Barnes & Noble

Witty, inventive, and just a little bit offbeat, this high-tech salute to the charm of low-tech playthings will easily win over adults as well as kids. Not your average children's movie, Toy Story was written by Joss Whedon, creator of the critically acclaimed hit TV series Buffy, who shades his sophisticated sense of humor with dark undertones. That said, any child will relate to the simple plot, reminiscent of the children's classic The Velveteen Rabbit, about a favorite toy who fears being replaced in his owner's affections by one that's brighter and newer. And the sadistic bully across the street will send a delightful shiver of recognition down practically everyone's spine. What distinguishes Toy Story is its amazing and groundbreaking computer animation, which creates a realistic world where old-fashioned toys and humans seamlessly interact, as well as a sharp script filled with sly references to everything from Picasso to Star Trek. This truly is a family movie, one great enough to endure the inevitable repeated screenings of understandably spellbound children. Karen Backstein

All Movie Guide

Toy Story was the first feature-length film animated entirely by computer. If this seems to be a sterile, mechanical means of moviemaking, be assured that the film is as chock-full of heart and warmth as any Disney cartoon feature. The star of the proceedings is Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy belonging to a wide-eyed youngster named Andy. Whenever Andy's out of the room, Woody revels in his status as the boy's number one toy. His supremacy is challenged by a high-tech, space-ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who, unlike Woody and his pals, believes that he is real and not merely a plaything. The rivalry between Woody and Buzz hilariously intensifies during the first half of the film, but when the well-being of Andy's toys is threatened by a nasty next-door neighbor kid named Sid -- whose idea of fun is feeding stuffed dolls to his snarling dog and reconstructing his own toys into hideous mutants -- Woody and Buzz join forces to save the day. Superb though the computer animation may be, what really heightens Toy Story are the voice-over performances by such celebrities as Tom Hanks (as Woody), Tim Allen (as Buzz), and Don Rickles (as an appropriately acerbic Mr. Potato Head). Director John Lasseter earned a special achievement Academy Award, while Randy Newman landed an Oscar nomination for his evocative musical score. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 786936151053
• Source: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Alternate Wide Screen (1.77:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français, Español
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 1:21:00

Features:

DVD MENU