Toy Story Blu-ray: Review By Dodd

In this sea of re-released films for the sole purpose of cashing in dollars, there are no titles more deserving of a second chance than the work of Pixar Animation. Since the popularity of DVD, we have seen the coming of loaded editions of recent releases such as The Incredibles. But what about the earlier Pixar titles that started it all? With supplemental features being the big rave, shouldn't pre-DVD titles be given a second chance at showing off the goods?

Fortunately Disney thinks so. While it may be for moneymaking purpose, I couldn't be happier to throw my cash down for a supped-up DVD/Blu-Ray combo of Toy Story. The recent re-release is the film in all of its glory with tons of goodies.

Toy Story is the first feature-length film from Pixar. I remember seeing it in my early years of high school and being amazed at this new form of animation. Using CGI technology, Pixar released Toy Story under the Disney studio and completely changed the face of mainstream animation today.

The story begins with a gang of happy-go-lucky toys residing in the bedroom of a precocious boy. The pack is headed up by cowboy doll Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks). Woody feels a sense of superiority and pride because he is the owner's favorite toy. With his cutting edge pull string technology, what is there not to love about him?

Though Woody's popularity is put under pressure upon the arrival of Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen). Buzz is the new "Tickle-Me Elmo" fad that has kids excited. Instead of a pull string, Buzz comes equipped with "push-button" technology that evokes a series of different commands, sound effects, and a pair of turbo wings.

There is a quite a bit of conflict between Woody and Buzz for "king of the hill" status. Though once they find themselves outside the confines of their home, Woody and Buzz are in danger. It is up for the two boys to help each other find the way home. As well, it is in Woody's interest to teach his newfound friend the difference between toys and real people.

It is no secret that Toy Story is a terrific film. Many embraced its breakthrough animation and sweet-natured storytelling and many still do so today. Though Story is not just a good film. It is a project that paved the way for Pixar. Now on an unbroken chain of projects, the animation company has not yet released one dud. Every time I watch Toy Story, I see something I never saw long ago during its debut: origins and roots.

What also makes Toy Story so memorable is its delightful cast. Tom Hanks is charming as usual as Woody, and Tim Allen adds great character to the masculinized Buzz. As well there are other familiar supporting voices such as John Ratzenberger and the late Jim Varney

The extras here are actually impressive. The best thing is that the DVD actually contains an ample amount of goodies just as much as the Blu Ray. This is excellent news for people like me who are still behind on the times.

New Features Include:

-Toy Story 3 Sneak Peek

-Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs

-Animated Studio Shorts

-Buzz Takes Manhatten

Usually I am a man of few words when it comes to technical specifications. After all, a movie is just a movie. If I can see it well, then I am a content person. Though this DVD is the whopper of all high-tech editions. Featured in 1.77:1 Widescreen, the movie apparently has the "highest digital bit rate ever used for a Disney/Pixar film." I must say, the picture does seem to demonstrate just that.

The sounds is a newly remastered Dolby 5.1 EX track done by Gary Rydstrom. It also includes DTS 5.1 track that is apparently the first DTS track for a Pixar film. Once again, this is as clear as a film's sound can possibly get.

The film comes on Blu Ray and DVD shared by a standard case.

Toy Story is most likely the most impressive DVD I have seen this year. It is nice to see production companies re-releasing films for good reason. This is not your average rip that has two more deleted scenes than the last edition. This disc is fully loaded.

My Recommendation: Film and animations lovers should own this DVD. If you already own the film, I understand your inner conflict. Though if you do not yet own Toy Story, this is a prime opportunity to take advantage of one killer edition.

Dodd Alley

dodd@movieweb.com