Hard-to-find ‘License Copy’ VHS tape containing the first three animated short films produced by Pixar: Luxo Jr., Red's Dream, and Tin Toy. Released through Direct Cinema Ltd. in 1988, this rare 12-minute-long tape contains three of Pixar’s earliest and most groundbreaking creations, works that led to the future advancement of animated film and television. The VHS label reads, in part: “LUXO Jr./RED’S DREAM/TIN TOY, Produced by PIXAR, Directed by J. Lasseter & W. Reeves.” In fine condition.
Released in 1986, Luxo Jr. was the first work of animation to use procedural animation, and it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film, becoming the first CGI film nominated for an Academy Award. The film is the source of Luxo Jr., the mascot of Pixar.
Red's Dream was released in 1987 and was written and directed by John Lasseter. The four-minute film stars Red, a unicycle, who fantasizes about one day becoming the star of a circus.
Released in 1988, Tin Toy was the third short film produced by Pixar’s small animation division. Due to the low revenue produced by Pixar's main product, the Pixar Image Computer, the company was under financial constraints and the project almost never happened. Lasseter pitched the concept for Tin Toy by storyboard to Pixar owner Steve Jobs, who agreed to finance the short despite the company's struggles. The risk was worth the reward. Tin Toy ultimately claimed Pixar's first Oscar with the 1988 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, becoming the first CGI film to win an Oscar. The short film later gained attention from Disney, who sealed an agreement to create Toy Story starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, which was primarily inspired by elements from Tin Toy.
