Sci-Fi Storm

The Cartoon Network announced at its upfront presentations today that they have renewed Star Wars: The Clone Wars for a fourth season, along with forming a new partnership with DC Comics and Warner Brothers to create a programming block to be titled DC Nation. In addition Jeffrey Katzenberg, Co-founder and CEO of DreamWorks Animation, appeared to announce that CN and DreamWorks will develop a half-hour cartoon based on the hugely successful How To Train Your Dragon feature.

DC Nation will begin in 2012 as a multi-platform franchise, and the exclusive home for DC properties. Although no specific programming is mentioned, it will include an on-air and online programming block populated with event programming, interstitials, exclusive behind-the-scenes of theatrical production and an insider look into the world of all things DC. “DC Nation on Cartoon Network will be the first-ever dedicated broadcast destination to showcase the depth and breadth of the DC Universe,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “We and our partners at WBTV are thrilled that fans will be able to immerse themselves in DC’s phenomenal stories, experience a wide spectrum of amazing characters and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings of the world’s greatest superheroes and their creators, both on-air and online.”

“DreamWorks Animation recognizes the importance of building brands around great franchises, so you can imagine how thrilled we are to be joining forces with Cartoon Network to bring our newest franchise – How to Train Your Dragon – to television audiences around the world,” said Katzenberg. Dragon has grossed over $500 million worldwide so far.

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Did a double-header today – first we watched How To Train Your Dragon in 3D, and were incredibly surprised – it was a great movie, with great detail in the animation (the characters breathe!) and a great story. And if the main dragon’s face and expressions seemed a little familiar – this is Chris Sanders’ first feature after leaving Disney, where he created Stitch. Although I think there was a little blend of Doctor Who Sea Devil in there as well. And apparently all older Vikings are Scottish 🙂

The second feature was Tim Burton’s take on Alice In Wonderland (not in 3D though). Not as dark as some of his other features, it definitely had his stamp on it. However, at times it was a bit confusing, the dialog was hard to understand, and some scenes couldn’t hold my attention (but after one movie and lunch, I so much wanted to close my eyes). I think it is worthy of a second look though…