Will Pixar’s Next Project “Up” Be a Traditional 2D Animated Film?
Yesterday our friends over at The Movie Blog posted a promotional image from Pixar’s next project, a movie called simply Up. There isn’t much known about the movie at this point, other than the fact that it will be directed by Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.) and that it stars a 70-year-old man who joins forces with a wilderness ranger to travel the globe and fight monsters. At the very least, the fact that the hero is not a young kid is certainly something different.
Now, the curious thing about the promotional image for the movie is that it would seem to indicate that the movie is going to be a traditional 2D film. Could Pixar really be trying their hand at a non-CG flick? It’s entirely possible that this is just a piece of concept artwork with no bearing on what the final product will look like, however, I haven’t been able to find any official mention of the movie being computer animated either. Anyone who bought the Ratatouille DVD knows that Pixar produced a 2D short for it called Your Friend The Rat, and there were rumours way back in 2003 that Pixar was starting up a 2D Animation Division. Maybe I’m grasping at straws here, but it does seem like it’s at least a possibility, no matter how remote. Personally I’d love to see what Pixar could do with a feature length 2D movie. CGI is fine, but a little variety out there in theatres would be great… don’t you agree?
Comments (8)
This would be awesome. I love the plot summary.
Posted by Mike on January 29th, 2008I read somewhere that this is just concept art for the film, not an actual CG still of what’s in production.
Posted by Liz on January 29th, 2008Whatever style of animation used, the story sounds interesting. I’m pretty excited for the project.
On a somewhat related note, did anyone else see the new Goofy short film that played in front of National Treasure: Book of Secrets? It was great to see Disney going back to an old formula like that. It was probably the best part of that theater-going experience.
Posted by Aaron on January 29th, 2008I am actually completely tired of the CG-only world of animation that we live in. I have nothing against CG movies, but I guess it’s just to a point where the novelty of it has worn off. I’ve liked all of the CG films that I’ve seen (with the exception of “Cars”), but jeez– I just want to see some old-fashioned cartoons out there. Brad Bird did it with “The Iron Giant” and everybody loved that film. I don’t see why 2D has been considered so passe for so long. Isn’t getting to a point where CG is passe? As you guys have said before, I’m no longer amazed at the animators skill with creating realistic water physics. Draw something already!
Posted by Jon Rocks on January 29th, 2008I’d Love to see a 2D from Pixar,the cant make anything bad,even their worst(Cars) is better than almost 80 percent of non pixar animations.
Posted by emad on January 30th, 2008I would love love love this. The concept sounds awesome, plus that promo still looks a bit reminiscent of Miyazaki’s style (no surprise there). Here’s hoping…
Posted by Derek on January 30th, 2008This is kind of off the subject, but does anyone know if there are any 2d concept artist/traditional 2d animator positions in the Los Angeles area?
Posted by boddicker on February 15th, 2008I have just browsed the internet for a bit this evening after see Spirit, stallion of the cimaron. (2002) I really really love that movie! And it almost makes me cry at the beauty of the animation and music. I am also sad because the art of the “old style” animation seems to be lost. No one has made a great animated movie in years! I have nothing against CG, but I would love to see another great animated film in theatres again. (sigh)
Posted by Panther on September 1st, 2008Leave a Reply