The Untold Story of ReBoot: The First CGI TV Show
Discover the groundbreaking achievements of ReBoot, the first fully CGI TV show that beat Pixar to the punch and paved the way for future animated series.
ReBoot: The CGI Pioneer
The Crazy Story of ReBoot & Its Multiple Cancellations
In the mid-1990s, the world of animation witnessed a revolutionary leap with the emergence of computer-generated imagery (CGI). This groundbreaking technology opened new frontiers for storytelling and visual expression, challenging traditional animation techniques. While Pixar's Toy Story is lauded as the first fully CGI movie, it may come as a surprise that a TV show had already achieved a major CGI milestone a year before the iconic film's release.
Bob and Megabyte facing off in ReBoot
ReBoot, the Canadian television series, stands as a testament to this early triumph in CGI animation. Debuting in the US and Canada in 1994, ReBoot made history as the first TV show to exclusively utilize CGI animation for its episodes. The show's innovative approach and technical prowess set a new standard for animated television, laying the groundwork for future CGI-based series.
The cast of ReBoot season 3
ReBoot vs. Toy Story: A Battle of Innovation
As Pixar was laying the groundwork for Toy Story, ReBoot was already pushing the boundaries of CGI animation. With its debut season airing before Toy Story's release and a second season well underway, ReBoot's creative team had animated and aired nearly seven hours of footage, surpassing the runtime of Pixar's inaugural CGI film. The show's bold narrative and technical achievements, while facing its own set of challenges, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of CGI entertainment.
Enzo Matrix, Bob, and Dot Matrix on the ReBoot poster
While Toy Story continues to thrive as a beloved franchise, ReBoot's influence on the history of CGI animation cannot be overlooked. Despite its struggles, ReBoot's ambitious storytelling and technical innovation left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring future generations of animators and creators.
Bob standing behind Dot Matrix in ReBoot
The Legacy of ReBoot: Impact and Influence
Beyond its technological achievements, ReBoot played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of creative talents within the entertainment industry. Notably, Dan DiDio, a key figure in the show's production, went on to make significant contributions to DC Comics. His journey from ReBoot to becoming the co-publisher of DC Comics exemplifies the show's role as a launching pad for emerging creatives, leaving an enduring legacy that extends beyond the realm of animation.
An ariel view of the toys in Andy's bedroom in Toy Story
Moreover, ReBoot's early foray into fully CGI television set a precedent for future shows, influencing the development of subsequent series that embraced similar methods. Its impact reverberates through the evolution of CGI entertainment, cementing its status as a pioneering force in the realm of animated storytelling.
Woody laughing at an unamused Buzz on Andy's bed in Toy Story
