[Phsstpok]

That's what I thought until I found out that Pixar completely runs Disney's entire animation division now.

Your analysis is exactly what I've come to think. Also, I've read that Lasseter and Roy Disney are great friends. Lasseter has also spoken out about the 3D (CGI) animation group that Disney was building after they closed down all of the 2D (cell) animation work in Florida and gutted the California team. Lasseter has said that he will assess that entire group, with some possibly being moved over to work with the Pixar folks, some being let go or some being assigned to a revamped 2D animation group. Lasseter is a big fan of traditional animation and wants to bring back that part of the Disney empire.

I even read one report that Lasseter is taking over creative duties for the parks, but that hasn't been confirmed anyplace official that I've seen yet.

All in all I think this is very good news.

[antiRepublicrat]

Lasseter is a big fan of traditional animation and wants to bring back that part of the Disney empire.

I read an article a while ago how the Pixar folks watch Hayao Miyazaki's works for inspiration. Miyazaki does old-style animation, no computers. I think what makes them a success is they have a "story first" philosophy, as well as technical excellence.

I even read one report that Lasseter is taking over creative duties for the parks, but that hasn't been confirmed anyplace official that I've seen yet.

He is, it was in the Disney press release.

[antiRepublicrat]

BTW, are you thinking what I'm thinking? I think Disney may have threatened to trash all of the Pixar movies with cheap sequel hell, and Pixar agreed to the buyout on the condition of control over Disney's animation division in order to protect their babies.

Not the main reason, but something that may have had an influence. I can't imagine how it would feel being the creator of The Incredibles, only to see a series of straight-to-video Disney sequels.

[Maximus_Ridiculousness]

I agree with you.