Both of these images have been available previously — but only in small, poorly compressed, low resolution versions and I couldn't bring myself to release them. They've both just become available in beautiful high definition.

Stitch Kingdom has pegged May 1st, 2012 as the release date of UP on 3D Blu-ray. They don't cite a source, but seem quite certain of themselves despite any official announcements from Disney. Many European countries will see the release of the 3D Blu-ray prior to May 1st, and rumors have been flying since it was discovered that it is already available in the UK. Hopefully this will lend some solidity to the speculation.

UPDATE: UP 3D was not released on blu-ray last May, but is coming December 2012.

This morning the Nominees for the 84th Annual Academy Awards were announced. With the announcement came some big surprises in the Best Animated Feature category.

Firstly, maybe less surprisingly to some, Cars 2 did not garner any nominations. It was not well received among critics, though the consumers themselves seemed to respond much more warmly to the sequel to 2006 Best Animated Feature nominee, Cars.

The most surprising revelation was the absence of The Adventures of Tintin from the Best Animated Feature roll. The motion capture film, that has re-ignited the discussion as to which film category motion capture actually belongs, won the Best Animated Film awards at both the Golden Globes and Producers Guild Awards this season. This is sure to ruffle some feathers.

Happily, Pixar was not totally snubbed at the Oscars this year, La Luna is still a top contender for Best Animated Short.

The Academy Awards will be presented on February 26th.