BLU-RAY
REVIEW: TOY STORY 3
10/31/10
OVERVIEW: They’re back! Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar
Animation Studios present the critically-acclaimed, global box office smash Toy Story 3, an
exciting, heart-warming story filled with humor, adventure and surprises, that reunites America’s
favorite animated toys, Buzz and Woody, and introduces a whole new set of favorites to
audiences around the globe. The world’s #1 animated film in box office history and The Walt
Disney Company’s second biggest film of all time, Toy Story 3 will be released on Blu-ray and
DVD November 2 by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
SYNOPSIS: Toy Story 3 welcomes Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz (voice of Tim Allen) and the whole
gang back as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in… day
care! These untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice, so it’s all for one and
one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. More than a few new faces—some
plastic, some plush—join the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbie’s
counterpart Ken (voice of Michael Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (voice
of Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear (voice
of Ned Beatty). Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of Toy Story 2 and Finding
Nemo), produced by Pixar veteran Darla K. Anderson (Cars, Monsters, Inc.) and written by Academy
Award®-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine), Toy Story 3 is a comical
new adventure!
REVIEW: As I have
mentioned in reviews of the past, I am the mother of three (3)
boys ranging in age from 17 to 8, thus I have not only seen all
of the Toy Story installments, I’m a big fan. That said, if
like me, you’ve seen the others, you must go see Toy Story 3.
It is visually so much more exciting than the other two, you
will feel like you’re visiting old family friends and it will
bring you full circle with Andy and the whole gang.
We have seen Andy from a little
boy so excitedly playing with his bestest pal, Woody (Tom Hanks)
through imaginary adventures in the great wild west. Do you
remember Andy’s birthday when he received the coolest toy ever
in Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)? “To infinity and beyond”!
In Toy Story 2, when Andy goes away to camp, an evil toy
collector kidnaps Woody and the gang goes into rescue mode in an
adventure that in the end brings new friends to the toy box,
like Jessie (Joan Cusack) the Cowgirl and her trusty horse
Bullseye.
Folks, if you can believe it, in this installment, our boy Andy
is ready to leave the nest and go off to college. The toys have
to find a new purpose and thus the adventure begins! Is Andy now
too old for his friends? Will they end up in the attic, the
trash or in the donation box?
This film will tug at your heart strings, especially if you are
the mom of a son about to leave home while you still see him as
a little boy playing with his toys (Dexter does still keep his
Winnie the Pooh bear in his room). The opening scene is
exhilarating as the toys are off to one of the great imaginary
adventures that only a little boy can create. You will see
canyons, spaceships, and high speed races. This has to be the
only Toy Story where you get to see the gang in so many
different scenarios such as Andy’s house, the daycare center,
the wild west and most frightening, the junkyard! You will meet
a few new characters along the way such as Barbie’s new
metro-sexual (did I just use the word sexual in a kids movie
review?) boyfriend, Ken (Michael Keaton), and Lotso, as in
Lots-o-Hugs bear (Ned Beatty), the bear in charge at the day
care center. My boys, Joshua and Ralphie both loved the movie,
and that says a lot when you consider that there is a four year
age difference. I have to say that I personally was moved to all
sorts of emotions which I would not have expected in an animated
film. I laughed, I was frightened and most importantly, I cried
like a fool! You will see what I mean. Andy has grown up but you
will see some real tenderness towards his lifelong buddies.
If you have not seen the first two Toy Story movies, rent them
then go see Toy Story 3 because Pixar has really outdone
themselves with this beautiful film. If you are a faithful Toy
Story fan due to your kids or just because you love it, go see
it for the story itself because Michael Arndt and John Lasseter
have truly written a screenplay that will be just as fulfilling
for adults as the animation is for the kids. Just a little piece
of advice, between you and me, bring tissues and beware of
fluffy bears….
Film
Review By Priscilla
priscilla@smartcine.com
BLU-RAY:
The film is
presented in 1080P widescreen in a 1.78:1 aspect ration
preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just
flawless, bringing to perfection the special effects of the film. Not only the picture looks great in
this release, also the sound it is good, a 7.1 DTS-HD Master
Audio (48kHz/24bit) in English, Spanish and French that provides a
good complement to the picture. It also includes
English Spanish French
subtitles.
Overall Toy Story 3
Blu-ray Combo delivers in all of it aspects. It is visually gorgeous
and loaded with bonus features making this release a must
have in everybody's collection. Like avatar we are going to
have to way for its 3D version release.
VIDEO:
1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen 1080P
AUDIO:
English
7.1 DTS-HD (Dolby Digital) Spanish and French 5.1 .
Subtitles - English Spanish
French Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Day & Night – The innovative and entertaining short from the imagination of Pixar
artist and Director Teddy Newton.
Toys! – A closer look at all of Toy Story 3’s beloved toys from updating the classic
characters to the creation of the Sunnyside Daycare and Bonnie’s Room toys.
Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: The Science of Adventure – Produced in
conjunction with NASA, this hybrid animation documentary of Buzz’s visit to the
International Space Station focuses on research in zero gravity and Buzz’s
triumphant return to Earth.
Paths to Pixar: Editorial – Pixar editors, past and future share anecdotes about
their careers.
The Gang’s All Here – A touching look at the returning voice talent for Toy Story 3
and an introduction to the voices of the new characters.
A Toy’s Eye View: Creating A Whole New Land – A sneak peek at the new Toy
Story-themed playland at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Studio Stories – A series of amusing animated anecdotes about life at
Pixar.
“Where’s Gordon?”
– An animator finds a hidden room at Pixar.
“Cereal Bar” – The majestic and expansive Pixar cereal bar is explored.
“Clean Start” – The Toy Story 3 animators shave their heads to mark
the start of the film.
Goodbye Andy – An exploration of character design, acting and animation in the
scene “Andy’s Goodbye.”
Accidental Toymakers – By creating the Toy Story characters, the Pixar filmmakers
found themselves in the unlikely role of toy designers. Meet the toy company that
took a chance on manufacturing the now iconic toys and learn of their incredible
success that began with a modest number of Woody and Buzz Lightyear toys 15
years ago
Making of Day & Night – The story behind the unique 2D/3D blended short.
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