Pixar’s shorts often feature ideas that are more bold than those seen in the studio’s feature films. The shorts allow Pixar to experiment with new technology, while also providing its talent with a space to be more creative. Given that the shorts do not provide Disney and Pixar with much of a financial benefit, the short films are the perfect avenue to take more risks. The animation studio’s next short, Lava, is a musical that stars a volcano searching for love – sound unique enough for you? Watch the first clip from the short after the break!
Lava is directed by James Ford Murphy, who has taken the lead director role for the first time at Pixar. The short, described in its official synopsis as “a musical love story that spans millions of years,” tells the story of Uku the volcano, who unlike those around him (as seen in the short’s poster above), is alone. Just from the concept, the short is one of the most “out-there” ideas we have seen from the studio. The fascinating premise, alone, has our attention, but we have seen plenty of interesting ideas from Emeryville translate into incredible projects, so we may have the opportunity to see something truly special.
Yahoo! premiered the Lava clip, which features Uku singing its (his?) heart out. The music, written by Murphy, is what you will notice first. The animation, though, is what will “wow” you – we have come a long way from the mid 90s in the computer animation department, and just a few seconds of this short will demonstrate that. Watch it below:
Lava, currently playing at film festivals around the world, debuts in theaters on June 19, 2015 with Inside Out!
