Right, "disappointment" is a relative term that has all to do with pre-release expectations within which context "profitability" becomes a secondary consideration.
Hehe, I don't think it's hatred of conformity so much as general obliviousness.
Our approach to foreign culture(s) is all too often "don't know, don't care."
What do you see as being the key difference that has allowed the Pixar formula to enjoy great success in Japan?
In a country famed for its animation industry, Pixar had been the reigning studio for animated imports for years.
Pixar's track record in Japan appears to be fading as of late... or at least getting shown up by Disney.
Which is unfortunate cuz that and the UK were really the only foreign markets that were consistently reliable for them.