The Difference Between Disney and Pixar: A Guide for Parents and Movie Lovers

As parents, it's our responsibility to guide our children in understanding the differences between fantasy and reality through the media we consume. In this guide, we will dive into the unique aspects that set Disney and Pixar apart, from their animation techniques to the stories they tell.

Ownership and Collaboration

One of the first things to note is that Disney owns Pixar. However, this doesn't mean they are the same entity in every aspect. Pixar and Disney have a close collaboration, with different groups of writers and animators. Both companies share a common parent company, but they maintain their unique identities and creative processes.

Animation Techniques

Disney is known for its traditional 2D animation, which has its roots in hand-drawn artistry. Their early films like Snow White, Pinocchio, Aladdin, and The Lion King showcase this timeless technique. However, their recent works often combine 2D and 3D animation, as seen in Tangled, Frozen, and Big Hero 6.

In contrast, Pixar focuses on CGI (Computer Graphics Imagery). This means that Pixar's movies are fully rendered computer-animated films, giving their characters and settings a highly detailed and realistic look. Pixar's films such as Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, and more recent entries like Moana and Frozen exemplify this approach.

Source Material and Original Characters

When it comes to the source material for their stories, Disney often draws from existing fairy tales, literature, and folklores. This is evident in recent films like Frozen (inspired by the story of The Snow Queen) and Moana (containing elements from Polynesian mythology). Even their original stories, like Frozen, Coco, and Big Hero 6, have roots in existing narratives.

Pixar, on the other hand, tends to create more original characters and stories. While Brave is based on the folktale The Bear and the Bow, most of their films feature entirely new worlds and characters. Coco, for instance, is a unique story crafted by Pixar, showcasing the differences in their creative approach.

Character Relatability

One of the key differences between Disney and Pixar lies in their ability to capture the essence of real human emotion. Pixar's characters are designed to be more relatable, with a higher level of realism. This is evident in films like Coco, where the characters feel more like people you might know or become.
To illustrate this difference, watch the trailer for Coco and compare it to Moana. While both films are excellent, the extraordinarily realistic animation in Coco allows for a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience.

Conclusion

Both Disney and Pixar are incredibly talented and respected in the animation industry, but they each bring a unique approach to storytelling and character development. Understanding these differences is crucial for parents who want to guide their children in comprehending and appreciating the nuances of media consumption.

Whether you prefer the fantasy and nostalgia of Disney or the realism and creativity of Pixar, both brands offer invaluable lessons and entertainment for all ages. So, let's teach our children to appreciate the richness and diversity of stories and animations available to us.