The Pixar Story

The Pixar Story, released in 2007, is a fascinating and informative documentary that offers a historical perspective on the genesis and evolution of Pixar Animation Studios, the trailblazing company that redefined animated feature films. Much more than a behind-the-scenes glance at film production, the documentary examines the collaboration of technology, art, and business that gave birth to a new standard in animation, transforming the film industry forever. Notable figures in this story include Stacy Keach, as the narrator, along with key players such as John Lasseter, Brad Bird, and others from Pixar who share their insights and experiences.

This captivating documentary film directed by Leslie Iwerks, catapults viewers back in time to the beginning of the company. Navigating through the peaks and valleys of the company's journey, the film draws focus on the three men largely credited for Pixar's inception and ultimate success: Ed Catmull, a computer scientist dreaming of creating the first computer-animated film; Steve Jobs, a visionary entrepreneur with an uncanny knack for seizing business opportunities; and John Lasseter, a groundbreaking animation artist and storyteller.

The Pixar Story explores key drivers behind this juggernaut's success – the perfect blend of art and science, the relentless pursuit of innovation, the fostering of a creative culture, and an unwavering belief in a pioneering dream. It mirrors the magic that Pixar created in the realm of animation, enriching it with real-world struggles and victories.

Taking center stage in the documentary is John Lasseter, who infamously was fired from Disney but later became a key contributor to Pixar's incredible success, and in a turn of events, became the chief creative officer at both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. The vicissitudes in his career offer an engaging sub-plot within the wider narrative of the studio's journey to success.

Stacy Keach's authoritative voice serves as the perfect vessel to convey the high stakes and monumental achievements of this story. His narration stitches together the narrative, combining historical insights, interviews, and snippets of iconic Pixar films into a coherent and compelling tale.

Director Brad Bird is part of the pivotal choir of voices in the film that includes animators, directors, and Pixar co-workers. His insider viewpoint, along with those of other Pixar team members and industry experts like George Lucas and Tom Hanks, provide an assortment of personal anecdotes, expert technical details, and artistic testimonies. These testimonials form the backbone of the film and enhance the entire narrative with credibility and a diversity of perspectives.

The Pixar Story does an excellent job of showcasing how Pixar's films had not just high entertainment quality, but also significant advancement in animation technology. Viewers get to see the effort and innovation that went into every nuance of their favorite films— highlighting the pioneering spirit that defines Pixar. What makes The Pixar Story so compelling is how it shows that the animation titan's success wasn't just due to creative storylines, but also the relentlessness in the face of adversities and the drive to push the boundaries of what's possible in animation.

Visually, the film is a tribute to the art of animation and the evolution of Pixar's rendering capabilities. Director Leslie Iwerks uses a variety of archival footage, computer-generated imagery, and clips from Pixar’s portfolio to depict the technical efforts that went into creating the studio's beloved characters and their worlds. The juxtaposition of early sketches against final film clips wonderfully illustrates the dramatic growth of the studio’s artistic and technical capabilities over time.

Instilling wonder and respect about Pixar's pioneering journey through the animation industry, The Pixar Story is a tour de force, providing an enlightening and entertaining view of the trials, triumphs, and innovations that encapsulate the making of this legendary studio. With engaging narratives, charming characters, and a deep dive into the technology that has been used to create unforgettable stories, the documentary is a must-watch for Pixar fans and anyone interested in animation, film history or creative innovation. It's a wonderful tribute to the team's collective brilliance, resilience and indefatigable spirit.