Features Computer animation and its constant leaps forward Animation never ceases to evolve, seemingly with every new release. But where did it begin, and will it have unintended effects?

“Toy Story,” the first computer animated feature film, began production at Pixar Animation Studios on Jan. 19, 1993.

Pixar was the first studio to release a computer-animated feature. The company's commitment to storytelling is key to its success.

This mildly spooky digital cat from 1961 represents the first-ever computer animated character in the history of filmmaking.

The actual explosion of the Genesis Device represents the first appearance of particle systems in computer animation, an innovation devised by Bill Reeves.

Ed Catmull, the Pixar Animation Studios co-founder who helped pioneer the computer-animation industry and led Walt Disney Co.’s animation business to its contemporary renaissance, is retiring.

Woody and Buzz Lightyear starred in the first computer animated feature film, but they aren’t the first examples of the technology in movies.

“Toy Story,” the first computer animated feature film, began production at Pixar Animation Studios on Jan. 19, 1993.

“Toy Story,” the first computer animated feature film, began production at Pixar Animation Studios on Jan. 19, 1993.

“Toy Story,” the first computer animated feature film, began production at Pixar Animation Studios on Jan. 19, 1993.

“Toy Story,” the first computer animated feature film, began production at Pixar Animation Studios on Jan. 19, 1993.