Elio, an adorable little boy, is lonely since his parents died. He lives withhis Aunt Olga who works for the army in the space division. This poor little kid doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere. That is why he desperately wants to be abducted by aliens. Perhaps he can find a place for him out in the universe. Elio is now available on digital with the fun film along with plenty of bonus features.
He is ingenious about getting the attention of alien lifeforms. One day he actually succeeds and gets abducted by aliens. Elio is taken to the Communiverse, an organization of interplanetary representatives from various galaxies. There he is mistaken as the leader of Earth.
It’s in the Communiverse where he feels welcomed.
He is about to become one of them when Lord Grigon appears. This evil and threatening alien wants to join the Communiverse, however his tactics are not what they want.
Elio volunteers to mediate between the eccentric aliens and Grigon. Once aboard Grigon’s ship Elio forms a bond with a cute little alien named Glordon. For once in his life Elio has a true friend.
Elio and Glordon come up with a plan to save them all. Teamwork is the name of the game.
The relationship between Olga and Elio is heartening, especially at the end. She knows he has had a difficult time without his beloved parents. She has found herself in a situation she never expected, but family is family and she loves her nephew with all her heart, even though in the beginning he is a bit of a handful.
Bonus Features
There are plenty of bonus features to go along with this touching, clever, colorful, and heartening story.
Inside the Communiverse: The World and Characters of Eliolooks at the making of the movie and how the filmmakers explored space and created the world and characters of the Communiverse.They discuss the beautiful and colorful utopia world they created. They also explain about the four spheres with different climate zones to accommodate the different aliens. They basically had an “open book” to create it all. There is also a look at several individual aliens and how the actors helped add to the creation of the characters.
Out of This World: An Astro Q&A –Voice actors Yonas Kibreab (Elio) and Remy Edgerly (Glordon) ask real life NASA astronaut Lindgren about the Golden Record, SETI, and the ISS.Viewers also get a look at how the astronauts train to go into space and how space has been studied throughout the years.
Astronomic Art Class: Ooooo and Glordon – The lead story artist Nicolle Castro shows viewers how to draw Ooooo and Glordon.
Extraterrestrial Easter Eggs and Fun Facts– In this bonus viewers see the many Easter Eggs in Elio that have appeared in other Pixar films.
Galactic Gag Reel – This featurette shows how much fun the actors had while making the film.
Deleted Scenes –Five deleted scenes are shown and introduced by the directors.
Bike Chase
Garden Party
Carver Legend
Questa’s Second Test
Home Visit
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer
Elio is rated PG for some action/peril and thematic elements. It is available now on digital and will be out on 4K Blu-ray steelbook beginning September 9, 2025. Elio is a cute addition to the Disney/Pixar list of characters and his story will undoubtedly touch the hearts of viewers of all ages.
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
It’s finally back! From April 26 through August 4, 2024, Disneyland Resort will finally once again present Pixar Fest featuring and celebrating the characters and films from Pixar. Audiences have been entertained and connected with the stories and characters from the beloved animated films. Most people have their favorite films and characters, but when it comes down to it, the films from Pixar have touched our lives for 30 years. Yes, it was just about 30 years ago when Woody, Buzz, and the gang first appeared on the big screen, and they, along with plenty other characters (human, animal, alien) have endeared themselves to generations of people around the world. These characters have touched our emotions, made us laugh and cry.
Pixar Fest is a celebration of all of this. With characters meeting and greeting visitors, merchandise, and special food offerings, this celebration is a fun event and one many guests have looked forward to and planned their visits to the resort accordingly. There has not been a Pixar Fest since 2018 and those in the know are not sure if or when there will be another, so this is the summer to enjoy all that the shows and characters have to offer.
Celebrate Friendship and Beyond!
Pixar Pals join together for a new parader
“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” is a new parade that winds through part of Disney California Adventure. Soul’s Joe Gardner and Red’s Red Panda Mei are part of the parade along with Luca, Alberto, and Giulia (on her Vespa). Inside Out’s Joy and Sadness, Up, Miguel and Dante from Coco, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., and some of the toys from Toy Story are also part of this celebratory parade. One of the adorable moments is when Russell (Up) rides down the street on Kevin, while Carl Fredricksen waves from the float with Dug enjoying the ride from the rear. The Incredibles come through on their special transporters, and, well, there is much more. And for an additional price, there is a Parade Viewing Dining Package that includes special treats and a reserved viewing section for the parade. As always, check with the park to make reservations and get more details.
Creative and Show Director Robin Trowbridge said the message in the parade, as well as the entire Pixar Fest, is “friendship matters.”The Pixar lamp leads the procession followed by all the fun floats and between the floats are dancers and skaters. It’s definitely a musical experience that weaves parts of the film’s themes into the new music, “Better Together” representing friendship.
The Nighttime Spectacular is just that
“Together Forever – A Pixar NighttimeSpectacular” returns with some all-new scenesto Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., ashighlighted entertainment for Pixar Fest in2024. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
The nighttime spectacular is awe-inspiring. “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with scenes from the films complete with lasers, projections, and music help to bring the love of these films to the castle, the facade of “it’s a small world”, the buildings on Main Street, and night sky in Disneyland Park. As KC Wilkerson, media director, explained, the projections are richer in color with new pyrotechnics most nights. And for guests with a magic band plus, those bands will be synchronized to the colors and music in the spectacular. His excitement about the show is evident. “I was getting paid to watch Pixar films” in preparation for the creation of the spectacular. “That was awesome.” In total, there are 76 Pixar characters in the show, which begins with Buzz Lightyear flying through the air and later the Up house floats above the castle. This is an all-encompassing representation of Pixar as every film is represented in this colorful, imaginative, musical, fun, and memorable spectacular.
Family Fun Zone
Kids (and adults) will enjoy the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park. This event for the entire family offers plenty of photo opportunities, meet and greets with characters, and some of the Pixar shorts play on the screen. Tracy Halas, creative director describes it as “a family zone.”
At the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park, guests will be able to get into the groove at a high-energy show, enjoy interactive games, photo locations and activities inspired by Pixar feature films, and even watch a selection of iconic shorts on the big screen during Pixar Fest, from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)
Club Pixar is a hoppin’ place
Club Pixar at the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure has music and dancing with the flair of the Pixar films. This is a hopping place in the evening.
Something to eat or drink? 80 new recipes for Pixar Fest
The food (sweet and savory) was created to blend with the theme of the celebration. Portorosso Pasta was inspired by the Italian story of Luca. There are selections inspired by Ratatouille, Inside Out, Elemental, Soul, Turning Red, and more. According to the resort’s culinary director, Chef John State, they found a way to tie the food together with the characters and stories of the Pixar films. With 80 food items created for Pixar Fest, there is something for everyone throughout both parks, whether guests want a delicious meal, snack, or a flavorful dessert. The food tells the story of the Pixar films. For example, for Cars there is a bleu cheeseburger, Coco is represented by a delicious cupcake, Luca has a parfait, for Up there is a fried bologna sandwich, Toy Story is represented by a pizza cheeseburger, and the list goes on. And beginning May 10, there will be six marketplaces in Disney California Adventure with more Pixar-themed food and beverages. Note: there is not a Sip and Savor Pass for this event.
Here are some samples of the sweets to enjoy during the festival. And yes, there are plenty of savory items as well.
The Marigold bridge inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” will be at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante at Disneyland Park – tri-colored white sponge, cinnamon croquantine, cinnamon mousse and cream cheese frosting, decorated with a chocolate bridge and orange chocolate shavings. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)
Sea monster friends parfait inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” will be at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park – layers of graham cracker crumbs, mascarpone cheesecake, berry blue gelatin and blue Chantilly topped with a Luca chocolate decoration. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)
Pixar Fest Cake available during Pixar Fest from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024, at Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)
Open your wallets, there are some great items you’ll want to purchase
Keeping up with history of merchandise from Disney (you know you’re going to buy something) there are plenty of things to purchase as mementos from the celebration. The Pizza Planet (Toy Story) popcorn bucket is sure to be a favorite. Also, there is special Pixar Fest clothing, medallions, backpacks, and more available during the fest. An adorable headband with velcro characters makes it fun and easy to design a personalized item.
Pixar Fest 2024
For fun, try to find the hidden Easter Eggs throughout the resort, and when viewing the “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” look for the six hidden Mickeys on the projections.
Pixar Fest manages to include all of the films. It was a daunting task but those who created it are excited to share the fun with guests, and most likely guests will experience this event several times before it closes in August. Whatever film or character is your favorite (as if you could chose one favorite!) the festival is all inclusive. Say “hi” to Sully for me. And give Luca a big “hello” when you see him. Perhaps Russell will show you his badges. Look for Joy and Sadness, and maybe you can cheer her up a bit. Maybe not, but it’s worth trying. She’s so darn adorable.
Toy Story (1995)
A Bug’s Life (1998)
Toy Story 2 (1999)
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Finding Nemo (2003)
The Incredibles (2004)
Cars (2006)
Ratatouille (2007)
Wall-E (2008)
Up (2009)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Cars 2 (2011)
Brave (2012)
Monsters University (2013)
Inside Out (2015)
The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Finding Dory (2016)
Cars 3 (2017)
Coco (2017)
Incredibles 2 (2018)
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Onward (2020)
Soul (2020)
Luca (2021)
Turning Red (2022)
Lightyear (2022)
Elemental (2023)
Upcoming Feature films
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Elio (scheduled for 2025)
Toy Story 5 (scheduled for 2026)
This is an event Pixar fans have been craving. And it’s here now! Enjoy all your favorite characters through shows, interactions, food, mementos, merchandise, and fun at the Disneyland Resort. My favorite? Hmm. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!,” and I also loved the energy at “Club Pixar,” however the “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” is always a great way to end a day at the resort, and I can’t leave out the food. So let’s just say, it’s hard to chose a favorite part of Pixar Fest. It’s Incredible (no pun intended.)
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 32 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
“To infinity and beyond.” We all know about Buzz Lightyear, at least when it comes to his time with Andy and then Bonnie. But we don’t know his backstory. With the feature film coming out soon, the accompanying book, The Art of Lightyear, takes readers into the story through production art and stories.
In the “Forward,” Executive Producer Andrew Stanton says this is a “book chock full of imagery made by some of the most talented artists today…” There is no doubt about that. The art is incredible not only for fans of the character and the upcoming film, but also for those who are intrigued by animation.
The book, as evident in the title, is dedicated to the art of the film. In the “Introduction,” Director Angus MacLane says, “I loved the story and the characters, but even more, I was drawn to the art and the design behind it.” He added this book “represents only a small fraction of the work produced by this extremely talented team of artists over a six-year period.”
Many of the pages are dedicated to the characters. Readers see the designs of the wardrobes, the colors, the facial expressions, and everything that went into defining the characters that made it into the film.
Another section looks at the settings, or as the chapter is called, “Environments.” Other planets had to be created and buildings and spaceships were all part of the imaginations of the filmmakers.
With sketches and digital art, the story and backstory of the film come alive through the pages of the book. In the film and in the book, fans are introduced to Sox, a robotic cat that accompanies Buzz on his mission. This little guy is sure to be a favorite for kids.
Unlike the Toy Story franchise, Buzz is voiced By Chris Evans in Lightyear.
The Art of Lightyear provides a great accompaniment to the film and fans of the Toy Story franchise. Exploring the visual elements of the film through great artwork, this book takes readers right into the creation of all aspects of this new animated story. Whether you are an aspiring animator, an animation fan, a fan of Disney and Pixar, or simply a fan of Buzz, this is a fun book to have around. It takes us into the heart of the film, to Sky Command, and “to infinity and beyond.”
Publisher : Chronicle Books (May 17, 2022)
Hardcover : 176 pages
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.
Disney/Pixar’s newest animated film Onward takes audiences through a journey filled with fun as well as emotions. This is a fantasy story with magic however at the heart of the film is family love.
Tom Holland voices Ian Lightfoot and Chris Pratt voices his brother Barley, with their mother voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It is definitely Disney/Pixar magic to see the animated brothers because they look just like their human counterparts.
Ian is a squirrelly little guy with no self-confidence. Barley is a go-get-em guy who has no qualms about trying anything. Their father died before Ian was born so Ian has no memory of his dad and sad that he never knew him. Barley is a proficient game player, which comes in handy during their quest.
So, the story revolves not only around the elf brothers (did I forget to mention they are elfs?) but also around magic. Years ago magic was the way of life but as technology advanced and took over all the magic in the land ceased. But it is still there, somewhere.
Upon Ian’s 16th birthday, his mother gives her boys a gift from beyond. Before dying, the father wrote a spell that could conjure him up for one day so he could meet Ian and see how his boys had grown up. But the catch is someone has to have the magic powers – and the magic wizard staff – to complete the spell. While Barley tries, it is Ian who shows he has the magic deep within him. However, while conjuring up his dad, there is a little glitch and only half of the man comes back to life – the bottom half.
The boys embark on a magical journey to get the stone needed to complete the spell and bring back the full body of their father.
This is a sweet and sentimental story underneath the antics of the boys. It is an intriguing thought to be able to spend one day with a loved one who has passed on. Both boys have lists of what they want to do with their dad if he came back for a day. And during their quest to complete the spell, they learn more about each other in the 24 hours than they have in all of Ian’s 16 years.
Onward is a fun, fantasy, family adventure that is filled with delightful family love however it is a little bittersweet at the same time.
And once audiences leave the theater, youngsters will undoubtedly be asking for some Onward merchandise. Disney doesn’t disappoint. There is a plush Ian, Barley, Blazy (their pet dragon), Wildon Lightfood (the father), unicorn, and Manticore (voiced by Octavia Spencer in the film). There are play sets and clothing and definitely a Wizard Staff, which all kids will want to own so they can practice their own magic. Check out shopDisney.com for these items after watching the movie.
Onward is rated PG for action/peril and some mild thematic elements. It opens in theaters March 6, 2020.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.
In Toy Story 3 Andy went away to college and gave his treasured friends to Bonnie, who has an amazing imagination. In subsequent made-for-TV shows, (Toy Story of Terror and Toy Story that Time Forgot) Bonnie’s love and imagination with her toys captured the hearts of viewers.
When Andy had his toys, Woody was his favorite and went with him everywhere. Now in Toy Story 4, Woody is with Bonnie and has been demoted, so to speak. He’s not her favorite but he still feels responsible for her, in the same way he did for Andy. He knows his purpose it to make Bonnie happy. And when she is afraid to go to kindergarten, Woody stows away in her backpack to be there for her if she needs him.
At the kindergarten initiation day Bonnie creates Forky, a spork combined with googly eyes and other items from the trash. She instantly loves this new toy. When they all get back to her room, Woody introduces Forky to the gang. But Forky still thinks he is trash and not a toy. After all, he came from the trash.
Bonnie and her parents take off in an RV for an end-of-summer vacation, along with Buzz, Woody, several of her toys, and her new favorite toy Forky. While Forky still doesn’t understand the importance of being there for his “kid,” the gang instills in him the duty of being a toy. He still wants to escape from the bonds of toydom.
Woody and Forky find themselves in the Second Chance antique store where Woody is reunited with Bo Peep, from the good old days. Bo was Andy’s sisters toy and years earlier was discarded. The bond between Woody and Bo is strong, however Bo has been living as a lost toy and has had a different life than Woody. She has not had a kid for a long time.
In the antique store Woody and Forky encounter a doll that has never had a kid. Gabby Gabby, is a cute doll that came off the assembly line defective. So she has spent her entire life, since the 1950s, without someone to love her. That is all she wants – to be loved by a child.
The escapades with all the toys – including some carnival toys – are fun.
The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes many bonus features that enlighten viewers about creating the characters and the scenes. Many of these bonus features are lessons in animation.
There is a nice little featurette about Buzz and Woody with their human counterparts Tim Allen and Tom Hanks. Spoiler alert: there are times in life when we have to say good-bye. This is the time for these two good friends who have experienced many escapades together over the last couple decades.
Also included are featurettes about some of the new characters including Gabby Gabby, Forky, Ducky and Bunny, and Giggle McDimples. Deleted scenes in storyboard form are also part of the bonus features plus much more.
With all the bonus features, the Blu-ray combo pack of Toy Story 4 is a must-have for fans of the franchise. It’s packed full of fun and features and plenty of characters – old and new. This sentimental story will definitely be a film families will watch over and over.
Toy Story 4 is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and 4K Ultra Combo Pack. It’s rated G for the whole family.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.
Eleven Pixar shorts along with two mini-movies combine in this Blu-ray combo pack. Plus there is a bonus about the making of Bao and a look at the Pixar animators creating caricatures of their colleagues. Each short is introduced by a filmmaker.
Included in the disc are:
Bao (It’s a cute little film about a mom who is suffering from empty nest syndrome. Then, magically, one of her dumplings comes to life and she once again has a little guy to care for. She tries everything to keep him close to home, but this little dumpling soon starts growing and eventually leaves the nest. No one stays young forever.)
Lou (A cute story about toys in a lost and found box and a playground bully.)
Piper (A fun little story of a young sandpiper who is afraid of the ocean. This little bird must learn to tame her fear in order to get food. )
Sanjay’s Super Team (Sanjay is a little boy who loves his super heroes. When his father makes him meditate in front of the Hindu gods, the little boy dreams of them as super heroes. This is a colorful little short.)
Riley’s First Date? (This short focuses on Riley and her parents when a boy comes to their house to pick her up. Is this an actual date?)
Lava (It is really a fun little story set to music about a volcano that is lonely and wants someone to “lava.” Occurring over millions of years, the volcano is about to give up when a new volcano bursts from the ocean. To say this is inventive doesn’t do it justice. It is sweet and adorable)
The Radiator Springs 500 ½ (Lightning McQueen and Mater must and the entire town of Radiator Springs are celebrating their Founder’s Day. Some hot rods roll into town and challenge McQueen and the race is on.)
Party Central (Join Mike and Sully at Monsters University as they party in the Oozma Kappa fraternity.)
The Blue Umbrella (On one rainy day in the big city, two umbrellas meet and fall in love.)
Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool (This is like an infomercial with the characters from Cars 3. Miss Fritter is advertising her school as Cruz and McQueen watch the television.)
Marine Life Interviews (Some of the characters from Finding Dorydiscuss the blue fish who – surprise – doesn’t remember any of them. Hmm.)
The Legend of Mor’du (Discover the history of the characters of Brave.)
Partyaurus Rex (Toy Story’s greatest dinosaur is a party animal.)
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Hang onto your hats all you Pixar fans. Pixar Pier is opening in June 2018 at Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort. New Pixar-themed attractions will replace many of the longtime attractions, however there will still be several things that will remain, notably Mickey Mouse on the Ferris wheel.
Pixar Pier will be divided into four neighborhoods: The Incredibles, Inside Out, Toy Story, and a fourth that will include plenty of characters from the other Disney-Pixar films.
With character/movie-inspired rides, merchandise, and food, guests to this area of the park will be immersed in all things Pixar. The Incredicoaster, formally California Screamin’, will feature sights and sounds from The Incredibles. It still promises to be as electrifying as California Screamin’ but with the Pixar flavor. The Inside Out neighborhood will include the characters from that film and a new attraction. The Toy Story neighborhood will keep Toy Story Mania! and build on that in this district for all the Buzz and Woody fans. The Midway games will also be transformed to include the characters from the Pixar films.
The remainder of the pier area will be renamed Paradise Park, which will keep the current attractions: Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfist, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr, and Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
“Paint the Night” parade returns with some new elements. Elastigirl, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack will be there to entertain guests in this parade featuring pop-art effects and LED lights.
For everything there is a season and a time, so it’s now time to say goodbye to Paradise Pier and hello to Pixar Pier. Mark your calendar for June 23, 2018 when Pixar Pier opens at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Elio, an adorable little boy, is lonely since his parents died. He lives with his Aunt Olga who works for the army in the space division. This poor little kid doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere. That is why he desperately wants to be abducted by aliens. Perhaps he can find a place for him out in the universe. Elio is now available on digital with the fun film along with plenty of bonus features.
