Directed by: Lee Unkrich
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, Estelle Harris, Jodi Benson
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 103 minutes
Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars
Growing up with the “Toy Story” franchise, it has become a part of our life and we feel that we have grown with them. This third film excelled as the best in the franchise easily. I think it has the most heart, the best action and the best cast. This film was actually released in 3D in theaters and IMAX. I saw the film in IMAX and it was an experience unlike an other. When this film was released on Blu-ray, I was met with much disappointment that the 3D version was not included. Luckily now I was able to relive that experience and from my home. The 3D on this film is probably the best that Disney has ever released. What I liked most about this film is that it doesn’t even act like it is in 3D and uses it just to enhance the experience of the wonderful film. The Blu-Ray video presentation is obviously flawless and looks so crisp and clear. If you are wondering how this film can improve on the sound from the first two films it is very simple…DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1. That’s right the sound is superb. Overall to date it is my favorite Pixar film and most definitely my favorite 3D release.
Also unlike the first two films 3D Blu-ray release all of the extras are in HD. The first disc of extras include the very cute “Day & Night” short. “Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: The Science of Adventure” like in the second film is an education short aimed for kids. “Toys!” is a short feature with the filmmakers and animators about working on creating the characters from their childhood toys. Disney is never one to skimp on the sneak peeks with over ten minutes of trailers, including “Cars 2”, “Tangled”, “The Incredibles”, “Mater’s Tall Tales”, “The Search for Santa Paws”, “Bambi” and a few more 3D titles. These are obviously dated since these trailer are from the previous Blu-ray release and are a little dated.
This film has so many extras that they are split over two disc. The commentary is even more intense with a picture-in-picture feature that needs its disc with director Lee Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson. They dissect the whole film and really give you an very immersive experience into the film. “Beyond the Toybox” is another commentary track with the supervising animator Bobby Podesta, supervising technical director Guido Quaroni, production designer Bob Pauley, supervising animator Mike Venturini and story supervisor Jason Katz. After being spoiled with the picture-in-picture commentary, it is good but doesn’t compare. “Film Fans” Featurettes is a 40 minutes set of production featurettes, including “Roundin’ Up a Western Opening”, “Bonnie’s Playtime: A Story Roundtable”, “Beginnings: Setting a Story in Motion”, “Life of a Shot”, “Making of Day & Night” and “Paths to Pixar”. These are all amazing and so worth a watch. Like the first two films there are shorts from Pixar including “Where’s Gordon,” “Cereal Bars” and “Clean Start”. If all those aren’t enough for you we have many many more featurettes. Then there is “Toy Story Trivia Dash” is a fun interactive game for the kids. Lastly there are many extra shorts from the publicity, including a series of “Ken’s Dating Tips”, Lots-o-Hugging Bear Commercials” and “Dancing with the Stars at Pixar” and also five domestic and Japanese theatrical trailers and more.