Director(s): John Lasseter
Date Released: 1989
Theatrically Released Alongside: Finding Nemo* (re-issued in 2003)
Knick Knack is an enjoyably simple short. Just four minutes of classic slapstick comedy alongside a catchy jazz tune. The plot has Pixar once again bringing toys to life, this time focusing on the collective knickknacks people store in their houses. Knick the snowman is invited by the curvaceous Sunny Miami to join her and her summer-themed friend’s party. Knick instantly accepts, but is trapped inside his “Nome Sweet Nome, Alaska” snow globe. High jinxes ensue as Knick tries various Wild E. Coyote tactics to desperately escape his enclosure.
Knick Knack was Pixar’s response to the recently released Who Framed Roger Rabbit—opting to forgo innovatory animation techniques in exchange for a pure Chuck Jones style of comedy . Fourteen years later, the studio would re-release Knick Knack theatrically together with Finding Nemo. The short remained largely the same, save for a huge reduction in Sunny Miami’s breast size (as well as her mermaid counterpart Sunny Atlantis):
Such change was not forced by Disney, as Lasseter opted to do so personally, quoting “it was our own choice. It was just crossing the line for me personally as a father." Knick Knack wouldn’t be complete without its featured acapella jazz—a catchy little number improvised by Bobby McFerrin while viewing the short’s rough cut (which remained unchanged for the final edition). The tune fits perfectly alongside Knick’s wacky antics, and I particularly enjoy the witty end credits where McFerrin sings “blah blah blah” over and over (the rough cut’s credits simply read blah blah blah, so McFerrin decided to sing just that). A fun, chill passing of four minutes, Knick Knack represents Pixar’s last animation during the 80s. The 90s would soon bring their first feature length films, including A Bug’s Life—combined with it a miniature masterpiece.
Such change was not forced by Disney, as Lasseter opted to do so personally, quoting “it was our own choice. It was just crossing the line for me personally as a father." Knick Knack wouldn’t be complete without its featured acapella jazz—a catchy little number improvised by Bobby McFerrin while viewing the short’s rough cut (which remained unchanged for the final edition). The tune fits perfectly alongside Knick’s wacky antics, and I particularly enjoy the witty end credits where McFerrin sings “blah blah blah” over and over (the rough cut’s credits simply read blah blah blah, so McFerrin decided to sing just that). A fun, chill passing of four minutes, Knick Knack represents Pixar’s last animation during the 80s. The 90s would soon bring their first feature length films, including A Bug’s Life—combined with it a miniature masterpiece.