Red’s Dream (1987) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Red’s Dream” is a 1987 animated short film from Pixar, written and directed by John Lasseter. Although it’s one of Pixar’s lesser-known works, it played an important role in the studio’s early history, showcasing their burgeoning talent for storytelling through computer animation. Running just four minutes, this short is a bittersweet tale centered on Red, a lonely unicycle in a bike shop dreaming of a better life.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, animation style, and significance of “Red’s Dream,” as well as where you can stream or watch it online.
Plot Summary
Set on a rainy night in a downtown bicycle shop, “Red’s Dream” introduces us to Red, a single-wheeled unicycle tucked away in the corner of the store, marked down for clearance. As the shop closes for the evening, Red is left alone, a symbol of his isolation and abandonment.
As the film unfolds, Red begins to dream. In his fantasy, he imagines himself in the spotlight of a circus, performing alongside a clown. The spotlight shifts to Red as he gracefully spins and balances, becoming the star of the show. He revels in the applause and adoration, finally receiving the attention he craves. But, as with many dreams, reality soon returns, and Red is jolted back to his corner in the bike shop—still unsold, still lonely, still dreaming.
Animation and Style
“Red’s Dream” is a showcase of early computer-generated animation. Released in 1987, it is a remarkable achievement for its time, especially considering the limitations of the technology then available. The film was rendered using Pixar’s early RenderMan software, which was revolutionary in pushing the boundaries of 3D animation. Though the short might not have the visual polish of later Pixar films, its moody, rainy setting is an impressive technical feat that adds a layer of melancholy to the story.
The dream sequence is where Pixar’s creativity shines, using dynamic camera movements and expressive animation to bring Red’s circus performance to life. The contrast between the gloomy bike shop and the vibrant, colorful circus world helps emphasize the emotional journey Red goes through in his dream.
While the animation quality reflects the limitations of its time, the underlying emotions are communicated effectively, especially through Red’s simple but expressive design.
Themes and Emotional Impact
“Red’s Dream” is notably darker than most of Pixar’s later works, which are typically filled with optimism and joy. This short delves into themes of loneliness, unfulfilled potential, and the desire for recognition. Red, as an inanimate object, embodies the universal feeling of being overlooked and forgotten, resonating with anyone who has felt marginalized or ignored.
The short’s melancholic tone is reinforced by its rainy, nocturnal setting and the somber music score, composed by David Slusser. Even though the film ends on a bittersweet note—with Red still unsold and dreaming of a better life—the emotional depth of the story leaves a lasting impression.
“Red’s Dream” is a poignant reminder of Pixar’s ability to explore complex emotions and human experiences, even with a simple story and minimal dialogue. It’s a small but powerful narrative about longing and imagination, showing the roots of Pixar’s storytelling prowess.
Significance in Pixar’s History
“Red’s Dream” holds an important place in Pixar’s early history. It was one of the first short films produced by the studio during its formative years and served as a platform for experimenting with new technologies in computer graphics. Released shortly after the studio’s first short film, “Luxo Jr.” (1986), “Red’s Dream” helped cement Pixar’s reputation as a pioneer in computer animation.
The film also marked Pixar’s shift towards more emotionally driven stories, something that would define their future works. While “Red’s Dream” wasn’t as commercially successful as later shorts, it helped lay the foundation for Pixar’s signature blend of technical innovation and heartfelt storytelling.
Where to Watch “Red’s Dream” Online
While “Red’s Dream” may not be as widely available as Pixar’s blockbuster films, there are a few options for those looking to watch this early animated short.
Streaming Services
- Disney+ – As part of Pixar’s library, “Red’s Dream” is available to stream on Disney+. If you have a subscription to Disney+, you can easily access it under the Pixar short films collection, making it a great option for those who want to explore Pixar’s early works.
DVD and Blu-ray Options
For fans of physical media, you can also find “Red’s Dream” included in some Pixar collections:
- Pixar Short Films Collection, Volume 1 – “Red’s Dream” is featured in this collection, which includes many of Pixar’s early short films. This collection is available on both DVD and Blu-ray, making it a valuable addition for Pixar enthusiasts and animation fans.
- The Pixar Story (Bonus Feature) – In some versions of The Pixar Story documentary, which chronicles the history of Pixar, “Red’s Dream” is included as part of the bonus material. This documentary provides context to the development of early Pixar films and the technological breakthroughs that made them possible.
Conclusion
“Red’s Dream” is a hidden gem in Pixar’s early catalog, showcasing both the technical innovations and emotional depth that would later define the studio’s legacy. Though brief, the short film offers a poignant and bittersweet story about loneliness and the power of dreams, told through the lens of a forgotten unicycle. Its moody, atmospheric animation complements its deeper themes, making it a meaningful experience despite its simplicity.
For those interested in Pixar’s roots or the evolution of computer animation, “Red’s Dream” is a must-watch. Whether you stream it on Disney+ or explore it through Pixar’s short film collections, it’s a reminder of how far Pixar has come while maintaining its dedication to emotional storytelling.
