Pencils vs. Pixels

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1:51

Pencils vs. Pixels

2023

1h 12m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

100%

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7 Reviews

94%

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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.

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Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

07/13/2023

3.5/5

Provides an incredible viewpoint from the artist's side of the wonder of American animation and its rich legacy.

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Sabrina McFarland

Common Sense Media

11/14/2023

4/5

The personal anecdotes shared in Pencils Vs Pixels may inspire the launch of future careers in the art form.

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Tessa Smith

Mama's Geeky

10/09/2023

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.

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Tania Lamb

Lola Lambchops

10/02/2023

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.

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Norman Gidney

HorrorBuzz

08/20/2023

Essential viewing for any fan of animation. I would even say that film buffs would do well to take this one in.

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Josiah Teal

Film Threat

08/02/2023

8.5/10

At the narrative’s core sits a sense of wonder synonymous with animation.

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Juho K

@Leffanurkka.fi Mar 11

Pencils vs Pixels is a heartfelt tribute to the magic of hand-drawn 2D animation and the artists who brought so many classics to life. The documentary also explores the brutal industry shift that followed Pixar’s Toy Story in 1995, when computer animation quickly pushed traditional techniques aside. Hearing veteran animators describe how fast the change happened is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Thankfully, the film also reminds us that the legacy of 2D animation still inspires artists today.

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 Feb 21

Basic coverage that remains fascinating with clarifying insights akin to the profession’s knacks for expressive details flourishes this documentary’s love letter/portrait to the now unpredictable medium that mostly compiles knowledgeably cherished animation. (A-)

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A J

@RT24986821 11/16/2023

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.

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Nisha S

@RT90806291 11/11/2023

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!

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Adolfo Y

@RT41276055 11/10/2023

a good documentary about the evolution of animation and drawings!

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Bay Dariz

Director

Phil Earnest

Director

Ming-Na Wen

Narrator

Pete Docter

Self

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John Musker

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Pencils vs. Pixels: Trailer 1

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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
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