InThis Week in Animation NewsI’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!
This week saw the arrival of Disney’sMoanaon Blu-ray, along with a sneak peek of some of the home video’s more musical bonus features. And speaking of home video releases, Shout! Factory’sDigimon Adventure Tri. - Reunionand Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’sDC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Gamesare also coming to Blu-ray and DVD. From the movie world, Pixar has unveiled a new poster for its upcoming animated feature,Coco. In television, meanwhile, Nickelodeon has announced theTales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesSeason 5 anthology, which will guest starMark Hamill, and Disney XD continues to tease their adventurous summer series reboot,DuckTales.
There’s also some cool news from the world of online video content, notably the announcement of Turner and Warner Bros.' video subscription service, “Boomerang”, which takes the classic cartoons that network was known for and packages them in a new way. On YouTube, Hasbro is about to unveil its second batch of episodes for its hit animated series,Hanazuki, timed to the new full moon. The kid-friendly show is definitely worth a watch if you missed the series' debut!
For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
‘Moana’ Blu-ray’s “Making the Music” Bonus Feature Clips
The clips are from the “Making the Music” bonus feature on theMoanaBlu-ray and show how Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa’i wrote the music together and how Auli’i added her voice to create the iconic Moana songs everyone loves. There’s also a special bonus clip showing how legendary animator Eric Goldberg used classic Disney animation techniques to animated the Mini-Maui tattoo.
‘Boomerang’ Video Subscription Service Launched by Turner and Warner Bros.
Time Warner’s TurnerandWarner Bros. announced that they have partnered on a new standalone domestic premium video subscription service –Boomerang– that will launch in the Spring. This will be the first time the two companies have offered the massiveHanna-Barbera,Looney TunesandMGManimation library of over5,000titles on a streaming platform.Boomerangwill provide audiences instant and exclusive access to both brand-new original series and timeless franchises likeScooby Doo,Tom & Jerry,Bugs Bunny,The Jetsons and The Flintstonesamong many others. Launching with a vast number of episodes, new content will be added weekly for kids, families and animation lovers of all ages to enjoy.
Boomerang will be the exclusive home to a slate of new, original series, including Warner Bros. Animation’sDorothy andthe Wizard ofOz, an uplifting comedic fantasy series that transports audiences to the magical land of Oz and follows the ruby slipper adventures of its brave and feisty princess protagonist; andWacky Races, a full-engine overhaul of the Hanna-Barbera classic series that takes viewers on a ride filled with zany slapstick comedy, high-octane thrills and exotic locales around the world. Additionally, Boomerang will be the only place to catch new episodes of three fan-favorite series,Scooby-Doo, Looney TunesandTom & Jerry.
Boomerang will support its world-class content offering with a robust set of product features in the months following launch including: family profiles, personalized recommendations, download-to-go, Spanish audio and interactive features that will give users new and exciting ways to discover and share content. The Boomerang OTT service will be powered by applications and technology developed by DramaFever, a Warner Bros. Digital Networks company.
The service will be ad-free and launch domestically on Web, iOS and Android devices for $4.99 per month (with a 7-day Free Trial) or $39.99 annually (with a 30-day Free Trial).
The product will expand to several more platforms after launch, including Amazon, Roku and Apple TV. Turner and Warner Bros. will explore additional distribution opportunities with both new and existing partners in the future.
Pixar Debuts a New ‘Coco’ Poster
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters onNov. 22, 2017.
Mark Hamill Guest Stars in ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’
Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo return in Nickelodeon’s season five anthology series,Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, onSunday, March 19,at9:00 a.m.(ET/PT), which follows the Turtles through a variety of action-packed and bizarre adventures that have never been seen before. Produced at Nickelodeon in Burbank, premieres from the new 20-episode season will continue to airSunday’sat9:00 a.m.(ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlescaptures seven distinct stories from the hero brothers’ past and future, including their early days in New York City, encounters with villains and friends, and a peek into their distant, but wild future. Throughout the season, fans can expect to see both new and familiar friends and foes as each tale unfolds.
In the premiere episode, “Scroll of the Demodragon,” Mark Hamill (Star Wars) guest stars as Kavaxas, a hotheaded dragon man with mystical powers, who partners with some of the Turtles’ worst foes to bring chaos to New York City. In the episode, the Turtles believe they have defeated their old enemies, but they soon discover a new evil is rising. Hamill lends his voice as the villainous Kavaxas during the next three premiere episodes.
Additional season five guest stars include: Chris Sarandon (The Princess Bride) as Count Vlad Dracula, the lord of the vampires; Graham McTavish (The Hobbittrilogy) as Savanti Romero, an evil time master from the future; Dana DeLorenzo (Ash vs. Evil Dead) as Esmeralda, a kind and weary Romanian traveler with an expert knowledge of monsters; Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Revenge) as Sumo Kuma, a fierce and cunning Samurai commander; and Nyambi Nyambi (Mike & Molly) as Verminator Rex, the vicious leader of a gang.
The series voice cast returns with Seth Green (Robot Chicken) as Leonardo, Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) as Raphael, Rob Paulsen (Planet Sheen) as Donatello, Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as Michelangelo, Mae Whitman (Parenthood) as April O’Neil, Hoon Lee (Royal Pains) as Master Splinter and Kevin Michael Richardson (Penguins of Madagascar) as Shredder. The series is executive produced by Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman.
‘Digimon Adventure Tri. - Reunion’ Blu-ray Release Announced!
The enthralling monsters battles and classic adventures of DIGIMON have captured a special place in the hearts of millions and continue to stand as an enduring global pop culture phenomenon since the late 1990s. OnMay 16, 2017, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Toei Animation, is proud to present new anime featureDIGIMON ADVENTURETri.–REUNIONon home entertainment shelves in the U.S. and Canada. Produced by Toei Animation,DIGIMON ADVENTURE Tri – REUNIONis DIGIMON’s first feature-length movie since 2000 and has already delighted audiences and loyal fans across Japan. This highly sought-after film reunites the characters and original cast from the classic series and picks up where the belovedDIGIMONAdventure 2002 series ended. Available for the first time on North American home entertainment shelves, each highly collectible edition ofDIGIMON ADVENTURE Tri.–REUNIONDVDandBlu-ray™ Combo Packboasts exciting movie presentation (featuring both versions - English voice cast and the original Japanese audio with English subtitles) and contains insightful bonus content. The Blu-ray Combo Pack allows viewers to enjoyDIGIMON ADVENTURE Tri.–REUNIONon the platform of their choice and includes spectacular movie presentation on Blu-ray, DVD and a digital copy of the movie. A must have for collectors, loyal fans and pop culture enthusiasts,DIGIMON ADVENTURE Tri. – REUNIONdebuts in stores everywhere.
Toei Animation has revamped this wildly popular anime movie for North American audiences by bringing onboard a stellar English voice cast. Joshua Seth, who voiced the main character Tai Kamiya in the original series, returns to the role for this feature film, alongside an exciting team of voice talent and DIGIMON luminaries, including Tom Fahn (Digimon:Digital Monsters), Kyle Hebert (Dragon Ball Super), Vic Mignogna (Star Trek Continues), Kirk Thornton (Sonic Boom), Colleen O’Shaughnessey (Toy Story 3), Cherami Leigh (Sailor Moon Crystal), Melodee Spevack (Digimon:Digital Monsters), Mona Marshall (South Park), Jeff Nimoy (Digimon Data Squad), Philece Sampler (The Legend of Korra), Anna Garduno (Digimon:Digital Monsters), Mari Devon (Digimon:Digital Monsters), Robbie Daymond (Transformers:Rescue Bots), Bob Klein (Digimon:Digital Monsters), Johnny Young Bosch (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Laura Summer (Digimon:Digital Monsters), David Mallow (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Tara Sands (Sailor Moon Crystal), Kate Higgins (Naruto), Cristina Vee (Miraculous:Tales of Ladybug) and Doug Erholz (Digimon:Digital Monsters).
The Japanese language version boasts an exceptional Japanese voice cast of Natsuki Hanae, Suzuko Mimori, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Mutsumi Tamura, Hitomi Yoshida, Junya Enoki, Junya Ikeda, Mao Ichimichi (M.A.O), Chika Sakamoto, Atori Shigematsu, Mayumi Yamaguchi, Takahiro Sakurai, Kinoko Yamada, Miwa Matsumoto, Junko Takeuchi and Yuka Tokumitsu.
DIGIMON ADVENTURE Tri. —REUNIONmovie synopsis:
It’s been six years since that summer adventure when Tai (now in high school) and the rest of the “DigiDestined” crossed over to the Digital World, and nearly three years since the frenzied final battles between warring factions. With the gate to the Digital World closed, time continues to pass, until the adventure “digi-volves” once again.
DIGIMON ADVENTURE Tri. – REUNIONcontains the following special features:
Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Toei Animation, will continue to present new movie installments from theDIGIMON ADVENTURE Tri.feature film series on North American home entertainment shelves in 2017. Meanwhile, fans are encouraged to visit Shout! Factory’s website (www.shoutfactory.com) and official social Facebook and Twitter for forthcoming news and activities.
‘Hanazuki’ Launches Its Second Wave of Episodes
Hanazuki faces off with the Big Bad, is tricked by Kiazuki, and goes on an adventure deep into space. In other words, it’s just an average couple of days for this moody Moonflower who is always up for any challenge.
On Sunday, March 12 at 12 a.m. EST, timed with the arrival of the full moon, Hasbro will release the next nine episodes ofHanazukiavailable to all on YouTube.Forbesbrought us the early look at the new batch of episodes which features Hanazuki and her cute and colorful friends in their ongoing attempts to keep a mysterious darkness from covering their moon. It looks like Hanazuki’s frenemy Kiazuki will play a big role alongside the title character in this new wave of episodes, but just what her ultimate aim is remains to be seen.
You still have some time to get caught up on the first episodes ofHanazuki: Full of Treasures, but if you need a little more encouragement, take a look atmy review here.
‘DC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Games’ Coming to DVD
Class is back in session at Super Hero High as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Entertainment bring youDC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Games,the second feature in the new, groundbreaking universe celebrating young girls! The Intergalactic Games are here and Super Hero High is facing off against Korugar Academy, with a little help from the most prominent DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains in the galaxy.DC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Gameswill be available on Digital HD starting August 19, 2025, and on DVD on July 10, 2025.
Special Features on theDC Super Hero Girls:Intergalactic GamesDigital HD and DVD release include seven animated shorts. Additionally, exclusively on the DVD is the music video for the song “That’s My Girl” by powerhouse girl group Fifth Harmony.
Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Bumblebee and Katana square off against Korugar Academy in the Intergalactic Games, but trouble is in the air as Lena Luthor takes advantage of the gathering of the Supers to enact her villainous plan. It’s up to the DC Super Hero Girls to fight the forces of evil and protect their school. With Wonder Woman’s strength, Supergirl’s speed, Batgirl’s strategic knowledge, Poison Ivy’s ability to make things grow, Harley Quinn’s energy, Bumblebee’s ability to shrink, and Katana’s fearless personality… anything is possible.
From Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, the DC Super Hero Girls universe encourages young girls, ages 6-12, to explore their own powers and strengths through original content, including all-new films, webisodes and TV specials. The franchise offers young fans inspiration and encourages teamwork, friendship and empowerment.DC Super Hero Girls:Intergalactic Gameswill connect with fans throughout the world via a treasure trove of digital content, including DCSuperHeroGirls.com, the DCSHG App, YouTube Channel and Instagram, as well as a global licensing and merchandising program.
DC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Gamesfeatures some of the top voice actors in the industry. Grey Griffin (Wonder Woman), Tara Strong (Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy), Anais Fairweather (Supergirl), Mae Whitman (Batgirl), Teala Dunn (Bumblebee), and Stephanie Sheh (Katana) join forces to portray the youthful versions of some of the world’s best known Super Heroes. Cecilia Aranovich Hamilton directs from a script by Shea Fontana. Jennifer Coyle serves as producer with Sam Register as Executive Producer.
