DreamWorks Animation gets a kick from 'Kung Fu Panda'

DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. blew past analyst estimates in the second quarter on continued strength from its animated feature "Kung Fu Panda."

In the quarter, the company earned $25.6 million, or 30 cents per share, which includes a gain of 10 cents a share after an agreement with Activision Blizzard that allows the company to recognize revenues from video games earlier.

Excluding the estimate, the earnings per share still beat analyst estimates of 13 cents a share.

In the second quarter a year ago, the company earned $27.5 million, or 30 cents a share.

Read More Article...

'Kung Fu Panda' live show in the works

Hollywood's DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. (NYSE:DWA) has announced a live arena show based on its hit film "Kung Fu Panda" is being developed.

"Working with Franco Dragone is an incredibly exciting prospect for us. We expect that the combination of the Franco Dragone Entertainment
Group and DreamWorks Animation will result in a totally new and inventive live entertainment experience for family audiences," DreamWorks Animation Chief Operating Officer Ann Daly said in a statement Tuesday.

The show is targeted to be ready for touring in 2011, timed around the June theatrical release of the sequel to the Oscar-nominated blockbuster "Kung Fu Panda," which amassed more than $630 million in worldwide box office receipts, DreamWorks said in a release.

Source : http://www.upi.com/

Kung Fu Panda - Stunning animation effects

THE Dreamworks team has built up an impressive reputation for animated films, with a host of popular hits including the Shrek trilogy, Madagascar and Chicken Run.

So its latest movie, Kung Fu Panda, telling the story of an overweight and unfit panda Po desperate to become a martial arts expert had a lot to live up to — and succeeded in meeting all my expectations.

The film's incredible animation sets the scene of old China, where Po, voiced by Jack Black, works for his father — who happens to be a goose — in a restaurant, but feels he does not fit in.

When the news comes that wise tortoise and kung fu master Oogway plans to choose the legendary Dragon Warrior, Po is eager to see his heroes, the Furious Five, in action.

But his inability to climb stairs in his unhealthy state means he fails to reach the mountainside temple in time and his ingenious way of getting inside brings him to the attention of Oogway, who crowns him with the top title.

The move is unpopular with his new master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and the five, who are voiced by a host of famous stars, including Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu.

Shifu reluctantly takes on the enormous challenge of training Po and manages to motivate him to kung fu greatness through his love of dumplings in the hope he can defeat treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane).

Black is perfectly cast as the lovable Po, who the audience cannot fail to love and his expert comic timing provides some of the many laughs in the film.

Other interesting characters are Oogway, with his thought-provoking philosophy, and Shifu –– but many of the Furious Five have few lines and their personalities do not have chance to develop.

However, I think the real stars of the Kung Fu Panda were the animators who have done a spectacular job –– both in creating some amazing fast-paced fight scenes and in the quality of the small details, down to the individual hairs on Po's head.

While the 90-minute film is aimed at children, many adults hoping for some light-hearted entertainment this summer will also enjoy it and cannot fail to be wowed by the stunning animation effects.

Source : http://www.chad.co.uk/