The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )
Film:
Extras:
Audio/3D Video total rating:
( Max score: 100 )
88
Studio and Year: Disney/Pixar - 1995
MPAA Rating: G
Feature running time: 81 minutes
Genre: Family/Animation/Comedy
Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC/MVC
Video Aspect: 1.78:1
Resolution: 1080p/24
Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD ES 5.1 Master Audio, Spanish/French Dolby Digital EX 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Starring: Voices of: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Don Rickles, John Ratzenberger, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee Emery,
Directed by: John Lasseter
Music by: Randy Newman
Written by: John Lasseter, Pete Doctor, Andrew Stanton, Joe Ranft,
Region Code: A,B,C
Blu-ray Disc release Date: November 1, 2011
"To infinity and beyond!"
Film Synopsis:
Before Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc. and Cars, the creative minds of Disney/Pixar introduced you to Toy Story and an astonishing world where toys play while their owners are away. Rediscover acclaimed filmmaker John Lasseter's directorial debut with Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and all their friends in an adventure filled with humor, heart and friendship.
My Take:
I reviewed Toy Story when it was released on Blu-ray last year. Other than the addition of the 3D Blu-ray version this combo pack is the same. Many of my comments from that review are contained here as well.
Toy story is near and dear to me. It is the first film that we took my son to see and watching it brings back fond memories. We have owned it on home video since its release and have watched it countless times over the years. I have to admit that I have probably watched it more than anyone else but haven't done so in quite some time. This is the first full-length computer-animated feature film and it is indeed a classic that has a special place in the hearts of Disney/Pixar fans. Those familiar with Disney/Pixar collaborations over the last 15 years should recognize the names of the four wise men in John Lasseter, Pete Doctor, Andrew Stanton, and Joe Ranft. They all worked on Toy story and have since go on to create other highly regarded Disney/Pixar animated films. Their work here stands as a testament to their ability and dedication to their craft as this is one of the most endearing and memorable animated features ever created. The premise of living toys and the way it is implemented here is brilliant. The story isn't overly complex but it has the ability to touch audiences at both the adult and child levels. It stimulates our imaginations while integrating thematic elements that relate to real life experiences/feelings of jealousy, bullying, teamwork, friendship, insecurity and love. It is easy to be drawn in by its captivating charm, intelligent wit, and heartwarming innocence. Toy story is filled with well constructed characters and cleverly infused dialogue that make it fetching and fun. The cast is simply wonderful and seems perfectly mated to their respective characters. Each has their moment to shine and does so with enthusiasm. Toy story may not have the flash of some of Pixar's newer efforts but it's an endearing, timeless and classic animated film that can be shared and enjoyed from one generation to the next. Thank you to Disney/Pixar for bringing it to Blu-ray with tender loving care as it looks and sounds spectacular in high definition.
Parental Guide:
This is a family film that can be enjoyed by all.
AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65
**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Audio: 92
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
3D Presentation: 84
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Depth (Onscreen):
- Dimension (Beyond the screen):
- Realism:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Color reproduction:
Toy Story 3D comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney featuring 1080p MVC encoded video and lossless DTS-HD ES 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.2 Mbps.
So far the majority of 3D converted films that have come to Blu-ray haven't blown me away. As a big Toy story fan I hoped for better but kept my expectations in check. What I got was a surprisingly decent and rewarding 3D presentation. The animated elements aren't as enriching as those of Pixar's newer films but there is much to enjoy. At times I felt as though I was gleaning a bit more from the imagery here than from the 2D video. Detail is well preserved as the image retains its high level of clarity as objects within the frame are delineated and sharp. Depth is appreciable as evidenced by the notable separation of objects or characters layered in the foreground/background which serves to visually draw you in by creating a more discerning sense of virtual space occupied by things of various sizes and shapes. There are a variety of sequences that provide a discerning sense of onscreen depth/dimension as well as those that seem to minimally but effectively reach beyond the screen borders. The interior of Andy's room, the darkened confines of Sid's toy prison and the visit to Pizza Planet come to mind. Comparing color reproduction to the 2D presentation I saw no discernible difference. I didn't notice any overtly distracting signs of ghosting/crosstalk or 3D related anomalies. Any video related artifacts are minimal and unworthy of complaint. I found this to be a pleasing 3D experience that took an already stellar high definition presentation and made it a little bit better.
This lossless DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack improves upon the lossy Dolby Digital version in every way. This is not an aggressive or action style sound mix but its ability to deliver an engaging home theater experience is not to be underestimated. This animated film uses an intricate sound design that has to maintain a delicate balance so the plethora of sound effects, music and dialogue within the soundtrack can be clearly and easily interpreted by the audience. Dialogue is distinctly perceptible and well articulated so that even subtle changes in the inflection of the voices among the cast was detectable. Sound effects are accurately placed within the sound field and establish a tight correlation between the onscreen information and what is being heard within the listening environment. A great example of this occurs in the scene at the gas station as the huge tractor trailer pulls up and passes over the camera. This creates an immersive, active and involving soundscape that is abundantly rich in detail. Its wide dynamic range can go from subtle, intricate control to room energizing dynamism. The sequence where the globe is knocked off of its stand and rolls toward Buzz/Woody sounds awesome. Low frequencies underscore sound effects and reinforce the dynamic impact of the audio. Response is authoritative, clean and on occasion prodigious as it fills the room with deep, tactile, low level bass energy. Randy Newman's emotive and wonderful music score occasionally takes center stage as it is broadcast over the entire system with high level detail with smooth, strident free treble. I found this to be a superlative mix that creates a stable and immersive surround sound experience that achieves excellent balance so that all of the elements inherent in the recording can be realized.
2D Video Quality:
Video: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
Toy story comes to Blu-ray Disc from Disney/Pixar featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps.
This is a reference quality high definition presentation that delivers flawless imagery. The video quality is visually arresting in its depiction of the film's animated elements. Detail and definition is impeccably rendered as images have a luminous and sparkling clarity that is appreciably three dimensional. It never left me wanting for fine degrees of subtle delineation and texture. The attention to detail in the construction of the animated characters physical features as well as objects within each frame is superb. I couldn't get over the depth of the beautifully rendered colors. Colors are deeply saturated with lustrous vibrancy and succulent textures that literally leap off of the screen. Primaries are particularly striking and exhibit visible gradational stages that bring out subtle degrees of separation. Each of the characters has distinctive physical qualities that are attributable to them not only in size and shape color as well. Blacks are inky with extended dynamic range and deep gradational highlights. The dark and shadow filled confines of Sid's bedroom as well as the scenes that take place between Buzz and Woody underneath the car/tractor trailer outside of the gas station exhibit a near infinite level of dimension, with superb contrast and visible shading that drew out lots of detail. I was blown away by this high definition presentation and never seen this film look this good, theatrically or otherwise.
Bonus Features:
- (HD) Toy story 3 sneak peek - 2 minutes
- Filmmaker's commentary
- (HD) Buzz Lightyear mission logs: Blast off - 3 minute featurette with real footage/info on the space station
- (HD) Paths to Pixar: Artists - 4 minute featurette
- (HD) Studio stories: John's car, Baby AJ, Scooter races - 4 minutes of fun stories as told by crew
- (HD) Buzz takes Manhattan - 2 minute documentary on the Buzz Lightyear balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade in NYC
- Black Friday: The Toy story you never saw - 7 minute documentary
Classic DVD Bonus features:
- Filmmakers reflect - 17 minute featurette
- Making Toy story - 20 minute featurette
- The legend of Toy story - 11 minute featurette
- Designing Toy story
- 10 deleted scenes
- Design - galleries
- Story - 3 segments
- Production - 4 segments
- Music and sound
- Publicity
- Bonus DVD of Toy story Special Edition including Bonus content
- Disney BD-Live enabled
Final Thoughts:
As I stated in my previous review, Toy story is one of the most anticipated Blu-ray Disc releases to date. It is a marvelous family film that has an endearing charm and entertaining story that people of all ages can appreciate. I went in this review of its 3D converted Blu-ray video with reserved expectations but am happy to report that the experience enhanced my enjoyment of this classic animated film. Disney continues to impress with their technically proficient Blu-ray offerings that yield high quality audio/video presentations. This four disc offering includes new bonus supplements as well as the previously released extras. The new features don't add much however the original content is quite good and stands well enough on its own. If you have a 3D capable setup and are a Toy story fan I think that this Blu-ray release from Disney merits consideration for inclusion in your collection.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS50 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100 16x9 Screen
Onkyo PR-SC5508 THX Ultra 2 Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-93 Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Furman SPR-20i Stable Power Regulator
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
