Aardman, an animation studio based in Bristol, England, is best known for the distinctive personality and humor of its stop-motion animation featuring the beloved characters Wallace and Gromit. Aardman has also moved successfully into computer animation and 3-D. Its new film The Pirates! Band of Misfits is an ambitious and delightful blend, combining Claymation characters, a wooden boat, and computer-generated seas and scenery. Its release by Sony Pictures Animation creates a perfect opportunity to look at Aardman’s first three features, and get a sneak preview of their latest.