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, released by Walt Disney Pictures as a sequel to the studio's 2006 hit. It pushed the franchise into globe-trotting espionage territory, pairing Lightning McQueen with Mater on an international racing circuit that doubled as a spy caper. Though it split critics on release, the film remains a key entry in Pixar's history as the studio's first true sequel, and it expanded the Cars universe into the merchandising and theme park juggernaut that continues today.
This cell centers on Lightning McQueen in a racing context, placing him squarely in his defining element. McQueen is the franchise's flagship character, the rookie sensation whose arc from selfish speedster to seasoned competitor anchors the entire series. A frame built around racing captures the pure competitive spirit that made the character a merchandising phenomenon and a favorite among collectors seeking his most recognizable, on-track identity. Such a cell represents a foundational piece of 35mm film history from a franchise that reshaped how animated characters are marketed and remembered.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm Dolby Digital composite 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 running along one edge beside the picture area, consistent with an analog stereo print; Dolby Digital pixel blocks appear present in the inter-perforation gaps on the same edge, indicating a Dolby Digital SR·D composite track.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to quote characters reliably.
Base & colour
Base appears with a slight blue-cyan tint typical of modern safety polyester stock; dye image reads as warm-orange and yellow, consistent with a healthy color print.
Projection history
No visible splices; faint longitudinal lines consistent with projection wear are present across the frame area.
Picture
Positive color image; three frames appear to show consecutive moments of a single continuous shot, consistent with a release print of Cars 2 (2011).
Era check
The composite analog variable-area plus Dolby Digital optical soundtrack, polyester base with cyan tint, and positive color image are all 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 000063501
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
