The animators at Pixar remind me a little bit of the guys who used to inhabit the old Termite Terrace, home of the brilliant minds that produced hundreds of Looney Tunes cartoons. Like those animators of old, these new animators animate more out of a love for their work than for the big bucks. The sense of comedic timing that is all but missing in most of today’s animation is delivered in spades in every film that comes out of Pixar Studios. With “Toy Story”, “Toy Story 2”, “A Bug’s Life”, “Monsters Inc”, “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles”, Pixar has proven itself to be a major player in the animation arena. Their computer-animated films are beautiful to look at, undeniably well written, and successfully deliver the wonder and amazement that makes for great entertainment. There’s not much more I can say to convey just how highly I regard their work. The films are written for children and adults, but in such a way as to make the adults feel like kids again. Every time a new film comes out of Pixar, I stare in wonder and awe at what I’m seeing.

It’s kind of hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the release of “Toy Story”, the film that really put them on the map. The story of how children’s toys are really alive, but going to great lengths to make sure they don’t get discovered, is actually overshadowed by the message of friendship and teamwork that spills out of the script. I’ve seen the film a hundred times, and have yet to feel tired of it.

A few years back, Disney released a set of DVDs that offered up “Toy Story” and the equally phenomenal “Toy Story 2” as well as a third disc of supplements. But that set has been put away and become very hard to find for a reasonable price. But if you didn’t grab that set when it was available, never fear because Disney is releasing an all-new 10th anniversary edition of “Toy Story.” (I’m sure there’ll be another later for “Toy Story 2”)

This 2-disc set offers up an all new improved version of the film, and while some people won’t be able to tell the difference, DVDphiles will absolutely pick up on the new picture and home theatre enhanced sound. There are also tons of extra features, some that are on the earlier set as well as a bunch that aren’t. There is a commentary track on the film that includes writer/director John Lasseter and his creative team (Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Bill Reeves, Ralph Eggleston) and producers Ralph Guggenheim and Bonnie Arnold. It is a very well-produced commentary in that it uses subtitles telling you who is speaking in order to keep the group sorted out for listeners.

There is also an excellent short featurette (Legacy of Toy Story), where we hear from some of the cast as to how they feel the film advanced the art of filmmaking. We also hear from distinguished director’s Peter Jackson and George Lucas as to how the film affected the filmmaking process. You’ll also find a lengthy new ‘Making of…’ featurette that follows the development of the film as well as a ‘discussion’ between Lasseter, Stanton, Docter and Joe Ranft as they reflect on what they went through physically and mentally during the production of the film. Add to this a new game for kids called “The Claw” and you’d think you have it all. But that is not the case.

Some of the older features include some deleted scenes as well a VERY long Behind the Scenes look at the making of the film. This particular documentary is broken up into sections and covers everything you ever wanted to know about the making of “Toy Story.”

Beyond that, all I can tell you is that Toy Story” is a phenomenal animated feature, and it belongs in EVERY kid’s collection. If you don’t have a copy of the movie on DVD, this is the only one you can get for a reasonable price. If you’re a Disney fanatic and have the earlier release, I’d still recommend picking it up for all the great new extra features.

Directed by: John Lasseter
Starring (the voices of): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts
Extras: All-New "Legacy of TOY STORY", All-New "Filmmakers Reflect" Featuring Academy Award-Winning Creator John Lasseter, Exclusive Sneak Peek At Pixar's Next Animated Feature CARS, All-New Game -- "The Claw!", All New - The Making of Toy Story, Introductions By The Filmmakers, Deleted Scenes, Behind the Scenes: a six-part feature looking at the aspects of design, story, character, production, sound, & publicty, Animation Production Progression Demos
Specifications:
Studio: Disney
Release Date: 9/6/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: G
Website

We'll give Toy Story: 10th Anniversary Edition an A.