The Great Animation War

When Pixar’s Toy Story was released in theaters back in 1995, the world marveled. Back then, computer animation was exciting and new, and the film quickly achieved both critical and box office success. Little did we know that a decade later, digitally animated movies would be inching us closer to...

By Mike Sauer

January 10, 2008

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When Pixar’s Toy Story was released in theaters back in 1995, the world marveled. Back then, computer animation was exciting and new, and the film quickly achieved both critical and box office success. Little did we know that a decade later, digitally animated movies would be inching us closer to an animated apocalypse. While traditional cartoon films struggle to get green-lit, useless CGI drivel (we’re looking at you, Alvin and the Chipmunks) gets blasted across 3,000 screens on a weekly basis. The good part to this tale is the resurgence of hand-drawn cartoons – they’ve become much edgier and underground-oriented, like this year’s indie film hit, Persepolis.

The new exhibit, “Pioneers of Animation and Computer Art,” combines the history of both cell animation and computer-assisted art. Think of it as a truce for the time being. You’ll even get to view Jules Engel’s version of Alvin before his pixilated makeover (thank God). See Art and Technology hold hands at The Williams Gallery at Fine Art & Frames (7150 Stirling Rd., Davie) beginning January 12. Call 954-442-1551.
Sat., Jan. 12, 2008

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