Ok, so our Obsessed With Pixar month has so far been dominated with the studios exceptional feature film output, but their roots lie firmly within short film production. Starting in 1984 the company has made 20 shorts on a range of subjects, the most recent being
Hawaiian Vacation with the stars of Toy Story (Ive unfortunately not seen it yet, as it has yet to be released alongside Cars 2 in the UK perhaps some of our US readers could enlighten us!?!). As
A Bugs Life (1998) was released, Pixar decided to accompany this with their short film
Geris Game, to great success. Since then, each of the studios theatrical releases has featured a short film before the main production, harking back to the golden era of Hollywood when A grade feature films would be accompanied by a B feature, a news reel and a cartoon. Generally adopting a very moralistic stance, these nuggets of animation are often as engaging and entertaining as Pixars feature films. In celebration of Pixars equally impressive short films, here are what we consider the 10 greatest!
10. LIFTED (2006)
In the short film that accompanied the theatrical release of Ratatouille,
Lifted focuses on a small alien called Stu, who is training in human abduction. When he fails to be successful (abducting a farmer called Ernie, who bears a strong resemblance to Linguini, the protagonist of Ratatouille), he begins to feel sorry for himself. Pixar manage to create a vast array of comedy through Stus inability to get the abduction right the moments when the farmer is accidently slammed into walls and ceilings is pure comedy gold but viewers cant help but feel sorry for the little guy, who is obviously trying his hardest to succeed. Therefore, when he begins to weep at his failure and his trainer, Mr B, allows him to launch the spaceship, the message of the short becomes apparent. Suggesting that we should all strive to do our best and take pride in this rather than success alone, Lifted features a very strong moral message that resonates with adults and children alike. Combined with the cute animation of Stu, Lifted is an excellent entry into the studios canon of short films. 09. TIN TOY (1988)
Pixars second foray into animated short films,
Tin Toy, is the first to feature a strong moral message. When Tinny the toy soldier discovers that his new owner, Billy, is not that nice, he decides to hide under the boys bed. Discovering a host of toys living in similar fear, it is only when Billy falls and hurts himself that Tinny discovers the courage to go out and cheer the boy up. Tin Toy deals with the reality of having to put somebody else before ourselves - something that we all inevitably have to do at some point in our lives - even if we get hurt in the process. The frustration of this act is highlighted in the fact that Tinny is quickly discarded by Billy, who becomes more engrossed in the box and plastic bag the toy arrived in. Suggesting that performing such a good deed as putting others first can often go unnoticed by the benefactor, Tin Toy also implies that others may benefit and appreciate it (as evidenced by the toys that manage to escape Billys room). Interestingly, Tinny was originally envisioned as the protagonist for
Toy Story, which came into development through this original idea of toys coming to life. However, during the development of the film a cowboy ventriloquist dummy became more central to the plot, replacing the tin soldier. Eventually becoming the Woody we all know and love, the cowboy dummy and Tinny helped create the world of CGI animated toys that many of us cherish!
08. JACK-JACK ATTACK (2005)
Born out of a scene that had to be cut from the feature film
The Incredibles (2005),
Jack-Jack Attack is one of the few Pixar shorts that was never theatrically released (instead premiering on the DVD release of the film). After the original scene in the feature film was shortened, the missing elements were expanded into this hilarious short. Focusing on the trouble the youngest Incredible, Jack-Jack, gives his babysitter Kari, the film combines oodles of comedy with a healthy dollop of action. As Jack-Jack has a rip-roaring time spontaneously combusting and passing through solid matter, it is the hilariously horrified expressions on Karis face and the development of her character that make this short so entertaining. The interrogation sequences between Kari and Rick Dicker are hilarious, as the hysterical teenager claims all she wants to do is forget the incident (something the latter is more than happy to oblige as he effectively erases her memory!). The remaining scene in The Incredibles is one of the funniest, but Jack-Jack Attack takes this to new heights, suggesting that Pixars shorts can be as equally entertaining as their theatrical releases.
07. MIKES NEW CAR (2002)
Monsters Incs lead characters found their way into an additional adventure in this short film that accompanied the DVD release of the feature film. As usual, the short combines humour with a deeper, underlying message. Here tackling the onslaught of technology and progression of gadgets (which to be fair adds a sense of irony to the piece seeing Pixar themselves have benefitted from this, as well as being pioneers in the field of CGI animation), which humanity does not necessarily need, it focuses on Mike and his new car. Mikes pride in his new technologically advanced motor James Bond himself would be seething with jealousy! is offset comically against Sullys inability to work on of the supplementary features. The film concludes with Mike deducting that it may be easier to simply walk to work and the subtle environmental message becomes apparent here: whilst technology is meant to be making our lives easier, it rarely does, and nothing is more important than ditching the gadgets and getting back to nature!
06. BOUNDIN (2003)
Another inspirational tale,
Boundin is a short with heart that tells the story of a popular dancing sheep who loses his confidence when he is sheared. Unable to dance due to his crippling shyness, a jackalope manages to convince him that he can carry on no matter what knocks him down! The ability to pick oneself up and carry on is one of lifes most difficult lessons, but Boundin helps suggest that confidence is something we all have if we dig deep inside ourselves. This is also the first Pixar short to include dialogue, helping cement the underlying message.In addition to this, the lush scenery that sets the scene makes this one of the most visually striking of the studios short films too. The rich colours and vibrant textures gives it a sense of high production value thats similar to the companys feature films. If Boundin is one of your favourite shorts too, definitely check out the Easter egg on the Cars DVD, which features a new version of the story with Mater as the jackalope and Lightening McQueen as the lamb certainly heaps funnier than this version, even if it does lack an element of the moralistic and inspiring underlying narrative.
05. KNICK KNACK (1989)
The last of Pixars short films to be made before they created the feature length
Toy Story in 1995,
Knick Knack was originally produced in 3D. Focusing on the story of a snowman within a snow globe who longs to reach a pretty girl in a bikini (part of a similar holiday souvenir), the short film looks at what fools love makes us! As the snowman frantically tries to escape the confines of his existence he is pushed further and further in his bid to reach the pretty girl. As his attempts fail to free him he eventually finds himself still trapped, only at the bottom of a goldfish bowl! Essentially, the film suggests that we should make the best of our situations and keep our heads when we fall head over heels in love! Combining laugh out loud comedy with some impressive animation, Knick Knack is a satirical short that has slightly more edge than some of the studios later, more moralistic tales. This is probably best exemplified by the fact creator
John Lasseter decided to reduce the size of the female knickknacks breasts in the version that accompanied the
Finding Nemo DVD release!
04. FOR THE BIRDS (2002)
In a tale that berates bullying on the grounds of looks and suggests that the tormented inevitably have the last laugh (even when facing a majority),
For The Birds combines humour with another strong sense of morality. Poetic justice creates comedy through a series of events that sees the ostracised bird get his revenge on the group of birds who mock him. At the same time the short suggests that we shouldnt all be sheep (or birds in this case) and follow the crowd. It implies that by doing so we lose our individuality, which is something thats very important. The unique bird wins out in the end, cementing the fact that our individuality is what makes us special. This important message plays well to both adults and children, teaching an important life lesson to the latter. On a more superficial level, the film is just plain hilarious! The close attention to detail in both visual and character development areas is what makes the short so successful. As the small birds originally land on the telephone wire there is a sense of their individuality: one is obviously a bully, another snobby, a further one very chirpy and the final one rather neurotic. However, as more birds land they all merge into one mass, loosing these character traits and demonstrating how a clique mentality can in fact be a bad thing.
03. LUXO JR (1986)
The second project from the studio is this charming two and a half minute short that features the hopping lamp that has become synonymous with the brand. Demonstrating exactly what the studio was capable of achieving, the film was pioneering back in 1986. Remaining impressive to this day,
Luxo Jr demonstrates a great understanding of light and shadow as the animators expertly demonstrate how the desk lamps glow reflects and cast shadows over objects. The narrative demonstrates an element of a parent/child relationship, as the younger lamp attempts to balance on a small rubber ball. As the larger lamp overlooks the younger, the usually inanimate objects take on characters of their own: the little one appearing inquisitive and eager to explore, the older showing a wisdom and sense of pride over the former. Perhaps foreseeing their future collaborations with Disney, Luxo Jr is the first of the studios productions to epitomise the importance of family. For this reason, it is undoubtedly one of the studios greatest works, as it manages to demonstrate their entire ethos in such a short time.
02. DAY & NIGHT (2010)
Released in accompaniment to
Toy Story 3, this short initially failed to impress me. However, after some subsequent viewings the subtle nuances of the finer details and the overarching sentimental message struck me, helping me realise the true power of these few short minutes. The fundamental, moralistic message that ultimately there is something inside all of us that is similar (even if we dislike someone terribly) is perfectly executed through the characters of
Day and Night. Whilst I would be loathed to suggest that we should seek to discover similarities between ourselves and the likes of Hitler, Bin Laden or Hussain, the message that we are all the same is a touching one in the current era of terrorism, wars and hardships. As well as employing a strong message, Day & Night is constructed incredibly well. The variety of everyday events that happen on Earth during both times cleverly form symbolic moments of each characters existence. Whether its the running water symbolising Days morning pee or howl of a wolf representing Nights attraction to a girl on Days beach, the narrative is expertly created to be both funny and intelligent. With a thoroughly positive message, this is one short film that all children (and adults!) need to see. A subtle but important point that we are all alike is executed in an accessible and light way, making this one of Pixars most important shorts.
01. PRESTO (2008)
In comparison to some of Pixars other shorts,
Presto may appear to pack less of a moral message in its narrative, but for sheer imagination and perfect execution it is my personal favourite for their greatest short accolade. Whilst Presto certainly tries to point out how we should respect those around us and realise that they play important roles in our lives, the real power of the film comes in its hilarious setting and series of events. The magicians mischievous rabbit sidekick, Alec Azam, is both adorable and cheeky, using his burning desire for a carrot and his knowledge of Prestos magic to turn the tables on his master. Reminiscent of the classic cartoons Disney and other notable studios such as Warner Brothers were famous for in the early to mid 20th century, Pixar takes a similar timeless setting (a vaudeville stage) and updates it for contemporary audiences through their distinct brand of animation and successful characterisation style. Similarly, the look of Presto was based on the classic Hollywood actor
William Powell and Alec could easily be compared to Bugs Bunny, further adding to the sense of nostalgia. Combining humour (who could forget the simple but side-splittingly funny moments when Prestos fingers are shut in a mouse trap or hes hit in the face with an egg!?) with an element of slapstick that was employed during the silent films of the era the narrative is set in, Pixar have created a charming hark back to the good ol days thats accessible to audiences both young and old. Influenced by locations such as the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera House and the Geary in San Francisco, the production proved challenging when the prospect of creating a 2500-strong audience in the theatre was deemed too expensive to create. Overcoming the problem by only showing the patrons from behind, the studio helped emerge the human audience into the action and create a short film that is not easily forgotten! Do you agree? Disagree? Have your own suggestions? This is a fairly personal Top 10, but if you have your own take or would like to say something, let us know and leave a comment below!