Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2

Pixar, the animation studio that created Toy Story, The Incredibles, Up! and other contemporary classics, has long used the short film format to nurture young talent within the company ranks. Compiling 12 titles, this second collection includes both original theatrical shorts that played before Pixar features and feature film spin-off shorts originally produced as DVD/Blu-ray extras. Among the latter are "BURN•E," the story of a repair robot set in the world of WALL•E, as well as shorts featuring the characters of Toy Story, Up!, and Cars. Although fun, these are minor larks compared to the best of the theatrical shorts here, including three Oscar nominees: "Presto" (2008), focusing on a wild battle of wits and magic between a stage magician and a rabbit who decides not to come out of the hat; "Day & Night" (2010), a retro-styled meeting of opposites who become friends; and the fable-like "La Luna" (2011), a lovely little fantasy about the moon, the stars, and a family of celestial sweepers. While all of these have been available previously—spread over many releases—this collection includes some fine bonus features: audio commentaries by the filmmakers, and student shorts from Pixar directors John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Pete Docter. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Axmaker)