Here’s how Pixar films aren’t lost in translation when viewed in countries outside the US
We’ve come a long way since the debut of movies back at the turn of the century. They moved people not just in the United States where they started, but eventually into every part of the globe.
Even Walt Disney’s animated films were gained international attention since his first film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, debuted in Japan in 1957. But while the animation and story itself remained the same, language was indeed a barrier to enjoyment for Japanese audiences.
Over time, however, other barriers like culture would eventually become another roadblock in having one version of the film distributed to other countries.
Language and culture are still if not more heavily focused on even when the main film for US audiences is being created. The complexity of original storytelling elements that are used a lot in Pixar’s films are a perfect example of where filmmakers work their magic to create a unique experience for all the audiences that are eager to see the film around the globe.
In addition to language, certain visual elements, though relatively small, could have a big impact on the viewing experience depending on who is watching. For example in Pixar’s “Inside Out” while audiences in the US version of the film saw little Riley in the beginning montage being forced to eat broccoli, the Japanese version of the film has her being forced to eat bell peppers. Why? Because the Japanese think broccoli actually tastes good.
You can see even more examples of how the US versions of Pixar films differ from the international versions in the video above. As you’ll see, something like a reference of eating your vegetables can totally alter the way you fully enjoy a film.
