The Pixar Touch

The Making of a Company

By: David A. Price

Narrated by: David Drummond

Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

The Pixar Touch is a lively chronicle of Pixar Animation Studios' history and evolution, and the "fraternity of geeks" who shaped it. With the help of visionary businessman Steve Jobs and animating genius John Lasseter, Pixar has become the gold standard of animated filmmaking, beginning with a short special effects shot made at Lucasfilm in 1982 all the way up through the landmark films Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, and others.

David A. Price goes behind the scenes of the corporate feuds between Lasseter and his former champion, Jeffrey Katzenberg, as well as between Steve Jobs and Michael Eisner. And finally he explores Pixar's complex relationship with the Walt Disney Company as it transformed itself into the $7.4 billion jewel in the Disney crown.

©2008 David A. Price (P)2008 Tantor

interesting to hear the back story of Pixar

listening made me want to go back and see all of the Pixar classics!

Computer animation history

Would you listen to The Pixar Touch again? Why?

It is not the type of book that warrants another listen. I have listened to books about Google, Apple, and Amazon and this account fits well with the other corporate histories.

What did you like best about this story?

Not only was the book a history of Pixar, it was also a history of computer animation and the problems that had to be overcome.

Which scene was your favorite?

The book does not consist of scenes.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Some great characters in animation. It would have been nice to see visual examples of some of the technical problems and how they we're overcome.

Any additional comments?

The author spent considerable time discussing some of Pixar's greatest hits, such as Toy Story, Finding anemone, and Cars.

Important read for any Pixar nerd

This book gives insight into how Pixar was formed. I learned a lot of about the company that I didn’t know about! Then about halfway through, they delve into the beginnings of Toy Story and will give details of all the Pixar films that were made before 2007. You also get some insight into their short animations like “Luxo Jr.,” “Tin Toy,” and my favorite “Knick Knack”.
I hope they make a Volume 2 to discuss Pixar beyond 2007!

If you like Disney, Pixar, or Apple...

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I am a Computer Engineer by profession and so I couldn't get enough of the history of computer graphics at Pixar. More than a story of a company, this is the story of a collection of some of the greatest technical minds in graphics at the time who just happened to want to make films.

A must read for anyone in a technical field.

Not bad

Although I was expecting more analysis of each film in relation to the history of the company, the overall content was presented with authority and frankness. The ending of the audiobook, however, seemed too quick without much of a conclusion. Details of Steve Jobs' struggle to keep Pixar during his lean years was of most value, as was the way Jobs' orchestrated the IPO of Pixar with flair for maximum value. All in all, a valuable listen.

Documents the rise of Pixar

The book works through the details of how Pixar got it's start, the key people, the key funders, and then goes through the movies and how they got their start. It's well written, well read, and boring. Don't get me wrong, if you're an Apple fan boy and love all things Jobs you'll like this book.

I wanted to know why of all the failed computer graphics companies who this one made it. I was more interested in how company culture, or what decision were made that helped the company survive. Somehow the top managers convinces some pretty rich people to keep Pixar alive and pour money into it. They managed to keep people working for the sheer joy of working, etc. It's touched on briefly, but that's it. All in all a good documentation on the growth of Pixar, but that's all it.

Now I know why I love Pixar Movies

I'm so glad I read this book with my ears and not my eyes (otherwise I would have given up because of the pure complexity of the details provided). Amazed to learn how much goes into making a computer animated Movie, and how everything the Pixar team created has filtered down in some form to us mere mortals in our everyday use of computers.

The story has driven me to re-watch all my Pixar Movie Collection with a new enlightenment into the details I watch and take for granted, like the movement of fur on Sully in Monsters Inc. and the detail required for movement of clothing and hair in The Invincibles. The Pixar team are not just animators they are amazing mathematicians with vision.

Thank you Pixar.
(Helena, Mackay Qld Australia)

A Compelling Journey

What made the experience of listening to The Pixar Touch the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed this book because I love the Pixar movies. It was neat to hear about the history of the company and the process behind the movies made me want to watch them all again.

The origins of the magic

The story of Pixar's writings is almost too strange to believe. A hardware company saved by a financial in flow of capital lifeblood from Jobs as he was having his Apple ripped from his control that evolved into to cutting edge digital animation pioneer that has created an empire and endeared the hearts of generations of children. The artistic roots run deep to the grand old masters of Disney's past but the roots are nourished with the blood sweet and tears of the new generation of story tellers and artists armed with their evolving digital tool set.

Details the history of Pixar

It gave an accurate and interesting history of the company and details it's big struggles and successes. Also touches on the history of animated film, to the extent that Pixar influenced it. Deals with most events in a factual manner, rather than as an interesting story. Not the most captivating book, but definitely not boring.