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

A little interesting -- but tiring after a while

What did you like best about The Pixar Touch? What did you like least?

It is fascinating to know how little could be done in the early days. Even the most rudimentary computer animation took massive computers and completely new algorithms. Some of the behind the scenes information around story creation of Toy Story, Monsters, and Nemo was interesting as well.

Would you recommend The Pixar Touch to your friends? Why or why not?

For someone interested in computers, animation, or programming -- probably so. For others, it might be too dry/boring.

Was The Pixar Touch worth the listening time?

Just barely. I had to leave it and come back to it a week later a few different times to make it through.

Interesting "pixels"

What other book might you compare The Pixar Touch to and why?

Steve Jobs biography.

Any additional comments?

Interesting book about the dawn of todays best storytelling group - how technology, talent, individuals and percistance has payed off! Interesting info on the behind scenes of each film!

It's got the touch

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

An inspiring story for anyone with a dream.

What about David Drummond’s performance did you like?

Drummond's performance fits the story well.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The Pixar movies are even more fun to watch for all the little tributes to other work they contain.

decent

decent story was expecting something or wanted something a little bit different however, still decent.

Fantastic book

This is a very well assembled collection of stories from different sources that come together in an entertaining and cohesive way

More background information

Would you try another book from David A. Price and/or David Drummond?

I would try more books. Reading some background information about companies that capture the imagination of people is interesting.

not bad

fact filled but ironically not a great compelling story with the exception of 60 second stories about an incident with a key player.

Very thorough

If you want to know what personal events lie in the history of all the major players that contribute to Pixar's culture, both friend and foe, this is the book for you. It goes into many backstories of the Disney Feature Animation Studios, Apple Computer, Industrial Light & Magic and other such behemoths because they're all very relevant to shaping Pixar. I already knew much of this general story before reading, but I learned sooooo much more and found every chapter enlightening and reflective. I ended up buying this book as a gift for a fellow artist, I couldn't stop talking about it to him.

In short, if you enjoyed the Pixar Story on the WALL-E DVD, you'll find this even more delicious and much more detailed.

Really enjoyed it!

If you could sum up The Pixar Touch in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, accurate, exciting

What about David Drummond’s performance did you like?

It was clear and not over dramatic

Any additional comments?

I thought this was a fantastic audio book. I personally really enjoyed it because I am in the computer graphics industry. But I do think this would make a great listen for everyone who is even remotely interested in computer graphics or computer science.

Great story

If you could sum up The Pixar Touch in three words, what would they be?

I bought this audiobook for 2 reasons, I wanted to know more about Pixar, and I knew Steve Jobs played a huge part in making it what it is today. Great story.

What other book might you compare The Pixar Touch to and why?

The book about Steve Jobs and his history with Apple. Because its another great book.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The amount of Jobs personal money that he put into Pixar.