The world-famous San Diego Comic-Con began in 1970 under the less-catchy name Golden State Comic Book Convention. Just 300 people showed. 29 years later, it's an explosion of merch, fanboys and fangrrls in or out of costume, video game goodies, movie marketing and boatloads of journalists.
Even before last year's "Twilight" mayhem, Comic-Con was a big attraction for major movie studios looking for a captive audience. People eager to see teaser trailers and watch panels featuring their favorite directors and actors. Superhero flicks or not, it's all about the geek culture.
Even though the hardcore comics fans groan about their hallowed halls being invaded by stampeding game geeks and RPattz fans, it's really win-win for everyone. As movies, comic books and video games become increasingly intertwined, it's only natural that the wider film-loving would be as interested in Neil Gaiman as they are in Guillermo del Toro. So even if you're not on the hunt for a mint condition "Swamp Thing" signed by Alan Moore, there's still plenty for you movie fans to see and do. Read more...
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Buried in the depths of Disney's massive San Diego Comic-Con press release today is the news that "Beauty and the Beast," a highlight of the studio's late-20th century renaissance, will be enhanced with 3D digital effects for a February 12, 2010 theatrical re-release. The timeless story continues to be revisited even today, with the upcoming "Beastly" offering a contemporized reimagining of the unlikely love story. Disney's "Beast" is notably the only animated work to ever receive a Best Picture Academy Award nomination.
The press release states that "Beauty and the Beast" will be featured as part of Disney's animation panel, which will feature special guests Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter. The duo will join animation vets Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements and John Musker in a presentation of upcoming Disney Animation releases, including the soon-to-be-3Dified "Toy Story"/"Toy Story 2," "Toy Story 3," "The Princess & the Frog" and Miyazaki's "Ponyo." The panel will be moderated by none other than Patton Oswalt. Read more...