Of the past decade, the major animation studios have been constantly trying to “one-up” each other when it comes to releasing major CGI animated pictures. Obviously Pixar started the ball rolling with its ground-breaking movie Toy Story but it not long after that, DreamWorks got into the CG animation ring and threw a knockout punch with Shrek. Next on the DreamWorks agenda? How to Train Your Dragon in 3D.
Based on the book by the same name written by Cressida Cowell, the story follows the adventures of Hiccup the Viking boy who would be king and his quest to pass a rite of passage. To succeed he must find the fiercest dragon in all the land and bring it under his submission, kind of like breaking in a horse for a cowboy, I suppose. The first teaser for How to Train Your Dragon has hit YouTube but it’s a low quality version which doesn’t do a lot to get me excited. Here it is anyway
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How to Train Your Dragon is directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, who directed Lilo & Stitch and stars the voices of Jay Baruchel (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), Gerard Butler (Gamer), Jonah Hill (Superbad), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Kick-Ass), Craig Ferguson (The Drew Carey Show), Kristen Wiig (Extract), and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty).
I don’t want to say DreamWorks copies Pixar – the stories they tell are vastly different and the animation looks completely different – but how long will DreamWorks hover in the animation shadow of Pixar? It’s hard to tell. If Pixar keeps putting out movies like UP, then it’s going to be a long, long time. DreamWorks does have a nice array of CGI movies to offer, though, and they have proven to be very popular. All three Shrek movies made fists full of cash, Kung Fu Panda looks to join in on the trilogy action with a second film slated for 2011 (which has the best title ever: The Kaboom of Doom) and we can’t forget Madagascar, Bee Movie and the recent mega-hit Monsters vs. Aliens.
I would say DreamWorks is on the right path to contend with Pixar for best Animation studio, but I’ll need to see more than low quality teaser to know how their latest offering is stacking up.
What do you think about DreamWorks and How to Train Your Dragon? The film flies into theaters (in 3D) on March 26th, 2010.
Source: YouTube
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7 Comments
I have an eight year old. I’ll be there. Who am I kidding … I’m a sucker for animation, I’d be there anyway.
Dreamworks is no where near being close to Pixar, but I get what your saying. I mean I guess of all the studios they are the closest. But see the problem with Dreamworks is that they have never made a good movie, and by good I mean quality. Most of their movies make big money, but most animated movies do. The problem is that they have never made a really quality movie. I’m almost tempted to say that Blue Sky is closer to Pixar. But not really.
SHrek is a good movie..the first one!! Kung-Fu Panda was a good movie..
This has been in my radar for a while now..looking forward to seeing it with the kids..
We’ll be there opening weekend. My grandson is reading the HTTYD books with enthusiasm.
I’m 16 and have read all of Hiccup’s books, I cannot wait for the film, let’s just hope the story-line is kept the same or near enough!
Though Dreamworks has great talent in their ranks, too, Katzenberg is not an artist but an executive whose primary aim is making money, not making great movies. They may have great financial success, but they will never equal or surpass Pixar when it comes to quality and longevity.
My son and I were invited today to see a pre-screening of the movie, mind you it was not complete yet and there was quite a bit of unfinished storyboard areas. But it didn’t matter in the least. It was such a great movie, and stayed true to the story. It was so well done, that even though some parts were still storyboard, they were heartwarming. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with this one.
They have a true classic on their hands..Excellent Job Dreamworks!!!
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