Avatar Ensnared by Fairy Magic- WIZARDS
Avatar Ensnared by Fairy Magic -
WIZARDS Original Production Cel Setup
Hand-painted cel (ink & paint on acetate) laser copy of the painted background
Approx. 12-field animation format
Sequence: K
Scene: 34
Cel: #38
Size: 11" x 13"
Original Hand Drawn, Hand Painted Animation Production Cel on acetate used in the 1977 Ralph Bakshi WIZARDS.
- This Original Animation Production Cel is an actual frame in the feature film and is an historical piece of art. By acquiring this art you agree to be the caretaker of a significant piece of animation history for future generations to experience.
- This exact cel is THE ONLY ONE IN EXISTENCE IN THE WORLD. It is NOT a reproduction. Paired with a laser Background from the film.
- Ralph Bakshi Signs for proof of authenticity from Bakshi Private Archives.
- COA on Request Wizards (1977)
This delightful scene captures the moment when Avatar and his companions fall victim to the playful enchantments of the Fairy Folk deep within the enchanted forests of Montagar. Wrapped in magical vines and suspended high in the branches, Avatar and his faithful horse find themselves helplessly tangled as the fairies revel in their mischief.
What begins as a comic setback quickly transforms into a display of Avatar's true power. Refusing to be outmatched by fairy tricks, the aging wizard calls upon the ancient magic of the elves, drawing strength from the natural forces that surround him. The sequence beautifully illustrates one of the central themes of Wizards—the contrast between playful magic, ancient wisdom, and the deeper mystical powers that still linger in the world after the Great War.
The cel is particularly striking for its vibrant forest palette of luminous greens, blues, and purples, showcasing the dreamlike visual style that made Wizards a landmark in fantasy animation. Avatar's upside-down predicament, paired with the expressive animation of his horse, creates one of the film's most memorable and humorous magical encounters.
A wonderful collector's piece from Ralph Bakshi's groundbreaking fantasy classic, representing the film's unique blend of humor, imagination, and old-world magic.
Sequence K • Scene 34 • Cel #38
Original Hand-Painted Production Cel from Wizards (1977).
What are Cels?
Traditionally, animated films were created by each motion or movement of every character being hand painted on a transparent material called a cel – short for celluloid acetate. These cels – whether it is one layer or many characters moving separately on many layers, are then laid over a painted background and photographed by an animation camera to create one single frame of the film. This process is repeated for the entire film to be completed. By painting on cels, the illusion is created of a different world inhabited by the painted characters moving within the background they are placed upon.
Original Production Cels
Original production cels are the actual cels used to create the animated film (or TV show) that they were created for. Each one has been hand drawn and painted by an artist and has been then photographed over a background by the animation camera to eventually take part in the entire creation of the film.
This is very different from what are called Limited Edition cels or Serigraph cels. Limited Edition cels are re-creations of a favorite image or scene which is then hand painted. Serigraph cels are silk-screened re-creations. Here at Bakshi Productions we offer to you the real, original production cels used in each of the films.
These production cels are preciously collected and becoming more and more valuable as we progress into the future of animation through computers. There are animation cels from the early days that are valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. These cels are rare and there is only one like it in the world! No wonder they collectible and only increase in value.
Original Production Drawings
Original production drawings are also one of a kind pieces of art from an animated film. Before the image is drawn and painted on cel, the entire film is drawn in pencil by animators. This is where the experimentation and fun truly happens by the artist who creates the image. These are also highly sought after because they are the original drawings and considered “the backbone” of any animated creation. They also can cost much less than an original production cel because they are not painted.
Some Pointers in what to look for in an original piece of animation art
First and foremost, the image has to appeal to you. It jumps out at you, you have to have it. Looking at it illicit some sort of emotional response or reminds you of something or recalls a memory. Other than that – Here are some pointers that many collectors (NOT ALL) use:
-Artwork that depicts a characteristic pose or expression, an emotion common with the film it is from.
-Some people like to collect the more obscure characters who show up rarely in the film. Others like the main characters. It is obviously up to your preference for which characters you like looking at really!
We hope this helps a bit. Any questions you might have please feel free to e-mail us at shop@ralphbakshi.com.
As always…ENJOY!
