Disney/Pixar’s “Monsters University” Opens June 21, 2013

This post will have the official information from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures regarding Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” coming to theaters June 21, 2013.  Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman) are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case.  From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other.  “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.  Continue reading for more images, trailers, and details for “Monsters University.”  For more family movie news, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on twitter and “like” our facebook page too.

Update August 29, 2013

Wanna earn extra credit?  MONSTERS UNIVERSITY returns to theaters for Labor Day Weekend.

Update August 9, 2013

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY Comes Home in October

This Fall, Disney•Pixar celebrates homecoming with the release of “Monsters University” on Digital HD and Digital HD 3D on October 8, 2013, followed by the 4-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack, 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on October 29, 2013.

After scaring up big laughs in theaters, the in-home release of “Monsters University” opens its doors to the movie in stunning high definition Blu-ray, and provides hours of all-new bonus material, in-depth behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, the animated theatrical short “The Blue Umbrella” and much more.  Directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”), and written by Dan Scanlon and Robert Baird & Dan Gerson (“Monsters, Inc.”), “Monsters University” marks Pixar’s 14th consecutive film to debut at number one at the box office.

Bonus Materials Includes:

  • Campus Life – What’s it like being on a production crew at Pixar? Get a look at a day in the life of the “Monsters University” crew through their own eyes.
  • Story School – This documentary examines the challenges of creating a prequel as well as themes that run through the story, and the change in focus from Sulley to Mike.  We’ll also look at how gags are developed – from writing jokes to brainstorming a million ideas, only 5% of which actually end up in the movie.
  • Scare Games At Pixar, we play hard while we work.  The same people who keep the film production moving - producers, managers, coordinators and artists - are also the ones who bring spirit and excitement to some of our extracurricular activities. We check out the MU production teams as they go head to head in the mostly playful Pixar Scare Games competitions.
  • Welcome to MU – Sets aren’t just buildings, they are the worlds our characters live in and explore.  This look at the Monsters University campus and its development is told from the perspective of the artists who created each piece of the campus from the architecture to the ivy leaves.  .
  • Music Appreciation – Randy Newman’s scores are a mainstay of Pixar films, and this documentary will give you a privileged look at his creative process.  We follow the “Monsters University” scoring process from spotting to writing and on to the scoring session. including special college-themed recording sessions.
  • Scare Tactics – Animators are actors who digitally bring the characters to life. In this look at how the MU animation team worked, you’ll see their process of how they channeled their own monster-selves and created moments on screen that were really funny, really scary and also really serious, sometimes all at the same time.
  • Color and Light – How can a single painting set the tone for an entire scene? We’ll look at the creation of the colorscripts and how they were realized technically in the final film.  Along with the process, this piece explores the many layers of technical innovation required to produce such a naturalistic feel.
  • Paths to Pixar - MU Edition – When one door closes, sometimes another door opens – one with an even more exciting opportunity behind it. Members of the MU crew tell their own compelling backstories and share the challenges they overcame along their paths to Pixar.
  • Furry Monsters: A Technical Retrospective – Explore the difficulties in creating characters that are 20 years younger with tools that are 10 years more advanced in this contrasting look at the differing technical challenges that arose when making “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Monsters University.”
  • Deleted Scenes – Four separate scenes – “Rivalry,” “Recon,” “Movie Night,” and “Drama Class” - are highlighted with an introduction from director Dan Scanlon.
  •  “The Blue Umbrella” – This animated short film from Pixar Animation Studios, directed by Saschka Unseld and produced by Marc Greenberg, played in theaters in front of “Monsters University.” “The Blue Umbrella” tells the story of an evening commute in which the rain starts to fall and the city comes alive to the sound of dripping rain pipes, whistling awnings and gurgling gutters. And in the midst, two umbrellas—one blue, one not—fall eternally in love.
  • Additional Bonus Features - Audio Commentary, Promo Picks, College Campaign, Theatrical Campaign, Set Flythroughs, Art Gallery and more!­

Update July 4, 2013

I’ve got some monster recipes for the 4th of July!!!  No, seriously… they’re recipes from Monsters.  Click on the links below for printable recipe sheets including how to make your melon into Mike Wazowski.

MU BBQ Make a Melon Mike

MU BBQ Cilantro Corn on the Claw & Mike’s Melonade

MU BBQ Roaring Ribs

MU BBQ Scare School Steak

Update June 20, 2013

George Gensler provides a “spoiler-free” review of Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” titled One Frightening Face Does Not a Scarer MakeClick here to read George’s review of the film, and leave a comment to let us know what you think of the movie.

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (Pictured) MIKE. © 2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

 

Update June 19, 2013

Disney•Pixar has done it again. “Monsters University,” has won Heartland’s Truly Moving Picture Award (TMPA). The film’s predecessor, “Monsters, Inc.,” was also a recipient of the industry award.

Select theatrically-released films that offer more than mere entertainment are honored with the TMPA: these films inspire, educate and engage audiences and filmmakers alike.  Heartland bestows the TMPA to approximately 15-20 films a year that impact their targeted audiences in a meaningful way.  Submissions are received directly from studios and producers for consideration.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

Monsters University Quad © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

 

“There are many valuable themes that our TMPA jury identified in ‘Monsters University,’” said Heartland’s Artistic Director Tim Irwin.  “The big takeaway for our jury was that there are consequences for one’s actions, but even if someone makes poor decisions they can still achieve their dreams through honesty, resilience and teamwork—that people (or monsters) can still be unique individuals while accomplishing great things as a team.”

Beyond the film’s story and themes, TMPA jurors recognized “Monsters University” for its outstanding animation, cinematography, humor and pathos.

Update June 14, 2013

Happy Father’s Day e-card from “Monsters University”

Update June 6, 2013

Play the “Beastly Breakfast Blitz” game.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY students are waiting on YOU to serve them healthy breakfasts with milk as fast as you can in the new game, Beastly Breakfast Blitz.

Fill every monster order before time runs out to move through new levels, and experience an entire week of breakfast in the MU cafeteria.  You’ll need to be quick – these little monsters need to fuel up for scaring school with milk’s high-quality protein at breakfast.

Update May 31, 2013

Three additional clips released for Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University.”

“First Contact” - Get a glimpse of Mike & Sulley’s first morning as members of the Oozma Kappa brotherhood.

SULLEY and MIKE. ©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“ROR Material” - Sulley’s capture of the Archie, the rival school’s mascot, just might be enough to make him worthy of joining the leading fraternity on campus: Roar Omega Roar.

SULLEY and MIKE ©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“OK Initiation” - Oozma Kappa’s sacred initiation ritual gets an unexpected interruption as the members try to welcome Mike & Sulley to their brotherhood.

(L-R) ART, SCOTT “SQUISHY” SQUIBBLES, DON CARLTON and TERRI & TERRY PERRY ©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Update May 30, 2013

With the school year drawing to a close, Disney•Pixar releases the final [exam] trailer for “Monsters University.”  All students may find it below.

Update May 28, 2013

Disney•Pixar released two clips and a new spot for “Monsters University,” and you can watch them below.

See the Monsters reactions when they are officially accepted into Monsters University.

Mike and Sulley share a bunk in this “First Morning” clip.

“Monsters University” - It All Began Here spot

Update May 15, 2013

Mike and Sulley “Got Milk” - how ’bout you?

At Monsters University, it takes a lot to fuel a day of scaring and nothing scares up successful days more than a breakfast with milk. A glass of milk – with 8 grams of high-quality protein in each 8 oz serving – can help power your monster days!

Update May 12, 2013

Click here for printable family fun activity sheets for Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University as well as a cool line of super cute toys from Funko.

Update April 25, 2013

“Let’s get a party going” with the new trailer for “Monsters University.”

Update April 14, 2013

An additional set of images released for “Monsters University.”

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (Pictured) MIKE amongst other MU monsters. © 2013 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (L-R) CLAIRE, BROCK and MIKE. © 2013 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (Pictured) The Monsters University campus. © 2013 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (Pictured) DEAN HARDSCRABBLE. © 2013 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (L-R) SULLEY and MIKE. ©2013 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (Pictured) MIKE and SULLEY amongst other MU monsters. © 2013 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (L-R) SULLEY and MIKE. © 2013 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

 

Update April 13, 2013

Concept artwork released for “Monsters University.”

Monsters University Athletic Track, Shelly Wan, digital, 2010. Courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios

Monsters University football stadium concept sketch, Robert Kondo, digital 2012. Courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios

Monsters University Scare School color exploration, Dice Tsutsumi, digital 2010. Courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios

Monsters University gate concept sketch, John Nevarez, pencil, 2011. Courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios

Monsters University ROR House concept sketch, Nelson Bohol, pencil, 2011

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

Frat Row Lineup Robert Kondo (painting), Nelson Bohol (design), Matt Aspbury (pre-visualization), digital, 2011. Courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios (click image for larger version)

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

Oozma Kappa, Chris Sasaki, pencil, 2010. Courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios

Monsters University college age Mike concept sketch, Ricky Nierva, marker, 2010

Monsters University college age Sully concept sketch, Ricky Nierva, marker, 2009


Update March 12, 2013

Second trailer released for “Monsters University” - note, this is the same trailer released last month in the UK.

Update March 11, 2013

Two additional student recruitment videos released for “Monsters University.”

Update February 26, 2013

Everyone crowd in, scrunch together, there we go… it’s time for the class portrait of Monsters University.  Walt Disney Studios shared the latest poster for “Monsters University,” and the bleachers are packed to the brim with monsters.

Based on how the monsters are cut off at the left and right edges, I’m wondering if this is the center panel of a triptych?  Time will tell…  The voice cast features a who’s who of stars including John Goodman (Sulley), Steve Buscemi (Randall Boggs), and Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski) all reprising their rolls.  In addition, actors lending their voice talents include Sir Ben Kingsley, Dame Helen Mirren, Ricky Gervais, Frank Oz, Dave Foley, Michael McKean, David Spade, and Julia Sweeney to name a few.

Update February 21, 2013

First thing you get at college is your student ID, and we get a glimpse of the college IDs for a number of students enrolling at Monsters University.  Plus a series of character posters (including one Randy Boggs) were released too.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

Update February 15, 2013

A recruiting video from the Dean of Monsters University to introduce prospective students to their School of Scaring.

Update February 11, 2013

Brand new full UK trailer for “Monsters University” released.

Update February 9, 2013

Extended preview of “Monsters University” hosted by director Dan Scanlon with lots of story details, concept art, and glimpse of a young Mike and Sully.

Update January 8, 2013

The animated short to debut with “Monsters University” will be “The Blue Umbrella.”

“THE BLUE UMBRELLA” (Pictured) BLUE and RED. ©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Update January 2, 2013

During the Rose Bowl football game on January 1, a college spot ran for Monsters University.  It was a spoof ad composed in the same vein as the university promotional ads.  Check it out below, and then check out the college website for MU at MonstersUniversity.com/edu

Update December 15, 2012

New images were released for “Monsters University.”  In the first picture we see Mike Wazowski’s initial arrival on campus.

JUST ANOTHER WIDE-EYED COLLEGE STUDENT - Mike Wazowski has arrived, and Monsters University will never be the same. © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

 

The second and third pictures show Sulley playing a practical joke on Mike that results in him riding a “monster farm animal” similar to a college mascot.

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? -“ When it comes to college life, Mike and Sulley have VERY different ideas of what it means to have a good time; it’€™s a wonder these two mismatched monsters ever settled their differences. © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? -“ When it comes to college life, Mike and Sulley have VERY different ideas of what it means to have a good time; it’€™s a wonder these two mismatched monsters ever settled their differences. © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

 

Update November 30, 2012

Poster released for “Monsters University”

DISNEY/PIXAR MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

Update July 25, 2012:

Concept art released for “Monsters University”

Monsters University Gate © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

Monsters University Quad © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

 

Continue reading for more news, images, and trailers.  For more family movie news, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on twitter and “like” our facebook page too.


Update June 22, 2012:

First trailer released for “Monsters University” - well, actually, first FOUR trailers released. Director Dan Scanlon explained,

Billy Crystal’s an amazing comedic actor. He gave us so much fun material, we decided to cut four slightly different versions of the trailer. We are so happy to have him back as Mike!

Walt Disney Studios also released publicity stills from the trailer:

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (Pictured) MIKE. © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (Pictured) SULLEY. © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (L-R) MIKE and SULLEY amongst other monsters. © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (L-R) MIKE and SULLEY amongst other monsters. © 2012 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

You can vote for your favorite Mike sleep talking line on the official Monsters University Facebook Page. The winning line will be drawn up by a Pixar artist and shared exclusively with the Facebook fans of Monsters University.

Update June 28, 2011:

In a special surprise appearance on Aug 20 at the D23 Expo, Billy Crystal, flanked by Mike Wazowski and Sulley, joined director Dan Scanlon to discuss the film and show some behind-the-scenes making of the film.

Director Dan Scanlon at the D23 Expo. Photo by Todd Wawrychuk © 2011 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

(L-R): Sulley, Billy Crystal, director Dan Scanlon, and Mike Wazowski. Photo by Richard Harbaugh © 2011 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

(L-R): Sulley, Billy Crystal, and director Dan Scanlon. Photo by Richard Harbaugh © 2011 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

Actor Billy Crystal and Chief Creative Officer Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez © 2011 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

Update May 13, 2011:

From Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures press release:

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (In Disney Digital 3D™)

DISNEY•PIXAR

Genre:  Comedy/Animation

Rating:  TBD

U.S. Release Date:  June 21, 2013

Voice Talent:  Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Dave Foley, Julia Sweeney, Joel Murray, Peter Sohn

Director:  Dan Scanlon

Producer:  Kori Rae

Screaming with laughter and fun, “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”) and produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”).  The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Notes:

  • “Monsters, Inc.,” originally released on November 2, 2001, was nominated for four Oscars®: Best Animated Feature Film, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song—“If I Didn’t Have You,” for which it won.
  • “Monsters University” will hit U.S. theaters nearly 12 years after the “Monsters, Inc.” theatrical debut.
  • Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their roles in the prequel as the wise-cracking Mike Wazowski and lovable Sulley.
  • “Monsters University” features a host of new faces and a few returning favorites from “Monsters, Inc.”

For more family movie news, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on twitter and “like” our facebook page too.

About Dave Parfitt

Married, father of two girls, and living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. I'm a runner with a PhD in neuroscience and a passion for travel.