Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Cars 2 arrived from Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures in 2011, a sequel that pushed the studio's flagship franchise into globe trotting espionage territory. Following the massive success of the original Cars, this installment expanded the world with international racing circuits and a spy plot layered atop the series' small town charm. It marked a shift in tone for Pixar, drawing mixed reviews from critics even as it performed well commercially, and it remains a notable chapter in the studio's history for how it balanced beloved characters with a more ambitious, action driven narrative.
This cell centers on Tow Mater, the rusty tow truck whose loyalty and unpolished humor made him a fan favorite from the first film. His unexpected pull into international intrigue is a core thread of Cars 2, and collectors seek out Mater cells because his character carries much of the franchise's heart and comic identity. A 35mm cell preserves a physical fragment of that theatrical run, a single frame excised from the reel itself, offering a tactile connection to the character's presence within the finished film rather than any promotional or behind the scenes material.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Cars 2 (2011)
Gauge
35mm, four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced, cleanly punched with rounded rectangular shape, no torn or deformed holes visible
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible along one edge, and a band consistent with Dolby Digital data blocks appears in the inter-perforation gaps on the same edge; a DTS timecode stripe appears as a thin line along the opposite edge
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read manufacturer text or key numbers
Base & colour
Base shows a cyan-teal tint consistent with a dye-coupler colour print stock; dye image appears neutral with no obvious red shift or fading
Projection history
No visible scratches, splice marks or cue marks seen
Picture
Positive colour image; all three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single continuous shot, consistent with an animated feature matching Cars 2 (2011)
Era check
The combination of Dolby Digital inter-perforation data blocks, DTS timecode stripe, variable-area optical track, and cyan-base colour print stock is consistent with a theatrical release print from the 2010s 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 000063509
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
