Up (2009). The opening scenes of Up are a beautiful distillation of the life of Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), the movies main character. Comprising of a montage, we are shown him meeting his childhood sweatheart Ellie and there subsequent marriage. The narrative then explores the major events of their life together. The couple are not blessed with children and also have to sideline their ambitions to travel the world, due to the realities of work and married life. Ellie grows sick in her autumn years and dies leaving Carl a widower. The sequence plays out wordlessly against a winsome and understated score by Michel Giacchino. The emotional depth and craftsmanship apparent in these scenes are of a quality seldom seen in modern film making. They validate the skills of Pixar Animation Studios and the medium of animation.

The Black Hole (1979). Like many Disney's movies, The Black Hole has hidden depth and is more than just a late seventies Space Opera. The relationship between the anthropomorphic robots Bob and V.I.N.CE.N.T. has an interesting metaphysical subtext. The voice casting of Slim Pickens and Roddy McDowall is sublime and provides the audiences with an immediate connection to the characters. Bob's death scene rises above the contrived as a result of this and has genuine pathos. It is further enhanced by the skill of the animatronics effect work and the subtleties of their physical performances. The way V.I.N.CE.N.T. lowers his eyes when Bob shuts down is wonderful embellishment. The sequence is completed by John Barry's beautiful and dignified music cue.