Were you one of the fortunate ones who got to see the "The Science Behind Pixar" traveling exhibit before the Coronavirus shut everything down? We were blessed to get in while it was at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
A "Wallpaper" of characters.
As a guest, you begin- where else?- in a theater that introduces the process animators use to create a film. Everything from story and character development to backgrounds. Our hostess explained that before she could work there, she had to become familiar with every Pixar animated film; more than enough to be able to answer questions of anyone attending the museum's exhibit.
The variety of artwork displayed was Incredible!
A life size Buzz Lightyear greets you just outside the theater, creating the perfect photo opportunity; one of many placed throughout so visitors can get a taste of what it's like to encounter characters at their favorite Disney theme park.
Next, it's on to the individual displays highlighting the process. How did they create surfaces? How did they make special effects? How could viewers get a bugs eyed view of the world? How did characters stretch, move, and display emotion? So many questions to answer, and the folks who bring it all together instruct the audience using film and hands on activities to teach in a very entertaining manner. All this learning going on and not one complaining kid (or adult) to be found!
Each of the different Pixar films brought unique elements that had to be created. To tell the story of each process, the displays use different interactive elements, everything from puzzles and games, to bug eyed lenses and more. Visitors are given the opportunity to create their own sound effects, change colors on background landscapes to evoke a particular mood, and more.
The tapestry above, for Brave, is actually just a high gloss piece of very large paper with a design created entirely on the computer. I wouldn't have believed it for myself unless I was able to touch it.
On the way out the exit, the last wall displays one of the most mesmerizing pieces. A huge mural recreates Miguel from Coco as he first gazes upon The Land of the Dead. The brilliant colors dazzle your eyes!
What will the experts at Pixar have to think up next as they flesh out each individual film? It's hard to say. But one thing is certain, it will be amazing! And it will make for even more behind the scenes stories for traveling exhibits such as these.
(Photographs copyright Mark Taft. "Flying Buzz" right from Pixar.)
