Animation, Dreamworks Animation | featured news

Netflix is buffing up its credentials as a popular way for parents to keep their kids entertained....

DreamWorks released onto the open market one of the primary software tools used to create the $145 million animated film, "Rise of the Guardians."

DreamWorks Animation has decided not to distribute its own films after its longtime deal with Paramount Pictures expires this fall, and it may strike a new pact with Sony Pictures, according to people close to the negotiations not authorized to speak publicly.

A trio of new releases propelled the box office to a record weekend, and DreamWorks Animation’s and Paramount Pictures’ Megamind led the way with $47.7 million, according to studio estimates. The $130 million CG-animated comedy starring Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, and Tina Fey got off to a slightly underwhelming $12.5 million start on Friday. But the superhero flick skyrocketed 65 percent on Saturday as parents, starved for a family film to take their tots to, stormed the local multiplex.

He'll executive produce ''Puss in Boots,'' and studio will produce his story ''Trollhunters,'' which he'll write and direct, in 3-D.

FRIDAY PM: Sources have shared with me the following domestic Friday numbers as well as estimated weekend and cume figures ... Analysis coming ... Numbers will be refined in the morning:
1 - Shrek Forever After 3D (DWA/Par) NEW [4,359 Theaters]
Friday $20M, Estimated Weekend $70M
2 - Iron Man 2 (Marvel/Paramount) Week 3 [4,177 Theaters]
Friday $7.8M, Estimated Weekend $27M, Estimated Cume $251M

"How to Train Your Dragon" breathed a bit of box-office fire with a $43.3 million opening weekend and a No. 1 debut, according to studio estimates Sunday....

This week at the movies, we've got aerial adventure (How to Train Your Dragon, with voice work from Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson) and an '80s flashback (Hot Tub Time Machine, starring John Cusack and Rob Corddry). What do the critics have to say? In the world of CGI animation, DreamWorks has long played second fiddle to Pixar. However, critics say that if How to Train Your Dragon is any indication, the gap between the studios may be narrowing. Hot Tub Time Machine boasts one of the funniest titles in recent memory. And critics say the movie's pretty good, too...

Hey folks, ... with another year of awesome images from the far future. Quint posted his earlier report - this time we have even more - and don't forget - you can click and supersize any and all of these ...