Toy Story and Toy Story 2 get the 3D treatment in time for the third movie of the smash hit franchise.
On November 22, 1995 Toy Story hit theatres. It was the first film to use entirely computer generated imagery. This revolutionary film would go on to make close to $400million worldwide and be followed by an equally successful sequel in both box office and critical acclaim. Fast forward 15 years to 2010 and it’s hard to imagine a world without CGI kids movies. The fact that last years Princess and The Frog was Disney’s first traditionally animated work in 5 years shows how dominant the medium has become, and it’s largely thanks to the pioneering work of John Lasseter and his friends Woody and Buzz.
Woody and Buzz last graced our screens in 1999 with Toy Story 2 but they’re back later this year for the third movie, which one can only assume, given Pixar’s track record, will be amazing. To help build anticipation for the third movie Sony have re-released the original two movies in a special 3D double feature. It’s only going to be on for a few weeks so if you’ve never seen them – you’re in for an absolute treat. And if you have, it’s a golden opportunity to revisit these animated classics.
Just in case you’ve never seen them (unlikely as it is) Toy Story brings to life a childhood fantasy – what if our toys were alive? For Andy, even though he doesn’t know it – they are! Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), a cowboy pull-string doll is his favourite but there’s also Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex, Hamm, Bo Peep and a whole host of other toys who come to life when Andy’s not around. Everything’s fine and dandy until Andy’s newest toy, Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) arrives on the scene. Buzz usurps Woody (much to his annoyance) as king of the toybox although Buzz is far more interested in returning to his home planet as he truly believes he’s an actual space ranger. In a cunning plan to get rid of him Woody accidentally causes Buzz to fall out the window which sets up a daring rescue attempt and an action packed animated adventure.
The second film takes place a few years later with Andy looking forward to taking Woody to summer camp. That’s until Woody’s arm gets torn and finds himself at a garage sale. Unbeknown to him he’s actually a rare collector’s item and the other toys, led by Buzz, must fight to get him back from the greedy Al of Al’s Toy Barn who is delighted at scoring Woody so cheaply, as it completes the collection he’s trying to sell to a Japanese toy museum. The second one is just as funny, heart-warming and action packed as the first, keeping your favourite characters while introducing some great new ones. Normally kids sequels are a straight-to-DVD given but this is Pixar, and Pixar don’t do things by halves.
As for the re-release, do you really need to know whether the movies hold up 15 years later? Of course they do, Toy Story changed the face of animation and it still outshines 90% of modern releases. As for the 3D, I can’t say it really added anything to the experience of watching the movies. They look crisper but in the wake of Avatar all other 3D releases pale in comparison. There isn’t any gimmicky use of the technology here, but then neither were made with it in mind. The 3D element simply gives Sony an excuse to re-release the two in cinemas, and it’s a great marketing strategy given the upcoming release of the third film.
I shouldn’t be too harsh though, because regardless of my cynicism over the obvious money-making exercise that this release is, I always welcome the chance to revisit classic movies on the big screen. It’s still my favourite way to watch a film and what better way to get reacquainted with my old friends before the third outing? Plus you’re getting two amazing movies for the price of one! And while I’m yet to see a quality animated threequel Pixar haven’t dropped the ball yet so I have no reason to believe they’re going to start now. Bring on Toy Story 3!
4 1/2 Stars
Note – In between the movies there is a short intermission filled with Toy Story trivia, production art and other treats.