'Toy Story' / 'Toy Story2' (Special Editions)
(Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Annie Potts, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, et al / 2-Disc Blu Ray+DVD / G / (2008) 2010 / Disney)
Overview: In this first 3D computer animated feature, a pull-string cowboy doll is the leader of the toys until the latest, greatest action figure enters the picture. When the toy rivals are separated from thei rowner, they ultimately learn to put aside their differences and work as a team to get back home to the boy they love.
'Toy Story' - Blu Ray+DVD Verdict: A little boy named Andy loves to be in his room, playing with his toys, especially his doll named "Woody". But, what do the toys do when Andy is not with them, they come to life. Woody believes that he has life (as a toy) good. However, he must worry about Andy's family moving, and what Woody does not know is about Andy's birthday party.
Woody does not realize that Andy's mother gave him an action figure known as Buzz Lightyear, who does not believe that he is a toy, and quickly becomes Andy's new favorite toy. Woody, who is now consumed with jealousy, tries to get rid of Buzz. Then, both Woody and Buzz are now lost.
They must find a way to get back to Andy before he moves without them, but they will have to pass through a ruthless toy killer, Sid Phillips. I loved the story and liked the animations a lot. This movie is pretty much perfect. It's adventurous, exciting, entertaining, and good for the whole family.
'Toy Story 2' - Blu Ray+DVD Verdict: 'Toy Story 2,' as you well know by now, is yet another sparkling cutting edge Pixar film. This time, Andy is going to summer camp, and decides not to take Woody (Tom Hanks) since his arm is torn. Mom puts him up on the shelf and all the toys are left at home as Andy leaves town.
While Andy is away, Mom decides to have a Garage Sale and somehow Woody is toynapped by Al McWhiggin, a greedy evil toy collector. Al also owns a toy store that advertises on T.V. He needs Woody to complete a perfect "Roundup Gang" collection he wants to sell to a Japanese Museum Curator. Al brings Woody to his apartment and has his torn arm fixed. While there Woody discovers that he is a valuable collectible as a spin off from a puppet show from the 1950's, "Woody's Roundup Gang".
Woody meets the toy versions of his old TV show - Jessie (Cusack), prospector Stinky Pete (Grammer) and his horse, Bullseye. He has the choice to make of being behind glass and admired by old fans, or being part of a family with Andy; played with and loved. Jessie reminds him that kids grow up and he will be tossed aside one day anyway.
Meanwhile, the toys in Andy's room must rescue Woody. There is an exciting crosstown adventure as they use the toy store's address to find Woody. It is up to Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Rex and Slinky Dog to rescue Woody and remind him what it means to be a toy and belong to someone. Jessie and Bullseye end up being part of the loving family in the end, but such an exciting, poignant adventure can't be missed. There is also a lesson on enjoying and living in the present and not worrying about the past or future.
These are both Widescreen Presentations (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and come with Special Features of:
'Toy Story':
'Toy Story 3' Sneak Peek: The Story
Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs Blast off
Paths to Pixar Artists
Studio Stories: John's Car, Baby AJ, Scooter Races, Buzz Takes Manhattan
Black Friday - The 'Toy Story' You Never Saw
'Toy Story 2':
BE Live
Director Commentary
'Toy Story 3' Sneak Peek: The Characters
Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: International Space Station
Paths to Pixar: Technical Artists
Studio Stories: 'Toy Story 2' Sleep Deprivation Lab
'Pinocchio, The Movie' Vanishes
Pixar's Zoetrop
Celebrating our Friend Joe Ranft
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