Pencils vs. Pixels

2023

1 hr. 12 min.

Documentary

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100%

8 Reviews

Tomatometer

92%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

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.

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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

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Bay Dariz

Director

Phil Earnest

Director

Ming-Na Wen

Narrator

Pete Docter

Self

Leonard Maltin

Self

John Musker

Self

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Pencils vs. Pixels: Trailer 1

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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

Roger Moore

Movie Nation

A brisk celebration of the hand-drawn 2D animator’s art and cursory history of its “golden ages,” the last of which ended as computer-generated imagery and digitally assisted 3D animation took over with the rise of Pixar and the birth of “Shrek.”

Rated: 3/4

Oct 17, 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

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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
Executive Producer: Shannon Houchins, Noor Ahmed, Christopher Joe
Screenwriter: Bay Dariz
Distributor: Strike Back Studios
Production Co: Hideout Pictures, Minutehand Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 7, 2023

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