With 'Brave,' Pixar pushes its technology farther than ever (pictures)

Merida, the main character in Pixar's "Brave" (opening June 22), has thick, curly locks. Pixar's animators had to work hard to get her hair to react properly as she moves around and bumps into things. The same went for other elements in the film, such as bear fur, multiple layers of clothing, and water in a river. To overcome these challenges, the studio created a new software tool capable of updating what it can do with such animation.

Art from Pixar's "Brave," showing Merida, the film's main character, having her red, curly hair getting brushed by her mother.

Another piece of art showing Merida and her hair.

A look at an early rendition of Merida, her red hair, and her flowing dress, from Pixar's new film "Brave."

A computer model of Merida's horse, Angus, and his complex hair.

When Merida rides Angus, her hair flows, as does that of the horse. Animators at Pixar had to figure out how to ensure that the audience doesn't get distracted by unrealistic movement of any of that hair or fur.

A look at the construction of Merida's dress.

Pencil drawings of Fergus, Merida's father, from Pixar's "Brave."

A template for the construction of Merida's dress.

A look at drawings of Merida's formal dress, from Pixar's "Brave."

Drawings of the royal family from Pixar's "Brave."

A portrait of Queen Elinor, the mother of Merida, the main character in "Brave."

A digital painting of King Fergus, Merida's father.