Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Cars 2 arrived in 2011 as Pixar's tenth feature, a Disney release that expanded the world of Radiator Springs into an international spy caper. Coming after the studio's celebrated run of Toy Story 3, Up, and WALL-E, it marked a shift toward pure franchise adventure, prioritizing gadgetry and globe-trotting set pieces over the introspective tone of its predecessors. Whatever its critical reception, the film proved a commercial force, spawning toys, shorts, and a lasting merchandising presence, and it cemented Cars as one of Pixar's most durable properties for young audiences and collectors alike.
This cell centers on Lightning McQueen, the franchise's original star and the character most responsible for the series' popularity, here shown in the act that defines him: racing. A strip built around motion on the track speaks to the character's core identity, stripped of spy plot or supporting cast, returning to the simple appeal that launched the franchise in 2006. For collectors, a McQueen racing cell represents the character in his purest form, the image most closely tied to Cars as a whole rather than to this film's specific storyline, making it a foundational piece for any Cars-focused 35mm collection.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Cars 2 (2011).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced; punched edges appear clean with no visible tearing or distortion.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, consistent with a dual bilateral or single variable-area format.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read manufacturer codes or key numbers.
Base & colour
Base appears with a slight cool-neutral tint; dye image shows strong, saturated colour with no visible fading or red shift.
Projection history
No splices, cue marks or significant scratches are visible; the strip shows no obvious evidence of heavy projection use.
Picture
Positive colour image; all three frames appear to be from the same continuous shot and the colourful animated content is consistent with the CGI animated feature on record.
Era check
A 35mm positive print with variable-area optical soundtrack and saturated dye image is consistent with a 2011 theatrical release print era, when 35mm distribution with optical audio remained standard.
Read from the original intake capture shown below. Observations only — film is authenticated, not graded.
This original motion picture film element has been examined and authenticated by Crown Grading in partnership with National Film Vault, and encapsulated for archival preservation.
Why so little survivesRelease prints were leased to theaters, not sold. When the run ended they went back to the distributor to be destroyed, and most were. What collectors hold today came from the prints that escaped that order, and no new 35mm prints of these films are being struck.
CROWN SERIAL 000063491
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
