Pixar Film History. Have you ever wondered how Pixar has managed to create such incredible movies that have captivated millions of people worldwide? What sets Pixar apart and makes it so special and different from other animation studios? What impact has Pixar had on the history of cinema and popular culture?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more about Pixar, the most successful and revolutionary animation studio of all time. We invite you to join us on this journey through the history of Pixar, from its origins to its latest releases, including its masterpieces, iconic characters, and best-kept secrets.
Pixar History of Cinema: From a Lucasfilm Division to an Independent Company
Pixar was born in 1979 as a division of Lucasfilm, the production company of George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. Its goal was to develop computer graphics technology for film and television. Among its early projects were the special effects for films like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan or Young Sherlock Holmes.
In 1986, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, purchased the Lucasfilm division for
5 million in the company, becoming its main shareholder and president. His vision was for Pixar to focus on creating computer-animated films, something unprecedented at the time.
Pixar’s First Short Film: Luxo Jr.
To showcase the potential of computer animation, Pixar began producing short films showcased at festivals and events. The first was The Adventures of André and Wally B., released in 1984. However, the short film that truly revolutionized Pixar’s history was Luxo Jr., released in 1986.
Luxo Jr. is a two-minute short film that tells the story of two desk lamps, one big and one small, playing with a ball. Despite its simple plot, the film is a masterpiece in terms of animation, sound, and character expressiveness. Luxo Jr. was the first computer-animated short film to be nominated for an Oscar and inspired Pixar’s logo, featuring the small lamp hopping on the letter i.
Pixar’s First Feature Film: Toy Story
After several successful short films, Pixar set out to create the first computer-animated feature film in history. They partnered with Disney for distribution and marketing. The chosen project was Toy Story, an original story about a boy’s toys that come to life when he’s not around.
Toy Story was released in 1995 and was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide and receiving three Oscar nominations, including one for Best Original Screenplay. Toy Story marked the beginning of a franchise that has impacted multiple generations of viewers, with three sequels, the last one released in 2019.
Pixar’s Style: Universal Stories, Charismatic Characters, and Intelligent Humor
One of Pixar’s keys to success is its unique and recognizable style, based on three fundamental pillars: stories, characters, and humor.
Pixar’s stories are universal, appealing to and moving audiences of all ages, genders, cultures, and languages. They create original, creative, and touching stories exploring themes like friendship, family, love, identity, dreams, fears, and death. Examples include Finding Nemo, Up, Coco, and Soul.
Pixar’s characters are charismatic, with personality, expressiveness, and charm. Pixar brings any character to life, whether a toy, animal, monster, robot, superhero, or car. Examples include Woody, Nemo, Sulley, Wall-E, Mr. Incredible, and Lightning McQueen.
Pixar’s humor is intelligent, witty, funny, and surprising, used to lighten the dramatic aspects of their stories, reference popular culture, and entertain viewers. Examples include Buzz Lightyear’s jokes, Dory’s antics, The Incredibles’ parodies, Presto shorts, and John Ratzenberger’s cameos.
Pixar History of Cinema
Disney Pixar has revolutionized animation and left an indelible mark on the history of cinema and popular culture. They’ve shown that computer animation is an art form capable of competing with live-action films, telling equally deep, complex, and beautiful stories.
Pixar has influenced other animation studios, inspiring them to adopt Pixar’s technology and style. Examples include DreamWorks, Illumination, Blue Sky, and Sony. Pixar has also inspired creators in various mediums, with homages and references in works like The Simpsons, South Park, Shrek, and Ready Player One.
Creating their own universe, Pixar connects all their films through Easter eggs, references, and theories, cultivating a dedicated fan base that scrutinizes every detail. Pixar has transcended film into music, video games, theme parks, books, toys, and fashion.
Pixar has made history and brought happiness to millions with its films, solidifying its place as the most successful and revolutionary animation studio of all time.
