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List Price: $39.99 | | Label: Disney/Pixar
Salesrank: 13114
Released: October 17, 2000 |
| Our Price: $77.00 |
| Used Price: $29.95 |
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MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Toy Story
There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney.
Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug Thomas
Toy Story 2
John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the few great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular '60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, the first Toy Story.
Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes, and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus living forever. Toy Story 2 also achieved something in the U.S. two other outstanding 1999 animated features (The Iron Giant, Princess Mononoke) could not: it became a huge box-office hit. --Doug Thomas
Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (2 Pack) Reviews:
Must have! 
2008-11-23 - This is def. a must have along with Toy Story a great fun story loved by kids of all ages and grown-ups too! Toy Story 1 & 2 are classics!
Great, but not as great as original. 
2008-11-07 - Overall, this is one of the better sequels out there. The animation is wonderful and I love the soundtrack. This really keeps my 2 year olds attention and he loves Woody and Buzz. I think the first Toy Story was a little bit more unique/original/quippy, but this is great, too.
EXCELLENT
2008-10-27 - Very few sequels are as good as the first movie. But, I believe this movie is even better than the original. The creators of these movies are just SO TALENTED. The characters are just great. The writing is great. I even catch myself with a tear in my eye when Jessie tells her story about becoming an unwanted toy, and being given away when her little girl out grows her. It made me think of all the toys I outgrew and gave away. I hope I didn't hurt their feelings too badly! LOL
Anyway, my 4 year old twin girls love this movie. They have even talked about asking Santa for a Buzz Light Year and Woody doll this year.
As one of my girls say..."Buzz Light Year to the ress room, to imfimity and beyond!"
Our whole family enjoys this movie. A true classic!
Big Fun, Fascinating Facts...
2008-10-24 - There is simply no better way to own these two masterpieces of modern animation. Both films are funny, engaging, and surprisingly moving in some places, while technically they stand as perhaps the best modern animation has to offer. But the real stand-outs of the Ultimate Toy Box are the extras - this is the reason DVDs are made. The Toy Box treats the two films exhaustively, from conception, to execution, to production, to marketing and audience reception. It is like taking a crash course in animation and film making from people who love what they do. By the time you are done exploring the making of these two films through the excellent documentaries and commentaries included in this set, you will love animated film-making too. Well worth the money, especially if you can find it second-hand (the set is now out of print), this is a must-own for any animation, film, or DVD lover. Forget the recent two-disc special editions and get the original great set.
Satisfied
2008-10-16 - The movie arrived on time and works great. I would make another purchase from this seller.
