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Today's Highlight - August 11th, 2010 7:35 PM by Kimberly Morales

A comprehensive review of a new anime classic, 'Princess Tutu,' which breaks boundaries as a beautiful presentation of animation, music, and story. Inspired by popular European fairy tales and classical ballet, 'Princess Tutu' is the ballad about a duck who becomes a human girl in order to help a sad prince. A must-see for any fan of Japanese animation, traditional storytelling, and classical music.

Today's Highlight - July 23rd, 2010 2:02 PM by Aaron H. Bynum

The Seoul Int'l Cartoon & Animation Fest (2010) wraps this weekend, profiling inspirational and eclectic animation from the global cartoon community. The event has expanded but remains true to its mission. Screening indie and pro titles such as 'The Little Sun' (Taiwan; 2009), to short films 'Spring Comes" (Korea; 2009) and "En Agosto" (Colombia; 2008), to student films, such as "Lightmare" (France; 2009). Notably, the China feature project 'Da.Hai' (2012) looks to rival the best Asian animation has to offer (video available).

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 1st, 2010

Noted new hires and promotions in the business of producing and distributing animation, visual effects, and/or children's entertainment; for the month of August 2010. News from the past month ranges from National Geographic Kids and Family (U.S.) to Mango Distribution (Southeast Asia). There are a few key hires in the field of audience research as well. More vfx studios bringing in experienced hands.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 1st, 2010

Cartoon Network is adding two new comedy titles to select evenings in primetime -- 'Regular Show' and 'MAD.' 'Regular Show,' created by J.G. Quintel, tracks a pair of slacker friends in search of amusement of any kind, anywhere. 'MAD' is an adaptation of the rapid-fire parody magazine of the same name. Cheeky humor, abusive physical comedy, and the outright bizarre have a part in the narrative of both.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 30th, 2010

Giant robot action animation from the minds of Genndy Tartakovsky, Bryan Andrews, and Paul Rudish. 'Sym-Bionic Titan' will premiere on Carton Network mid-September 2010, and with it come the adventures of a trio on the run from a rebel general from a faraway planet. Ilana, Lance, and Octus have incredible power, and so choose to defend the Earth in defending themselves from evil.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 30th, 2010

m4e Group (Germany) continues building license and merchandise support for the KiKANiNCHEN preschool brand, while children's broadcaster Ki.Ka looks to add the new CG series 'Babar and the Adventures of Badou.' For the preschool brand, book and audio publishing deals are in the works, with new products by Holiday 2010.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 27th, 2010

Animation highlights from the 2010 Thai Short Film & Video Festival. The festival and competition enters its 14th year, focusing on short-form animation and documentaries, and an additional tribute to the late Payut Ngaokrachang. Animation screenings scheduled include: Ngaokrachang's "The Adventure of Hanuman" (1957), Ken Kaizu's 'Yotaka' (Japan; 2009), Anita Killi's "Angry Man" (Norway; 2009), and Alvaro Leon's adorable short film "The Girl Who Had Only One Ear" (Spain; 2009).

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 27th, 2010

Clive Smith's feature animation 'Rock & Rule' (1983) combines all sorts of youthful fervor and experimental curiosity. The animated film tracks a wild rock musician's effort to summon a demon to the timeless tunes of Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick, and Earth, Wind & Fire. 'Rock & Rule' is a rough film, whose production hurdles and grim imagery did their best to fill a void in the medium.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 25th, 2010

Review the anime 'Casshern Sins' (DVD Set #1). The sci-fi series works double-time to create a dreary and melancholic wasteland wrought with old school robot ultraviolence and an amnesiac lead character. However, 'Casshern Sins' is poorly written and struggles to focus on anything, much less adequately substantiate the suffering of its mopey protagonist. 'Casshern Sins' is a beautiful but very clumsy animation.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 25th, 2010

Disney Studios' 'The Black Cauldron' (1985) originally released to theaters some two and a half decades ago. The film was the most-expensive feature of its time, languished in story development for several years, and managed to earn a PG rating for its dark imagery. The film is now up for a digitally-remastered re-release, to the answered prayers of its quiet and almost forgotten fan base.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 23rd, 2010

TELETOON Retro, home to animation ranging from decade-old to over-the-hill, will add 'Casper & Friends' to the line-up this autumn season. Returning/continuing animated series include 'Thundercats,' 'Batman: The Animated Series,' and 'The Yogi Bear Show' among others. Series synopses and schedule dates inside.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 20th, 2010

'Magic Hanja' is the story of a young adventurer who uses Chinese ideograms to cast magnificent spells over ill-intentioned beasts and demon-folk. The feature animation 'Magic Hanja' is based on a popular series of educational comics published throughout South Korea. The film is directed by Yoon Yeong-gi ('Avatar: the Last Airbender,' 'Dae Janggeum,' 'Wonderful Days'). Video trailer inside.