September 6, 2005
Toy Story (10th Anniversary Edition)
Dino-Ray Ramos READ TIME: 2 MIN.
For most films, releasing a ten year anniversary edition is a sort of a win/lose situation. Some films do it for the sake of doing it, while others do it with confidence. "Toy Story" does it with confidence--a lot of confidence. Not only does this two-disc edition hold an enormous amount of extras, but the quality of the actual film is brilliantly remastered to where the characters jump out at you.
Although the film was a monumental bout in animation, its story is what made it appealing. The budding cast of computer-generated characters illustrates a true story of friendship that holds universality. It is so classic--one toy gets replaced by another. In doing so, the initial toy is jealous while the other one is oblivious to the fact. Then, through a great montage of illustrated greatness, the two, along with a cast of nostalgic toys, tell this amazing tale. The characters fighting this one-sided battled are the two favorites of the film, Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). It's funny, adventurous, endearing and after a while, you forget that you are watching an animated film. That's what made it a success.
It's been a while since I have seen "Toy Story." When I watched this edition, I wasn't that excited, but I was willing. After 5 minutes, I was hooked. It was like rummaging through an old toy box and finding your favorite "Woody" or "Buzz" that you cherished when you were a child. It even goes beyond the childhood audience. Ah--I just absolutely adore this film. Especially that Slinky Dog! Nonetheless, it almost bought me to tears. Okay--I am exaggerating, but it didn't make me all warm and fuzzy.
The film is a wondrous piece of filmmaking that combines good-old fashioned storytelling with cutting-edge technology. It will definitely be a film that lasts to "infinity and beyond!"
Dino-Ray is a Bay Area-based journalist (both freelance and full-time) who is a film fanatic, fashion snob, hip-hop head, pop culture junkie and everything in between. Still not convinced? Check out his blog