After years of creating computer animated shorts, mostly to show the ability of their powerful computer systems, Pixar set out to transform their struggling business model and create a feature length film. Partnering with Disney on this effort gave them access to outstanding voice talent that complemented their competency for animation and storytelling.
Toy Story – which is out today on Blu-ray - was a financial and critical success, effectively creating a new genre of films that now represents a large piece of the entertainment industry.
While Andy is away, his toys have an incredible existence preparing for his return. As his favorite toy, Woody (Tom Hanks) is a pull-string cowboy who is used to running the show and receiving all the attention. But when Buzz (Tim Allen), a new space ranger action figure toy, captures Andy's attention, Woody struggles to deal with his new position as a forgotten toy. When Buzz – who is still under the impression that he is the
real Buzz Lightyear – gets lost, it's up to Woody to rescue him and return before Andy and his mother move to their new home.
In the sequel,
Toy Story 2, Woody and Buzz are now best friends and enjoy sharing time with Andy. In an unfortunate accident, Woody is damaged just before Andy departs for Cowboy Camp, and is left behind. While at camp, Woody is stolen by an evil toy collector, and Buzz must lead the effort to rescue Woody before Andy returns from camp. During an effort to return home, Woody discovers he is a television icon, and struggles to decide if he will stay with Woody's Roundup Gang or return to Andy.
I can still remember first seeing the films for the first time and realizing that this was going to be a game changer. The question of what toys do when not being played with isn't particularly interesting to adults, but to children, it's something that can give their active imaginative a strong workout. Pixar has captured that imagination in a way that still amazes viewers today. Toy Story isn't an adult take on a children's story, it's the essence of childhood crafted in a way to be enjoyed by all audiences. Simply, one of the most important films in recent film history.
The Blu-ray release of Toy Story, along with its sequel, is exactly what fans would expect from Disney - a perfect video transfer accompanied by a crystal clear soundtrack. Much like the Blu-ray release of
South Park Bigger, Longer, & Uncut, viewers can witness so much more detail than has ever seen before. It's the little details that make you appreciate how skilled Pixar really is, whether it be the little jokes that are funny to kids but hilarious to adults, the Woody's clothing that is so real you can almost feel it, or the soundtrack that plays so well against the story. There is a reason Pixar is considered the best computer animation studio, and these Blu-ray's are more evidence to that notion.
Sandra Bullock is one of those actresses who should really stick with more serious dramas. While I understand the general appeal some of the comedies she has done, I'd rather see her do more work in films like
Crash or today's Blu-ray release of
The Blind Side.
Staff reviewer Kenneth Brown had a different opinion in his
Blu-ray review of The Blind Side, where he commented, "Even though The Blind Side drew a few tears, I had a hard time investing in its one-dimensional portrayal of the Tuohys and their Briarcrest boyscouts, connecting with Aaron's gentle giant, and allowing Hancock to have a ham-fisted go at my heartstrings." He continued, "The Blu-ray edition is a bit better -- it offers an excellent video transfer and an upright DTS-HD Master Audio track -- but its succinct, hour-long supplemental package leaves a lot to be desired."
For a complete listing of all the Blu-ray titles released today,
click here.