EVERYTHING
According to Animationmagazine, a wide variety of must-have animation media is launching this season, providing fans with comprehensive looks at the creative processes behind some of the industry's biggest hits. These releases span multiple formats, including hardcover books, 4K ultra-high-definition discs, and digital manga.
Major Studio Art Books and Compendiums
Fans of Pixar can now explore the technical artistry behind their latest sequel with "The Art of Toy Story 5." This comprehensive guide features character designs, storyboards, and production art for both legacy characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear, as well as new additions to the franchise. The book includes a foreword by director Andrew Stanton and an introduction by co-director Kenna Harris.
Other notable publications include:
- The Art & Making Swapped: A deluxe treatment of the Netflix hit, featuring concept art and 3D models penned by Ramin Zahed.
- The Art of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: A deep dive into Nickelodeon's 2D animated series, showcasing preproduction sketches and background designs.
- Toy Story Treasury of Characters: A kid-friendly hardcover compendium designed to introduce younger generations to the franchise's history.
Home Media and 4K Restorations
The physical media market is also seeing a surge in high-quality releases, particularly for major cinematic adventures. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will receive a dedicated disc release featuring "Next Level" making-of content and galactic thematic breakdowns. Additionally, the film Arco will be available on 4K with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage involving Natalie Portman and composer Arnaud Toulon.
For those seeking historical context or niche animation, several specialized titles are arriving:
- Scarlet: A Sony release featuring interviews with Mamoru Hosoda and concept art galleries.
- Fleischer Cartoons Greatest Hits Vol. 1: A restoration of 20 cartoons in 4K, including works featuring Betty Boop and Popeye.
- The Legend of Hei 2: A Shout! release containing animation breakdowns and voice dubbing cast insights.
These releases signify a growing trend where studios prioritize high-end physical media to preserve the craftsmanship of digital and traditional animation for long-term collectors.