There was a time when Disney brand was ultimate stamp of quality on an animated film. The studio represented a level of artistic craftsmanship, memorable character design, and superb storytelling that went above and beyond anything else being produced in the United States. Then decades of unnecessary direct-to-video sequels, forgettable live-action ventures, and overpriced merchandising tarnished the great mouse’s image. Sure Disney is still the children’s entertainment company most likely to separate you from your money, but it simply isn’t the studio that produces the most exciting feature length animated entertainment anymore. No, that title now belongs to Pixar (and please don’t point out the irony that Disney distributes Pixar’s movies…we don’t need to discuss the breadth of that evil empire’s power…well, not in this article anyways.)

Ever since Steve Jobs’ animation company released the first feature length CGI animated film in 1995 (that would be Toy Story, duh!), Pixar has been at the forefront of feature length animation. The company has produced 7 films since then, each one a massive commercial success. The studio has won awards, earned critical accolades, and made more money than you will ever see in your lifetime (yes, even you). Pixar movies are anxiously awaited by children and adults alike, bringing together audiences unlike anything since…well…Disney (ok, maybe Steven Spielberg movies too). The Pixar brass recently announced the projects they currently have in development, it’s a huge list that spans to 2012 and even includes the company’s first live action venture. Here are the titles in question.

Wall•E (Release Date: June 27, 2008)

Pixar’s eighth feature film is highly anticipated and has already had a marketing campaign launched on the world. The movie is written and directed Andrew Stanton the creator of the beloved (classic?) Finding Nemo. It tells the story of a lonely robot (the titular Wall•E) charged with helping clean up the massive piles of garbage on the now abandoned planet earth. It looks as though most of the movie will be played without dialogue given that it concerns a speechless robot who lives in isolation. It’s a ballsy decision for the Pixar crew given that experimentation is rarely allowed in children’s films. But that very willingness to take risks is also a key ingredient in the company’s recipe for success. Early trailers and artwork makes this look like a sweet, touching, and gently funny story that should fit perfectly into the company’s spotless catalogue. A summer release should ensure big box office along the lines of Ratatouille.