BOLT (formerly American Dog) Discussion

[Balto123]

http://www.animated-news.com/

The feature unit is adding staff to Bolt, putting out word that more animators and other classifications will be hired for the film.

As of now, the release date for the flick is Thanksgiving, 2008 ...

[Sky Syndrome]

I'm boycotting it because Chris Sanders got dumped.
Lasseter must be hoping he'd never have work with Tim Burton!

EDIT: And if the original version of the movie was "too quirky for its own good", it could have been released from the Touchstone division.

[Balto123]

We have our first look at "Bolt", courtesy of Ropeofsilicon.com-

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/movie/bolt/stills/2

[Wonderlicious]

If you want my honest opinion, whilst the cat and the hamster look okay, the dog and the general backgrounds look like they came from a cheap Disney-wannabe.

[akhenaten]

same here...all interest have shut down for me. rapunzel..pls hurry

[Ariel'sprince]

Agreed,this is looks like a Disney or a Pixar wannabe film,i"m kinda disappointed from Bolt's look,the concept arts were better.
Like Chicken Little-this is look like something that DreamWorks or BlueSky will do,not Disney or Pixar.

[Jules]

Although I must admit I'm not thrilled at the pic either, I suggest nobody diss the film before actually having seen it (even moreso from just a still ... come on people!).

Contrary to what you guys have said, I actually like the backgrounds. They have a subtle painterly look to them. The original American Dog was supposed to be processed non-photorealistically, based on Hopper paintings. In other words, it was taking the same route as Rapunzel. Ever since the director change, I do not know if those ideas were upheld, but this still seems to be pointing in the right direction.

Not sure if I like Bolt's and Mr. Mittens' design, but the cat looks cool and naughty.

Any other ideas?

[kbehm29]

The animated animals did not look like they belonged with the background, which I thought was beautiful.

I will reserve final judgement until I see much more, but I didn't like the still.

[PeterPanfan]

Er..the dog is..cute?

[Ariel'sprince]

Er..the dog is..cute?

Agreed,the dog is ugly in my opinion.

[Jules]

From what I read on Cartoon Brew, it appears Disney Fans aren't taking kindly to the new image from Bolt.

http://www.cartoonbrew.com/disney/disneys-bolt

I feel depressed. I can't wait to see this film, but I'm expecting mediocrity. What hurts most is that if this film is indeed not exceptional, it will destroy all the good that the wonderful Meet the Robinsons did for Walt Disney Animation Studios.

I respect John Lasseter, but why does he have to be so flipping cowardly when it comes to trying new and daring ideas? Will Pixar only release 'buddy' movies for the next 50 years?

[Ariel'sprince]

There's an artical in Jim Hill Media about this version of the film and it's sounds like a Toy Story rip-off.

[Jules]

The is a higher-res image of the picture:



Character designs aside ... the CG is bloody beautiful! Now I realise how stunning the backgrounds are. Look at the shed, look a the trees! You can almost see the dabbled paint! Look at the tree-trunk. The crevices in the bark look like the brushstrokes in thick, creamy oils.

I'm even starting to appreciate the characters more. The whole thing looks more like a hand-painted canvas than a CG picture.

And I think that's pretty damned special.

[akhenaten]

hang on..is this picture CG or illustration made to look like CG...

[PatrickvD]

a re-tooling never hurt The Jungle Book, The Emperor's New Groove or Ratatouille. And I don't hear anyone complaining about the changes being made to Rapunzel since Lasseter took over.

And exactly WHAT do we know about Chris Sanders' version of this film. For all we know it was an extremely troubled project. Keep in mind Sanders co-directed Lilo, he didn't do it alone. For all we know he was having the same kind of story problems Glen Keane was having and wasn't willing to give in to Lasseter's demands. Much like Pinkava couldn't work out problems with Ratatouille.

Also, the current director was assigned for a reason. The Pixar people were impressed with the work that Williams did on his animated short. this way of working with new directors has only failed Pixar once (Ratatouille)

[Mr. Toad]

Everyone seems to be getting very excited over one piece of art. The design of the dog is not going to make or break this movie.

Rattatouille was excellent after a change in directors.

Chris Sanders made one good movie, Lassetter has made a raft of them. I will trust Lassetter.

[akhenaten]

in my opinion..disney character designs are usually unique and have their own persona...this makes them unique and everlasting...helped by good story and character..tramp is an example of a great anthropomorphic design for a dog..even dodger.. but this dog just looks like any CG dog would be. even remy looks distinctive.

[Jules]

I think what annoys me most about Bolt himself are the shadows over his eyes.

They make him look like Fester.

[Jules]

OMG! Had any of you ever seen this!?

http://www.aintitcool.com/images/dog.mov

I didn't know there was American Dog footage on the web!

[akhenaten]

yeap seen it..not much too say but the dog then is more adorable..even tho its just not as promising as now. but i can see the cult appeal potential more on the previous incarnation.