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 and the studio's first sequel, expanding the racing world of the original into a globe-spanning espionage adventure. Released under Walt Disney Pictures, it shifted focus toward international competition and gadgetry, introducing an ensemble of new racers while retaining Lightning McQueen at its center. Though a divisive entry critically, it remains a significant commercial chapter in the franchise and a favorite among younger audiences and completists tracking Pixar's theatrical run.
This cell brings together Lightning McQueen with rivals Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki, placing the reel squarely in the film's World Grand Prix racing circuit, the narrative engine driving the sequel's plot. McQueen remains the franchise's anchor character, the one figure collectors most want represented across formats. Francesco and Shu round out the competitive field introduced for this outing, each tied to a different racing nation and team. A 35mm cell featuring this trio captures a moment from the actual theatrical print, a physical artifact of the race sequences that define the film's structure.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Cars 2 (2011)
Gauge
35mm, four perforations per frame visible on both edges; the strip holds three frames
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced, cleanly punched with no torn or deformed holes visible
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, consistent with an analog stereo print; Dolby Digital data blocks appear present in the inter-perforation gaps on the same edge
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to quote alphanumeric codes
Base & colour
Base appears with a slight cyan-blue tint typical of modern safety stock; dye image reads as neutral with no visible red shift or fading
Projection history
No splices, cue marks or prominent scratches are visible in this capture
Picture
Positive color image; all three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single shot, and the animated imagery is consistent with Cars 2 (2011)
Era check
The combination of analog variable-area optical track, Dolby Digital inter-perforation data blocks, and cyan-tinted polyester safety base is consistent with a theatrical release print from the 2011 era
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 000063495
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
