PIXAR @ the Oakland Museum of California

Ever wonder what Woody and Buzz could have looked like? Or why does some of Sulley's hair moves when its windy but other hairs stay still?

If you love Nemo, Bug's Life, Toy's Story and everything PIXAR --you must go to the Oakland Museum of California. I brought my nine year old son and he was surprisingly captivated. What I thought was going to be just a couple of rooms of memorabilia ended up being six or seven large spaces of detailed drawings and story boards.

You'll see the analysis of Sulley's hair (blue monster in Monster's Inc) and which follicles respond to wind vs. body creases; early conceptual drawings of Edna Mode short (lady with big glasses in The Incredibles); and color palates for each film (major difference between Bug's Life and Ratatouille).

There were a few computers (too few for my taste) where you could hear more on the back story, art, director of some of the films. Kids were lined up for that so I felt compelled to get my son off so that others would have a chance. I think its the same stuff you get on the DVD -- behind the scenes stuff, but I'm not sure.

My favorite area was the room where they showed shorts -- those 3 minute PIXAR films that they show before the big feature film. Remember "Tin Toy" (toy terrorized by slobbering baby) or "Knick Knack" (snowman stuck in snow globe tries to escape to visit "Sunny Miami" chick on other end of bookshelf)? A bunch of us plopped down on the floor to watch but the guard kindly said we hand to stand so that we weren't blocking the exhibits on the wall.

My son's favorite area was the Zoetrope. Imagine a dark room with a giant lazy susan in the middle and a bunch of Toy Story characters on it merry-go-round style. When its slow, it looks like a bunch of repetitive toys. But when it spins, there is this illusion of Buzz light year jumping on balls, Woody riding Bullseye and army men parachuting. Very, very cool.

I parked at a two-hour meter but had to refresh it because we stayed there over three hours. Be sure to bring lots of quarters. Or better yet, take Bark as the museum is only 1.5 blocks from the Lake Merritt BART station.

Now I'm PiXAR inspired and need to rent all the DVDs. Totally forgot my son hasn't seen Toy Story One. I'll definitely go back to the museum to see all the basics. Be sure to see PIXAR exhibit soon as I think it will only be there until January 9, 2011.

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[39thwave]

@killerX429 -- sorry my reply is too late. The PIXAR exhibit was only a temporary one. I don't know if its going to travel anywhere, but if you do go -- it's really suitable for all ages.

[JosephTRice]

Hello. I wasn't sure whether this would be something that my kids (ages 4 1/2 and 2/12) would be interested in. They love the Pixar characters, but I wasn't sure whether a "museum" would hold their interest. However, thanks to your video, I am now extremely excited to spend a weekend visiting both the museum and family in the East Bay. Thank you, thank you , thank you for your wonderful video.

Joseph - Sacrameno

[39thwave]

@JosephTRice -- it will be worth the trek to Oakland. The kids will have fun running around the place. I was informed by a friend that there is parking UNDERNEATH the building that has very reasonable prices.  I know your family will have a great time!

[terlewill]

Hi Sabina

I reviewed your Hodo and Mama Royal videos, also. Whatever you current job is, you need to change professions and become a Travel and Eatery Commentary Specialist (TECS). We all need your pleasant humor, good taste, community-mindedness, and engaging smile. If I have time, I'll peek at your Seoul and skiing pieces next. Keep us smiling!!

[39thwave]

@terlewill Gosh what a HUGE compliment. In my real life -- I'm a realtor in San Francisco and East Bay. I just find the medium of video so fun and a way to share the gems in our community. --Sabrina

[terlewill]

Thank you, Sabrina, for showcasing yet another jewel in Oakland and for wholesomely countering the unbalanced media addiction of a negative view of our wonderful city. The Oakland Museum of CA is unique and fun and your presentation was cool to watch. TLW

[39thwave]

@terlewill Thanks so much. I post these random videos never knowing who will watch or enjoy. Glad you did.  I have a couple of other Oakland-related videos. One on the Hodo Soy Beanery and Mama's Royal Cafe. --Sabrina

[killerX429]

Do you think this museum would be suitable for my girlfriend and me to visit? We're 20, but i know she really likes Pixar.

[Miley4nick]

I js went there yesterday but they said we couldnt take our cells or cameras cuz of copyright issues