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 its first true sequel, expanding the Radiator Springs universe into a globe-trotting spy caper. Directed once again by John Lasseter, the film paired Lightning McQueen's world with international racing circuits and espionage plotting centered on Mattel's tow truck, Mater. Though it split critics on tone, it remains historically significant as Pixar's pivot toward larger, more commercial franchise filmmaking, and it expanded the Cars brand into one of the studio's most lucrative merchandising lines, keeping this era of Pixar production highly collectible among 35mm archivists.
This cell holds a frame from the Opening Credits, the sequence that sets the film's identity before a single scene of dialogue unfolds. Opening credits reels are prized by collectors because they capture a production's earliest visual signature, the studio branding, title typography, and tonal introduction meant to orient the audience. As a physical artifact, this cell preserves that threshold moment, the transition from anticipation into narrative, making it a foundational piece for anyone assembling a complete Cars 2 reel history.
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 torn or missing perforations visible.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible along the bottom edge, with what appears to be a Dolby Digital data block pattern in the inter-perforation gaps on the lower edge; a DTS timecode line also appears present along the lower edge area.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at readable resolution; no key numbers or manufacturer text can be confirmed.
Base & colour
Base appears with a slight blue-green tint consistent with modern safety stock; the dye image on the frames appears neutral black with no visible colour shift.
Projection history
No scratches, splice marks, or cue marks are visible in this capture.
Picture
Positive image; all three frames show the same 'FROM Disney·PIXAR' title card, consistent with a title sequence from the film on record.
Era check
The combination of Dolby Digital inter-perforation data blocks, DTS timecode, variable-area optical track, and blue-tinted polyester safety base is consistent with a 2011 theatrical release print.
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 000063499
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
