Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

Pencils vs. Pixels

Play trailer 1:51 Poster for Pencils vs. Pixels 2023 1h 12m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Pencils vs. Pixels is a celebration of the unique magic of 2D hand-drawn animation and an exploration of how the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and early 1990s led to an animation boom that was quickly upended by the computer animation revolution that followed. Narrated by Ming-Na Wen, PENCILS VS PIXELS features many of the legendary artists who brought these now-classic films to life as they guide us through the last few decades of animation and into the future that's yet to come.
Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

Where to Watch

Pencils vs. Pixels

Critics Reviews

View All (7) Critics Reviews
Richard Whittaker Austin Chronicle Provides an incredible viewpoint from the artist's side of the wonder of American animation and its rich legacy. Rated: 3.5/5 Jul 13, 2023 Full Review Sabrina McFarland Common Sense Media The personal anecdotes shared in Pencils Vs Pixels may inspire the launch of future careers in the art form. Rated: 4/5 Nov 14, 2023 Full Review Tessa Smith Mama's Geeky A love letter to animation, this documentary tells the journey from 2D animation to 3D animation, while keeping the hope alive that 2D will return to the forefront once again. It is sure to never completely favor one style over the other. Oct 9, 2023 Full Review Tania Lamb Lola Lambchops Pencils vs. Pixels is a celebration of animation. It's pure magic - whether by pencil or computer - and keeps the dreams alive for this next generation of animators. Oct 2, 2023 Full Review Norman Gidney HorrorBuzz Essential viewing for any fan of animation. I would even say that film buffs would do well to take this one in. Aug 20, 2023 Full Review Josiah Teal Film Threat At the narrative’s core sits a sense of wonder synonymous with animation. Rated: 8.5/10 Aug 2, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (7) audience reviews
Peter C pencils vs pixels is a fun documentary about the evolution of animation and what's coming up for the future of animation. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/24 Full Review Shaun E #bestanimationdocumentary. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/24 Full Review Joshua L so amazing must see!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/24 Full Review Julia S I was one of those kids in the 80s and 90s who wanted to be a Disney animator…I abandoned the dream when I saw everything going digital, and I got a regular job. This documentary reignited my love for hand drawn animation and gave me a new perspective on the parallels with computer generated animation. Kevin Smith is a great perk. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/04/24 Full Review A J I got to watch this at Lightbox 2023 and I thought it was fantastic! We got to learn about generations of animators and the story of animation as a whole. So enjoyable and very well put together. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/16/23 Full Review Nisha S I was lucky enough to see this live at the Canadian premiere in Vancouver with Tom himself! Seriously such a moving film that will inspire all artists, as well as nostalgic fans of Tom's work. A must see film, it will inspire you to keep hope and remember that magic feeling of watching traditional animated films from our childhood. Bravo! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Pencils vs. Pixels

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche 100% 94% Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche Watchlist TRAILER for Buried: The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche The J-Horror Virus 100% % The J-Horror Virus Watchlist So Unreal 88% % So Unreal Watchlist Attack of the Doc! 83% 98% Attack of the Doc! Watchlist TRAILER for Attack of the Doc! We Kill for Love 88% % We Kill for Love Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Pencils vs. Pixels is a celebration of the unique magic of 2D hand-drawn animation and an exploration of how the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and early 1990s led to an animation boom that was quickly upended by the computer animation revolution that followed. Narrated by Ming-Na Wen, PENCILS VS PIXELS features many of the legendary artists who brought these now-classic films to life as they guide us through the last few decades of animation and into the future that's yet to come.
Director
Bay Dariz, Phil Earnest
Producer
Tom Bancroft, Bay Dariz
Screenwriter
Bay Dariz
Distributor
Strike Back Studios
Production Co
Hideout Pictures, Minutehand Pictures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 7, 2023
Runtime
1h 12m
Most Popular at Home Now