. So I assume the Blu Ray is even better.
Pinocchio on Blu-Ray is STUNNING! by Batutta	May 11th, 2009 11:03:25 AM
Seriously probably never looked as good even in Walt's wettest dream. Amazing.
Now, we just need new cartoons before movies by SoylentMean	May 11th, 2009 12:22:16 PM
It seems like the short form cartoon (unless it's before the newest Pixar film) has disappeared altogether from cinemas. Which is a shame. I'd rather watch a new theatrical short than 30 minutes of previews I can watch online. Yep, I'll be seeing this one in theaters. Now the question is should I finally check out Home On the Range?
Lilo & Stitch by BizarroJerry	May 11th, 2009 12:35:17 PM
While it didn't have black characters it did have native Hawaiian characters, who were not drawn to look white at all. I guess people keep forgetting L&S cuz it's not the typical princess / fairy tale movie.
Song of the South... by BizarroJerry	May 11th, 2009 12:38:00 PM
It's funny that the film was sorta banned to be seen by anyone, but ten or more years back, the theme park ride Splash Mountain opens, full of all the animated characters from the movie. Sure, it doesn't include Uncle Remus, but didn't little kids ask mommy who they were?
Thanks erichaislar and Batutta by genesis495	May 11th, 2009 01:01:48 PM
I'll have to check it out. I can't wait for Snow White on Blu Ray though.
'What Makes the Red Man Red?" by Jonas Grumpy	May 11th, 2009 01:07:53 PM
Disney's "Peter Pan" seems to get a pass when it comes to its portrayal of Native Americans. The only reason why I let it go is because... It's a movie made in the 1950s, based on a story originally written in 1904, about a bunch of English kids and their "imaginary" adventures. Thus, the portrayal of Native Americans is based on THEIR perception, not on any kind of "reality," and can be dismissed in that way. It's still not the BEST way to go about it, but it'll have to do. I think back to the my own childhood in the '70s, and based on what I saw of Indians in old movies and cartoons, I would have though the same as the kids in PP. All Indians spoke broken English and cried over pollution, according to the media of the day. And, sometimes, they were played by Mel Brooks.
Disney released Song of the South on Laser Disc in the '90s by The Gipper	May 11th, 2009 01:57:27 PM
Disney actually released Song of the South on Laser Disc (those big ass discs that were the size of a vinyl LP record) in the early '90s. I have it on DVD, transferred from the laser disc version and it looks great. James Baskett, who played Uncle Remus in the film, was the first actor Disney every hired for a full-length, live-action film. Not the first African-American actor -- THE VERY FIRST ACTOR DISNEY EVERY HIRED in such a capacity. http://www.songofthesouth.net/ movie/biographies/baskett.html As far as why the African-Americans in the film were portrayed as happy -- THEY WERE NOW FREE FROM SLAVERY. I'd say that was a pretty good reason to feel happy.
@SoylentMean by Jardinier	May 11th, 2009 03:10:40 PM
HOME ON THE RANGE is watchable, that's about all that can be said about it. It's completely safe and harmless, but also mostly devoid of spark. I remember liking the flatness of the design (very fitting, for the then-last Disney 2D picture), but wasn't impressed by the flatness of the characters.
Osmosis Jones...the lead was "black"? by Nasty In The Pasty	May 11th, 2009 03:49:39 PM
Just having a black actor voicing a character that isn't even HUMAN doesn't really count as a "black lead". James Earl Jones was the voice of Mufasa in The Lion King, but did that make the character "black"?
Well Panthro from Thundercats was black, right? by GibsonUSA Returns	May 11th, 2009 04:10:32 PM
When we were little kids, the African American kid in our group used to idolize Pantro "cause he's blk!!"...i dunno, just my childhood
No black characters in the lion king? by Angua13	May 11th, 2009 06:07:02 PM
Can someone explain to me why people are complaining that despite the fact The Lion King was set in Africa there was no black character.....there were no humans. It was an animal world and humans would have no fit in at all regardless of race. And as far as races, there was Ariel and
No black characters in the lion king? by Angua13	May 11th, 2009 06:09:01 PM
Can someone explain to me why people are complaining that despite the fact The Lion King was set in Africa there was no black character.....there were no humans. It was an animal world and humans would have no fit in at all regardless of race. And as far as races, there was Ariel and Belle sure who were white. Then Jasmine - not white, Mulan - not white and Pocahontas - not white. I think its great that they're doing another movie with a new culture they've never done before but to constantly play the race card gets old.
Lion King and Tarzan by Hipshot	May 11th, 2009 07:01:28 PM
I love being called "an ignorant slut." Such a tribute to your upbringing! I should have said: "no black human beings" because there were...wait for it...black centaurs shining the white centaur's hooves in Fantasia. The white animators who told me of their days at Disney have a right to their opinions about what was going on, and if there was a black animator who worked for Disney and felt great about it, wonderful! Dream Works wasn't around for most of the 20th Century, so what they're doing is quite different, and they've had tons of black characters in their work. Lion King and Tarzan were both set in Africa, and what you often forget is that it was a creative choice not to have any human beings. What excuse can you use for Tarzan? None of this makes Disney people "bad." In fact, I LOVE Disney. The fact that certain social attitudes resulted in exclusion is simply a fact in many aspects of American life. Millions of animation cells, and not one of a black human being, and you don't find that statistical blip interesting? Wow. It is WONDERFUL that things have changed, that my son and daughter are growing up in a better world than the one I did. And speaking of pain in the past is a way to rejoice in the present and look forward to a better future. I posted to convey honest information I've gained from working in the industry for almost thirty years, starting with "The Secret of NIMH." If you don't want to believe me, cool. I don't need your approval or belief. If you use insulting language, on the other hand, you make no point at all, other than to suggest that courtesy is not your long suit. I'm only speaking to people who love film, love animation, and can discuss things reasonably. Otherwise, I have a good chuckle, and wish you well.
Hunchback was my favorite of the 80's/90's Disney films by SK229	May 11th, 2009 07:11:12 PM
That film is severely under-appreciated. The soundtrack alone, especially with regards to the film's prologue/opening is STUNNING. The color choices, the villain, and the voice actors were all top notch, and, imo, better than anything they put out in that period. I also think Mulan is pretty good... not to the level of Hunchback, but still better than it's remembered as. This movie looks pretty good, and I love the way they balanced the spectacle of great 2D animation with the funny/cutesy moments of the characters in this trailer. I actually think having TOO much of that was 2D animation's downfall. Love the locale of the film too, just a great all around way to get everyone back into traditional animation. As far as Pixar, I feel like with Wall-E and Up, they're finally stretching a bit, telling stories that aren't so obvious. For a while, they're stuff was becoming tired for me and I just didn't think they deserve all the kudos they get, but Wall-E actually turned out to be my favorite film of theirs yet, so... they actually DO deserve all the praise, because that was pretty unexpected!
And for Tarzan by Angua13	May 11th, 2009 09:05:00 PM
My excuse for Tarzan would be that the majority of the human characters were the english that were coming in and stealing the animals. You know all that colonization of Africa that we hate. Historically the people coming into Africa would have been white. And it was obviously an uninhabited part of the country so that story wise Tarzan grew up away from humans. It wouldn't have made much sense to have a human tribe just round the corner. Yes I know Disney have had some shady racist past, but there are reasonable reasons why there are no black characters in some movies.
SK229, Amen on Hunchback by SoylentMean	May 11th, 2009 09:38:34 PM
That movie is dark, almost to a scary level, because it seems the only intention of Frollo with Esmerelda is well, to take her by any means necessary. I was too old to blow it off as mere Disney villainy, that fucker disturbed me. Oh, and it's a gorgeous film to watch.
Tiana and Charlotte=Maddie and London? by Anna Valerious	May 11th, 2009 10:08:42 PM
I think it's more to say how born rich people are idiots while the working class work hard and are therefore smarter to get a better life for themselves. And this video of Maddie and London is proof- http://tinyurl.com/qsq2fv (Although I suspect that they had made Maddie a little too destitute in some cases that you really want her to win...)
Panthro was Blue! by palpatinefuckedmydog	May 12th, 2009 02:22:44 PM
Not black. The voice actor was black(pop from Cosby show). So was Mumra(Adolph Caesar)
Disney taints our collective unconscious by strosmer	May 12th, 2009 03:36:58 PM
Seriously, I need another animated feature with big-eyed, talking animals and cornball humor like I need a hole in the head. Pinocchio, Snow White, Bambi, 101 Dalmatians had their technical merits, and rightful place in animation history, but beyond those features...fuck Disney, and his god damn mouse!

Talkbacks

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG Trailer debuts! And people have seen the film too!

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks