Luxo Jr. (1986)

A larger lamp watches while a smaller, younger lamp plays exuberantly with a ball but doesn't pick up the knack of correct handling.

Director:

John Lasseter

Writer:

John Lasseter

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins.

Storyline

A larger lamp watches while a smaller, younger lamp plays exuberantly with a ball but doesn't pick up the knack of correct handling.

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Plot Keywords:

ball | computer animation | cgi animation | pixar animated film | anthropomorphism | 

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Genres:

Animation | Short | Family

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Pixar [us]"Luxo Jr." Site

Country:

USA

Release Date:

17 August 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die kleine Lampe

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pixar Animation Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

2 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film sent shock waves throughout the industry. At the time most animators were fearful of the computer; Luxo Jr. made them appreciate that it was just another tool.

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Crazy Credits

Featured at the beginning of the re-released version: "In 1986 Pixar Animation Studios produced its first film. This is why we have a hopping lamp in our logo."

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Connections

Referenced in Looo (2005)

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Soundtracks

"The Game Maker"
Written by Chick Corea
Performed by The Akoustic Band

User Reviews

Groundbreaking and unfairly snubbed by the Oscars

The plot is simple. It's about a little table lamp and its limited adventures--playing with a ball, hopping about, etc. None of it seems that amazing yet the film is still captivating and clever.

By today's standards, LUXO JR. is just an okay computer generated animated short. However, back in 1986, it was Earth-shaking, as no one had ever realized that computers could generate such beautiful graphics and breath life into, of all things, a desk lamp! When the film was released, computer geeks marveled at its complexity and it spurred on the CGI revolution we are in the midst of now. In light of this, it is amazing to me that this film was only nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film--losing to a mediocre film (A Greek TRAGEDY). I assume that those on the committee simply didn't know what to think of LUXO JR.--as the graphics and style was so revolutionary.