Written by DAVID KEYES

December 9, 1998

Disney proved to be the ultimate Thanksgiving weekend champions when they released their new P.I.X.A.R. project, "A Bug’s Life," on November 25. Taking in an estimated $46.1 million dollars in the five-day release, "A Bug’s Life" broke the record for box-office turnout on Thanksgiving, which, coincidentally, was held by Disney previously as well.

The three films preceding the record set this year were "101 Dalmatians," "The Santa Clause" and "Toy Story," all of which went on to be big moneymakers for the Disney studios in the end of their theatrical release. Even more shocking, their previous P.I.X.A.R. project, "Toy Story," made over $200 million dollars and became one of the five best animated financial successes of all time. Projection shows that, if "A Bug’s Life" continues its reign as box office champion, it could be an even bigger hit than "Toy Story."

Signs are looking good for that, too. On Wednesday, November 25, "A Bug’s Life" was met with mostly rave reviews. It was even compared to ‘the great Hollywood achievements’ (San Francisco Chronicle), and hailed as by one of the critics as ‘the most colorful and visually stunning film ever made.’ The reviews of course, were not expected, since earlier this fall, Dreamworks pictures released their similar CGI animated project, "Antz." The reviews it met showed that Disney, for a change, might have some competition in the road ahead.

Now that belief may have changed. "A Bug’s Life" received even greater reviews, and has so far performed at the box office better than "Antz." But now, the only question is, "will this battle between Disney and Dreamworks go on?" On December 18, that question might very well be answered. Dreamworks releases another one of their animated projects, "The Prince Of Egypt," which is expected to be hailed one of the best animated movies of all time. The anticipation for this Biblical film has been so large that Disney themselves decided not to take a risk with their upcoming live-action remake, "Mighty Joe Young," and thus, have pushed it back for release on Christmas Day. According to a few sources, this was a movie for Disney executives because the studio ‘does not want to challenge Dreamworks’ movie with a frontal attack. They have to know what they are up against before they can challenge the Steven Spielberg-based studio in the same weekend.’

Good move. "Mighty Joe Young" is also expected to be a big critical success. Releasing both movies in the same week would be extremely difficult, because, as most people like to predict, who would be the #1 box office success of the weekend? Releasing both movies just a week apart is a challenge as well. It’s assured if "The Prince Of Egypt" succeeds, "Mighty Joe Young" could still have competition after the first week of Dreamworks’ film.

Disney has already apparently won the battle between "A Bug’s Life" and "Antz." Who will win the next?