The Summary for this unviewed film is based on the reviews in the 26 Oct 1987 DV, 23 Dec 1987 HR, 25 Dec 1987 NYT and 25 Dec 1987 LAT. Production and cast credits were taken from listings in promotional materials in AMPAS library files, and AMPAS Index to Motion Picture Credits. They may not reflect what appears onscreen.
       Opening credits state: “Animated entirely in the U.S.A. by the artists of Filmation Studios.”
       Pinocchio And The Emperor Of The Night is an animated musical based on the 1883 fairy tale The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. Although the movie was produced by Filmation Associates, it was intended as a continuation of the acclaimed 1940 animated classic Pinocchio (see entry) from Walt Disney Productions. The 26 Oct 1987 DV review noted that this movie takes place one year after the events in the Disney film.
       The 28 Feb 1985 DV reported that Filmation, which was known for animated television programming, planned a slate of thirteen feature-length animated films for theatrical release, the first of which was based on the “Pinocchio” story. Titled The New Adventures of Pinocchio, production was already underway at Filmation’s studios in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA. Other films planned in the “Filmation New Classics Collection” included Snow White and the Seven Dwarfelles, The Challenge of Cinderella, Bambi: Prince of the Forest, The Son of Sleeping Beauty, The Continuing Adventures of the Jungle Book, Frankenstein Lives Again! 20 Million Leagues Across the Universe, The Further Adventures of Gulliver, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, New Tales of the Arabian Nights, Alice Returns to Wonderland, and Time Machine II: The Man Who Saved the Future. Filmation reported it was branching into animated theatrical fare because there was a high demand for family entertainment and a shortage of quality animated product.
       The 29 May 1985 Var reported Walt Disney Productions had filed a lawsuit to stop Filmation’s production of its animated Pinocchio movie, and several other titles in its New Classics Collection series, claiming those characters were already closely identified with the Disney brand. In addition to Pinocchio, Disney had produced animated versions of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Bambi (1942) , Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), Sleeping Beauty (1959), and The Jungle Book (1967) (see entries). Disney re-released its animated classics to theaters approximately every seven years, so a new generation of children could discover the films, a releasing strategy that caused the public to closely associate the characters with the Disney brand.
       Filmation responded that “Pinocchio” was in the public domain and Disney had no copyright claim over the character. Filmation suggested that Disney was attempting to prevent a new competitor from entering the marketplace.
       The 11 Feb 1987 LAT reported Disney and Filmation were set to go to trial on 17 Feb 1987, but settled the lawsuit out of court. Details of the settlement were not disclosed.
       Although the 16 Jun 1986 DV production chart indicated work on The New Adventures Of Pinocchio began in Jan 1985, the 12 Aug 1986 HR production chart indicated a production start date of 1 Jul 1986 with the title Pinocchio And The Emperor Of The Night. The 22 Oct 1986 Var said the film’s budget was $8 million.
       The 10 Dec 1987 DV reported that New World Pictures was distributing the animated musical, but did not have many merchandising tie-ins, the traditional way animated fare was marketed to children. Additionally, the company was only spending $4 million on television and print advertising campaigns. The 30 Dec 1987 LAT said the advertising campaign was suggesting the film might be the last animated feature made “entirely in the U.S.A,” since escalating production costs in America were forcing companies to make animated films overseas.
       Despite the low advertising budget, New World was promoting the film through Pinocchio-themed “activity boxes” included in kid’s meals packages at the Jack In The Box fast food chain, plus some special promotions at about forty of the nation’s largest shopping malls. Additionally, prior to its release on Christmas Day, free Saturday morning screenings of the movie were held in twenty-two cities on 5 Dec, 12 Dec, and 19 Dec 1987, in conjunction with the Toys for Tots charity. People bringing a new, unwrapped toy valued at $5 would be admitted to the film for free and the charity would distribute those toys as Christmas presents to needy children.
       Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night opened on 1,182 screens on 25 Dec 1987, but grossed only $602,734 in its first three days of release, according to the 30 Dec 1987 LAT.