Pixar’s second television special, Toy Story That Time Forgot, premiered on television yesterday. Like many other projects from the studio, fans who rewatch the 22-minute special will notice the attention to detail given to the dialogue as well as the environments. Chief among the cool surprises is the collection of easter eggs spread throughout. We have found quite a number of them (and we are sure there are more to be found). Take a look at the easter eggs in Toy Story That Time Forgot after the break! [Read more…]
PixArt: August Feature – Woody and Buzz
I’m a big fan of Jay Rogers‘ art. The former Cartoon Network art director turns out some fantastic work – clean, appealing and always professional. Skilled in both design and illustration, Jay has done work for an impressive list of clients, including Walt Disney Imagineering, American Greetings, Penguin Books and many more. He’s worked on projects for Universal Orlando and the upcoming Shanghai Disneyland. And now he can add PixArt to the list! We’re so honored and grateful that Jay took some time out of his busy schedule to create this super-fun take on Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Check out his website for more fantastic images and projects. Take a closer look at the artwork he created for us and read more about him after the break! [Read more…]
PixArt: May Feature I – Pixar Tribute
California based artist Dennis Salvatier produces some extremely charming and appealing art. His portfolio is filled with distinct takes on characters from pop culture. Combining a strong eye for design with some really appealing character designs, it’s easy to see why his work is so popular. Browse his portfolio to see the diverse set of skills he brings to his illustration, logos and design work. We thought he’d bring a great perspective to the world of Pixar and he certainly didn’t disappoint. We’re thrilled with his adorable tribute to some of Pixar’s biggest films. Our thanks to Dennis for contributing this fantastic piece. Read on for more about Dennis in his own words.
The Pixar Perspective on The Pixar Moments in ‘Toy Story 3’
Although the series lives on in shorter form, the final 20 minutes of Toy Story 3 is something of an emotional trip through the wringer (that is, if the film works as intended to the audience). Much in the same way that the opening sequence of Up is called out as an example of Pixar working at its tear-jerking peak, almost nullifying the impact of the rest of the film, Toy Story 3 has a lengthy climax culminating in a curtain call, all of which is meant as a massive payoff to a 15-year trilogy, a firm period on a franchise that could easily be extended on the silver screen for years to come. (Rumors will, of course, abound about a potential fourth Toy Story film; let’s only hope that this never comes to fruition.)
The Pixar Perspective on The Pixar Moment in ‘Toy Story’
When this column began its theme of highlighting the so-called “Pixar moment” in various Pixar films (we’re still waiting on that patent to go through), it was predominantly about focusing on moments of powerful emotion in films that are targeted primarily at the family audience. That animation can inspire adults and kids alike to grab for a tissue isn’t terribly unique—though few modern animated films would attempt to echo its impact, let’s not forget the iconic moment in Bambi when the title character’s mother is killed by a hunter—but Pixar’s later films, such as Ratatouille and Up, reach for emotion in surprisingly mature and complex fashion. So in starting off 2014 with a look at the Pixar moment in Pixar’s first film, Toy Story, you might think this column would look for the origins of those unforgettable, tearjerking moments.
‘Toy Story’ Play Set Heading To ‘Disney Infinity’
Toy Story is easily one of the most popular franchises at Disney, so it is only fitting that the series would receive its very own play set for Disney Infinity. Plans to release a play set for the huge property were announced at the D23 Expo in August. Now, we have more details and many more images featuring Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang. After the break, take a look at a collection of new images from the play set, watch a video delving into the set, and find out when you can pick one up!
D23 Expo: Your Ultimate Guide To Pixar At The Show
The D23 Expo is essentially a dream convention for fans of Disney and Pixar. All of the various properties come together under one roof for a weekend-long celebration of Disney/Pixar films, theme park attractions, television, and, of course, merchandise. Many times when major announcements are made outside of a convention, they are shared with the press who then relay the news to fans. The Expo, like similar events such as Comic Con, allows fans to see the news and sights with their own eyes. New films will be detailed, clips will be shown, and exclusive merchandise will be available. Due to the sheer size of the show, it can also be overwhelming, which is where this guide to Pixar at the D23 Expo may help.
The Pixar Perspective on Groundbreaking Nostalgia
The cornerstone of the Walt Disney Company is nostalgia. Every film they make, every character they create, every world they concoct furthers the notion that looking back at your past, dreaming of a time when everyone said it was truly wondrous to be alive, well before the minor frustrations of the future took over, is the best possible way to approach life. What are Disney’s theme parks if not various ways in which to embrace youth, either your own or the country’s? So many of their movies call to mind a vision of the “good old days,” a manufactured simulacrum that makes us wistful, wishing we’d been around at the turn of the century, say, or that we’d known as we lived our childhoods that we should cherish them appropriately. The irony is that the more technologically groundbreaking Disney films—and especially Pixar films— are, the more nostalgic they become.
PixArt: May Feature II – Buzz Lightyear Reimagined As 70s Sci-Fi Action Hero
Combine comics, monsters, and pop culture and you arrive at the fantastic art of Chris Raimo. This talented east coast based illustrator has a distinct style and a wicked sense of humor. I was immediately drawn to Chris’ ability to adapt existing properties to his whimsical drawing style. Check out his website for really fun takes on everything from Mickey Mouse to wrestling zombies! While you’re there, check out his other Pixar-themed illustrations and mash-ups. Chris is currently a designer at NECA/Wizkids and also does freelance and commission. Read on for more about Chris in his own words! Click on MurrayNow for more info.
The Pixar Perspective on Humanity in Nonhuman Worlds
Consciously or not, we often look for the existence of the human in the art we consume. Sometimes, that presence is visible, and sometimes it’s just outside of the frame of the filmmaker’s camera or the words on the author’s page or inches away from the artist’s canvas. But we want and expect some form of humanity to be present in what we watch or read. In film, this manifests differently in live-action versus animation, the latter of which has been criticized for the “uncanny valley” effect, when human characters are rendered in such a way that’s off-putting, distracting for perhaps being too realistic, uncomfortably human. Pixar Animation Studios has not yet fallen into the uncanny valley, but it’s interesting to watch the evolution of their computer-animation technology from as far back as their pre-feature shorts up to Brave, in part because so much of their work is infused with the presence of humans even when none physically appear. Except for the films in the Cars franchise.
