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 spy territory. Following Cars' enormous merchandising success, this installment expanded the world with international settings and a fresh genre hook, blending espionage tropes with the series' anthropomorphic vehicle mythology. It marked a shift in tone for the franchise, leaning into gadgetry and intrigue while keeping its established cast at the center, and it remains a notable entry in Pixar's history as one of the studio's more divisive theatrical outings.
This cell brings together Finn McMissile, the suave secret agent whose introduction redefined the franchise's scope, and Mater, the tow truck whose everyman charm anchors the original films. Their pairing is the emotional and comedic backbone of Cars 2, mismatched partners thrown into a world of espionage. For collectors, a cell featuring both characters together captures the film's central dynamic, the fish out of water tow truck alongside a polished operative, representing the heart of the sequel's premise on a single strip of 35mm.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm colour release print of Cars 2 (2011).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three complete frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced, cleanly punched with no torn or deformed holes visible.
Soundtrack
Not visible in this capture; the area beside the picture frames is obscured by the decorative border overlay.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture; the decorative border overlay covers both edges where key numbers and safety text would appear.
Base & colour
Base appears neutral to very slightly cool; dye image shows strong, saturated colour with no visible fading or red shift.
Projection history
No scratches, splice marks, or cue marks are visible in this capture.
Picture
Positive colour image; all three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single shot, consistent with Cars 2 (2011) animated content.
Era check
A saturated colour positive print on what appears to be a neutral-base stock is consistent with a 2011 theatrical release print; no soundtrack area is confirmable due to the overlay.
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 000063514
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
