Evaluating Pixar's Films

PIxar is an animation studio that is most well known for it's critically acclaimed CGI movies. They were the ones behind the first ever full length CGI movie, Toy Story in 1995. CGI stands for Computer Generated Imagery and while some films had been using this technology for years before, it had never been used to create an entire movie.

This was revolutionary because before this, animated films had been hand drawn and using computers ushered in a new era of technology in movie-making. This new technology was able to go somewhere where animation never could before. For the first time ever, when animating an animal, you could see every moving hair on the animal, making it look more realistic but still cartoon-like.

Pixar animation also has the advantage of giving its animated characters more emotions and realistic mannerism. Using computers to map out how the voice actor is actually speaking the lines, instead of just recording the voice, these facial expressions can be transferred to the CGI characters. This makes them seem more realistic and gives them a more expressive demeanor.

Another great thing about Pixar is that they are very selective in their movie making. They have released many short films but only eight feature length animated films, all of which have been recognized by the Academy Awards either by nominations or wins. They are really careful about what stories will be up to par to translate to Pixar's CGI animation. From Finding Nemo, to the newest Oscar winner, Ratatouille, you know you're getting a quality film when Pixar is behind it.

While other animation studios have started using CGI such as Animal Logic, which was responsible for Happy Feet, you know the quality of the movie is a guarantee with Pixar. Pixar films are always hilarious and touching and fun for kids as well as their parents. They are expertly crafted in every way and always live up to the Pixar name.

According to Pixar's chief creative officer, John Lasseter, the key to Pixar films' success may lie in their story format that never changes. According to him all Pixar films are about the main character's self improvement, and how he grows and changes. This is the reason why their films are so great for children. It's a fun CGI joy ride with a moral behind it.

While Pixar's films sometimes make us miss the hand drawn movies of the old days, it is undeniable that this is an extraordinary technology that is unparalleled.