Toy Story (1) Special Edition, Blu-ray (1995/2010)
Pixar animated feature
Voices: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Annie Potts, Wally Shawn
Studio: Pixar/Disney 103234 [3/23/10]
Video: 1.78:1 for 16:9 1080p HD
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD MAster Audio, 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.0 DVS Dolby, Spanish & French 5.1 DD EX
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras: 2nd disc with feature and extras on DVD, Sneak peak at Toy Story 3, Buzz Lightyear Mission Log, 3 new animated studio stories, Buzz Takes Manhattan, Making Toy Story, Filmmakers Reflect, Deleted scenes, Design gallery, Music videos, over 90 minutes more extras incl. original DVD extras
Length: 81 minutes
Rating: *****
If you saw Toy Story before, you will want to start with many of the extras here. This was a groundbreaking milestone in theatrical animation, the first all-digital animation feature – made by a group of people in the San Francisco Bay area who had only done shorts previously, and with a new work arrangement under Disney Studios which nearly killed the film early on. One bonus item shows clearly with one scene the process by which the film is made and the many steps it must go thru. There are several extras concentrating on Mr. Pixar – John Lassiter – and his staff who obviously work very hard but also have a ball creating their art. There is also a touching tribute to a major staff member who recently died.
One of the creators speaks about the many advances in computer animation that have occurred since the first Toy Story was made, allowing them to more realistically portray details such as skin, hair and fur, and make the humans look more human as opposed to the toys. But the animation in this one is not really primitive and the important thing here is the story, which – as with all Pixar films so far – is imaginative, sophisticated without losing the kids, and often absolutely hilarious.
The really creative concept behind it is to show things from the toys’ point of view, as if they were alive – which they become whenever there are no humans around. Cowboy doll Woody is the favorite of young Andy, who has penned his name on the sole of one of Woody’s shoes. But at Christmas a fantastic new doll is unwrapped who threatens to replace Woody’s hegemony. The drawings in the bonus gallery of stills showing the evolution of Buzz Lightyear are fascinating. Of course the filmmakers didn’t want to just take already-existing toys for the main characters, but to create some new variations on familiar toys. (They ended up even creating a whole franchise of stuff based on them – lunch pails, action figures, even a special cereal – sugar-coated, chocolate-dipped Os) The other big problem with the futuristic Buzz is that he doesn’t realize he’s a toy. That provides for some hilarious material. There is also the rivalry between Woody and Buzz, which gets both into big trouble but is finally ironed out as they become pals in the end.
The next major plot points revolve around first a nasty neighbor boy who loves to tear apart and blow up toys, and then the upcoming move of the family to a different house. This causes great anxiety among the toys, and leads to the final big finish as Woody and Buzz escape from the bad boy’s clutches and attempt to catch up with the family’s van and car which are on the road.
As with most animated films – and especially the computerized ones – the Blu-ray looks incredibly clear and detailed. The surround sound is creatively used in several places. And as with all Pixar product, there is plenty here for both the kids and the grownups, without pandering to either. Sure, the Shrek franchise is great fun, but Pixar seems to have a corner on stories with a deep organic sense to them that makes you feel like a better person when they’re over. A package for the ages. Toy Story 3 will be out in 3D in June, and Nos. 1 & 2 will probably also be re-released eventually as 3D Blu-rays. I promise to withhold any complaint about being sold the same thing again.
– John Sunier
