Epic Voyage Through Animation’s Evolving Landscape

Read Time:3 Minute, 8 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Pencils Vs Pixels
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Genre: Documentary, Animation, Biography
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Bay Dariz, Phil Earnest
Where To Watch: premiered at the Annecy International Film Festival in their Annecy Classics Program in France on June 15, 2023; available November 7, 2023, from Strike Back Studios on VOD

RAVING REVIEW: PENCILS VS PIXELS showcases an intriguing exploration of the animation industry. This spectacle, narrated by Ming-Na Wen, sets the stage for a journey through the history of animation. The film is like a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes sneak peeks that only helps to multiply your wonder and imagination about the magic and mechanics of animation. The film serves as a backstage pass, opening doors to the hidden chambers of the animation industry and journeying from the early days of 2D hand-drawn animation to fully 3D CGI films.

PENCILS VS PIXELS paints a stunning picture of the golden era of 2D hand-drawn animation; the film sails back to the late 80s and early 90s, charting the resurgence of traditional animation techniques – a renaissance sadly overshadowed soon by computer animation’s dawn. It skillfully navigates through time, weaving together the yesteryears with the current digital age, keeping the essence of hand-drawn animation alive in its narrative.

A spectacle for the senses, the film’s opening sequence is a joyful experience, the comforting sounds of sharpened pencils and sketches coming alive serenade your ears, setting the tone for the journey ahead. Ming-Na Wen, a seasoned actor who has weathered the transition from paper to pixel, guides you through this captivating voyage. Her storytelling is further enriched by the insights of animation heavyweights like Glen Keane, James Baxter, Pete Docter, Leonard Maltin, John Musker, and Tony Bancroft. They share their experiences and observations, adding a layer of authentic, insider perspectives.

Defying convention, PENCILS VS PIXELS steps beyond the confines of a single studio or time frame. The film canvases the entire industry, highlighting the pivotal roles played by Don Bluth and John Pomeroy and their dynamic synergy with Steven Spielberg. Helping you examine more at depth into Disney’s footprint during this transformative era, the documentary covers so much of the history of animation in such a relatively short timeframe.

As the narrative unfolds, it shows us the dramatic shift towards computer animation, presenting an immersive account of the awe, fears, and resistance that traditional animators grappled with. PENCILS VS PIXELS narrates a compelling story of dreams and dilemmas that veers from the conventional, optimistic portrayal of the digital revolution—showing the hurdles that animators faced as some struggled to overcome this drastic shift and how others excelled with the changes.

PENCILS VS PIXELS remains steadfast in its tribute to the enduring charm of hand-drawn animation. The film demonstrates how this traditional art form continues to captivate us despite technological evolution. It’s a celebration of the animator’s touch that infuses life into the artwork, regardless of screen.

More than just a historical montage, PENCILS VS PIXELS reflects the industry’s present world and a view into its future. It resonates with a hopeful message, reminding us that the magic of animation, the sheer joy of bringing sketches to life, remains untouched and undiminished even as technology makes giant leaps. So, hold onto your hats and join this mesmerizing journey – PENCILS VS PIXELS is a cinematic ride worth going on!

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[photo courtesy of STRIKE BACK STUDIOS/HIDEOUT PICTURES]