Today, well yesterday August 16 (I hate being late to the parade, but alas) marks the 25th anniversary of Pixar Animation Studios, and the birth of a production company that changed the cinematic landscape and possibilities of animated features. On August 16, 1986, Pixar launched it's very first short, entitled Luxo Jr., a sprightly little ditty involving a lamp and a little lamp, and a definitive, iconoclastic logo is born. Headed by Steve Jobs and launched by the creativity and ingenuity by John Lasseter, I wonder if back then anyone had a clue what would form. Nine years later, the first completely computer generated animated feature, and instant, bona fide classic was made in Toy Story. The film reaped huge box office, and Special Achievement Academy Award for Lasseter, as well as a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination; the first time the Academy ever acknowledged a cartoon for its writing. In the years since, Pixar has become the leader and beacon of hope for original, creative storytelling, coupled with technological breakthroughs. Let's all hope that the minor blip in credibility by this years release of Cars 2 will re-envision this grand dream palace for filmmaking for decades to come. Happy Birthday Pixar!
The film that started it all-- Luxo Jr.
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